Language: English

Book: Genesis

Chapter 1

Genesis 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter presents the first account of God creating the world. There is a pattern to this account: "God said ... God saw that it was good ... This was evening and morning, the first day." Translators should preserve this pattern in their versions.

Special concepts in this chapter

The universe

This account of creation is told within the framework of ancient Hebrew ideas about the universe: the earth was resting with water around it and below it. Over the earth was something like a vast dome, called "an expanse between the waters" (1:6), on top of which was more water. Translators should try to keep these original images in their work, even though readers in their project language might have a completely different idea of what the universe is like.

Evening and morning

Genesis 1 presents the ancient Hebrew idea of a day: it begins with sunset, lasts through the night and continues through the daylight hours until the next sunset. This pattern should be preserved in translation, even if readers in the project language define "day" differently.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"In the beginning"

Some languages and cultures speak of the world as if it has always existed, as if it had no beginning. But "very long ago" is different from "in the beginning," and you need to be sure that your translation communicates correctly.

"God said, 'Let there be'"

This expression occurs often in this chapter. It can be difficult to translate, because God is not shown as talking to a particular person. If God is talking to a thing, it is something not yet in existence. Translators should find the most natural way in the project language to signal the idea that God spoke things into existence; he created the world and the things in it by simply commanding that they should exist.

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth

"This is about how God made the heavens and the earth in the beginning." This statement summarizes the rest of the chapter. Some languages translate it as "A very long time ago God created the heavens and the earth." Translate it in a way that shows this actually happened and is not just a folk story.

In the beginning

This refers to the start of the world and everything in it.

the heavens and the earth

"the sky, the ground, and everything in them"

heavens

This refers here to the sky.

Genesis 1:2

without form and empty

God had not yet put the world in order.

the deep

"the water" or "the deep water" or "the vast water"

the surface of the waters

"the surface of the water" or "the water"

Genesis 1:3

Let there be light

This is a command. By commanding that light should exist, God made it exist.

Genesis 1:4

God saw the light, that it was good

"God considered the light and was pleased with it." "Good" here means "pleasing" or "suitable."

divided the light from the darkness

"separated the light and the darkness" or "made it light at one time and dark at another." This refers to God creating the daytime and the night time.

Genesis 1:5

And there was evening and there was morning, the first day

God did these things on the first day that the universe existed.

evening and ... morning

This refers to the whole day. The writer speaks of the whole day as if it were these two parts. In the Jewish culture, a day begins when the sun sets.

Genesis 1:6

Let there be an expanse ... let it divide

These are commands. By commanding that the expanse should exist and that it divide the waters, God made it exist and divide the waters.

expanse

large empty space. The Jewish people thought of this space as being shaped like the inside of dome or the inside of a bowl that is turned upside down.

between the waters

"in the water"

Genesis 1:7

God made the expanse and divided the waters

"In this way God made the expanse and divided the waters." When God spoke, it happened. This sentence explains what God did when he spoke.

It was so

"It happened like that" or "That is what happened." What God commanded happened just as he said it should. This phrase appears throughout the chapter and has the same meaning wherever it appears.

Genesis 1:8

And there was evening and there was morning

This refers to the whole day. The writer speaks of the whole day as if it were these two parts. In the Jewish culture, a day begins when the sun sets. See how you translated this in [Genesis 1:5]

the second day

This refers to the second day that the universe existed. See how you translated "the first day" in Genesis 1:5 and decide if you should translate this the same way.

Genesis 1:9

Let the waters ... be gathered

This can be translated with an active verb. This is a command. By commanding that the waters gather together, God made them gather together. Alternate translation: "Let the waters ... gather" or "Let the waters ... come together"

let the dry land appear

The water had covered the land. Now the water would move aside and some of the land would be uncovered. This is a command. By commanding that dry land should appear, God made it appear. Alternate translation: "let dry land become visible" or "let the dry land become clear" or "let the land be uncovered"

dry land

This refers to land that is not covered with water. It does not refer to land that is too dry for farming.

It was so

"It happened like that" or "That is what happened." What God commanded happened just as he said it should. This phrase appears throughout the chapter and has the same meaning wherever it appears. See how you translated it in Genesis 1:7.

Genesis 1:10

the dry land "earth," and

"the part that was dry 'earth,' and"

He saw that it was good

Here "it" refers to the land and the sea. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:4.

Genesis 1:11

Let the earth sprout vegetation

This is a command. By commanding that vegetation should sprout on the earth, God made it sprout. Alternate translation: "Let vegetation sprout up on the earth" or "Let vegetation grow on the earth"

vegetation: plants yielding seed and fruit trees bearing fruit

"vegetation, each plant that bears seed and each tree that bears fruit" or "vegetation. Let them be plants that produce seeds and fruit trees that produce fruit." Here "vegetation" is used here as a general term that includes all plants and trees.

plants

These are kinds of vegetation that have soft stems, rather than woody stems.

fruit trees bearing fruit whose seed is in the fruit

"trees that bear fruit with seeds in them"

each according to its own kind

The seeds would produce plants and trees that would be like the ones they came from. In this way, the plants and trees would "reproduce themselves" .

It was so

"It happened like that" or "That is what happened." What God commanded happened just as he said it should. This phrase appears throughout the chapter and has the same meaning wherever it appears. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:7.

Genesis 1:12

God saw that it was good

Here "it" refers to the vegetation, plants, and trees. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:10.

Genesis 1:13

And there was evening and there was morning

This refers to the whole day. The writer speaks of the whole day as if it were these two parts. In the Jewish culture, a day begins when the sun sets. See how you translated this in [Genesis 1:5]

the third day

This refers to the third day that the universe existed. See how you translated "the first day" in Genesis 1:5 and decide if you should translate this the same way.

Genesis 1:14

Let there be lights in the sky

This is a command. By commanding that lights should exist, God made them exist.

lights in the sky

"things that shine in the sky" or "things that give light in the sky." This refers to the sun, moon, and stars.

in the sky

"in the expanse of the sky" or "in the large space of the sky"

to divide the day from the night

"to separate the day from the night." This means "to help us tell the difference between day and night." The sun means it is daytime, and the moon and stars mean it is nighttime.

let them be as signs

This is a command. By commanding that they should serve as signs, God made them serve as signs. Alternate translation: "Let them serve as signs" or "let them show"

signs

Here this means something that reveals or points to something.

for seasons, for days and years

The sun, moon, and stars show the passing of time. This enables us to know when it is time for events that happen each week, month, or year.

seasons

times that are set aside for festivals and other things that people do

Genesis 1:15

Let them be lights in the sky to give light upon the earth

This is a command. By commanding that they should light the earth, God made them light the earth.

to give light upon the earth

"to shine light on the earth" or "to brighten the earth." The earth does not self-shine but it is lit and so reflects light.

It was so

"It happened like that" or "That is what happened." What God commanded happened just as he said it should. This phrase appears throughout the chapter and has the same meaning. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:7.

Genesis 1:16

God made the two great lights

"In this way God made the two great lights." This sentence explains what God did when he spoke.

the two great lights

"the two large lights" or "the two bright lights." The two great lights are the sun and the moon.

to rule the day

The lights that controlled the day are spoken of as if they were a human ruler that controlled what people do. Alternate translation: "to direct the daytime as a ruler directs a group of people" or "to mark the times of the day"

day

This refers only to the daylight hours.

the lesser light

"the smaller light" or "the dimmer light"

Genesis 1:17

in the sky

"in the heavens" or "in the open space of the sky"

Genesis 1:18

to divide the light from the darkness

"to separate the light from the darkness" or "to make it light at one time and dark at another." See how you translated this in Genesis 1:4.

God saw that it was good

Here "it" refers to the sun, moon, and stars. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:4.

Genesis 1:19

And there was evening and there was morning

This refers to the whole day. The writer speaks of the whole day as if it were these two parts. In the Jewish culture, a day begins when the sun sets. See how you translated this in [Genesis 1:5]

the fourth day

This refers to the fourth day that the universe existed. See how you translated "the first day" in Genesis 1:5 and decide if you should translate this the same way.

Genesis 1:20

Let the waters be filled with great numbers of living creatures

This is a command. By commanding that living creatures should fill the waters, God made them exist. Some languages may have one word that refers to all kinds of fish and sea animals. Alternate translation: "Let the waters be full of many living things" or "Let many animals that swim live in the oceans"

let birds fly

This is a command. By commanding that birds should fly, God made them fly.

birds

"animals that fly" or "flying things"

the expanse of the sky

"the open space of the sky" or "the sky"

Genesis 1:21

God created

"In this way God created"

great sea creatures

"large animals that live in the sea"

after its kind

Living things of the same "kind" are like the ones they came from. See how you translated "kind" in Genesis 1:11,12.

every winged bird

"every flying thing that has wings." If the word for birds is used, it may be more natural in some languages to simply say "every bird," since all birds have wings.

God saw that it was good

Here "it" refers to the birds and the fish. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:4.

Genesis 1:22

blessed them

"blessed the animals that he had made"

Be fruitful and multiply

This is God's blessing. He told the sea animals to produce more sea animals like themselves, so that there would be many of them in the seas. The word "multiply" explains how they are to be "fruitful."

multiply

increase greatly in number

Let birds multiply

This is a command. By commanding that birds should multiply, God made birds multiply.

birds

"animals that fly" or "flying things." See how you translated this in Genesis 1:20.

Genesis 1:23

And there was evening and there was morning

This refers to the whole day. The writer speaks of the whole day as if it were these two parts. In the Jewish culture, a day begins when the sun sets. See how you translated this in [Genesis 1:5]

the fifth day

This refers to the fifth day that the universe existed. See how you translated "the first day" in Genesis 1:5 and decide if you should translate this the same way.

Genesis 1:24

Let the earth produce living creatures

"Let the earth produce living things" or "Let many living animals live on the earth." This is a command. By commanding that the earth should produce living creatures, God made the earth produce living creatures.

each according to its own kind

"so that each kind of animal will produce more of its own kind"

livestock, creeping things, and wild animals

This shows that God created all kinds of animals. If your language has another way of grouping all the animals, you can use that, or you can use these groups.

livestock

These are animals that people look after.

creeping things

"small animals"

wild animals

These are animals that live in the wild. People do not take care of them.

It was so

"It happened like that" or "That is what happened." What God commanded happened just as he said it should. This phrase appears throughout the chapter and has the same meaning. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:7.

Genesis 1:25

God made the wild animals

"In this way God made the wild animals"

He saw that it was good

Here "it" refers to the living creatures on the earth. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:4.

Genesis 1:26

Let us make

The word "us" here refers to God. God was saying what he intended to do. The pronoun "us" is plural. Possible reasons for the plural use are 1) the plural form suggests that God is discussing something with the angels that make up his heavenly court or 2) the plural form foreshadows the later New Testament implications that God exists in the form of the Holy Trinity. Some translate it as "Let me make" or "I will make." If you do this, consider adding a footnote to say that the word is plural.

man

human beings

in our image, after our likeness

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that God made mankind to be like him. This verse does not tell in what ways God made people to be like himself. God does not have a body, so it does not mean that people would look like God. Alternate translation: "to truly be like us"

have dominion over

"rule over" or "have authority over"

Genesis 1:27

God created man ... he created him

These two sentences mean the same thing and emphasize that God created people in his own image.

God created man

The way that God created man was different from the way he created everything else. Do not specify that he created man by simply speaking, as in the preceding verses.

Genesis 1:28

God blessed them

The word "them" refers to the man and woman God had created.

Be fruitful, and multiply

God told the man and the woman to produce more people like themselves so that there would be many of them. The word "multiply" explains how they are to be "fruitful." See how you translated this in [Genesis 1:22]

Fill the earth

Fill the earth with people.

Genesis 1:29

General Information:

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Genesis 1:30

General Information:

God continues speaking.

every bird of the heavens

"all the birds that fly in the sky"

that has the breath of life

"that breathes." This phrase emphasizes that these animals had a different kind of life than the plants. Plants do not breathe, and were to be used as food for the animals. Here "life" means physical life.

It was so

"It happened like that" or "That is what happened." What God commanded happened just as he said it should. This phrase appears throughout the chapter and has the same meaning. See how you translated it in Genesis 1:7.

Genesis 1:31

Behold, it

"This is true and important: it"

it was very good

Now when God looked at everything he had made, it was "very good. "See how you translated "it was good" in Genesis 1:10.

And there was evening and there was morning

This refers to the whole day. The writer speaks of the whole day as if it were these two parts. In the Jewish culture, a day begins when the sun sets. See how you translated this in [Genesis 1:5]

the sixth day

This refers to the sixth day that the universe existed. See how you translated "the first day" in Genesis 1:5 and decide if you should translate this the same way.

Chapter 2

Genesis 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Gen. 2:1-3 ends the first creation account, begun in the previous chapter. The second creation account, beginning in 2:4, is very different, using a more natural, story-telling style instead of following a set formula using repeated phrases. Translators should try to imitate this difference in their versions.

Special concepts in this chapter

The second creation account in Gen. 2:4-25

Gen. 2:4-25 presents an account of creation from a different viewpoint than the one given in Gen. 1:1-2:3. This second account should be regarded as filling out the first account, not as conflicting with it.

Yahweh, the name of God

"Yahweh," the personal name of God in the Old Testament, appears for the first time in this chapter. Translators must decide how to represent it in their versions. For 2,000 years, it has been traditional for many Christians to represent it with the term "the Lord." Indeed, it is demanded by Roman Catholics for their Bible versions to continue doing this. Of course, the disadvantage of using "the Lord" is that this is a title for God, not a personal name. (See: yahweh)

Translators who are not producing versions for Roman Catholics can consider transliterating the name "Yahweh," approximating the name as best as their project languages allow.

Or translators can consider using expressions for the supreme god that might exist in their project languages, such as, "The Great One," "The Ruler of All," "The One who Never Sleeps," etc. Of course, these are descriptive titles, not personal names, so they suffer from the same disadvantages that "the Lord" has.

Translators can also consider pairing a transliteration of "Yahweh" with a meaningful title for the supreme god in the project language. Whatever solution is found should be followed consistently when the name "Yahweh" occurs in the Scriptures.

The Garden of Eden

This was not a vegetable garden or cultivated field. Instead, it was probably a large area of land with fruit trees and other plants bearing leaves, etc., that were good to eat. A river flowed out from the Garden of Eden, giving the impression that the Garden was a holy place; in the ancient Near East, temples had gardens and waterways. In Rev. 22:1-2, the throne of God in the New Jerusalem is pictured with a river flowing out from it. (See: holy)

Genesis 2:1

the heavens

"the sky" or "the skies"

and all the living things that filled them

"and all the many living things that are in them" or "and all the crowds of living things in them"

were finished

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God had finished creating them"

Genesis 2:2

On the seventh day God came to the end of his work

God did not work at all on the seventh day.

came to the end of

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "had finished"

he rested on the seventh day from all his work

"on that day he did not work"

Genesis 2:3

God blessed the seventh day

Possible meanings are 1) God caused the seventh day to produce good result or 2) God said that the seventh day was good.

sanctified it

"made it holy" or "set it apart"

Genesis 2:4

General Information:

The rest of Genesis 2 tells about how God created people on the sixth day.

This is the account of the heavens and the earth

"This is the story about the heavens and the earth." Possible meanings are 1) it is a summary of the events described in Genesis 1:1-2:3 or 2) it introduces the events to follow. If possible, translate this so that people can understood it either way.

they were created

"Yahweh God created them." In chapter 1 the writer always speaks of God as "God," but in chapter 2 he always speaks of God as "Yahweh God."

on the day that Yahweh God made

"when Yahweh God created." The word "day" refers to the whole time span of the creation, not to just one particular day.

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

Genesis 2:5

No bush of the field

no shrubs growing in the wild that animals might eat

no plant of the field

no leafy plants like vegetables or greens that both animals and humans can eat

to cultivate

to do everything he needed to do so that the plants would grow well

Genesis 2:6

mist

Possible meanings are 1) something like dew or morning fog o 2) springs from underground streams.

the whole surface of the ground

the entire earth

Genesis 2:7

formed man

"molded man" or "shaped man" or "created man"

man ... man

"a human being ... the human" or "a person ... the person" not specifically a male

his nostrils

"his nose"

breath of life

"breath that makes things live." Here "life" refers to physical life.

Genesis 2:8

a garden

This could have been an orchard of fruit trees or an area with all kinds of trees.

eastward

in the east

Genesis 2:9

the tree of life

"the tree that gives people life"

life

Here this means "eternal life" or life that does not end.

the tree of the knowledge of good and evil

"the tree that gives people the ability to understand both good and evil" or "the tree that makes people who eat its fruit able to know good things and bad things"

good and evil

This is a figure of speech that refers to both extremes and everything in between. Alternate translation: "everything, including both good and evil"

in the midst of the garden

"in the middle of the garden." The two trees may not have been in the exact center of the garden.

Genesis 2:10

A river went out of Eden to water the garden

The garden was in Eden. The river continued to flow outside of Eden. "A river flowed through Eden to water the garden"

Genesis 2:11

Pishon

This is the only time this river is referred to in the Bible.

the whole land of Havilah

"the whole land called Havilah." It was somewhere in the Arabian Desert.

where there is gold

This phrase gives information about Havilah. Some languages would translate it as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: "There is gold in Havilah"

Genesis 2:12

There are also bdellium and the onyx stone

The word "there" is placed first in the sentence for emphasis. Alternate translation: "This is also where people can find bdellium and onyx stones"

bdellium

This resin comes from a tree and smells nice. A resin is sticky stuff that comes out of some trees and can burn.

the onyx stone

"onyx stones." Onyx is a certain kind of beautiful stone.

Genesis 2:13

Gihon

This is the only mention of this river in the Bible.

flows throughout the whole land of Cush

The river did not cover the whole land, but wound through various parts of the land.

the whole land of Cush

"the entire land called Cush"

Genesis 2:14

it flows east of Ashur

The Tigris River flows from north to south. If people do not know what Ashur was, it can be made clear that it was a city. Alternate translation: "it flows in the land east of the city of Ashur"

Genesis 2:15

the garden of Eden

"the garden that was in Eden"

to work it

"to cultivate it." This means to do everything necessary so that the plants will grow well.

to maintain it

to guard against anything bad happening in it

Genesis 2:16

From every tree in the garden

"The fruit of every tree in the garden"

you

This pronoun is singular.

may freely eat

"may eat without restriction"

Genesis 2:17

the tree of the knowledge of good and evil

"the tree that gives people the ability to understand both good and evil" or "the tree that makes people who eat its fruit able to know good things and bad things." See how you translated this in Genesis 2:9.

Genesis 2:18

I will make him a helper suitable for him

"I will make a helper who is just right for him"

Genesis 2:19

every animal of the field and every bird of the sky

The phrases "of the field" and "of the sky" tell where the animals and birds are usually found. Alternate translation: "all kinds of animals and birds"

Genesis 2:20

all the livestock

"all the animals that people look after"

there was found no helper suitable for him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "there was no companion that was right for him"

Genesis 2:21

caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man

"caused the man to sleep intensely." A deep sleep is a time of sleeping in which a person is not easily disturbed or wakened.

flesh

This refers to the soft parts of the body like skin and muscle.

Genesis 2:22

With the rib ... he made a woman

"From the rib ... he formed a woman." The rib was the material God made the woman from.

Genesis 2:23

This time, this one is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh

"Finally, this one's bones are like my bones, and her flesh is like my flesh." After looking among all the animals for a partner and not finding one, he finally saw someone who was like him and could be his partner. The man was probably expressing his feeling of relief and joy.

She will be called 'woman,' because she was taken out of man

The translator may want to write a footnote saying "The Hebrew word for 'woman' sounds like the Hebrew word for 'man.'

Genesis 2:24

General Information:

What follows is written by the author. The man did not say these things.

Therefore a man

"That is why a man"

a man will leave his father and his mother

"a man will stop living in his father and mother's home." This is about men in general. It does not refer to any particular man at any particular time.

they will become one flesh

This idiom speaks of sexual activity as though the bodies that are together become one body. Alternate translation: "their two bodies will become one body"

Genesis 2:25

They were both naked

The word "they" refers to the man and the woman that God had created.

naked

"not wearing clothing"

but were not ashamed

"they were not ashamed about being naked"

Chapter 3

Genesis 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the second creation account that began in Gen. 2:4. But a new section of this account begins in 3:1. The ULB reads, "Now the serpent was more shrewd than any other beast of the field which Yahweh God had made," because this is how the Scriptures introduce the serpent into the account. However, many languages prefer different ways to introduce new characters or things into stories, for example, "One of the wild animals made by God was the serpent" or "This is about the serpent, one of the wild animals that God had made."

Scholars typically refer to the events of this chapter as "the fall" or "the fall of man" because sin is introduced into creation. (See: sin)

Special concepts in this chapter

Curses

In this chapter, God curses the man, the woman, and the serpent for their sins. In general, cursing is calling down God's punishment on someone or something. In this chapter, however, it is God himself who is doing the cursing. Of course, he does not call down punishment on the man, the woman, and the serpent from someone else. Instead, he is promising that he himself will punish them. (See: curse)

Serpent

Most scholars believe that the serpent is Satan, even though his name is not used in this chapter. There are other places in Scripture where the serpent is used as an image for Satan. )

Genesis 3:1

Now

The writer is beginning a new part of the story.

more shrewd

"more cunning" or "smarter at getting what he wanted by telling lies"

Has God really said, 'You ... garden'?

The snake is pretending to be surprised that God has made this rule. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am surprised that God said, 'You ... garden.'"

You must not eat

The word "you" is plural and refers to the man and the woman.

Genesis 3:2

We may eat

"We are allowed to eat" or "We have permission to eat"

Genesis 3:3

You must not ... and you must not ... you will die

The word "you" is plural and refers to the man and the woman.

You must not eat it, and you must not touch it

"Do not eat it, and do not touch it" or "You must not eat it or touch it"

or you will die

This tells what would happen if they ate or touched the fruit of that tree. Alternate translation: "If you eat it or touch it, you will die"

Genesis 3:4

You will ... not die

These words refer to the man and the woman and so are dual or plural.

Genesis 3:5

you ... your ... you

These words refer to the man and the woman and so are dual or plural.

your eyes will be opened

"your eyes will open." This idiom means "you will become aware of things" or "you will understand new things." This meaning can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "It will be as though your eyes were opened"

knowing good and evil

Here "good and evil" is a figure of speech that refers to both extremes and everything in between. See how you translated "knowledge of good and evil" in [Genesis 2:9]

Genesis 3:6

it was a delight to the eyes

"the tree was delightful to look at" or "it was nice to look at" or "it was very beautiful"

that the tree was desirable to make one wise

"she wanted the tree's fruit because it could make a person wise" or "she wanted its fruit because it could make her understand what was right and wrong just as God does"

Genesis 3:7

The eyes of both of them were opened

"Then their eyes opened" or "They became aware" or "They understood." See how you translated "your eyes will be opened" in Genesis 3:5.

sewed

put together, probably using vines as thread

fig leaves

If people do not know what fig leaves are like, this can be translated as "large leaves from a fig tree" or simply "large leaves."

made coverings for their loins

They did this because they were ashamed. This implicit information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "clothed themselves with them because they were ashamed"

Genesis 3:8

in the cool of the day

"at the time of day when a cool breeze blows"

from the presence of Yahweh God

"from Yahweh God's sight" or "so that Yahweh God would not see them" or "from Yahweh God"

Genesis 3:9

Where are you?

"Why are you trying to hide from me?" God knew where the man was. When the man answered, he did not say where he was but why he was hiding.

you

In verses 9 and 11, God was speaking to the man. Languages that have a singular form of "you" would use that here.

Genesis 3:10

I heard you

"I heard the sound you were making"

Genesis 3:11

Who told you

God knew the answer to this question. He asked it in order to help Adam to confess that he had disobeyed God.

Have you eaten from ... from?

Again, God knew that Adam had eaten from that tree. Translate this question in a form that shows that God was speaking about Adam's disobedience. The sentence can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You must have eaten from ... from."

Genesis 3:12

General Information:

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Genesis 3:13

What is this you have done?

God already knew what the woman had done. When he asked this question, he was giving her the opportunity to tell him about it, and he was expressing his disappointment with what she had done. Many languages use rhetorical questions for scolding or rebuking. If possible, use a form that expresses this disappointment. It can also be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have done a terrible thing."

Genesis 3:14

cursed are you alone

"you alone are cursed." The word "curse" is first in Hebrew in order to emphasize the contrast between God's blessing on the animals and this curse on the serpent. This is a "curse formula," or the way that curses were expressed. By saying this curse, God made it happen.

all the livestock and all the beasts of the field

"all domestic animals and all wild animals"

It is on your stomach that you will go

"You will move along the ground on your stomach." The words "it is upon your stomach" comes first to emphasize the contrast between the way other animals would move along using their legs and the way the serpent would slither along on its stomach. This is also part of the curse formula.

it is dust that you will eat

"you will eat dust." The words "it is dust" comes first to emphasize the contrast between the plants above the ground that other animals would eat and the dirty food on the ground that the serpent would eat. This is part of the curse formula.

Genesis 3:15

hostility between you and the woman

This means that the serpent and the woman would become enemies.

seed

The word "seed" refers to what a man puts into a woman to cause a baby to grow inside the woman. Like the word "offspring," it can refer to more than one person. Try to find a word that is singular but can refer to more than one person.

He will bruise ... his heel

The words "he" and "his" refer to the woman's descendant. If "seed" was translated as plural, this can be translated as "they will bruise ... their heel"; in this case, consider inserting footnotes to say that the "they" and "their" are used to translate a singular pronoun.

bruise

"crush" or "strike" or "attack"

Genesis 3:16

I will greatly multiply your pain

"I will make your pain increase much" or "I will make your pain to be very severe"

in childbirth

"in giving birth to children" or "when you give birth to children"

Your desire will be for your husband

"You will have a strong desire for your husband." Possible meanings are 1) "You will want very much to be with your husband" or 2) "You will want to control your husband"

he will rule over you

"he will be your master" or "he will control you"

Genesis 3:17

Adam

The name Adam is the same as the Hebrew word for "man." Some translations say "Adam" and some say "the man." You may use either form as it refers to the same person.

you have listened to the voice of your wife

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "you have obeyed what your wife said"

have eaten from the tree

You can say what it was that they ate. Alternate translation: "have eaten the fruit of the tree" or "have eaten some of the fruit of the tree"

You may not eat from it

"You must not eat from it" or "Do not eat its fruit"

cursed is the ground

The word "curse" comes first in the sentence to emphasize that the ground, which had been "good"

through painful work

"by doing hard work"

you will eat from it

The word "it" refers to the ground and is a metonym for the parts of the plants, which grow in the ground, that people eat. Alternate translation: "you will eat what grows from it"

Genesis 3:18

the plants of the field

Possible meanings are 1) "the plants that you take care of in your fields" or 2) "the wild plants that grow in the open fields."

Genesis 3:19

By the sweat of your face

"By doing hard work that makes your face sweat"

you will eat bread

Here the word "bread" is a synecdoche for food in general. Alternate translation: "you will eat food"

until you return to the ground

"until you die and your body is put in the ground." In some cultures, they put the bodies of people who have died in a hole in the ground. Man's hard work does not end until the time of his death and burial.

For dust you are, and to dust you will return

"I made you from soil, so your body will become soil again." Translate both occurrences of "dust" with the same word in order to show that man begins and ends in the same condition.

Genesis 3:20

The man

Some translations say "Adam."

called his wife's name Eve

"gave his wife the name Eve" or "named his wife Eve"

Eve

Translators may write a footnote saying "The name Eve sounds like the Hebrew word that means 'living.'"

all the living

The word "living" refers to people. Alternate translation: "all people" or "all living people"

Genesis 3:21

garments of skins

"clothing made out of animal skins"

Genesis 3:22

the man

Possible meanings are 1) God was referring to one human, the man, or 2) God was referring to humans in general, so this would mean the man and his wife. Even if God was speaking about one person, what he said applied to both of them.

like one of us

"like us." The pronoun "us" is plural. See how you translated "Let us make" in Genesis 1:26.

knowing good and evil

Here "good and evil" is a figure of speech that refers to both extremes and everything in between. See how you translated "knowledge of good and evil" in [Genesis 2:9]

he must not be allowed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will not allow him"

tree of life

"the tree that gives people life." See how you translated this in Genesis 2:9.

Genesis 3:23

the ground from which he had been taken

"dirt because he had been taken from dirt." This does not refer to the particular place on the land that the God took man from.

to cultivate

This means to what is needed so that plants grow well. See how you translated this in Genesis 2:5.

Genesis 3:24

So God drove the man out of the garden

"God forced the man to leave the garden." This refers to the event in Genesis 3:23, where it says "Yahweh God sent him out of the garden of Eden." God did not send the man out a second time.

in order to guard the way to the tree of life

"in order to stop people from going to the tree of life"

flaming sword

Possible meanings are 1) a sword that had flames coming from it or 2) a fire that was shaped like a sword. Languages that do not have swords could use another weapon such as a spear or arrow.

Chapter 4

Genesis 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Most of the text in this chapter is prose, but 4:23-24 is poetry. It would be good if the translator could put these two verses into poetic form, or at least into elegant speech, so that they are different from the rest of the chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Vengeance

The theme of vengeance is important in this chapter. Ancient Hebrew society allowed for people to seek revenge if a relative was murdered. After Cain murdered his brother Abel, he thought that he would be helpless against this danger because he had been driven away from God's protection. (See: avenge)

The theme of vengeance continues with the words of Lamech, who had killed someone for injuring him: "I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for bruising me. If Cain is avenged seven times as much, truly Lamech will be avenged seventy-seven times as much" (Gen. 4:23b-24).

Genesis 4:1

The man knew Eve

This is a polite way of saying that the man had sexual relations with Eve. You may need to use another euphemism in your language.

The man

"the human being" or "Adam"

I have produced a man

The word for "man" typically describes an adult male, rather than a baby or child. If that would cause confusion, it could be translated as "manchild" or "boy" or "baby boy" or "son."

Cain

Translators may want to include a footnote that says "The name Cain sounds like the Hebrew word that means 'produce.' Eve named him Cain because she produced him."

Genesis 4:2

Then she gave birth

We do not know how much time passed between the births of Cain and Abel. They may have been twins, or Abel may have been born after Eve became pregnant again. If possible, use an expression that does not tell how much time passed.

cultivated

This means he did everything he needed to do so that the plants would grow well. See how "cultivate" is translated in Genesis 2:5.

Genesis 4:3

It came about that

This phrase is used to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using that method here.

in the course of time

Possible meanings are 1) "after some time had passed" or 2) "at the right time"

fruit of the ground

This refers to the food that came from plants he had tended. Alternate translation: "crops" or "harvest"

Genesis 4:4

some of the fat

This refers to the fatty parts of the lambs that he had killed, it was the best part of the animal. Alternate translation: "some of their fat parts"

accepted

"looked favorably upon" or "was pleased with"

Genesis 4:5

did not accept

"did not look favorably upon" or "was not pleased with"

was very angry

Some languages have an idiom for anger such as "He burned" or "His anger burned."

he scowled

This means that the expression on his face showed that he was angry or jealous. Some languages have an idiom that describes what a person's face looks like when he is angry.

Genesis 4:6

Why are you angry and why are you scowling?

God used these rhetorical questions to tell Cain that he was wrong to be angry and scowl. They may also have been intended to give Cain an opportunity to confess that he was wrong.

Genesis 4:7

If you ... will you not be accepted?

God used this rhetorical question to remind Cain of something Cain should have already known. Alternate translation: "You know that if you do what is right, I will accept you"

But if you do not ... you must rule over it

God speaks of sin as if it were a person. Alternate translation: "But if you do not do what is right, you will desire to sin even more, and then you will do sinful things. You must refuse to obey it"

sin crouches ... to control you

Here sin is spoken of as a dangerous wild animal that is waiting for the chance to attack Cain. Alternate translation: "you will become so angry that you will not be able to stop sin"

sin

Languages that do not have a noun that means "sin" could translate this as "your desire to sin" or "the bad things you want to do."

you must rule over it

Yahweh speaks of Cain's desire to sin as if it were a person over whom Cain should rule. Alternate translation: "you must control it so you do not sin"

Genesis 4:8

Cain spoke to Abel his brother.

Some early translations tell explicitly what Cain said to his brother. You may want to do the same if it is present in your national version. Alternate translation: "Cain said to Abel his brother, 'Let us go into the fields.'"

brother

Abel was Cain's younger brother. Some languages may need to use the word for "younger brother."

rose up against

Standing up to fight against a person is an idiom for attacking him. Alternate translation: "attacked"

Genesis 4:9

Where is Abel your brother

God knew that Cain had killed Abel, but he asked Cain this question so that Cain would have to answer.

Am I my brother's keeper?

Cain used this rhetorical question so that he would not have to tell the truth. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am not my brother's keeper!" or "You know that taking care of my brother is not my job!"

Genesis 4:10

What have you done?

God uses a rhetorical question to rebuke Cain. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "What you have done is terrible!"

Your brother's blood is calling out to me

Abel's blood is a metonym for his death, as if it were a person calling out for God to punish Cain. Alternate translation: "Your brother's blood is like a person calling out to me to punish the person who killed him"

Genesis 4:11

Now cursed are you from the ground

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I am cursing you so that you will not be able to grow food from the ground"

which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood

God speaks of the earth as if it were a person who could drink Abel's blood. Alternate translation: "which is soaked with your brother's blood"

from your hand

Here Cain is represented by his "hand," to emphasize that he personally had killed his brother. Alternate translation: "that spilled when you killed him" or "from you"

Genesis 4:12

cultivate

This means to do everything necessary to do so that the plants would grow well. See how "cultivate" is translated in Genesis 2:5.

it will not yield to you its strength

The ground is personified as if it were a person who loses strength. Alternate translation: "the ground will not produce much food for you"

A fugitive and a wanderer

You can join these words together. Alternate translation: "A homeless wanderer"

Genesis 4:13

General Information:

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Genesis 4:14

I will be hidden from your face

The term "your face" represents God's presence. Alternate translation: "I will not be able to speak to you"

a fugitive and a wanderer

See how you translated this in Genesis 4:12

Genesis 4:15

vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will take vengeance on him seven times" or "I will punish that person seven times as severely as I am punishing you"

would not attack him

"would not kill Cain"

Genesis 4:16

went out from the presence of Yahweh

Even though Yahweh is everywhere, this idiom speaks of Cain as though he went far away. Alternate translation: "went away from where Yahweh spoke to him"

Nod

Translators may add a footnote saying "The word Nod means 'wandering.'"

Genesis 4:17

Cain knew his wife

This is a polite way of saying that Cain had sexual relations with his wife. You may need to use another euphemism in your language. See how you translated this in [Genesis 4:1]

He built a city

"Cain built a city"

Genesis 4:18

To Enoch was born Irad

It is implied that Enoch grew up and married a woman. Alternate translation: "Enoch grew up and married and became the father of a son whom he named Irad"

Irad

This is a man's name.

Genesis 4:19

Adah ... Zillah

women's names

Genesis 4:20

Adah

See how you translated this woman's name in Genesis 4:19.

He was the father of those who live in tents and have livestock

Possible meanings are 1) "He was the first person to live in a tent and have livestock" or 2) "his descendants live in tents and have livestock."

Genesis 4:21

He was the father of those who play the harp and pipe

Possible meanings are 1) "He was the first person to play the harp and pipe" or 2) "He and his descendants played the harp and pipe."

Genesis 4:22

Zillah

See how you translated this woman's name in Genesis 4:19.

Tubal-Cain

the name of a man

the forger of tools of bronze and iron

"who made tools out of bronze and iron"

iron

a very strong metal used to make tools and weapons.

Genesis 4:23

Adah ... Zillah

See how you translated these women's names in Genesis 4:19.

listen to my voice ... listen to my words

Lamech said the same thing twice for emphasis. His voice is a synecdoche for his whole person. Alternate translation: "listen carefully to me"

a man for wounding me, a young man for bruising me

Lamech killed only one person. These two phrases means the same thing and are repeated to emphasize the certainly of his action. Alternate translation: "a young man because he hurt me"

Genesis 4:24

If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech

Lamech knows that God will avenge Cain seven times. Alternate translation: "Since God will punish anyone who kills Cain seven times, Lamech"

then Lamech will be avenged seventy-seven times

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whoever kills me, God will punish seventy-seven times"

seventy-seven

77

Genesis 4:25

Adam knew his wife

This is a polite way of saying that Adam had sexual relations with his wife. You may need to use another euphemism in your language. See how you translated this in [Genesis 4:1]

said, "God has given me another son

This is the reason that she named him Seth. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "explained, 'God has given me another child"

Seth

Translators may add a footnote that says "This name sounds like the Hebrew word that means 'has given.'"

Genesis 4:26

A son was born to Seth

This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Seth's wife bore him a son"

to call on the name of Yahweh

This is the first time people called God by the name Yahweh. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "to worship God by using the name Yahweh"

Chapter 5

Genesis 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter provides the first of many lists of descendants in the Bible. This is not a simple list, because the author makes comments about each person. Translators should format this text in the way that is clearest in the project language. Many may choose to introduce each new person in a separate paragraph, as the ULB and UDB do.

Genesis 5:1

General Information:

This is the beginning of the list of Adam's descendants.

in his own likeness

This phrase means that God made mankind to be like him. This verse does not tell in what ways God made people to be like himself. God does not have a body, so it does not mean that people would look like God. See how "after our likeness" is translated in [Genesis 1:26]

Genesis 5:2

when they were created

This can be made active. Alternate translation: "when he created them"

Genesis 5:3

130

Translators may write the words "one hundred thirty."

he became the father of a son

"he had a son"

in his own likeness, after his image

These two phrases mean the same thing. They are used as a reminder that God made man in his own image. See how you translated similar phrases in Genesis 1:26.

Seth

See how you translated this name in Genesis 4:25.

Genesis 5:4

eight hundred

Translators may write the numerals "800."

He became the father of more sons and daughters

"He had more sons and daughters"

Genesis 5:5

then he died

This phrase will be repeated throughout the chapter. Use the ordinary word for "died."

Adam lived 930 years

"Adam lived nine hundred and thirty years." People used to live a very long time. Use your ordinary word for "years." Alternate translation: "Adam lived a total of 930 years"

Genesis 5:6

105 years

"one hundred and five years"

he became the father of Enosh

Here "father" means his actual father, not his grandfather. Alternate translation: "he had his son Enosh"

Enosh

This is the name of a person.

Genesis 5:7

807 years

"eight hundred and seven years"

and became the father of more sons and daughters

"and had more sons and daughters"

Genesis 5:8

Seth lived 912 years

"Seth lived nine hundred and twelve years." Seth lived a total of 912 years.

then he died

This phrase is repeated throughout the chapter. Use the ordinary word for "died."

Genesis 5:9

General Information:

The records in Genesis 5:6-27 have the same format. Translate them according to the notes in [Genesis 5:6-8]

ninety years

"90 years"

Genesis 5:10

815 years

"eight hundred and fifteen years"

Genesis 5:11

905 years

"nine hundred and give years"

Genesis 5:12

General Information:

The records in Genesis 5:6-27 have the same format. Translate them according to the notes in [Genesis 5:6-8]

seventy years

"70 years"

Genesis 5:13

840 years

"eight hundred and forty years"

Genesis 5:14

910 years

"nine hundred and ten years"

Genesis 5:15

General Information:

The records in Genesis 5:6-27 have the same format. Translate them according to the notes in [Genesis 5:6-8]

Genesis 5:16

General Information:

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Genesis 5:17

General Information:

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Genesis 5:18

General Information:

The records in Genesis 5:6-27 have the same format. Translate them according to the notes in [Genesis 5:6-8]

Genesis 5:19

General Information:

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Genesis 5:20

General Information:

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Genesis 5:21

he became the father of Methuselah

"he had his son Methuselah"

Methuselah

This is the name of a man.

Genesis 5:22

Enoch walked with God

To walk with someone is a metaphor for being in a close relationship with him. Alternate translation: "Enoch had a close relationship with God" or "Enoch lived in union with God"

He became the father of more sons and daughters

"He had more sons and daughters"

Genesis 5:23

Enoch lived 365 years

"Enoch lived three hundred and sixty-five years." Enoch lived a total of 365 years.

Genesis 5:24

then he was gone

The word "he" refers to Enoch. He was no longer on earth.

for God took him

This means that God took Enoch to be with himself (God).

Genesis 5:25

General Information:

The records in Genesis 5:6-27 have the same format. Translate them according to the notes in [Genesis 5:6-8]

Lamech

This Lamech is different from the Lamech in Genesis 4:18.

Genesis 5:26

General Information:

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Genesis 5:27

General Information:

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Genesis 5:28

182 years

"one hundred and eighty-two years"

became the father of a son

"had a son"

Genesis 5:29

Noah

Translators may want to add a footnote that says: "This name sounds like the Hebrew word that means 'rest.'"

from our work and from the painful labor of our hands

Lamech says the same thing twice to emphasize how hard the work was. Alternate translation: "from working so hard with our hands"

Genesis 5:30

595 years

"five hundred and ninety-five years"

Genesis 5:31

Lamech lived 777 years

"Lamech lived seven hundred seventy-seven years." Lamech lived a total of 777 years"

Genesis 5:32

he became the father of

"he had his sons." This does not tell us whether the sons were born on the same day or in different years.

Shem, Ham, and Japheth

These sons may not be listed in the order of their birth. There is disagreement about which one was the oldest. Avoid translating this in a way that implies that the list is in the order of their ages.

Chapter 6

Genesis 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Beginning in 6:22, the author gives statements summarizing events he tells about again in the text that follows. In the next chapter, the author sometimes gives summary statements that introduce events for the first time. If these statements, and the surrounding events, are not carefully translated, readers can believe that the same events happened twice or three times instead of only one time. Translators should be careful not to give this impression.

Genesis 6:1

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

daughters were born to them

This can be active. Alternate translation: "the women bore daughters"

Genesis 6:2

sons of God

Translators could add a footnote saying: "It is not clear whether this refers to heavenly beings or human beings. In either case, they were beings that God created." Some believe these words refer to angels who rebelled against God, that is, evil spirits or demons. Others think this may refer to powerful political rulers, and others think this may refer to the descendants of Seth.

Genesis 6:3

My spirit

Here Yahweh is talking about himself and his spirit, which is the Spirit of God.

flesh

This means that they have physical bodies that will one day die.

They will live 120 years

"They will live one hundred and twenty years." Possible meanings are 1) the normal lifespan of people would decrease to 120 years. Alternate translation: "They will not live more than 120 years" or 2) in 120 years everyone would die. Alternate translation: "They will live only 120 years"

Genesis 6:4

The Nephilim

These seem to have been giants, very tall, large people.

This happened when

"The Nephilim were born because"

sons of God

See how you translated this in Genesis 6:2.

These were the mighty men of old

"These Nephilim were the mighty men who lived long ago" or "These children grew to become the powerful fighters who lived long ago"

mighty men

men who are courageous and victorious in battle

men of renown

"famous men"

Genesis 6:5

every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts

"everything their hearts wanted to think about"

the thoughts of their hearts

The writer speaks of the heart as if it were the part of the body that thinks. Your language may use a word other than "heart" to talk about the part of people that thinks. Alternate translation: "their inner, secret thoughts"

Genesis 6:6

it grieved him to his heart

The writer speaks of the heart as if it were the part of the body that feels sadness. Your language may use a word other than "heart" to talk about the emotions. Alternate translation: "he was very, very sad about it"

Genesis 6:7

I will wipe away mankind ... from the surface of the earth

The writer speaks of God killing people as if God were wiping dirt off a flat surface. Alternate translation: "I will destroy mankind ... so that there will not be any people on the earth"

I will wipe away mankind whom I have created

Some languages would need to translate this as two sentences. Alternate translation: "I created mankind. I will wipe them away"

wipe away

"completely destroy." Here "wipe away" is used in a negative sense, for God is talking about destroying the people because of their sin.

Genesis 6:8

Noah found favor in the eyes of Yahweh

The phrase "found favor" is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Also, the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "Yahweh looked favorably on Noah" or "Yahweh was pleased with Noah"

Genesis 6:9

General Information:

This begins the story of Noah, which continues into chapter 9.

walked with God

See how you translated this in Genesis 5:21.

Genesis 6:10

Noah became the father of three sons

"Noah had three sons" or "Noah's wife had three sons"

Shem, Ham, and Japheth

Translators may add the following footnote: "The sons are not listed in the order in which they were born."

Genesis 6:11

The earth

Possible meanings are 1) the people who lived on the earth or 2) "The earth itself."

was corrupt

The people doing what is evil is spoken of as if they were food that has become rotten. Alternate translation: "was rotten" or "was completely evil"

before God

Possible meanings are 1) "in God's sight" or 2) "in the presence of Yahweh" as in Genesis 4:16.

and it was filled with violence

The writer speaks of violence as if it were something that could be put into a container and of the earth as a container. Alternate translation: "and there were very many violent people on the earth" or "because it was full of people who did evil things to each other"

Genesis 6:12

behold

The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

all flesh

Possible meanings for what "all flesh" represents are 1) all human beings or 2) all physical beings, including humans and animal.

had corrupted their way

How a person behaves is spoken of as if it were a way or road. Alternate translation: "had stopped living the way God wanted" or "had behaved in an evil way"

Genesis 6:13

all flesh

See how you translated these words in Genesis 6:12.

the earth is filled with violence through them

"people everywhere on earth are violent"

I will destroy them with the earth

"I will destroy both them and the earth" or "I will destroy them when I destroy the earth"

Genesis 6:14

an ark

This refers to a very large box that would be able to float on water even in a very bad storm. "a large boat" or "a ship" or "a barge"

cypress wood

People do not know exactly what kind of tree this was. "wood used for building boats" or "good wood"

cover it with pitch

The reason for doing this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "spread pitch on it" or "paint tar on it" or "cover it with pitch to make it waterproof"

pitch

This is a thick, sticky or oily liquid that people put on the outside of a boat to stop water from going through gaps in the wood into the boat.

Genesis 6:15

cubits

A cubit was a unit of measure, a little less than half a meter long.

three hundred cubits

"138 meters." You may use the Hebrew measuring units from the ULB or the metric units from the UDB or your own culture's units if you know how they compare to the metric units. You may also write a footnote that says: "Three hundred cubits is about 138 meters."

fifty cubits

"twenty-three meters"

thirty cubits

"fourteen meters"

Genesis 6:16

a roof for the ark

This was probably a peaked or slanted roof. Its purpose was to protect everything in the ark from the rain.

cubit

A cubit was a little less than half a meter long. See how you translated this in [Genesis 6:15]

a lower, a second, and a third deck

"a lower deck, a middle deck, and an upper deck" or "three decks inside"

deck

"floor" or "level"

Genesis 6:17

Listen

God said this in order to emphasize that he would do what he was about to say. "Pay attention" or "Listen to what I am saying"

I am about to bring the flood of waters

In some languages it may b e better to say "to send" instead of "to bring. It is also possible to avoid the direction and say "to cause." Alternate translation: "I am about to send a flood of waters" or "I am about to cause a flood"

all flesh

Here "flesh" represents all physical beings, including humans and animals.

that has in it the breath of life

Here "breath" represents life. Alternate translation: "that lives"

Genesis 6:18

establish my covenant with you

"make a covenant between you and me"

with you

with Noah

You will come into the ark

"You will enter the ark." Some translations say "You will go into the ark."

Genesis 6:19

Of every living creature of all flesh, two of every kind you must bring into the ark

"You must bring into the ark two of every kind of living creature"

creature

an animal God created

all flesh

See how you translated these words in Genesis 6:12.

Genesis 6:20

after their kind

"of each different kind"

creeping thing of the ground

This refers to small animals that move on the ground .

two of every sort

This refers to two of every kind of bird and animal.

to you

This refers to Noah and so is singular.

to keep them alive

"so you can keep them alive"

Genesis 6:21

yourself ... you

These refer to Noah and are singular.

food that is eaten

"food that people and animals eat"

Genesis 6:22

So Noah did this. According to all that God commanded him, so he did

These two sentences mean the same thing. The second sentence explains the first and emphasizes that Noah obeyed God. These parallel sentences can be combined into one. Alternate translation: "So Noah did everything that God commanded him to do"

Chapter 7

Genesis 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, the author continues his pattern of statements that summarize events already described, and of repeating events that have already happened. Again, careful translation is necessary so that readers do not think that the same events happened more than one time in the story. Special attention in this regard should be given to 7:5,10,13, and 17.

Special concepts in this chapter

Clean animals and birds

Noah sacrificed to Yahweh some of the "clean" animals and birds that he had with him (8:20). These were animals and birds that the Hebrew people would later consider to be fit to eat and to sacrifice to God. (See: clean)

Water underneath and over the earth

The flood is presented as occurring because of rain pouring out of the sky and because of seawater rising from under the earth. This is because the ancient Hebrews pictured the earth as resting on top of the sea. They also pictured the sky as containing water above the earth that poured down through windows in the sky when God allowed it to rain. Translators should not try to change this picture in order to suit what readers believe about the world. (See: heaven)

Genesis 7:1

General Information:

The events in this chapter take place after Noah built the ark, gathered the food, and put it in the ark.

Come ... into the ark

"Enter ... into the ark." Many translations read "Go ... into the ark."

you

The word "you" refers to Noah and is singular.

your household

"your family"

righteous before me

This means that God saw Noah as righteous.

in this generation

This refers to all the people who were living at that time. Alternate translation: "among all the people who are now living"

Genesis 7:2

you will bring

"take." Many translations read "you will take."

clean animal

This was an animal that God allowed his people to eat and to sacrifice.

animals that are not clean

These were animals that God did not allow people to eat or to sacrifice.

Genesis 7:3

to keep their offspring alive

"so that they will have offspring that will live" or "so that, after the flood, animals will continue to live"

Genesis 7:4

forty days and forty nights

This was a full forty days. It was not a total of eighty days. Alternate translation: "forty days and nights"

living

This refers to physical life.

Genesis 7:5

General Information:

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Genesis 7:6

General Information:

Verses 6-12 repeat for a second time and give more detail about how Noah went into the ark with his family and the animals in Genesis 7:1-5. This is not a new event.

came upon the earth

"happened" or "came on the earth"

Genesis 7:7

because of the waters of the flood

"because of the flood that would come" or "to escape the flood water"

Genesis 7:8

General Information:

Verses 6-12 repeat for a second time and give more detail about how Noah went into the ark with his family and the animals in Genesis 7:1-5. This is not a new event.

clean animals

These were animals that God allowed people to eat and to give to him as sacrifices.

unclean animals

These were animals that God did not allow people to eat or to give to him as sacrifices.

Genesis 7:9

two by two

The animals entered the boat in pairs of one male and one female.

Genesis 7:10

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story: the start of the flood. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

after the seven days

"after seven days" or "seven days later"

the waters of the flood came upon the earth

The implicit information, "it started to rain" can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "it started to rain and the waters of the flood came upon the earth"

Genesis 7:11

General Information:

Verses 6-12 repeat for a second time and give more detail about how Noah went into the ark with his family and the animals in Genesis 7:1-5. This is not a new event.

In the six hundredth year of Noah's life

"When Noah was 600 years old"

the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month

Since Moses wrote this book, it is possible he is referring to the second month of the Hebrew calendar. But this is uncertain.

on the same day

This refers to the specific day when the rain began. This phrase emphasizes how all of these major events happened quickly when the time arrived.

the fountains of the great deep burst open

"water from under the earth rushed up to the earth's surface"

the great deep

This refers to the sea that was thought to be under the earth.

the windows of heaven were opened

This refers to rain. It describes the sky as a ceiling that keeps the waters above it from falling down to the earth. When the windows, or doors, in the sky were opened, the water came down through them. Alternate translation: "the sky opened" or "the doors in the sky opened"

Genesis 7:12

rain

If your language has a word for a great amount of rain, it would be appropriate here.

Genesis 7:13

General Information:

Verses 13-18 repeat for a third time and give more detail about how Noah went into the ark with his family and the animals in Genesis 7:1-5. This is not a new event.

On that very same day

"On that exact day." This refers to the day that the rain started. Verses 13-16 tell what Noah did immediately before the rain began.

Genesis 7:14

wild animal ... livestock ... creeping thing ... bird

These four groups are listed to show that every kind of animal was included. If your language has another way of grouping all the animals, you can use that, or you can use these groups. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:24.

creeping thing

This refers to animals that crawl on the ground, like rodents, insects, lizards, and snakes.

according to its kind

"so that each kind of animal will produce more of its own kind." See how you translated this in Genesis 1:24.

Genesis 7:15

General Information:

Verses 13-18 repeat for a third time and give more detail about how Noah went into the ark with his family and the animals in Genesis 7:1-5. This is not a new event.

Two of all flesh

Here "flesh" represents animals.

in which was the breath of life

Here "breath" represents life. Alternate translation: "that lived"

came to Noah

The word "came" can be translated as "went."

of all flesh

Here "flesh" represents animals. Alternate translation: "of every kind of animal"

Genesis 7:16

after them

The full meaning can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "after they entered the ark"

Genesis 7:17

General Information:

Verses 13-18 repeat for a third time and give more detail about how Noah went into the ark with his family and the animals in Genesis 7:1-5. This is not a new event.

the water increased

"the water became very deep." This happened during the forty days while the water kept coming.

lifted the ark

"it caused the ark to float"

raised it above the earth

"causes the ark to rise up high over the ground" or "he ark floated on top of the deep water"

Genesis 7:18

General Information:

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Genesis 7:19

The waters rose greatly on the earth

"The water totally overwhelmed the earth"

Genesis 7:20

fifteen cubits

"six meters." See how you translated this in Genesis 6:15.

Genesis 7:21

moved upon

"moved about" or "roamed"

all the living creatures that lived in great numbers upon the earth

This refers to all the animals that move around on the ground in large groups.

Genesis 7:22

who breathed the breath of life through their noses

Here "noses" represent the whole animal or human. Alternate translation: "everyone that breathed"

the breath of life

The words "breath" and "life" represent the power that causes people and animals to be alive.

Genesis 7:23

So every living thing ... was wiped out

If necessary, this can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So every living thing ... perished" or "So the flood completely destroyed every living thing"

They were all destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God destroyed them all"

from the earth

"so they were no longer on the earth"

those with him

"the people and animals that were with him"

were left

"remained" or "lived" or "remained alive"

Genesis 7:24

General Information:

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Chapter 8

Genesis 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 8:22, which is part of what Yahweh was telling Noah.

Special concepts in this chapter

Flood waters

The waters receded after this great flood. Because there was so much water, and it came from God, it is described in a unique way.

The mountains of Ararat

It is unclear where Ararat was located. Many people believe it is located in the modern country of Turkey.

Genesis 8:1

God remembered Noah

This does not mean that God had forgotten about Noah and suddenly remembered him. The words "God remembered Noah" mean that God was now going to help Noah after the flood. Alternate translation: "God had not forgotten Noah" or "God thought of Noah" or "God decided to help Noah"

ark

This refers to a very large box that would be able to float on water even in a very bad storm. See how you translated this in Genesis 6:14. Alternate translation: "a large boat" or "a ship" or "a barge"

Genesis 8:2

The fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were closed

"The water stopped coming out of the ground and the rain stopped falling." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God closed the fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven"

fountains of the deep

"water from under the earth." See how this is translated in Genesis 7:11.

the windows of heaven were closed

This refers to the rain stopping. It describes the sky as a ceiling that keeps the waters above it from falling down to the earth. When the windows, or doors, in the sky were closed, the water stopped coming through them. See how "the windows of heaven" is translated in Genesis 7:11. Alternate translation: "the sky closed" or "the doors in the sky closed"

Genesis 8:3

General Information:

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Genesis 8:4

came to rest

"landed" or "stopped on solid ground"

in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month

Because Moses wrote this book, it is possible he is referring to the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, but this is uncertain.

Genesis 8:5

tenth month

Because Moses wrote this book, it is possible he is referring to the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar, but this is uncertain.

On the first day of the month

"On the first day of the tenth month"

appeared

This can be made more explicit: "appeared above the surface of the water."

Genesis 8:6

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. Alternate translation: "It happened that"

It came about ... the window of the ark which he had made

The phrase "which he had made" tells about the window. Some languages may need to make this phrase a separate sentence: "Noah had made a window in the boat. It came about after forty days that he opened the window"

Genesis 8:7

raven

a black bird that eats mainly the flesh of dead animals

it flew back and forth

This means that the raven kept leaving the boat and returning.

until the waters were dried up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until the wind dried up the waters" or "until the waters dried up"

Genesis 8:8

he sent out a dove

If you use masculine pronouns for the word "dove," you may need to insert Noah's name here to avoid confusion: "Noah sent out a dove."

Genesis 8:9

to rest her foot

"to land" or "to perch." It means to land on something in order to rest from flying.

her foot ... she returned ... and brought her

The word "dove" is feminine in the author's language. You could translate these phrases with the pronouns "its ... it ... it" or "his ... he ... him," depending on how your language refers to a dove.

he ... him

If you use masculine pronouns for the word "dove," you may need to insert Noah's name here to avoid confusion: "Noah sent out a dove," "Noah stretched forth his hand," etc.

Genesis 8:10

He waited another seven days

"He again waited for seven days"

Genesis 8:11

Look

"Pay attention" or "This is important"

a freshly plucked olive leaf

"a leaf that she had just plucked from an olive tree"

plucked

"broken off"

Genesis 8:12

She did not return again to him

If people would not understand, you could state the reason explicitly: "She did not return again to him because she found a place to land."

Genesis 8:13

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

in the six hundred and first year

"when Noah was 601 years old"

the first month, on the first day of the month

Since Moses wrote this book it is possible he is referring to the first month of the Hebrew calendar, but this is uncertain.

the waters were dried up from off the earth

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the waters covering the earth dried up" or "the wind dried up the waters covering the earth"

the covering of the ark

This refers to a cover that kept the rain water from going into the ark.

behold

The word "behold" tells us to pay attention to the important information that comes next.

Genesis 8:14

In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month

"On the twenty seventh day of the second month." This may refer to the second month of the Hebrew calendar, but this is uncertain.

the earth was dry

"the ground was completely dry"

Genesis 8:15

General Information:

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Genesis 8:16

Go out of

"Leave." Some translations read "Come out."

Genesis 8:17

Take out

"Take." Some translations read "Bring out."

every living creature of all flesh

"every kind of living creature." See how "all flesh" is translated in Genesis 6:12.

be fruitful and multiply

This is an idiom. See how this is translated in [Genesis 1:28]

Genesis 8:18

Noah went out

Some translations read "Noah came out."

Genesis 8:19

according to their families

"in groups of their own kinds"

Genesis 8:20

built an altar to Yahweh

"built an altar dedicated to Yahweh" or "built an altar for worshiping Yahweh." He may have built it with stones.

clean animals ... clean birds

Here "clean" means that God allowed these animals to be used in sacrifice. Some animals were not used for sacrifices and were called "unclean."

offered burnt offerings

Noah killed the animals and then completely burned them up as an offering to God. Alternate translation: "burned the animals as offerings to Yahweh"

Genesis 8:21

pleasing aroma

This refers to the good smell of the roasted meat.

said in his heart

Here the word "heart" refers to God's thoughts and emotions.

curse the ground

"do very serious harm to the earth"

because of mankind

This can be made more explicit: "because mankind is sinful."

the intention of mankind's heart is evil from childhood

"from their earliest years they tend to do evil things" or "when they are young, they want to do evil things"

the intention of mankind's heart

Here the word "heart" refers to people's thoughts, emotions, desires, and will. Alternate translation: "their tendency" or "their habit"

from childhood

This refers to an older child. Alternate translation: "from their youth"

Genesis 8:22

While the earth remains

"While the earth lasts" or "As long as the earth exists"

seed time

"the season for planting"

cold and heat, summer and winter

These expressions both refer to two major weather conditions in the year. Translators may use local expressions.

summer

the hot, dry time of the year

winter

the cool, wet or snowy time of the year

will not cease

"will continue"

Chapter 9

Genesis 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers or songs. The ULB and many other English translations set the lines of 9:6-7, which is the poetic part of the quotation, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. They also set apart 9:25-27, which contains two quotations.

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 9:6 and 9:25-27.

Special concepts in this chapter

Man's relationship to animals

There is a noticeable shift in man's relationship with the animals on the earth. Before the flood, there apparently was harmony between man and the animals. After the flood, the animals fear man and man is permitted to eat the animals, something he was not allowed to do previously.

Life in the blood

This chapter introduces the concept that there is life in the blood of an animal and in man. In Hebrew thought, blood represents the life present in a living thing. This is an image used throughout Scripture. (See: life and blood)

Covenant with Noah

God made a covenant with Noah. This covenant was an unconditional promise God made to never destroy the whole world with a flood. Rainbows are a perpetual sign of this covenant. (See: covenant and promise)

A father's nakedness

In Noah's culture, it was unacceptable to see a father's nakedness. It was wrong for Ham to show his brothers their father's nakedness. Ham's actions were insulting or disrespectful.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth"

This is a command that God gives. He expects Noah to obey him.

Genesis 9:1

Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth

This is God's blessing. He told Noah and his family to produce more humans like themselves, so that there would be many of them. The word "multiply" explains how they are to be "fruitful." See how you translated these commands in [Genesis 1:28]

Genesis 9:2

The fear of you and the dread of you will be upon every living thing ... and upon all the fish of the sea

The writer speaks of fear and dread as if they were physical objects that could be upon the animals. Alternate translation: "Every living thing ... and all the fish of the sea will be dreadfully afraid of you"

The fear of you and the dread of you

The words "fear" and "dread" mean basically the same thing and emphasize how afraid the animals will be of mankind. Alternate translation: "A dreadful fear of you" or "A terrible fear of you"

every living thing on the earth

"every animal on the earth." This is the first of the four categories of animals that the writer lists, and not a summary of the rest of the animals that he mentions next. Here, the writer is referring to larger animals that walk on the earth.

bird

This is a general term for things that fly. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:21.

upon everything that moves on the ground

This includes all types of small animals. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:25.

They are given into your hand

The hand represents control. This can be made active. Alternate translation: "They are given into your control" or "I have put them under your control"

Genesis 9:3

General Information:

God continues speaking to Noah and his sons.

Genesis 9:4

life ... blood

Translators may add a footnote such as this: "The blood is a symbol for life." They may also add a footnote that says something like this: "God was commanding people not to eat meat while the blood was still in it. They had to drain out the blood first."

Genesis 9:5

General Information:

God continues speaking to Noah and his sons.

But for your blood

This contrasts man's blood with the blood of animals (Genesis 9:4).

for your blood, the life that is in your blood

It is implied that the blood is shed, or poured out, or spilled out. Alternate translation: "if anyone causes your blood to pour out" or "if anyone spills your blood" or "if anyone kills you"

life

This refers to physical life.

I will require payment

This payment refers to the death of the murderer, not to money. Alternate translation: "I will require anyone who kills you to pay"

from the hand

Here the word "hand" refers to the one who is responsible for something happening.

From the hand of every animal I will require it

"I will require any animal that takes your life to pay"

From the hand of any man, that is, from the hand of one who has murdered his brother, I will require an accounting for the life of that man

"I will require anyone who takes the life of another person to pay"

From the hand of

This phrase refers to the person in a very personal way. Alternate translation: "From that very man"

brother

Here "brother" is used as a general reference to relatives, such as members of the same tribe, clan, or people group.

Genesis 9:6

Whoever sheds man's blood, by man will his blood be shed

The shedding of blood is a metaphor for killing someone. This means that if a person murders someone, someone else must kill the murderer. However, "blood" is very significant in this passage and should be used in the translation if possible. Translate "sheds blood" with words that indicate a major loss of blood that causes death.

for it was in the image of God that he made man

"because God made people to be like him" or "because I made people in my own image"

Genesis 9:7

be fruitful and multiply

This is God's blessing. He told Noah and his family to produce more humans like themselves, so that there would be many of them. The word "multiply" explains how they are to be "fruitful." See how you translated this in [Genesis 1:28]

Genesis 9:8

Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him

God was already speaking to them. This phrase marks a change in what God was going to speak about. Alternate translation: "God continued speaking to Noah and his sons" or "Then God went on to say"

Genesis 9:9

As for me

This phrase is used in English to mark the change from God talking about what Noah and his sons must do to talking about what God would do.

confirm my covenant with you

"make a covenant between you and me." See how you translated this in Genesis 6:18.

Genesis 9:10

General Information:

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Genesis 9:11

General Information:

God continues speaking to Noah and his sons.

I hereby confirm my covenant with you

"By saying this, I make my covenant with you." See how similar words are translated in Genesis 6:18.

all flesh

Possible meanings for what "all flesh" represents are 1) all human beings or 2) all physical beings, including humans and animal. See how this is translated in [Genesis 6:12]

Never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth

"There will never again be a flood that destroys the earth." There would be floods, but they would not destroy the whole earth.

Genesis 9:12

sign

This means a reminder of something that was promised.

covenant ... for all future generations

The covenant applies to Noah and his family and also to all generations that follow.

Genesis 9:13

General Information:

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Genesis 9:14

General Information:

God continues speaking to Noah and his sons.

It will come about when

"Whenever." It is something that would happen many times.

the rainbow is seen

It is not clear who will see the rainbow, but because the covenant is between Yahweh and people, if you need to say who it is who will see the rainbow, it would be best to name both Yahweh and people. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "people and I see the rainbow"

rainbow

the colorful strip of light that appears in the rain when the sun shines from behind the viewer

Genesis 9:15

I will call to mind my covenant

This does not mean that God would first forget. Alternate translation: "I will think about my covenant"

me and you

The word "you" is plural. God was speaking to Noah and Noah's sons.

every living creature of all flesh

"every kind of living being"

all flesh

Possible meanings for what "all flesh" represents are 1) all human beings or 2) all physical beings, including humans and animal. See how this is translated in [Genesis 6:12]

Genesis 9:16

General Information:

God continues speaking to Noah and his sons.

in order to remember

"so that I will remember" or "so that I will think about"

between God and every living creature

God is speaking here. Alternate translation: "between me and every living creature"

every living creature of all flesh

"every kind of living being." See how you translated this in Genesis 9:15.

Genesis 9:17

Then God said to Noah

God was already talking to Noah. This phrase marks the final part of what God was saying. Alternate translation: "God finished by saying to Noah" or "So God said to Noah"

Genesis 9:18

General Information:

Verses 18-19 introduce the three sons of Noah, who will be an important part of the next story.

father

Ham was Canaan's true father.

Genesis 9:19

General Information:

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Genesis 9:20

man of the soil

person who raises plants for food

Genesis 9:21

became drunk

"drank too much wine"

uncovered

The text does not specify how much of Noah's body was uncovered as he lay drunk. His sons' reactions show us that it was shameful.

Genesis 9:22

his father

This refers to Noah.

Genesis 9:23

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Genesis 9:24

awoke from his wine

He awoke after drinking wine and becoming drunk. He "became sober."

his youngest son

This refers to Ham. Alternate translation: "his youngest son, Ham"

Genesis 9:25

General Information:

In verses 25-27 Noah pronounced a curse on Ham's son and blessings on Ham's brothers. What Noah said about them also applied to their descendants, as shown in the UDB. Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in Noah's curse and blessings in verses 25-27.

Cursed be Canaan

"I curse Canaan" or "May bad things happen to Canaan"

Canaan

This was one of Ham's sons. Alternate translation: "Ham's son Canaan"

a servant to his brothers' servants

"the lowest servant of his brothers" or "the least important servant of his brothers"

his brothers

This could refer either to Canaan's brothers or to his relatives in general.

Genesis 9:26

General Information:

If you can, format these verses as they are formatted here to show your readers that this is poetry.

May Yahweh, the God of Shem, be blessed

"Praised be Yahweh, the God of Shem," or "Yahweh, the God of Shem, is worthy of praise" or "I praise Yahweh, the God of Shem"

Genesis 9:27

May Canaan be his servant

"And let Canaan be Shem's servant." This includes Canaan's and Shem's descendants.

May God extend the territory of Japheth

Possible meanings are 1) "May God make Japheth's territory larger" or 2) "May God cause Japheth to have many descendants."

let him make his home in the tents of Shem

"let him leave peacefully with Shem." This includes Japheth's and Shem's descendants.

May Canaan be his servant

"Let Canaan be Japheth's servant." This includes Canaan's and Japheth's descendants.

Genesis 9:28

General Information:

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Genesis 9:29

General Information:

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Chapter 10

Genesis 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a genealogical record. It also records the location of ancient people groups.

Special concepts in this chapter

Assyria and Nineveh

While these places may be located in the same area as the Assyria mentioned later in Scripture, they are not the same kingdom.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"Sons were born to"

This is an unusual phrase meaning "were sons of."

Genesis 10:1

These were the descendants of the sons of Noah

"This is the account of Noah's sons." This sentence introduces the account of Noah's descendants in Genesis 10:1-11:9.

Genesis 10:2

General Information:

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Genesis 10:3

General Information:

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Genesis 10:4

General Information:

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Genesis 10:5

From these the coastland peoples separated and went into their lands

"Javan's sons and descendants separated and moved to the coastlands and islands"

coastland peoples

This refers to people who lived along the coast and on the islands.

their lands

"their homelands." These are the places that the people moved to and lived in.

every one with its own language

"Each people group spoke its own language" or "The people groups divided themselves according to their languages"

Genesis 10:6

Mizraim

Mizraim is the Hebrew name for "Egypt."

Genesis 10:7

General Information:

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Genesis 10:8

mighty one

Possible meanings are 1) "mighty warrior" or 2) "mighty man" or 3) "powerful ruler."

Genesis 10:9

before Yahweh

Possible meanings are 1) "in Yahweh's sight" or 2) "with Yahweh's help"

That is why it is said

This introduces a proverb. Your language may introduce proverbs and sayings in a different way. Alternate translation: "This is the reason people say"

Genesis 10:10

The first centers

Possible meanings are 1) the first centers he developed or 2) the important cities.

Genesis 10:11

he went to Assyria

"Nimrod went into Assyria"

Genesis 10:12

General Information:

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Genesis 10:13

Mizraim became

The list of Noah's descendants continues.

Mizraim

Mizraim was one of Ham's sons. His descendants became the people of Egypt. Mizraim is the Hebrew name for Egypt.

Genesis 10:14

General Information:

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Genesis 10:15

General Information:

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Genesis 10:16

Jebusites ... Amorites ... Girgashites

These names refer to larger groups of people that descended from Canaan.

Genesis 10:17

General Information:

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Genesis 10:18

General Information:

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Genesis 10:19

border

line between one person's land and another person's land

from Sidon, in the direction of Gerar, as far as Gaza

The direction south can be stated explicitly if needed. Alternate translation: "from Sidon city in the north as far south as Gaza town, which is near Gerar"

as one goes toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboyim, as far as Lasha

The direction "east" or "inland" can be stated explicitly if needed. Alternate translation: "then east toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboyim towns, as far as Lasha"

Genesis 10:20

These were the sons of Ham

The word "these" refers to the people and people groups who were listed in verses Genesis 6-19.

by their languages

"broken up according to their different languages"

in their lands

"in their homelands"

Genesis 10:21

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Genesis 10:22

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Genesis 10:23

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Genesis 10:24

Arphaxad

Arphaxad was one of Shem's sons.

Genesis 10:25

Peleg

Translators may add a footnote note that says: "The name Peleg means 'division.'"

the earth was divided

This can be made active. Alternate translation: "the people of the earth divided themselves" or "the people of the earth separated from one another" or "God divided the people of the earth"

Genesis 10:26

Joktan

Joktan was one of Eber's sons.

Genesis 10:27

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Genesis 10:28

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Genesis 10:29

All these

"These" here refers to the sons of Joktan.

Genesis 10:30

Their territory

"The land they controlled" or "The land they lived in"

Genesis 10:31

These were the sons of Shem

The word "these" refers to the descendants of Shem (Genesis 10:21-29).

Genesis 10:32

These were the clans

This refers back to all the people listed in Genesis 10:1-31.

according to

"listed by"

From these the nations separated and went over the earth

"From these clans the nations divided and spread over the earth" or "These clans divided from each other and formed the nations of the earth"

after the flood

This can be stated clearly or more explicitly. Alternate translation: "after the flood destroyed the earth"

Chapter 11

Genesis 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a story traditionally referred to as the "Tower of Babel."

This chapter seeks to answer the questions: why do people speak different languages? how did people become so dispersed across the earth? God's punishment described in this chapter may also explain why the world has racial and ethnic divisions.

Special concepts in this chapter

Age of people when they die

After the flood, people began to live shorter lives. This chapter begins to record the shortening of the average lifespan.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Personification

The statement "Yahweh came down to see" is a type of personification. Yahweh always knows what happens on earth. This statement indicates that Yahweh is about to bring judgment on mankind. (See: and judge)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"Let us build ourselves a city and a tower whose top will reach to the sky"

The people were very full of pride and rebelled against God in this action.

Genesis 11:1

Now

This word shows that the writer is beginning a new part of the story.

the whole earth

This represents all the people on the earth. Alternate translation: "all the people on the earth"

used one language and had the same words

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that all people spoke the same language.

Genesis 11:2

they journeyed

"they moved around"

in the east

Possible meanings are 1) "in the east" or 2) "from the east" or 3) "to the east." The preferred choice is "in the east" because Shinar is to the east of where scholars believe the ark came to rest.

settled

stopped moving from one place to another and began to live at one location

Genesis 11:3

Come

If your language has a way of urging or commanding people to begin work, like the English "Come on!" you might use it here.

bake them thoroughly

People make bricks out of clay and heat them in a very hot oven to make them hard and strong.

tar

a thick, sticky, black liquid that comes up from the ground

mortar

This is a thick substance made of lime powder, clay, sand, and water used to make stones or bricks stick together.

Genesis 11:4

let us make a name for ourselves

"let us make our reputation great"

name

reputation

we will be scattered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we will separate from each other and live in different places"

Genesis 11:5

the descendants of Adam

"the people"

came down

The information about where he came down from can be made explicit: "came down from heaven." This does not tell how he came down. Use a general word meaning "came down."

to see

"to observe" or "to look more closely"

Genesis 11:6

one people with the same language

All the people were one big group and they all spoke the same language.

they are beginning to do this

Possible meanings are 1) "they have begun to do this," meaning that they have begun to build the tower but it is not finished, or 2) "this is just the first thing they have done," meaning that in future they will do greater things.

nothing that they intend to do will be impossible for them

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "anything they intend to do will be possible for them" or "they will be able to do anything they want to do"

Genesis 11:7

Come

If your language has a way of urging or commanding people to begin work, like the English "Come on!" you might use it here. See how this is translated in Genesis 11:3.

let us go down

The word "us" is plural even though it refers to God. Some translate it as "let me go down" or "I will go down." If you do this, consider adding a footnote to say that the pronoun is plural. See the note on "Let us make" in [Genesis 1:26]

confuse their language

This means that Yahweh would cause the people all over the earth to stop speaking the same language. Alternate translation: "mix up their language"

so that they may not understand each other

This was the purpose of confusing their language. Alternate translation: "so that they will not be able to understand what each other is saying"

Genesis 11:8

from there

"from the city"

Genesis 11:9

its name was called Babel, because there Yahweh confused

The name "Babel" sounds like the word that means "confused." Translators may want to add a footnote about this.

confused the language of the whole earth

It means that Yahweh caused the people all over the earth to no longer speak the same language. Alternate translation: "mixed up the language of the whole earth"

Genesis 11:10

General Information:

The rest of this chapter lists the line of Shem's descendants down to Abram.

These were the descendants of Shem

This sentence begins the list of Shem's descendants.

flood

This is the flood from Noah's time when people had become so evil that God sent a worldwide flood to cover the earth.

became the father of Arphaxad

"had his son Arphaxad" or "his son Arphaxad was born"

Arphaxad

a man's name

a hundred ... two

Translators may write the words or the numerals "100" and "2."

Genesis 11:11

five hundred

Translators may write the words or the numeral "500."

Genesis 11:12

he became the father of Shelah

"his son Shelah was born"

Shelah

This is a man's name.

Genesis 11:13

403 years

"four hundred and three years"

Genesis 11:14

General Information:

The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them in [Genesis 11:12-13]

Genesis 11:15

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Genesis 11:16

General Information:

The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them [Genesis 11:12-13]

Genesis 11:17

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Genesis 11:18

General Information:

The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them in [Genesis 11:12-13]

Genesis 11:19

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Genesis 11:20

General Information:

The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them in [Genesis 11:12-13]

Genesis 11:21

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Genesis 11:22

General Information:

The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them in [Genesis 11:12-13]

Genesis 11:23

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Genesis 11:24

General Information:

The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them in [Genesis 11:12-13]

Genesis 11:25

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Genesis 11:26

Abram, Nahor, and Haran

We do not know the birth order of his sons.

Genesis 11:27

Now these were the descendants of Terah

This sentence introduces the account of Terah's descendants. Genesis 11:27-25:11 tells about Terah's descendants, particularly his son Abraham. Alternate translation: "This is the account of Terah's descendants"

Genesis 11:28

Haran died in the presence of his father Terah

This means that Haran died while his father was still living. Alternate translation: "Haran died while his father, Terah, was with him"

Genesis 11:29

took wives

"married wives"

Iskah

This is a female name.

Genesis 11:30

Now

This word is used to introduce new information about Sarai that will become important in later chapters.

barren

This term describes a woman who is physically unable to conceive or bear a child.

Genesis 11:31

his

Here the word "his" refers to Terah.

Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram's wife

"his daughter-in-law Sarai, who was the wife of his son Abram"

Haran ... Haran

These are two different names and they are spelled differently in Hebrew. One refers to a person and the other refers to a city. (The "h" sound in the city's name is louder than the "h" sound in the person's name.) You might choose to spell them differently in your language to show this.

Genesis 11:32

205 years

"two hundred and five years"

Chapter 12

Genesis 12 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Abram

When God said, "Go from your country, and from your relatives," he established several new people groups. These groups descended from Abram.

God's covenant with Abram

God made a covenant with Abram. This covenant was not conditioned upon anything that Abram needed to do, but the fulfillment of its promises is conditioned upon the actions of each generation of his descendants. It has not yet been fulfilled in its entirety. (See: covenant and fulfill and promise)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"They will kill me"

Abram was afraid the Egyptians would see him as a foreigner and upon seeing his beautiful wife, they would try to kill him. This would free Sarai to marry someone else. Apparently, it would have been easy for them to kill a foreigner without punishment. If she was Abram's sister, they would have shown favor to him. (See: and favor)

Genesis 12:1

Now

This word is used to mark a new part of the story.

Go from your country, and from your relatives

"Go from your land, from your family"

Genesis 12:2

I will make of you a great nation

Here "you" is singular and refers to Abram, but Abram represents his descendants. Alternate translation: "I will start a great nation through you" or "I will make your descendants become a great nation"

make your name great

The word "name" represents the person's reputation. Alternate translation: "make you famous"

you will be a blessing

The words "to other people" are understood. Alternate translation: "you will be a blessing to other people"

Genesis 12:3

whoever dishonors you I will curse

"I will curse whoever treats you in a shameful way" or "if anyone treats you as worthless, I will curse him"

Through you will all the families of the earth be blessed

This can be made active. Alternate translation: "I will bless all the families of the earth through you"

Through you

"Because of you" or "Because I have blessed you"

Genesis 12:4

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Genesis 12:5

possessions

This includes animals and non-living property.

the people that they had acquired

Possible meanings are 1) "slaves that they had accumulated" or 2) "the people whom they had gathered to be with them."

Genesis 12:6

Abram passed through the land

Only Abram's name is mentioned because he was the head of the family. God had given him the command to take his family and go there. Alternate translation: "So Abram and his family went through the land"

the land

"the land of Canaan"

the oak of Moreh

Moreh was probably the name of a place.

Genesis 12:7

Yahweh, who had appeared to him

"Yahweh, because he had appeared to him"

Genesis 12:8

he pitched his tent

Abram had many people with him as he traveled. People who moved from place to place lived in tents. Alternate translation: "they set up their tents"

called on the name of Yahweh

"prayed in the name of Yahweh" or "worshiped Yahweh"

Genesis 12:9

Then Abram continued journeying

You may need to make explicit that he took his tent with him. "Then Abram took his tent and continued journeying."

toward the Negev

"toward the Negev region" or "toward the south" or "south to the Negev desert"

Genesis 12:10

There was a famine

The crops did not grow well that season. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "There was a shortage of food"

in the land

"in the area" or "in the land where Abram was living"

went down into

Possible meanings are 1) "went further south" or 2) "went away from Canaan into." It would be best to translate this using your usual words for going from a higher place to a lower place.

Genesis 12:11

See now, I

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: I"

Genesis 12:12

they will kill me ... you alive

The reason they would kill Abram can be made explicit: "they will kill me so that they can marry you"

Genesis 12:13

so that my life will be spared because of you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that, because of you, they will not kill me"

Genesis 12:14

It came about that

Possible meanings are 1) This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts, and if your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here, or 2) "And that was what happened" .

Genesis 12:15

The princes of Pharaoh saw her

"Pharaoh's officials saw Sarai" or "the king's officials saw her"

the woman was taken into Pharaoh's household

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Pharaoh took her into his household" or "Pharaoh had his soldiers take her into his household"

the woman

Sarai

Pharaoh's household

Possible meanings are 1) "Pharoah's family," that is, as a wife, or 2) "Pharaoah's house" or "Pharaoh's palace," a euphemism for Pharaoh making her one of his wives.

Genesis 12:16

for her sake

"for Sarai's sake" or "because of her"

Genesis 12:17

because of Sarai, Abram's wife

This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: "because Pharaoh intended to take Sarai, Abram's wife, to be his own wife"

Genesis 12:18

Pharaoh summoned Abram

"Pharaoh called Abram" or "Pharaoh ordered Abram to come to him"

What is this that you have done to me?

Pharaoh used this rhetorical question to show how angry he was about what Abram had done to him. It can also be stated as an exclamation. Alternate translation: "You have done a terrible thing to me!"

Genesis 12:19

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Genesis 12:20

Then Pharaoh gave orders to his men concerning him

"Then Pharaoh directed his officials concerning Abram"

they sent him away, along with his wife and all that he had

"the officials sent Abram away from Pharoah, with his wife and all his possessions"

Chapter 13

Genesis 13 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Abram's faith

Since the land could not support both Lot's and Abram's family, they each went their own way. Even though good land was not plentiful, Abram allowed Lot to choose the better land because he trusted in God to fulfill his promises. (See: trust and fulfill and promise)

God's covenant with Abram

God made a covenant with Abram. This covenant was not conditioned upon anything that Abram needed to do, but the fulfillment of its promises is conditioned upon the actions of each generation of his descendants. It has not yet been fulfilled in its entirety. This chapter continues the covenant which began in the previous chapter. (See: covenant)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Built an altar

Abram would have built an altar in order to offer sacrifices to Yahweh. There is an implicit understanding that building an altar was an act of worship.

Genesis 13:1

went up from

"left" or "departed from"

went into the Negev

The Negev was a desert region in southern Canaan, east of Egypt. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "went back to the Negev desert"

Genesis 13:2

Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold

"Abram had many livestock, much silver, and much gold"

Genesis 13:3

He continued on his journey

Abram and his family traveled by stages, going from place to place. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "They continued on their journey"

to the place where his tent had been before

Translators may add a footnote that says "See Genesis 12:8." The time of his travel can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "to the place where he had set up his tent before he went to Egypt"

Genesis 13:4

called on the name of Yahweh

"prayed in the name of Yahweh" or "worshiped Yahweh." See how you translated this in Genesis 12:8.

Genesis 13:5

Now

This word is used to show what follows is background information to help the reader understand the events that follow.

Genesis 13:6

The land was not able to support them

There was not enough grazing land and water for all their animals.

their possessions

This includes livestock, which need pasture and water.

could not stay together

"could not live together"

Genesis 13:7

The Canaanites and the Perizzites were living in the land at that time

This is another reason that the land could not support them all.

Genesis 13:8

Let there be no strife between you and me

"Let's not quarrel"

strife

arguments or fights

between your herdsmen and my herdsmen

"let's stop the men who take care of our animals from quarreling"

after all, we are family

"because we are family"

family

"kinsmen" or "relatives." Lot was Abraham's nephew.

Genesis 13:9

Is not the whole land before you?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a positive statement. Alternate translation: "The whole land is available for you to use."

Go ahead and separate yourself from me

Abraham was speaking kindly to Lot and encouraging him to do something that would help them both. "Let's separate."

If you go to the left, then I will go to the right

Possible meanings are 1) "If you go one way, then I will go the other" or 2) "If you go to the north, I will go to the south." Abram let Lot choose the part of the land he wanted, and Abram would take what remained.

Genesis 13:10

the whole plain of the Jordan

This refers to the general region of the Jordan River.

was well watered

"had much water"

like the garden of Yahweh, like the land of Egypt

"like the garden of Yahweh or like the land of Egypt." These were two different places.

the garden of Yahweh

This is another name for the garden of Eden.

garden

Use the same word for "garden" as you used in Genesis 2:8.

This was before Yahweh destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah

This anticipates something that would happen later. It is important here because it explains why Lot settled in a region that later was not fertile.

Genesis 13:11

the relatives

"the kinsmen" or "the families." This refers to Lot and Abram with their households.

Genesis 13:12

Abram lived

"Abram made his home" or "Abram stayed"

the land of Canaan

"the land of the Canaanites"

He set up his tents as far away as Sodom

Possible meanings are 1) "He set up his tents near Sodom" or 2) "He moved his tents around in an area that reached all the way to Sodom."

Genesis 13:13

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Genesis 13:14

after Lot had departed from him

"after Lot left Abraham"

Genesis 13:15

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Genesis 13:16

I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth

This is a simile. God is saying that he will give Abram very many descendants.

Genesis 13:17

walk through the length and breadth of the land

"walk around all over the whole land"

Genesis 13:18

Mamre

This was the name of the man who owned the oak trees.

Hebron

This is the name of a place.

an altar to Yahweh

"an altar for worshiping Yahweh"

Chapter 14

Genesis 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. ULB does this with the poetry in 14:19-20.

Special concepts in this chapter

Names of places

Sometimes the names of places in Scripture are referred to by the name used during the time of the writer. For example, the location referred to as Dan was not yet known by that name because Dan had not yet come to live there. Moses, the author of Genesis, would have known this location as Dan.

Melchizedek

Melchizedek was both a priest and a king. Because of this, he parallels the roles of Jesus. Melchizedek is an important figure in the book of Hebrews. (See: priest)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

God Most High

Melchizedek worshiped the God Most High. This is probably a reference to the true and only God who created the heavens and the earth and came to be known as Yahweh. (See: heaven)

Genesis 14:1

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

in the days of

"in the time of"

Amraphel ... Arioch ... Kedorlaomer ... Tidal

These are names of men.

Shinar ... Ellasar ... Elam ... Goyim

These are names of places. See how you translated "Shinar" in Genesis 10:10

Genesis 14:2

they made war

"they went to war" or "they started a war" or "they prepared for war"

Genesis 14:3

These latter five kings joined together

The information that their armies were with them can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "These latter five kings and their armies joined together"

Genesis 14:4

Twelve years they had served

The events in verses 4-7 happened before verse 3. Your language may have a way of showing this.

they had served Kedorlaomer

They probably had to pay him taxes and serve in his army. Alternate translation: "they had been under the control of Kedorlaomer"

they rebelled

"they refused to serve him" or "they stopped serving him"

Genesis 14:5

came and attacked

They did this because the other kings rebelled.

the Rephaim ... the Zuzites ... the Emites

These are the names of people groups.

Ashteroth Karnaim ... Ham ... Shaveh Kiriathaim

These are the names of places.

Ham

This name in Hebrew is different from the name of Noah's son, which is spelled the same way in English.

Genesis 14:6

the Horites

This is the name of a people group.

Seir ... El Paran

These are the names of places.

El Paran, which is near the desert

This phrase helps readers understand where El Paran was. It can be translated as a separate sentence if necessary. Alternate translation: "El Paran. El Paran is near the desert"

Genesis 14:7

General Information:

Verses 8 and 9 repeats what was said in Genesis 14:3 and continues to tell what happened when the kings came together to fight.

they turned and came

The word "they" refers to the four foreign kings who were attacking the region of Canaan. Their names were Amraphel, Arioch, Chedorlaomer, and Tidal. Alternate translation: "they turned and went"

the Amorites who lived in Hazezon Tamar

This phrase tells which Amorite people were defeated. There were other Amorite people who lived in other places.

Genesis 14:8

the king of Bela (also called Zoar)

The city of Bela was also called Zoar. This information could also be put at the end of the sentence. "the king of Bela went out and prepared for battle. Bela is also called Zoar."

prepared for battle

"joined battle" or "drew up battle lines." Some translators may need to also say that the armies fought, as the UDB does in verse 9.

Genesis 14:9

four kings against the five

Since the five kings were listed first, some languages might prefer to translate this as "five kings against four."

Genesis 14:10

Now

This word introduces background information about the valley of Siddim. Your language may have another way of introducing background information.

was full of tar pits

"had many tar pits." These were holes in the ground that had tar in them.

tar

a thick, sticky, black liquid that comes up from the ground. See how this is translated in Genesis 11:3.

the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah

Here the kings represent themselves and their armies. Alternate translation: the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah and their armies"

they fell in there

Possible meanings are 1) some of their soldiers fell in the tar pits or 2) the kings themselves fell in the tar pits. Since [Genesis 14:17]

Those who were left

"Those who did not die in battle and did not fall in the pits"

Genesis 14:11

the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah

The words "Sodom" and "Gomorrah" are metonyms for the people who lived in those cities. Alternate translation: "the wealth of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah" or "the property of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah"

their provisions

"their food and drink"

went their way

"they went away"

Genesis 14:12

they also took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who was living in Sodom, along with all his possessions

The phrases "Abram's brother's son" and "who was living in Sodom" remind the reader of things that were written earlier about Lot. Alternate translation: "they also took Lot, along with all his possessions. Lot was Abram's brother's son and was living in Sodom at that time"

Genesis 14:13

One who had escaped came

"A man escaped from the battle and came"

He was living

"Abram was living." This introduces background information.

were all allies of Abram

"were treaty-partners with Abram" or "had a peace agreement with Abram"

Genesis 14:14

his relative

This is a reference to Abram's nephew Lot.

318 trained men

"three hundred and eighteen trained men"

trained men

"men who were trained to fight"

men who had been born in his house

"men who were born in Abram's household." They were children of Abram's servants.

pursued them

"chased them"

Dan

This is a city in the far north of Canaan, far from Abram's camp.

Genesis 14:15

He divided his men against them at night, he and his servants, and

This elliptical statement probably refers to a battle strategy. Alternate translation: "At night Abram divided his men—he attacked them from one side and his servants attacked them from another—and"

servants

"men of war." They served him by fighting for him.

Genesis 14:16

all the possessions

This refers to the things that the enemies had stolen from the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

his goods

"Lot's property that the enemies had stolen from Lot"

as well as the women and the other people

"as well as the women and other people that the four kings had captured"

Genesis 14:17

returned

The implied information about where he was returning to can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "returned to where he was living"

Genesis 14:18

Melchizedek, king of Salem

This is the first time this king is mentioned.

bread and wine

People commonly ate bread and wine. See how you translated "bread" in Genesis 3:19 and "wine" in Genesis 9:21.

Genesis 14:19

He blessed him

King Melchizedek blessed Abram.

Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May God Most High, the Creator of heaven and earth, bless Abram"

heaven

This refers to the place where God lives.

Genesis 14:20

God Most High, who has given

"God Most High, because he has given." The phrase starting with "who has given" tells us something more about God Most High.

Blessed be God Most High

This is a way of praising God. See how you translated "blessed be" in Genesis 9:26.

into your hand

"into your control" or "into your power"

Genesis 14:21

Give me the people

The phrase "the people" may refer to the people of Sodom that the enemies had captured. Abram rescued them when he rescued Lot.

Genesis 14:22

I have lifted up my hand

This means "I have taken an oath" or "I have made a promise."

Genesis 14:23

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Genesis 14:24

I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten

This double negative emphasizes that what the young men have eaten is all that Abram would take. Alternate translation: "I will take from you only what my young men have eaten."

what the young men have eaten

It seems that Abram's soldiers had eaten some of the supplies during the journey back to Sodom after the battle.

the share of the men that went with me

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "the share of the recovered property that belongs to the men who helped me get it back"

Aner, Eshkol, and Mamre

These are the allies of Abram (Genesis 14:13). Because they were Abram's allies they fought battles alongside him. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "my allies Aner, Eshkol, and Mamre"

Chapter 15

Genesis 15 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Inheritance

In the ancient Near East, a person's children inherited the property and land of their parents. Abram doubted the fulfillment of God's covenant because he did not have any children to whom to give his land. This showed a lack of faith. (See: inherit and fulfill,covenant and faith)

Fulfilling a promise

In the ancient Near East, two people performed a similar sacrifice by dividing animals in half. It was a way to say to the other person, "may this happen to me if I do not fulfill my promise." The event recorded here indicates that God will fulfill his promise and only he is responsible for bringing it about. (See: fulfill and promise)

God's covenant with Abram

God made a covenant with Abram. This covenant was not conditioned upon anything that Abram needed to do, but the fulfillment of its promises is conditioned upon the actions of each generation of his descendants. This covenant has not yet been fulfilled in its entirety.

Genesis 15:1

After these things

"These things" refers to when the kings fought and Abram rescued Lot.

the word of Yahweh came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Fear

The idiom "the word of Yahweh came to" is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: "Yahweh gave a message to Abram in a vision. He said, 'Fear" or "Yahweh spoke this message to Abram in a vision: 'Fear"

shield ... reward

God used these two metaphors to tell Abram about his character and his relationship to Abram.

I am your shield

Soldiers use a shield to protect themselves from their enemies. Alternate translation: "I will protect you like shield" or "I am your shield to protect you"

I am ... your very great reward

Possible meanings are 1) "I myself will be all that you need" or 2) "I will give you all you need."

reward

the result of a person's actions. This seems to be a metonym for the gracious blessing God would give Abram.

Genesis 15:2

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Genesis 15:3

Abram said, "Since you have given me

"Abram continued speaking and said, 'Since you have given me'"

Genesis 15:4

Then, behold

The word "behold" emphasizes the fact that the word of Yahweh came to Abraham again.

the word of Yahweh came to him, saying, "This

The idiom "The word of Yahweh came to" is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this idiom in [Genesis 15:1]

This man

This refers to Eliezer of Damascus.

the one who will come from your own body

"the one that you will father" or "your very own son." Abram's own son would become his heir.

Genesis 15:5

number the stars

"count the stars"

So will your descendants be

Just as Abram would not be able to count all the stars, he would not be able to count all his descendants because there would be so many.

Genesis 15:6

He believed Yahweh

This means he accepted and trusted what Yahweh said was true.

he counted it to him as righteousness

"Yahweh counted Abram's belief as righteousness" or "Yahweh considered Abram righteous because Abram believed him"

Genesis 15:7

I am Yahweh, who brought you out of Ur

Yahweh was reminding Abraham of what he had already done so that Abraham would know that Yahweh had the power to give Abram what he promised him.

to inherit it

"to receive it" or "so that you will possess it"

Genesis 15:8

how will I know

Abram was asking for more proof that Yahweh would give him the land.

Genesis 15:9

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Genesis 15:10

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Genesis 15:11

the carcasses

"the dead bodies of the animals and birds"

Abram drove them away

"Abram chased the birds away." He made sure the birds did not eat the dead animals.

Genesis 15:12

Abram fell sound asleep

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Abraham slept deeply"

a deep and terrifying darkness

"an extreme darkness that terrified him"

overwhelmed him

"surrounded him"

Genesis 15:13

strangers

people who are at home in one place but have to live in another place

will be enslaved and oppressed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the owners of that land will enslave your descendants and oppress them"

Genesis 15:14

General Information:

Yahweh continued to speak to Abram while Abram dreamed.

I will judge

Here "judge" is a metonym for what will happen after God makes the judgment. Alternate translation: "I will punish"

that they will serve

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "that your descendants will serve"

abundant possessions

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "many possessions" or "great wealth"

Genesis 15:15

you will go to your fathers

This is a polite way of saying "you will die."

fathers

The word "fathers" is a synecdoche for all ancestors. Alternate translation: "ancestors" or "ancestral fathers"

you will be buried in a good old age

"you will be very old when you die and your family buries your body"

Genesis 15:16

In the fourth generation

Here one generation refers to a lifespan of 100 years. "After four hundred years"

they will come here again

"your descendants will come back here." Abraham's descendants would come to the land where Abram was then living, the land that Yahweh had promised to give to him.

has not yet reached its limit

"is not yet complete" or "will get much worse before I punish them"

Genesis 15:17

behold

The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

a smoking firepot and a flaming torch passed between the pieces

God did this to show Abram that he was making a covenant with him.

passed between the pieces

"passed through between the two rows of animal pieces"

Genesis 15:18

covenant

In this covenant God promises to bless Abram, and he will continue to bless him as long as Abram follows him.

I hereby give this land

By saying this, God was giving the land to Abram's descendants. God was doing this then, but the descendants would not go into the land until many years later.

Genesis 15:19

the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites

These are the names of groups of people who lived in that land. God would allow Abraham's descendants to conquer these people and take their land.

Genesis 15:20

the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaites

These are the names of groups of people who lived in that land. God would allow Abraham's descendants to conquer these people and take their land.

Genesis 15:21

the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites

These are the names of groups of people who lived in that land. God would allow Abraham's descendants to conquer these people and take their land.

Chapter 16

Genesis 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 16:11-12.

Special concepts in this chapter

Plural marriage

Abram married Hagar while he was also married to Sarai. Even though Abram had his wife's permission, this was an immoral and sinful action. It also showed a lack of faith in God. Sarai quickly became jealous of Hagar.

Genesis 16:1

Now

This word is used in English to introduce a new part of the story and background information about Sarai.

female servant

"slave-girl." This type of slave would serve the woman of the household.

Genesis 16:2

See now, Yahweh

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: Yahweh" See how you translated similar words in Genesis 12:11.

from having children

"from giving birth to children"

Please go to my servant

This is a polite way of telling him to have sexual relations with her servant. You may need to use another euphemism in your language. Alternate translation: "Please have sexual relations with my servant" or "Please lie with my servant"

I will have children by her

"I will build my family through her"

Abram listened to the voice of Sarai

"Abram did what Sarai said"

Genesis 16:3

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Genesis 16:4

So he went to Hagar

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with Hagar. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Genesis 16:2]

she looked with contempt on her mistress

"she despised her mistress" or "she thought that she was more valuable than her mistress"

her mistress

Here this refers to Sarai. A mistress has authority over her slave. Alternate translation: "her owner" or "Sarai"

Genesis 16:5

This wrong on me

"This injustice against me"

is because of you

"is your responsibility" or "is your fault"

I gave my servant woman into your embrace

Sarai used the word "embrace" here to refer to him sleeping with her. Alternate translation: "I gave you my servant so that you would sleep with her"

I was despised in her eyes

This can be active. Alternate translation: "she hated me" or "she began to hate me" or "she thought she was better than me"

Let Yahweh judge between me and you

"I want Yahweh to say whether this is my fault or your fault" or "I want Yahweh to decide which one of us is right." The phrase "to judge between" means to decide which person is right in a dispute between them.

Genesis 16:6

See here

"Listen to me" or "Pay attention"

in your power

"under your authority"

Sarai dealt harshly with her

"Sarai treated Hagar very badly"

she fled from her

"Hagar fled from Sarai"

Genesis 16:7

The angel of Yahweh

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh made himself look like an angel or 2) this was one of Yahweh's angels or 3) this was a special messenger from God (some scholars think it was Jesus). Since the phrase is not well understood, it is best to simply translate it as "the angel of Yahweh" using the normal word that you use for "angel."

wilderness

The wilderness area she went to was a desert. Alternate translation: "desert"

Shur

This was the name of a place south of Canaan and east of Egypt.

Genesis 16:8

my mistress

Here this refers to Sarai. A mistress has authority over her slave. See how "her mistress" is translated in Genesis 16:4. Alternate translation: "my owner"

Genesis 16:9

The angel of Yahweh said to her

"The angel of Yahweh said to Hagar"

your mistress

Sarai. See how "her mistress" is translated in Genesis 16:4.

Genesis 16:10

the angel of Yahweh

See the note about this phrase in Genesis 16:7.

the angel of Yahweh said to her, "I

When he said "I," he was referring to Yahweh. When translating what is in the quote, do it as the angel of Yahweh did and use the word "I" when referring to Yahweh.

I will greatly multiply your descendants

"I will give you very many descendants"

too numerous to count

"so many that no one will be able to count them"

Genesis 16:11

The angel of Yahweh

See the note about this phrase in Genesis 16:7.

Behold

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention"

bear a son

"give birth to a son"

you will call his name

"you will name him." The word "you" refers to Hagar.

Ishmael, because Yahweh has heard

Translators may add a footnote that says "The name 'Ishmael' means 'God has heard.'"

affliction

She has been afflicted by distress and suffering.

Genesis 16:12

He will be a wild donkey of a man

This was not an insult. It may mean that Ishmael would be independent and strong like a wild donkey. Alternate translation: "He will be like a wild donkey among men"

He will be hostile against every man

"He will be every man's enemy"

every man will be hostile to him

"everyone will be his enemy"

he will live apart from

This can also mean "he will live in hostility with."

his brothers

"his relatives" or "the other members of his family"

Genesis 16:13

Yahweh who spoke to her

"Yahweh, because he spoke to her"

Do I really continue to see, ... me?

Hagar used this rhetorical question to express her amazement that she was still alive even after she met God. People expected that if they met God, they would die. Here seeing represents living. Alternate translation: "I am surprised that I am still alive, ... me."

Genesis 16:14

Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi

Translators may add a footnote that says "Beer Lahai Roi means 'the well of the living one who sees me.'"

behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered

The word "behold" here draws attention to the fact that the well was in a place that the author and his readers knew. Alternate translation: "in fact, it is between Kadesh and Bered"

Genesis 16:15

Hagar gave birth

Hagar's return to Sarai and Abram is implict. You can make this more explicit. Alternate translation: "So Hagar went back and gave birth"

named his son, whom Hagar bore

"named his son by Hagar" or "named his and Hagar's son"

Genesis 16:16

Abram was

This introduces background information about Abram's age when these things happened. Your language may have a special way to mark background information.

bore Ishmael to Abram

This means "gave birth to Abram's son, Ishmael." The focus is on Abram having a son.

Chapter 17

Genesis 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

"The father of a multitude of nations"

Abram came to have many descendants. He had so many descendants that many of his immediate descendants became large people groups and nations.

God's covenant with Abram

God made a covenant with Abram. This covenant was not conditioned upon anything that Abram needed to do, but the fulfillment of its promises is conditioned upon the actions of each generation of his descendants. It has not yet been fulfilled in its entirety. It is important to note in this chapter that Isaac is the son who receives the promises associated with the covenant and not Ishmael. (See: covenant and fulfill and promise)

Circumcision

Circumcision was an unusual practice in the ancient Near East. It served to separate the Hebrew people from the rest of the world. This chapter records the beginning of this practice among Abram and his descendants. (See: circumcise)

Name change

In this chapter, God changed Abram's name to "Abraham." In Scripture, a change in name always occurs at a highly significant point in a person's life. The beginning of the practice of circumcision was a significant event in the history of the Hebrew people.

Genesis 17:1

When Abram was ninety-nine years old

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

God Almighty

"the all-powerful God" or "the God who has all power"

Walk before me

Walking is a metaphor for living, and "before me" or "in my presence" here is a metaphor for obedience. Alternate translation: "Live the way I want you to" or "Obey me"

Genesis 17:2

Then I will confirm

"If you do this, then I will confirm"

I will confirm my covenant

"I will give my covenant" or "I will make my covenant"

covenant

In this covenant God promises to bless Abram, but he also requires Abram to obey him.

multiply you exceedingly

Here "multiply you" is an idiom that means he will give him more descendants. Alternate translation: "greatly increase the number of your descendants" or "give you very many descendants"

Genesis 17:3

Abram bowed low with his face to the ground

"Abram threw himself face down on the ground" or "Abraham immediately lay down with his face to the ground." He did this to show that he respected God and would obey him.

Genesis 17:4

As for me

God used this phrase to introduce what he would do for Abram as part of his covenant with Abram.

behold, my covenant is with you

The word "behold" here says that what comes next is certain: "my covenant is certainly with you."

the father of a multitude of nations

"the father of a great number of nations" or "the one after whom many nations name themselves"

Genesis 17:5

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Genesis 17:6

I will make you exceedingly fruitful

"I will cause you to have very many descendants"

I will make nations of you

"I will cause your descendants to become nations"

kings will descend from you

"among your descendants there will be kings" or "some of your descendants will be kings"

Genesis 17:7

General Information:

God continues speaking to Abraham.

throughout their generations

"for each generation"

for an everlasting covenant

"as a covenant that will last forever"

to be God to you and to your descendants after you

"to be your God and your descendants' God" or "covenant"

Genesis 17:8

Canaan, for an everlasting possession

"Canaan, as an everlasting possession" or "Canaan, to possess forever"

Genesis 17:9

As for you

God uses this phrase to introduce what Abram would have to do as part of God's covenant with him.

keep my covenant

"observe my covenant" or "honor my covenant" or "obey my covenant"

Genesis 17:10

This is my covenant

"This is a requirement of my covenant" or "This is part of my covenant." This sentence introduces the part of the covenant that Abram must do.

Every male among you must be circumcised

This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "You must circumcise every male among you"

Every male

This refers to human males.

Genesis 17:11

You must be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin

Some communities may prefer a less descriptive expression such as "You must be circumcised." If your translation of "be circumcised" already includes the word for "foreskin", you do not need to repeat it. This can be made active. Alternate translation: "You must circumcise every male among you"

the sign of the covenant

"the sign that shows that the covenant exists"

the sign

Possible meanings are 1) "the sign" or 2) "a sign." The first means that there was one sign, and the second means that there may have been more than one sign. Here the word "sign" means a reminder of something that God had promised.

Genesis 17:12

General Information:

God continues speaking to Abraham.

Every male

"Every human male"

throughout your people's generations

"in every generation"

him who is bought with money

This refers to slaves. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "any male that you buy"

Genesis 17:13

my covenant will be in your flesh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will mark my covenant in your flesh"

for an everlasting covenant

"as a permanent covenant." Because it was marked in flesh, no one could easily erase it.

Genesis 17:14

uncircumcised male who is not circumcised

This can be stated in active form, and you may leave out words that will give wrong meaning in your language. Alternate translation: "male whom you have not circumcised"

Any uncircumcised male ... foreskin will be cut off from his people

Possible meanings are 1) "I will cut off any uncircumcised male ... foreskin from his people" or 2) "I want you to cut off any uncircumcised male ... foreskin from his people."

cut off from his people

Possible meanings are 1) "killed" or 2) "sent away from the community."

He has broken my covenant

"He has not obeyed the rules of my covenant." This is the reason that he would be cut off from his people.

Genesis 17:15

As for Sarai

The words "As for" introduce the next person God talks about.

Genesis 17:16

I will give you a son by her

"I will make her bear a son for you"

she will become the mother of nations

"she will be the ancestor of many nations" or "her descendants will become nations"

Kings of peoples will come from her

"Kings of peoples will descend from her" or "Some of her descendants will be kings of peoples"

Genesis 17:17

said in his heart

"thought to himself" or "said to himself silently"

Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old?

Abraham used this rhetorical question because he did not believe that this could happen. Alternate translation: "Surely a man who is a hundred years old cannot father a child!"

How can Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a son?

Again Abraham used a rhetorical question because he did not believe this could happen. The phrase "who is ninety years old" tells why Abraham did not believe that Sarah could bear a son. Alternate translation: "Sarah is ninety years old. Could she bear a son?" or "Sarah is ninety years old. Surely she could not bear a son!"

Genesis 17:18

Oh that Ishmael might live before you

"Please let Ishmael inherit the covenant that you have made with me" or "Perhaps Ishmael could receive your covenant blessing." Abraham suggested something that he believed really could happen.

Genesis 17:19

No, but Sarah your wife will bear

God said this to correct Abraham's belief that Sarah could not have a son.

you must name him

The word "you" refers to Abraham.

Genesis 17:20

As for Ishmael

The words "As for" show that God is switching from talking about the baby that would be born to talking about Ishmael.

Behold

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

will make him fruitful

This is an idiom that means "will cause him to have many children."

will multiply him abundantly

"I will cause him to have many descendants"

princes

"chiefs" or "rulers." Ishmael's twelve sons are different from the twelve sons of Jacob who were the fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Genesis 17:21

But my covenant I will establish with Isaac

God returns to talking about his covenant with Abraham and emphasizes that he would fulfill his promise with Isaac, not with Ishmael.

Genesis 17:22

When he had finished talking with him

"When God had finished talking with Abraham"

God went up from Abraham

"God left Abraham"

Genesis 17:23

every male among the men of Abraham's household

"every human male in Abraham's household" or "every male person in Abraham's household." It refers to human males of all ages: babies, boys, and men.

Genesis 17:24

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Genesis 17:25

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Genesis 17:26

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Genesis 17:27

including those born into the household and those bought with money from a foreigner

"This includes those who were born in his household and those he had bought from foreigners"

those bought with money from a foreigner

This refers to servants or slaves.

those bought

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom he had bought"

Chapter 18

Genesis 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Three men

The three men who visited Abraham were probably angels. This is evident from Abraham's reaction to them. Also, it appears Abraham knew that he was speaking directly to Yahweh through these men.

Disbelief

When Sarah heard the news that she was going to have a baby, she laughed in disbelief because she was considered too old to have a baby. She also asked a rhetorical question in order to further show her disbelief. This would have been considered an insult to God.

In his exchange with God, Abraham did not show any sign of unbelief. Instead, he is asking God for mercy because he trusted in the character of God. He does not question God's power to accomplish things as Sarah had done. (See: trust)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Sarah's age

It should be apparent that Sarah was physically no longer able to have children because of her age. There is a natural period in a woman's life when she stops being able to have children. The text assumes the reader understands that Sarah has already experienced this event. In English, this is called "menopause."

Genesis 18:1

Mamre

This was the name of the man who owned the oak trees.

in the tent doorway

"at the opening of the tent" or "at the entrance of the tent"

heat of the day

"hottest time of day"

Genesis 18:2

He looked up and, behold, he saw three men standing

"He looked up and saw, and behold, three men were standing"

behold, he saw

"he was surprised because he saw"

across from him

"nearby" or "there." They were near him, but far enough away for him to run to them.

bowed

This means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.

Genesis 18:3

Lord

This is a title of respect. Possible meanings are 1) Abraham knew that one of these men was God or 2) Abraham knew that these men came on behalf of God.

if I have found favor in your sight

Here "found favor" is an idiom that means be approved of or that the Lord is pleased with him, and "your sight" is a metaphor representing the Lord's evaluation. Alternate translation: "if you have evaluated me and approve" or "if you are pleased with me"

in your sight

Abraham is speaking to one of the men.

do not pass by

"please do not keep on going past"

your servant

"me." Abraham refers to himself this way in order to show respect to his guest.

Genesis 18:4

Let a little water be brought

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let me bring you some water" or "My servant will bring you some water"

a little water

"some water." Saying "little" was a polite way of showing generosity. Abraham would give them more than enough water.

wash your feet

This custom helped tired travelers to refresh themselves after walking long distances.

Genesis 18:5

a little food

"some food." Saying "little" was a polite way of showing generosity. Abraham would give them more than enough food.

your ... you

Abraham speaks to all three of the men, so "you" and "your" are plural.

Genesis 18:6

three seahs

about 22 liters

bread

This bread was probably cooked quickly on a hot stone. It may have been flat or round like small loaves or rolls.

Genesis 18:7

he hurried

"the servant hurried"

to prepare it

"to cut it up and roast it"

Genesis 18:8

curds

This refers to the solid part of fermented milk. It may have been yogurt or cheese.

the calf that had been prepared

"the roasted calf"

before them

"before the three visitors"

Genesis 18:9

They said to him

"Then they said to Abraham"

Genesis 18:10

He said, "I will certainly return to you

The word "He" refers to the man whom Abraham called "Lord" in Genesis 18:3.

in the springtime

"when this same season comes next year" or "about this time next year"

see

The word "see" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

in the tent doorway

"at the opening of the tent" or "at the entrance of the tent"

Genesis 18:11

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Genesis 18:12

After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?

You may want to make explicit that Sarah is speaking of the pleasure of having a baby. Sarah used this rhetorical question because she did not believe that she could have a child. Alternate translation: "I am worn out and my master is old, so I cannot believe that I will experience the joy of having a child.""

I am worn out

"I am too old to conceive a child"

my master is old

This means "since my husband is also old."

my master

This is a title of respect that Sarah gave to her husband Abraham.

Genesis 18:13

Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really bear a child, when I am old'?

God used this rhetorical question to show that he knew what Sarah was thinking and that he was not pleased with it. He repeats Sarah's rhetorical question

Genesis 18:14

Is anything too hard for Yahweh?

"Is there anything that Yahweh cannot do?" Yahweh speaks of himself as if he were speaking of someone else to remind Abraham that he, Yahweh, is great and can do anything. Alternate translation: "There is nothing that I, Yahweh, cannot do!"

At the time appointed by me, in the spring

"At the time I have appointed, which is in the spring"

Genesis 18:15

Then Sarah denied it and said

"The Sarah denied it by saying"

He replied

"Yahweh replied"

No, you did laugh

"Yes, you did laugh." This means "No, that is not true; you did in fact laugh."

Genesis 18:16

to see them on their way

"to send them on their way" or "to say 'Farewell' to them." It was polite to go some distance with guests as they were leaving.

Genesis 18:17

Should I hide from Abraham what I am about to do

God used this rhetorical question to say that he was going to talk to Abraham about something very important and that it was best for him to do so. Alternate translation: "I should not and will not hide from Abraham what I am about to do" or "I should and will tell Abraham what I am about to do"

Genesis 18:18

Connecting Statement:

The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Should I hide" in verse 17 ends here.

since Abraham ... in him?

The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Should I hide" in verse 17 ends here. God uses this rhetorical question to say that he was going to talk to Abraham about something very important and that it was best for him to do so. "I should not and will not hide ... since Abraham in him." or "I should and will tell ... since Abraham in him"

since ... him?

"This is because ... him"

all the nations of the earth will be blessed in him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will bless all the nations of the earth through Abraham"

will be blessed in him

"will be blessed because of Abraham" or "will be blessed because I have blessed Abraham." For translating "in him" see how you translated "through you" in Genesis 12:3.

Genesis 18:19

that he may instruct

"that he will direct" or "so that he will command"

to keep the way of Yahweh ... Yahweh may bring ... he has said

Yahweh is speaking about himself as if he were another person. Alternate translation: "to obey what I, Yahweh, require ... I, Yahweh, may bring ... I have said"

to keep the way of Yahweh

"to obey the commands of Yahweh"

to do righteousness and justice

"by doing righteousness and justice." This tells how to keep the way of Yahweh.

so that Yahweh may bring upon Abraham what he has said to him

"so that Yahweh may bless Abraham just as he said he would." This refers to the covenant promise to bless Abraham and make him a great nation.

Genesis 18:20

the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great

This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "outcry" is expressed as the verb "accuse." Alternate translation: "so many people have been accusing the people of Sodom and Gomorrah of doing evil things"

their sin is so serious

"they have sinned so much"

Genesis 18:21

I will now go down there

"I will now go down to Sodom and Gomorrah"

go down there and see

"go down there to find out" or "go down there to decide"

see the outcry ... that has come to me

Yahweh speaks as if he knew about this matter because he had heard the cries and accusations coming from the people who had suffered. This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "outcry" is expressed as the verb "accuse." Alternate translation: "as wicked as those who are accusing them say that they are"

If not

"If they are not as wicked as the outcry suggests"

Genesis 18:22

turned from there

"went out from Abraham's camp"

Abraham remained standing before Yahweh

"Abraham and Yahweh remained together"

Genesis 18:23

approached and said

"approached Yahweh and said" or "stepped closer to Yahweh and said"

sweep away

Abraham speaks of destroying people as if it were sweeping dirt with a broom. Alternate translation: "destroy"

the righteous with the wicked

"the righteous people with the wicked people"

Genesis 18:24

General Information:

Abraham continues talking to Yahweh.

Perhaps there are

"Suppose there are"

Will you sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous that are there?

Abraham was hoping that Yahweh would say, "I will not sweep it away." Alternate translation: "I think you would not sweep it away. Instead, you would spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous that are there"

sweep it away

"destroy it." Abraham speaks of destroying people as if it were sweeping dirt with a broom. Alternate translation: "destroy the people who live there"

not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous that are there?

Abraham was hoping that God would say "I will spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people there."

spare the place

"let the people live"

for the sake of

"because of"

Genesis 18:25

Far be it from you to do such a thing

Here "Far be it from you" is an idiom that means the person should never do something like that. Alternate translation: "I would never want you to do something like that" or "You should not want to do something like that"

such a thing, killing

"such a thing as killing" or "such a thing, that is, killing"

the righteous should be treated the same as the wicked

This can be stated in active from. Alternate translation: "you should treat the righteous the same way you treat the wicked"

Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?

Abraham used this rhetorical question to say what he expected God to do. Alternate translation: "The Judge of all the earth will certainly do what is just!" or "Since you are the Judge of all the earth, you will surely do what is right!"

Judge

God is often referred to as a judge because he is the one perfect judge who makes the final decisions about what is right or wrong.

Genesis 18:26

General Information:

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Genesis 18:27

See now, I

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: I" See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 12:11.

I have undertaken to speak

"Pardon me for being so bold as to speak to you" or "Excuse me for daring to speak"

to my Lord

Abraham shows his respect to Yahweh by speaking to Yahweh as if he were speaking to someone else. Alternate translation: "to you, my Lord"

only dust and ashes

This metaphor describes Abraham as a human being, who will die and whose body will turn into to dust and ashes. Alternate translation: "only a mortal man" or "as unimportant as dust and ashes"

Genesis 18:28

five less than fifty righteous

"only forty-five righteous people"

for lack of five

"if there are five fewer righteous people"

I will not destroy it

"I will not destroy Sodom"

Genesis 18:29

He spoke to him

"Abraham spoke to Yahweh"

if there are forty found there

This can be translated in active form. You may have to fill in the ellipsis, "righteous people." Alternate translation: "if you find forty righteous people there"

for the forty's sake

"for the sake of the forty" or "if I find forty there." You may have to fill in the ellipsis, "righteous people." Alternate translation: "for the sake of the forty righteous people" or "if I find forty righteous people there"

He replied

"Yahweh answered"

I will not do it for the forty's sake

"I will not destroy the cities if I find forty righteous people there"

Genesis 18:30

thirty will be found there

This can be translated in active form. You may have to fill in the ellipsis, "righteous people." Alternate translation: "you will find thirty righteous people there"

Genesis 18:31

See now, I

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: I" See how you translated similar words in Genesis 12:11.

I have undertaken to speak

"Pardon me for being so bold as to speak to you" or "Excuse me for daring to speak." See how this is translated in Genesis 18:27.

twenty will be found there

This can be translated in active form. You may have to fill in the ellipsis, "righteous people." Alternate translation: "you will find twenty righteous people there"

for the twenty's sake

"for the sake of the twenty" or "if I find twenty there." You may have to fill in the ellipsis, "righteous people." Alternate translation: "for the sake of the twenty righteous people" or "if I find twenty righteous people there"

Genesis 18:32

Perhaps ten will be found there

"Perhaps you will find ten righteous people there"

Perhaps ten

"Perhaps ten righteous people" or "ten good people"

Then he said

"And Yahweh answered"

for the ten's sake

"if I find ten righteous people there"

Genesis 18:33

Yahweh went on his way

Here "went on his way" is an idiom that means he left, or he continued his journey. Yahweh appeared to Abraham in human form as a traveler. Alternate translation: "Yahweh departed" or "Yahweh continued on his journey"

Chapter 19

Genesis 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The evil desires of the Sodomites

The men of Sodom desired to forcibly have sexual relations with the angels who came to the city appearing as men. Such action is known as "rape." Their desire was viewed as especially evil because Lot was obligated to protect his guests at all costs, even that of sacrificing his own children for his guests. (See: evil)

Hospitality

Hospitality, or being kind to a visitor, was very important in the Ancient Near East. Lot showed his guests loyalty by doing his utmost to protect them from the people of Sodom.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Contrasts

It is probable that Abraham's faith and actions in chapter 18 are intended to contrast with the actions of the worldly Sodomites. (See: faith)

Genesis 19:1

The two angels

The two men who have gone to Sodom (Genesis 18:22) are really angels.

the gate of Sodom

"the entrance to the city of Sodom." The city had a wall around it, and people had to go through a gate to get into it. This was a very important place in a city. Important people often spent time there.

bowed down with his face to the ground

He put his knees on the ground then touched his forehead and nose to the ground.

Genesis 19:2

See now, my masters

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: my masters" See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 12:11.

my masters

This was a term of respect Lot used for the angels.

please turn aside into your servant's house

"Please come and stay in your servant's house"

your servant's house

Lot refers to himself as their servant in order to show them respect.

wash your feet

People liked to wash their feet after traveling.

rise up early

"wake up early"

we will spend the night

When the two angels said this, they were referring only to themselves, not to Lot. The two of them planned to spend the night in the square. Some languages would use the exclusive form of "we" here.

town square

This is a public, outdoor place in the town.

Genesis 19:3

they went with him

"they turned and went with him"

Genesis 19:4

before they lay down

"before the people in Lot's house lay down to go to sleep"

the men of the city, the men of Sodom

"the men of the city, that is, the men of Sodom" or just "the men of the city of Sodom"

the house

"Lot's house"

both young and old

"from the youngest to the oldest." This means "men of all ages" and refers to the men of Sodom who were surrounding Lot's house.

Genesis 19:5

that came in to you

"that went into your house"

that we may know them

The phrase "know them" is a polite way of saying "have sexual relations with them." The men probably were not trying to be polite.

Genesis 19:6

after himself

"behind him" or "after he went through"

Genesis 19:7

I beg you, my brothers

"I plead with you, my brothers"

my brothers

Lot spoke in a friendly way to the men of the city hoping that they would listen to him. Alternate translation: "my friends"

do not act so wickedly

"do not do something so wicked" or "do not do such a wicked thing"

Genesis 19:8

See now, I

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: I" See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 12:11.

who have not known any man

This is a polite way of saying that the daughters had not had sexual relations with any man. You may need to use another euphemism in your language. See how you translated similar words in [Genesis 4:1]

whatever is good in your eyes

"whatever you desire" or "whatever you think is right"

under the shadow of my roof

The two men were guests in Lot's home, so he needed to protect them. The word "roof" is a synecdoche for the whole house and a metaphor for Lot protecting them. Alternate translation: "into my house, and God expects me to protect them"

Genesis 19:9

Stand back!

"Step aside!" or "Get out of our way!"

This one came here to live as a foreigner

"This one came here as an outsider" or "This foreigner came to live here"

This one

"Lot." The men are speaking to each other. If this would be unclear in your language, you may have the men speak to Lot here, as in UDB.

and now

The speaker would not expect a foreigner to judge the people of that land. Alternate translation: "but even though he has no good reason to"

he has become our judge

Here "has become our judge" is an idiom that means Lot is acting as if he can tell the men what actions are right or wrong. Alternate translation: "he acts as if he has the authority to tell us what is right and what is wrong"

Now we

"Because you are telling us that what we are doing is wrong, we"

we will deal worse with you than with them

The men are angry that Lot said, "Do not act so wickedly" (Genesis 19:7), so they are threatening to act more wickedly than Lot had feared at first. Alternate translation: "we will act more wickedly with you than we will with them"

They pressed hard against the man, against Lot, and came near to break down the door

Possible meanings are 1) "They kept coming closer to the man, to Lot, until they were close enough to break down the door" or 2) they physically pushed Lot up against the wall or door of the house and were about to break the door down.

the man ... Lot

This is two ways of referring to Lot.

Genesis 19:10

But the men

"But Lot's two guests" or "But the two angels"

the men reached out their hands and brought ... them and shut

Your language may need to add that the men opened the door first. Alternate translation: 'the men opened the door far enough so they could reach out their hands and pull ... them, and then they shut"

Genesis 19:11

Lot's visitors struck with blindness the men

The phrase "struck with blindness" is a metaphor; the visitors did not physically hit the men. Alternate translation: "Lot's visitors blinded the men" or "they took away their sight"

both small and great

Possible meanings are 1) this refers to age. Alternate translation: "both the young men and the old men" or 2) this refers to status. Alternate translation: "both the unimportant men and the important men"

both small and great

This merism emphasizes that the visitors blinded all the men. Alternate translation: "men of all ages" or "men of every status"

Genesis 19:12

Then the men said

"Then the two men said" or "Then the angels said"

Do you have anyone else here?

"Are there any other members of your family in the city?" or "Do you have any other family members in this place?"

whoever you have in the city

"any other members of your family living in this city"

Genesis 19:13

we are about to destroy

The word "we" here is exclusive. Only the two angels would destroy the city; Lot would not destroy it. If your language has an exclusive form of "we," use it here.

the accusations against it before Yahweh have become so loud

This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "accusations" is expressed as a verb. See how similar words are translated in [Genesis 18:20]

Genesis 19:14

Lot went out

"So Lot left the house"

his sons-in-law, the men who had promised to marry his daughters

The phrase "the men who had promised to marry his daughters" explains what "sons-in-law" means here. Alternate translation: "the men who were going to marry his daughters" or "his daughters' fiancés"

Genesis 19:15

When dawn came

"Just before the sun came up"

Get going

"Go now"

you are not swept away in the punishment of the city

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so Yahweh does not also destroy you when he punishes the people of this city"

not swept away in the punishment

God destroying the people of the city is spoken of as if a person were sweeping away dust.

of the city

Here "city" stands for the people.

Genesis 19:16

But he lingered

"But Lot hesitated" or "But Lot did not start to leave"

So the men grabbed

"So the two men grabbed" or "So the angels grabbed"

was merciful to him

"had compassion on Lot." Yahweh is described as being "merciful" because he was sparing the lives of Lot and his family instead of destroying them when he destroyed the people of Sodom for the wrong they had done.

Genesis 19:17

When they had brought them out

"When the two men had brought Lot's family out"

Run for your lives!

This is a way of telling them to run so that they do not die. Alternate translation: "Run away and save your lives!"

Do not look back

The phrase "at the city" is understood. Alternate translation: "Do not look back at the city" or "Do not look back at Sodom"

on the plain

This means the plain of the Jordan River. This refers to the general region of the Jordan River.

so you are not swept away

It is understood that they would swept away with the people of the city. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "or else God will destroy you along with the people of the city"

not swept away

God destroying the people of the city is spoken of as if a person were sweeping away dust.

Genesis 19:18

General Information:

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Genesis 19:19

See now, your servant

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: your servant" See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 12:11.

your servant has found favor in your eyes

The phrase "found favor" is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Here "eyes" are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: "you have been pleased with me"

your servant has

Lot was showing respect by referring to himself as "your servant." Alternate translation: "I, your servant, have"

you have shown me great kindness in saving my life

The abstract noun "kindness" can be stated as "kind." Alternate translation: "you have been very kind to me by saving my life"

I cannot escape to the mountains, because the disaster will overtake me, and I will die

Being unable to get far enough away from Sodom when God destroys the city is spoken of as if "disaster" is a person that will chase and catch up with Lot. Alternate translation: "My family and I will certainly die when God destroys the people of Sodom, because the mountains are too far away for us to get there safely"

my life ... I cannot escape ... overtake me, and I will die

It is implied that Lot's family would die along with him. Alternate translation: "our lives ... we cannot escape ... overtake us, and we will die"

Genesis 19:20

See now, the city

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: the city" See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 12:11.

let me escape there—Is it not a little one?—and my life will be saved

Lot used this rhetorical question to get the angels to notice that the city really is a small one. Alternate translation: "let me escape there. You can see how small it is. If you let us go there we will live"

let me escape there

Lot's full request can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "instead of destroying that city, let me escape there"

my life will be saved

It is implied that the lives of Lot's family will be saved along with his. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that we will live" or "so that we will survive"

Genesis 19:21

I am granting this request also

"I will do what you have asked"

Genesis 19:22

cannot do anything

This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: "cannot destroy the other cities"

Zoar

Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Zoar sounds like the Hebrew word that means 'little.' Lot called this town 'little' in Genesis 19:20."

Genesis 19:23

The sun had risen upon the earth

"The sun had risen over the earth." The phrase "upon the earth" can be left implicit as it is in the UDB where it is not translated.

when Lot reached Zoar

It is implied that Lot's family is with him. Alternate translation: "when Lot and his family arrived at Zoar"

Genesis 19:24

Yahweh rained down upon Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from Yahweh out of the sky

The phrase "from Yahweh" stands for God's power to cause the sulfur and fire to fall on the city. Alternate translation: "Yahweh caused sulfur and fire to fall from the sky onto Sodom and Gomorrah"

sulfur and fire

These two words are used together to describe one object. Alternate translation: "burning sulfur" or "fiery rain"

Genesis 19:25

those cities

This refers primarily to Sodom and Gomorrah, but also to three other towns.

the inhabitants of the cities

"the people who lived in the cities"

Genesis 19:26

she became a pillar of salt

"she became like a statue of salt" or "her body became like a tall stone of salt." Because she disobeyed the angel who told them not to look back at the city, God caused her to become something like a statue made out of rock salt.

Genesis 19:27

General Information:

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Genesis 19:28

behold

The word "behold" draws attention to the surprising information that follows.

like the smoke of a furnace

This shows that it was a very large amount of smoke. Alternate translation: "like the smoke from a very large fire"

Genesis 19:29

General Information:

Verse 29 is a summary of this chapter.

God called Abraham to mind

This tells why God rescued Lot. To "call to mind" is a way of saying "remember." This does not imply that God forgot about Abraham. It means he considered Abraham and had mercy on him. Alternate translation: "God thought about Abraham and had mercy on him"

out of the midst of the destruction

"away from the destruction" or "away from danger"

Genesis 19:30

Lot went up from Zoar to live in the mountains

The phrase "went up from" is used because Lot went to a higher elevation in the mountains.

Genesis 19:31

The firstborn ... the younger

Here "firstborn" and "younger" are nominal adjectives that refer to Lot's two daughters according to their birth order. Alternate translation: "Lot's first daughter ... Lot's last daughter" or "The older daughter ... the younger daughter"

to lie with us

These words are a euphemism for sexual relations.

according to the way of all the world

Here "the world" stands for the people. Alternate translation: "as people everywhere do"

Genesis 19:32

drink wine

It can be made explicit that their goal was to get him drunk. Alternate translation: "drink wine until he gets drunk" or "get drunk with wine"

we will lie with him

To "lie with" someone is a euphemism for having sexual relations with that person. Alternate translation: "we will have sexual relations with him"

so that we may keep our family line alive through our father

This speaks about giving Lot descendants as if his family were a line that they are making longer. Alternate translation: "so that we can bear children who will be our father's descendants"

Genesis 19:33

lay with her father

This is probably a euphemism for sexual activity. Alternate translation:"had sexual relations with her father"

when she lay down

Possible meanings are 1) these words are literal, a complement to "when she got up," or 2) they are a euphemism for sexual relations. Alternate translation: "when she had sexual relations with him"

Genesis 19:34

I lay last night with my father ... lie with him

The phrase "lay with" is a euphemism meaning that she had sexual relations with her father. Alternate translation: "I had sexual relations with my father ... have sexual relations with him"

Let us make him drink wine ... family line

See how you translated these phrases in Genesis 19:32.

drink wine

It can be made explicit that their goal was to get him drunk. Alternate translation: "drink wine until he gets drunk" or "get drunk with wine"

so that we may keep our family line alive through our father

This speaks about giving Lot descendants as if his family were a line that they are making longer. Alternate translation: "so that we can bear children who will be our father's descendants"

Genesis 19:35

So they made ... or when she got up

See how you translated similar phrases in Genesis 19:33.

lay with him

This is probably a euphemism for sexual activity. Alternate translation:"had sexual relations with him"

when she lay down

Possible meanings are 1) these words are literal, a complement to "when she got up," or 2) they are a euphemism for sexual relations. See how these words are translated in Genesis 19:33. Alternate translation: "when she had sexual relations with him"

Genesis 19:36

conceived by their father

"became pregnant by their father" or "conceived children with their father"

Genesis 19:37

He became

"He is"

the Moabites of today

"the Moab people who are now living"

of today

The word "today" refers to the time when the author of Genesis was living. The author was born and wrote this many years after Lot's family lived and died.

Genesis 19:38

Ben-Ammi

This is a male name.

the people of Ammon

"the descendants of Ammon" or "the Ammon people"

Chapter 20

Genesis 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

"She is my sister"

Abraham was afraid the people of Gerar would see him as a foreigner and upon seeing his beautiful wife, they would try to kill him. This would free Sarah to marry someone else. Apparently, it would have been easy for them to kill a foreigner without punishment. If she was Abraham's sister, they would have shown favor to him. (See: and favor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Irony

Abraham believed that the people of Gerar did not fear Yahweh, but when confronted by Yahweh, the king showed that he feared Yahweh. Instead, it was Abraham who did not show any fear of Yahweh when he sinned. This is irony. (See: fear and sin)

Genesis 20:1

Shur

This is a desert region on the eastern border of Egypt.

Genesis 20:2

sent for Sarah and took her

"made his men go get Sarah and bring her to him"

Genesis 20:3

God came to Abimelek

"God appeared to Abimelek"

Behold

"pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: "

you are a dead man

This is a strong way of saying the king will die. Alternate translation: "you will certainly die soon" or "I will kill you"

a man's wife

"a married woman"

Genesis 20:4

Now ... her

This word is used here to mark a change from the story to information about Abimelech.

Abimelek had not come near her

This is a polite way of saying he did not have sex with her. Alternate translation: "Abimelek had not had sexual relations with Sarah"

even a righteous nation

Here "nation" stands for the people. Abimelech is worried that God will punish not only him, but his people also. Alternate translation: "even a people who are innocent"

Genesis 20:5

Did he not himself say to me, 'She is my sister?' Even she herself said, 'He is my brother.'

This has quotations within a quotation. They can be stated as indirect quotations. Alternate translation: "Did he himself not tell me that she is his sister? Even she herself told me that he is her brother."

Did he not himself say to me, 'She is my sister?'

Abimelech used this rhetorical question to remind God of something God already knew. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Abraham himself told me, 'She is my sister.'" or "Abraham said that she is his sister."

Did he not himself say ... Even she herself

The words "he himself" and "she herself" are used for emphasis to bring attention to Abraham and Sarah and to blame them for what happened.

I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands

Here "heart" stands for his thoughts or intentions. Also "hands" stands for his actions. Alternate translation: "I have done this with good intentions and actions" or "I have done this with no evil thoughts or actions"

Genesis 20:6

God said to him

"God said to Abimelech"

in the integrity of your heart you did this

Here "heart" stands for his thoughts or intentions. Alternate translation: "you did this with good intentions" or "you did this without evil intentions"

to touch her

This is a euphemism for having sex with Sarah. Alternate translation: "to sleep with her"

Genesis 20:7

the man's wife

"Abraham's wife"

you will live

"I will let you live"

all who are yours

"all of your people"

Genesis 20:8

He told all these things to them

"He told them everything that God had told him"

Genesis 20:9

What have you done to us?

Abimelech used this rhetorical question to accuse Abraham. Alternate translation: "You have done something bad to us!" or "Look what you have done to us!"

to us

The word "us" here is exclusive and does not include Abraham and Sarah. If your language uses an exclusive form of "we" or "us," use it here.

How have I sinned against you, that you have brought ... sin?

Abimelech used this rhetorical question to remind Abraham that he had not sinned against Abraham. Alternate translation: "I have done nothing against you to cause you to bring ... sin."

that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin

To cause someone to be guilty of sinning is spoken of as if "sin" was a thing that could be placed on a person. Alternate translation: "that you should make me and my kingdom guilty of such a terrible sin"

on my kingdom

Here "kingdom" stands for the people. Alternate translation: "on the people of my kingdom"

You have done to me deeds that ought not to be done

"You should not have done this to me"

Genesis 20:10

What prompted you to do this thing?

"What caused you to do this?" or "Why did you do this?" What Abraham did can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "Why did you tell me that Sarah is your sister?"

Genesis 20:11

Because I thought, 'Surely there is no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "Because I thought that since no one here fears God, someone may kill me so they can take my wife."

no fear of God in this place

Here "place" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "no one here in Gerar fears God"

fear of God

This means to deeply respect God and show that respect by obeying him.

Genesis 20:12

Besides, she is indeed my sister

"Also, it is true that Sarah is my sister" or "Also, Sarah really is my sister"

the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother

"we have the same father, but we have different mothers"

Genesis 20:13

General Information:

Verse 13 is a continuation of Abraham's answer to Abimelech.

my father's house

Here "house" stands for Abraham's family. Alternate translation: "my father and the rest of my family" or "my father's household"

I said to her, 'You must show me this faithfulness as my wife: At every place where we go, say about me, "He is my brother."'

This has quotations within quotations. They can be stated as indirect quotations. Alternate translation: "I said to Sarah that I wanted her to be faithful to me by telling people everywhere we go that I am her brother"

Genesis 20:14

Abimelek took

"Abimelek brought some"

Genesis 20:15

Abimelek said

"Abimelek said to Abraham"

Look

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"

my land is before you

This is a way of saying "I make all of my land available to you"

Settle wherever it pleases you

"Live wherever you want"

Genesis 20:16

a thousand

"1,000"

It is to cover any offense against you in the eyes of all who are with you

Giving money to prove to others that Sarah is innocent is spoken of as if he is placing a cover over an offense so no one can see it. Alternate translation: "I am giving this to him, so that those who are with you will know that you have done nothing wrong"

in the eyes

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "in the opinion" or "in the judgement"

before everyone, you are completely made right

The passive phrase "made right" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everyone will know that you are innocent"

Genesis 20:17

General Information:

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Genesis 20:18

closed all the wombs of the household of Abimelek

"made all the women of Abimelek's household totally unable to have children"

because of Sarah, Abraham's wife

The full meaning can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "because Abimelech had taken Abraham's wife Sarah"

Chapter 21

Genesis 21 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Sarah's anger

After Sarah was able to have her own child, and he survived infancy, she began to get angry with Abraham's other son, Ishmael. He would have been a constant reminder of her own sin. God blessed Ishmael, but he was not able to inherit the promises given to Abraham. (See: sin, inherit and promise and bless)

Abandoning Ishmael

According to the law at this time, Hagar was able to gain her freedom from slavery by abandoning any claim to receive an inheritance. This is why Hagar would have abandoned her son under the tree.

Treaty

The Gentile king, Abimelech, made a covenant or treaty with Abraham. It is possible that he did this because he recognized the power of Abraham's God, but his exact reasons are unknown. (See: covenant)

Genesis 21:1

Yahweh paid attention to Sarah

Here the phrase "paid attention to" refers to Yahweh helping Sarah have a baby. Alternate translation: "Yahweh helped Sarah"

Genesis 21:2

bore a son to Abraham

"gave birth to Abraham's son"

in his old age

"when Abraham was very old"

at the set time of which God had spoken to him

"at the exact time that God had told him it would happen"

Genesis 21:3

Abraham named his son, the one who had been born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac

"Abraham named his newborn son, the one Sarah gave birth to, Isaac" or "Abraham named their newborn son Isaac"

Genesis 21:4

Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old

"When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him"

eight days

"8 days"

had commanded him

"had commanded Abraham to do"

Genesis 21:5

one hundred

"100"

Genesis 21:6

God has made me laugh

Sarah was laughing because she was surprised and happy. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "God has caused me to laugh joyfully"

every one who hears

What people would hear can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "everyone who hears about what God has done for me"

Genesis 21:7

Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one would have ever said to Abraham that Sarah will nurse children"

nurse children

This is a polite way of referring to breast-feeding babies. Alternate translation: "feed a baby her own milk"

Genesis 21:8

The child grew and ... Isaac was weaned

"Wean" here is a polite way of saying the child was finished with breast feeding. Alternate translation: "Isaac grew, and when he no longer needed his mother's milk, Abraham had a large feast"

Genesis 21:9

the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham

The name of Hagar's son can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "Ishmael, the son of Hagar the Egyptian and Abraham"

mocking

It can be stated explicitly that he was jeering or laughing at Isaac. Alternate translation: "laughing at Isaac"

Genesis 21:10

she said to Abraham

"Sarah said to Abraham"

Drive out

"send away" or "get rid of"

this slave woman and her son

This refers to Hagar and Ishmael. Sarah probably did not refer to them by name because she was angry with them.

with my son, with Isaac

"with my son Isaac"

Genesis 21:11

This thing was very grievous to Abraham

"Abraham was very unhappy about what Sarah said"

because of his son

"because it was about his son." It is implied that this means his son, Ishmael.

Genesis 21:12

Do not be grieved because of the young man and because of your servant girl

"Do not be upset about the boy and your handmaid"

Listen to Sarah's words in all she says to you about this matter

"Do everything that Sarah says to you about them"

it is through Isaac that your descendants will be named

The phrase "will be named" means those born through Isaac are the ones God considers to be the descendants that he promised Abraham. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Isaac is the one who will be the forefather of the descendants I promised to give you"

Genesis 21:13

I will also make the son of the servant woman into a nation

The word "nation" means God will give him many descendants so that they become a great nation of people. Alternate translation: "I will make the servant woman's son also become the father of a great nation"

Genesis 21:14

took bread

These words could refer to 1) food in general or 2) bread specifically.

a skin of water

"a bag of water." The water container was made out of animal skin.

Genesis 21:15

When the water in the waterskin was gone

"When the water bag was empty" or "When they had drank all of the water"

Genesis 21:16

about the distance of a bowshot away

This refers to the distance that a person could shoot an arrow with a bow. This is about 100 meters.

Let me not look upon the death of the child

The abstract noun "death" can be stated as "die." Alternate translation: "I do not want to watch the boy die"

she lifted up her voice and wept

Here "voice" stands for the sound of her crying. To "life up her voice" means to cry loudly. Alternate translation: "she cried out loudly and wept" or "she wept loudly"

Genesis 21:17

the voice of the young man

"the young man's voice." Here "voice" stands for the sound of the young man crying or speaking. Alternate translation: "the sound of Ishmael"

the angel of God

"a messenger from God" or "God's messenger"

out of heaven

Here "heaven" means the place where God lives.

What troubles you

"What is wrong" or "Why are you crying"

the voice of the young man where he is

Here "voice" stands for the sound of the young man crying or speaking. Alternate translation: "the sound of the young man lying over there"

Genesis 21:18

raise up the young man

"help the young man stand up"

I will make him into a great nation

To make Ishmael into a great nation means God will give him many descendants who will become a great nation. Alternate translation: "I will make his descendants become a great nation" or "I will make him become the ancestor of a great nation"

Genesis 21:19

God opened her eyes, and she saw

God making Hagar aware of the well is spoken of as if he literally opened her eyes. Alternate translation: "God caused Hagar to see" or "God showed her"

the skin

"the container made of skin" or "the bag"

the young man

"the boy" or "Ishmael"

Genesis 21:20

God was with the young man

Here the phrase "was with" is an idiom that means God helped or blessed the young man. Alternate translation: "God guided the young man" or "God blessed the young man"

became an archer

"became very skilled at using a bow and arrows"

Genesis 21:21

got a wife

"found a wife"

Genesis 21:22

It came about at that time

This phrase marks the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Phicol

This is the name of a man.

captain of his army

"commander of his army"

his army

The word "his" refers to Abimelech.

God is with you in all that you do

Here the phrase "is with you" is an idiom that means God helps or blesses Abraham. Alternate translation: "God blesses everything you do"

Genesis 21:23

Now therefore

The word "Now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows. Alternate translation: "Therefore"

swear to me here by God

This is an idiom meaning to make a solemn oath witnessed by a higher authority, in this instance, God. Alternate translation: "promise me with God as your witness"

that you will not deal falsely with me

"that you will not lie to me"

will not deal falsely ... with my descendants

"will deal honestly with me and my descendants"

Show to me ... covenant faithfulness that I have shown to you

The two men had made a covenant with each other. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithful" or "loyal." Alternate translation: "Be as faithful to me and to the land as I have been to you"

to the land

Here "land" stands for the people. Alternate translation: "to the people of the land"

Genesis 21:24

I swear

This can be stated with the understood information. Alternate translation: "I swear to be as faithful to you and your people as you have been to me"

Genesis 21:25

Abraham also complained to Abimelek

Possible meanings are 1) Abraham was complaining about what happened or 2) "Abraham also rebuked Abimelek"

concerning a well of water that Abimelek's servants had seized from him

"because Abimelek's servants had taken one of Abraham's wells"

seized from him

"taken from Abraham" or "had taken control of"

Genesis 21:26

I have not heard of it until today

"This is the first time I have heard about it"

Genesis 21:27

Abraham took sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelek

This is a sign of friendship and that Abraham agrees to make covenant with Abimelek.

Genesis 21:28

Abraham set seven female lambs of the flock by themselves

"Abraham separated seven female lambs from the flock"

Genesis 21:29

What is the meaning of these seven female lambs that you have set by themselves?

"Why have you separated these seven lambs from the flock?"

Genesis 21:30

you will receive

"you will take"

from my hand

Here "hand" stands for Abraham. Alternate translation: "from me"

it may be a witness

The word "it" refers to the gift of seven lambs.

so that it may be a witness for me

The abstract noun "witness" can be stated as "to prove." Alternate translation: "to prove to everyone"

Genesis 21:31

he called that place

"Abraham called that place"

Beersheba

Translators may add a footnote saying "Beersheba can mean either "well of the oath" or "well of seven."

they both

"Abraham and Abimelech"

Genesis 21:32

Phicol

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in Genesis 21:22.

Genesis 21:33

a tamarisk tree

This is an evergreen tree that can grow in the desert. It can be stated more generally. Alternate translation: "a tree"

the eternal God

"the God who lives forever"

Genesis 21:34

many days

"for a long time"

Chapter 22

Genesis 22 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Sacrificing his son

Although Isaac was not Abraham's only son, he was the son who was to inherit Abraham's promised blessings. It is possible this parallels God's actual sacrifice of his son, Jesus, for the sins of man. (See: inherit and promise and sin)

Covenant affirmation

After important events, it is common for Scripture to affirm the tenets of a covenant. This serves as a reminder of the covenant and affirms it. (See: covenant)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

God tests Abraham

Extra care should be taken when translating "testing." It is best to avoid using the same word used for "tempting" even though they overlap in meaning. This is because Scripture also says God does not tempt anyone. (See: test and tempt and James 2:13)

Genesis 22:1

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

after these things

This phrase refers to the events in chapter 21.

God tested Abraham

It is implied that God tests Abraham to learn if Abraham will be faithful to him. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: God tested Abraham's faithfulness"

Here I am

"Yes, I am listening" or "Yes, what is it?"

Genesis 22:2

your only son

It is implied that God knows that Abraham has another son, Ishmael. This emphasizes that Isaac is the son that God promised to give Abraham. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "your only son whom I have promised"

whom you love

This emphasizes Abraham's love for his son, Isaac.

the land of Moriah

"the land called Moriah"

Genesis 22:3

saddled his donkey

"loaded his donkey" or "put on his donkey what he needed for the journey"

young men

"servants"

set out on his journey

"started his journey" or "started traveling"

Genesis 22:4

On the third day

The word "third" is the ordinal number for three. Alternate translation: "After traveling for three days"

saw the place afar off

"saw far away the place that God had spoken of"

Genesis 22:5

young men

"servants"

We will worship

The word "we" refers only to Abraham and Isaac, but not to the young men.

come again to you

"return to you"

Genesis 22:6

put it on Isaac his son

"had Isaac, his son, carry it"

He took in his own hand

Here "his own hand" emphasizes that Abraham himself carried these things. Alternate translation: "Abraham himself carried"

the fire

Here "fire" stands for a pan containing burning coals or a torch or lamp. Alternate translation: "something for starting a fire"

they went both of them together

"they left together" or "the two of them went together"

Genesis 22:7

My father

This is a loving way for a son to speak to his father.

Here I am

"Yes, I am listening" or "Yes, what is it?" See how you translated this in Genesis 22:1.

my son

This is a loving way for a father to speak to his son.

the fire

Here "fire" stands for a pan containing burning coals or a torch or lamp. See how you translated this in [Genesis 22:6]

the lamb for the burnt offering

"the lamb that you will give as a burnt offering"

Genesis 22:8

God himself

Here "himself" emphasizes that it is God who will provide the lamb.

will provide

"will give us"

Genesis 22:9

When they came to the place

"When Abraham and Isaac arrived at the place"

he bound

"he tied up"

on the altar, on top of the wood

"on top of the wood that was on the altar"

Genesis 22:10

reached out with his hand and took up the knife

"picked up the knife"

Genesis 22:11

the angel of Yahweh

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh made himself look like an angel or 2) this was one of Yahweh's angels or 3) this was a special messenger from God (some scholars think it was Jesus). Since the phrase is not well understood, it is best to simply translate it as "the angel of Yahweh" using the normal word that you use for "angel." See the note about this phrase in Genesis 16:7.

from heaven

This refers to the place where God lives.

Here I am

"Yes, I am listening" or "Yes, what is it?" See how you translated this in Genesis 22:1.

Genesis 22:12

Do not lay your hand upon the young man, nor do anything to harm him

The phrase "Do not lay your hand upon" is a way of saying "do not harm." God said basically the same thing twice to emphasize that Abraham should not hurt Isaac. Alternate translation: "Do not hurt the boy in any way"

now I know ... from me

The words "I" and "me" refer to Yahweh. When translating what is in the quote, do it as the angel of Yahweh did and use the words "I" and "me" when referring to Yahweh.

you fear God

This refers to deeply respecting God and showing that respect by obeying him.

seeing that

"because I see that"

you have not withheld your son ... from me

"you have not held back your son ... from me." or "you were willing to offer your son ... to me"

your son, your only son

It is implied that God knows that Abraham has another son, Ishmael. This emphasizes that Isaac is the son that God promised to give Abraham. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Genesis 22:2]

Genesis 22:13

behold

The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

was a ram caught in the bushes by his horns

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "was a ram whose horns were stuck in the bushes" or "was a ram stuck in the bushes"

went and took the ram

"Abraham went over to the ram and took it"

Genesis 22:14

will provide ... will be provided

Use the same word for "provide" as you used in Genesis 22:8.

to this day

"even now." This means even to the time that the author was writing this book.

it will be provided

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he will provide"

Genesis 22:15

The angel of Yahweh

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh made himself look like an angel or 2) this was one of Yahweh's angels or 3) this was a special messenger from God (some scholars think it was Jesus). Since the phrase is not well understood, it is best to simply translate it as "The angel of Yahweh" using the normal word that you use for "angel." See the note about this phrase in Genesis 16:7.

a second time

The word "second" is the ordinal number for two. Alternate translation: "again"

from heaven

Here the word "heaven" refers to the place where God lives.

Genesis 22:16

said—this is Yahweh's declaration

"spoke this message from Yahweh" or "declared these words of Yahweh." This is a formal way of saying that the words that follow come directly from Yahweh.

by myself I have sworn

"I have promised and I am my witness." To swear means to use the name of something or someone as the basis or power on which the oath is made. There is nothing more powerful for Yahweh to swear by than himself.

you have done this thing

"you obeyed me"

have not withheld your son

"have not kept back your son" or "were willing to offer your son to me"

your son, your only son

It is implied that God knows that Abraham has another son, Ishmael. This emphasizes that Isaac is the son that God promised to give Abraham. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Genesis 22:2]

Genesis 22:17

surely bless

"certainly bless"

I will greatly multiply your descendants

"I will cause your descendants to increase again and again" or "I will cause your descendants to be very many"

as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the seashore

God compared Abraham's descendants to the stars and the sand. Just as people cannot count the huge number of stars or the grains of sand, so there would be so many of Abraham's descendants that people would not be able to count them. Alternate translation: "beyond what you can count"

as the stars of the heavens

Here the word "heavens" refers to everything we see above the earth, including the sun, moon, and stars.

will possess the gate of their enemies

Here "gate" represents the whole city. To "possess the gate of their enemies" means destroying their enemies. Alternate translation: "will completely triumph over their enemies"

Genesis 22:18

General Information:

The angel of Yahweh continues speaking to Abraham.

all the nations of the earth will be blessed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I, the Lord, will bless all the people living everywhere"

nations of the earth

Here "nations" stands for the people of the nations.

you have obeyed my voice

Here "voice" stands for what God said. Alternate translation: "you have obeyed what I said" or "you have obeyed me"

Genesis 22:19

Abraham returned

Only Abraham was named because he was the father, but it was implied that his son went with him. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Abraham and his son went back"

young men

"servants"

they departed

"they left that place"

he lived at Beersheba

Only Abraham was mentioned because he was the leader of his family and servants, but it was implied that they were with him. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Abraham and his people stayed in Beersheba"

Genesis 22:20

It came about after these things

"After these events." The phrase "these things" refers to the events of Genesis 22:1-19.

Abraham was told

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone told Abraham"

Milkah has borne children, as well

"Milkah has also borne children"

Milkah

This is the name of a woman.

Genesis 22:21

They were Uz his firstborn, Buz his brother

"The name of his firstborn was Uz, and the names of the rest of his children were Buz his brother"

Uz ... Buz ... Kemuel ... Aram

These are all names of men. Translate this so that it is clear that all of these except Aram are the sons of Nahor and Milkah.

Genesis 22:22

Kesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel

These are all names of men. Translate this so that it is clear that all of these are the sons of Nahor and Milkah.

Genesis 22:23

Bethuel became the father of Rebekah

"Later Bethel became the father of Rebekah"

These were the eight children that Milkah bore to Nahor, Abraham's brother

"These were the eight children of Milkah and Nahor, Abraham's brother." This refers to the children that were listed in Genesis 22:21-22.

Genesis 22:24

His concubine

"Nahor's concubine"

Reumah

This is the name of a woman.

also bore

"also gave birth to"

Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maakah

These are all names of men.

Chapter 23

Genesis 23 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Abraham's character

Abraham's interaction with the people show that he was greatly respected. This would have been unusual for a foreigner and indicates that Abraham was a man of great character.

Burial

Burial was a common practice when Abraham lived, but only the wealthy were able to bury their dead relatives in this way.

Genesis 23:1

These were the years of the life of Sarah

Some translations do not include this sentence.

Genesis 23:2

Kiriath Arba

This is the name of a city.

Abraham mourned and wept for Sarah

"Abraham was very sad and cried because Sarah died"

Genesis 23:3

rose up and went from his dead wife

"got up and left his wife's body"

the sons of Heth

Here "sons" stands for those who descended from Heth. Alternate translation: "the descendants of Heth" or "the Hittites"

Genesis 23:4

among you

This idea may be expressed in terms of location. "in your country" or "here"

Please grant me a property

"Sell me some land" or "Allow me to buy a piece of land"

my dead

The nominal adjective "dead" can be stated as an adjective or a verb. Alternate translation: "my dead wife" or "my wife who has died"

Genesis 23:5

The sons of Heth

Here "sons" stands for those who descended from Heth. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:3]

Genesis 23:6

my master

This phrase is used to show respect to Abraham.

a prince of God

This is an idiom. This probably means "a powerful man" or "a mighty leader."

your dead

The nominal adjective "dead" can be stated as a verb or simply as "wife." Alternate translation: "your wife who has died" or "your wife"

the choicest of our tombs

"the best of our burial places"

refuse you his tomb

"withhold his burial place from you" or "refuse to give to you his tomb"

Genesis 23:7

bowed down

This means to bend over or kneel down very low to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.

to the people of the land, to the sons of Heth

"to the sons of Heth who lived in the area"

the sons of Heth

Here "sons" stands for those who descended from Heth. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:3]

Genesis 23:8

my dead

The nominal adjective "dead" can be stated as a verb or simply as "wife." Alternate translation: "my wife who has died" or "my wife"

Ephron ... Zohar

These are names of men.

Genesis 23:9

the cave of Machpelah, which he owns, which is at the end of his field

"his cave that is at the end of his field in Machpelah"

the cave of Machpelah

"the cave in Machpela." Machpela was the name of an area or region. Ephron owned a field in Machpela and the cave that was in the field.

which he owns

This tells something about the cave. Ephron owned the cave.

which is at the end of his field

This also tells something about the cave. The cave was at the end of Ephron's field.

sell it to me publicly

"sell it to me in front of you all" or "sell it to me in your presence"

as a property

"as a piece of land that I may own and use"

Genesis 23:10

Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth

Here "Now" is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Ephron.

Ephron

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:8]

the sons of Heth

Here "sons" stands for those who descended from Heth. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:3]

in the hearing of the sons of Heth

The abstract noun "the hearing" can be stated as "hear" or "listening." Alternate translation: "so that all the sons of Heth could hear him" or "while all the sons of Heth were listening"

all those who had come into the gate of his city

This tells which sons of Heth were listening. Alternate translation: "all those who had gathered at the gate of his city"

gate of his city

The city gate was where the leaders of the city would meet to make important decisions.

his city

"the city where he lived." This phrase shows that Ephron belonged to that city. It does not mean that he owned it.

Genesis 23:11

my master

This phrase is used to show respect to Abraham.

in the presence of the sons of my people

Here "presence" stands for the people serving as witnesses. Alternate translation: "with my fellow countrymen as my witnesses"

sons of my people

This means "my fellow countrymen" or "my fellow Hittites"

my people

This phrase shows that Ephron was part of that group of people. It does not mean that he was their leader.

I give it to you to bury your dead

"I give it to you. Bury your dead"

your dead

The nominal adjective "dead" can be stated as a verb or simply as "wife." Alternate translation: "your wife who has died" or "your wife"

Genesis 23:12

bowed down

This means to bend over or kneel down very low to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.

people of the land

"people who lived in that area"

Genesis 23:13

in the hearing of the people of the land

The abstract noun "the hearing" can be stated as "hear" or "listening" Alternate translation: "so that the people who lived in the area could hear" or "while the people who lived in the area were listening"

But if you are willing

The word "but" shows a contrast. Ephron wanted to give the field to Abraham; Abraham wanted to pay for it. Alternate translation: "No, but if you are willing" or "No, but if you agree with this"

I will pay for the field

"I will give you money for the field"

my dead

The nominal adjective "dead" can be stated as a verb or simply as "wife." Alternate translation: "my wife who has died" or "my wife"

Genesis 23:14

Ephron

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:8]

Genesis 23:15

Please, my master, listen to me

"Hear me, my master" or "Listen to me, kind sir"

my master

This phrase is used to show respect to Abraham.

A piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between me and you?

Ephron meant that since he and Abraham were both so wealthy, 400 pieces of silver was a small amount. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "The piece of land is worth only four hundred shekels of silver. For you and me, that is nothing."

four hundred shekels of silver

This is about 4.5 kilograms of silver.

four hundred

"400"

Bury your dead

The nominal adjective "dead" can be stated as a verb or simply as "wife." Alternate translation: "Go bury your wife who has died" or "Go bury your wife"

Genesis 23:16

Abraham weighed out to Ephron the amount of silver

"Abraham weighed the silver and gave Ephron the amount" or "Abraham counted out to Ephron the amount of silver"

the amount of silver that he had spoken

"the amount of silver that Ephron had said"

in the hearing of the sons of Heth

The abstract noun "the hearing" can be stated as "hear" or "listening." Alternate translation: "so that all the sons of Heth could hear him" or "while all the sons of Heth were listening"

the sons of Heth

Here "sons" stands for those who descended from Heth. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:3]

according to the standard measurement of the merchants

"using the standard measurement of weight that merchants used." This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "He weighed the silver the same way that the merchants used to weigh it"

Genesis 23:17

Machpelah

Machpela was the name of an area or region. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:9]

Mamre

This was another name for the city of Hebron. It may have been named after Mamre, the friend of Abraham who lived there.

that is, the field, the cave that was in it, and all the trees

This phrase explains what the author meant when he wrote "the field of Ephron." It was not only the field, but also the cave and trees in the field.

passed

"became property that belonged"

Genesis 23:18

to Abraham by purchase

These words complete the idea that begins with the word "passed" in verse 17. "became Abraham's possession when he purchased it" or "belonged to Abraham after he bought it"

in the presence of the sons of Heth

Here "presence" stands for the people serving as witnesses. Alternate translation: "with the people of Heth watching as witnesses"

the sons of Heth

Here "sons" stands for those who descended from Heth. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:3]

all those who had come into the gate of his city

This tells which sons of Heth saw Abraham buy the property. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:10]

gate of his city

The city gate was where the leaders of the city would meet to make important decisions.

his city

"the city where he lived." This phrase shows that Ephron belonged to that city. It does not mean that he owned it.

Genesis 23:19

After this

"After he bought the field"

the cave of the field

"the cave in the field"

the field of Machpelah

"the field in Machpelah"

that is, Hebron

Possible meanings are 1) Mamre was another name for Hebron or 2) Hebron was formerly called Mamre or 3) Mamre was very near the larger city of Hebron, so people usually called it Hebron.

Genesis 23:20

passed to Abraham as a property for a burial place from the sons of Heth

"became Abraham's property for a burial ground when he bought it from the sons of Heth"

the sons of Heth

Here "sons" stands for those who descended from Heth. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:3]

Chapter 24

Genesis 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 24:60.

Special concepts in this chapter

Intermarriage

Abraham would not allow his son to marry anyone from the people of Canaan. This is because it would cause his son to worship other gods. Intermarriage and worshiping false gods are things that frequently caused Abraham's descendants to struggle. (See: falsegod)

Abraham's wealth

There are many instances recorded in this chapter which highlight Abraham's significant wealth. He owned more than 10 camels and had large amounts of gold.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"Put your hand under my thigh"

Many scholars believe this is a euphemism. Putting one's hand on a man's genitals was a way to make an important oath. It represented power and progeny.

Genesis 24:1

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the story.

Genesis 24:2

Put your hand under my thigh

Abraham was about to ask the servant to swear to do something. Putting his hand under Abraham's thigh would show that he would certainly do what he would swear to do.

Genesis 24:3

I will make you swear

This can be expressed as a command. Alternate translation: "swear"

swear by Yahweh

The term "swear by" means to use the name of something or someone as the basis or power on which the oath is made. "promise me with Yahweh as your witness"

the God of heaven and the God of the earth

"the God of heaven and earth." The words "heaven" and "earth" are used together to mean every thing that God created. Alternate translation: "the God of everything in heaven and earth"

heaven

This refers to the place where God lives.

from the daughters of the Canaanites

"from the Canaanite women" or "from the Canaanites." This refers to Canaanite females.

among whom I make my home

"among whom I live." Here, "I" stands for Abraham and all of his family and servants. Alternate translation: "among whom we live"

Genesis 24:4

But you will go

This can be stated as a command. Alternate translation: "Swear that you will go" or "But go"

my relatives

"my family"

Genesis 24:5

What if

"What should I do if"

will not be willing to follow me

"will not follow me" or "refuses to come back with me"

Must I take your son back to the land from which you came

"Should I take you son to live in the land from which you came"

Genesis 24:6

Make sure that you do not take my son back there

The phrase "Make sure" emphasizes the command that follows. "Be careful not to take my son back there" or "You definitely must not take my son there"

Genesis 24:7

who took me from my father's house

Here "house" stands for the people in his family. Alternate translation: "who took me from my father and the rest of my family"

promised me with a solemn oath

"swore an oath to me"

saying, 'To your descendants I will give this land,'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "saying that he would give this land to my descendants"

he will send his angel

The words "he" and "his" refer to Yahweh.

Genesis 24:8

General Information:

Verse 8 is a continuation of the instructions Abraham gave his servant.

But if the woman is not willing to follow you

"But if the woman refuses to come with you." Abraham was answering the servant's question from Genesis 24:5.

you will be free from this oath of mine

"you will be released from the oath you made to me." Not having to fulfill an oath is spoken of as if the person is free from an object to which he was bound. Alternate translation: "you will not have to do what you swore to me that you would do"

Genesis 24:9

put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master

This was to show that he would certainly do what he was swearing to do.

swore to him

"made an oath to him"

concerning this matter

"concerning Abraham's request" or "that he would do what Abraham said"

Genesis 24:10

departed. He also took

The sentence starting with "He also took" gives additional information about what the servant took with him on the journey. He gathered them before he departed.

He also took with him all kinds of goods from his master

This means he also took many good things that his master wanted to give to the woman's family.

departed and went

"set out and went" or "he left and went"

the city of Nahor

Possible meanings are 1) the city where Nahor lived" or 2) "the city called Nahor." If you can translate it without choosing a meaning, do so.

Genesis 24:11

He made the camels kneel down

Camels are tall animals with long legs. He made them bend their legs and lower their bodies to the ground. "He made the camels lie down"

well of water

"water well" or "well"

draw water

"get water"

Genesis 24:12

Then he said

"Then the servant said"

grant me success today and show covenant faithfulness to my master Abraham

You can state this with the connecting word "by." This makes clear how the servant wants God to show covenant faithfulness. Alternate translation: "Show covenant faithfulness to my master Abraham by granting me success today"

grant me success

"give me success." The servant wanted to find a good wife for Abraham's son. The abstract noun "success" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "help me to succeed" or "make me able to do what I have come here to do"

show covenant faithfulness to my master Abraham

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithful." Alternate translation: "be faithful to the covenant you have with my master Abraham" or "be faithful to my master Abraham"

Genesis 24:13

Look, here I am standing

"You can see me standing here"

the spring of water

"the spring" or "the well"

the daughters of the men of the city

"the young women of the city"

Genesis 24:14

Let it happen like this

"Let it happen this way" or "Make this happen"

When I say to a young woman, 'Please lower your pitcher so that I may drink,'

This is a quotation within a quotation. This can be expressed with an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "When I ask a young woman to let me have a drink of water from her jar"

Please lower your pitcher

The women carried the pitchers on their shoulder. She would have to lower it to give the man a drink.

pitcher

a medium-size jar made of clay used for holding and pouring liquids

that you have shown covenant faithfulness to my master

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "been faithful." Alternate translation: "that you have been faithful to the covenant you have with my master Abraham" or "you have been faithful to my master Abraham"

Genesis 24:15

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

behold

The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

pitcher

This is a medium-size jar made of clay used for holding and pouring liquids. See how you translated this in Genesis 24:14.

Rebekah was born to Bethuel son of Milkah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother

"Rebekah's father was Bethuel. Bethuel's parents were Milkah and Nahor. Nahor was Abraham's brother"

Bethuel

Bethuel was Rebekah's father. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 22:22]

Nahor

This is the name of a man. See how you translated his name in [Genesis 11:22]

Milkah

Milkah was Nahor's wife and Bethuel's mother. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 11:29]

Genesis 24:16

No man had ever known her

This is a polite way of saying that the she had not had sexual relations with any man. You may need to use another euphemism in your language.

She went down to the spring ... and came up

The spring was somewhere lower in elevation than where the servant was standing.

Genesis 24:17

to meet her

"to meet the young woman"

a little drink of water

"a little water"

pitcher

This is a medium-size jar made of clay used for holding and pouring liquids. See how you translated this in Genesis 24:14.

Genesis 24:18

my master

"sir." Here the woman uses this term of respect to refer to the man, though she is not his slave.

she quickly let down her pitcher on her hand

"she quickly lowered her pitcher." She was carrying the pitcher on her shoulder. She had to lower it to get water for the servant.

Genesis 24:19

I will draw water

"I will get water"

Genesis 24:20

So she hurried and emptied her pitcher

"So she quickly emptied her pitcher"

the trough

"the animals' water trough." A trough is a long open container for holding water for animals to drink.

Genesis 24:21

The man

"The servant"

watched her

"watched Rebekah" or "watched the young woman"

to see

Learning something is often spoken of as if it were seeing. Alternate translation: "to know" or "to determine"

had prospered his journey

"had fulfilled the purpose of his journey" or "had made his journey successful." You can make explicit what specifically the servant was trying to determine. Alternate translation: "was showing him the woman who would become Isaac's wife"

or not

You can state clearly the understood information. Alternate translation: "or not prospered his journey"

Genesis 24:22

a gold nose ring weighing half a shekel

"a gold nose ring that weighed six grams." The weight indicates the value of the ring. Alternate translation: "an expensive gold nose ring"

two gold bracelets for her arms weighing ten shekels

"two gold bracelets for her arms that weighed 110 grams." The weight shows their size and value. Alternate translation: "two large gold bracelets for her arms"

Genesis 24:23

Whose daughter are you

"Who is your father"

is there room in your father's house

"is there a place in your father's house"

for us

Apparently other men went on this journey with Abraham's servant. Here "us" refers to the servant and those traveling with him, but not to those to whom he was speaking.

to spend the night

"to stay tonight" or "to stay for the night"

Genesis 24:24

She said

"Rebekah said" or "the young woman said"

to him

"to the servant"

I am the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, whom she bore to Nahor

"Bethuel is my father, and his parents are Milkah and Nahor"

Genesis 24:25

We have plenty of both straw and feed

It is understood that the straw and feed are for the camels. You can make clear this understood information. Alternate translation: "We have plenty of straw and feed for the camels"

for you to spend the night

"for you to stay tonight" or "where you can stay for the night"

for you

Here "you" refers to the servant and those traveling with him.

Genesis 24:26

the man

"the servant"

bowed down

This is a sign of humility before God.

Genesis 24:27

has not abandoned his covenant faithfulness and his trustworthiness toward my master

"has not stopped showing his covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness to my master." The abstract nouns "faithfulness" and "trustworthiness" can be stated as "to be faithful and trustworthy." Alternate translation: "has not stopped being faithful to his covenant and trustworthy toward my master" or "has not stopped being faithful and trustworthy to my master"

has not abandoned

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "continues to show"

my master's relatives

"my master's family" or "my master's clan"

Genesis 24:28

ran and told her mother's household

Here "household" stands for all the people living in her mother's house. Alternate translation: "ran to the house and told her mother and everyone there"

all of these things

"everything that had just happened"

Genesis 24:29

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author tells background information about Rebekah. The author introduces her brother, Laban, to the story.

Genesis 24:30

When he had seen the nose ring ... and when he had heard the words of Rebekah his sister

These things happened before he ran out to the man. This tells why Laban ran out to the man.

when he had heard the words of Rebekah his sister, "This is what the man said to me,"

This can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "when he had heard his sister Rebekah tell what the man had said to her"

behold, he

The word "behold" here adds emphasis to what follows. "it was just as she had said: he"

Genesis 24:31

Come, you

"Come in, you" or "Enter, you"

you blessed of Yahweh

"you whom Yahweh has blessed"

you

Here the word "you" refers to Abraham's servant.

Why are you standing outside?

Laban used this question to invite Abraham's servant into his house. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You do not need to stay outside."

Genesis 24:32

So the man came to the house

The word "came" can be translated as "went."

he unloaded the camels

It is not clear who did this work. This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Laban's servants unloaded the camels" or "the camels were unloaded"

The camels were given straw and feed, and water was provided

This does not say who did the work. If you state this in active form use "Laban's servants" as the subject. Alternate translation: "Laban's servants gave straw and feed to the camels, and they provided water"

to wash his feet ... him

"for Abraham's servant and the men who were with him to wash their feet"

Genesis 24:33

They set

Here, the word "they" refers to Laban's family members or to the household servants.

set food before him

"gave food to the servant"

said what I have to say

"spoken my words" or "told you why I am here"

Genesis 24:34

General Information:

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Genesis 24:35

he has become great

Here the word "he" refers to Abraham.

become great

"become very wealthy"

He has given

The word "he" refers to Yahweh.

Genesis 24:36

General Information:

Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.

bore a son to my master

"gave birth to a son"

he has given ... to him

"my master has given ... to his son"

Genesis 24:37

My master made me swear, saying

"My master made me swear that I would do what he told me to do. He said"

from the daughters of the Canaanites

This refers to Canaanite females. Alternate translation: "from the Canaanite women" or "from the Canaanites"

in whose land I make my home

"among whom I live." Here, "I" stands for Abraham and all of his family and servants. Alternate translation: "among whom we live"

Genesis 24:38

to my relatives

"to my own clan"

Genesis 24:39

General Information:

Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.

Perhaps the woman will not follow me.

This is something that could possibly happen. The servant wanted to know what he should do if that happened. Alternate translation: "What if the woman will not come back with me?" or "What should I do if the woman will not come back with me?"

Genesis 24:40

before whom I walk

Serving Yahweh is spoken of as if Abraham were walking in Yahweh's presence. Alternate translation: "whom I serve"

he will prosper your way

"he will make your journey successful"

family line

"family"

Genesis 24:41

you will be free from my oath

"you will be released from the oath you made to me." Not having to fulfill an oath is spoken of as if the person is free from an object to which he was bound. Alternate translation: "you will not have to do what you swore to me that you would do"

if you come to my relatives

Languages use the words come and go differently. Alternate translation: "if you arrive at my relatives' home" or "if you go to my relatives"

Genesis 24:42

General Information:

Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.

the spring

"the well"

Genesis 24:43

let the young woman who comes ... the woman to whom I say

The servant goes back to stating his request. These are the first two things he has to say about the woman whom he hopes will come.

to draw water

"to get water"

pitcher

This is a medium-size jar made of clay used for holding and pouring liquids. See how you translated this in Genesis 24:14.

Genesis 24:44

the woman who says to me, "Drink ... camels"

The thought that begins with the words "let the young woman who comes" in verse 43 ends here. This is the third of the three things the servant has to say about the woman whom he hopes will come.

let her be the woman

The servant finishes his request.

Genesis 24:45

General Information:

Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.

speaking in my heart

To pray silently in one's mind is spoken of as if he were speaking in his heart. The word "heart" refers to his thoughts and his mind. Alternate translation: "praying" or "praying quietly"

behold, Rebekah came

"suddenly Rebekah came" or "I was surprised because I saw Rebekah coming"

pitcher

This is a medium-size jar made of clay used for holding and pouring liquids. See how you translated this in Genesis 24:14.

she went down to the spring

The phrase "went down" is used because the spring was somewhere lower than where the servant was standing.

spring

opening in the ground from which fresh water comes

Genesis 24:46

watered the camels

"gave water to the camels"

Genesis 24:47

General Information:

Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.

The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milkah bore to him

"My father is Bethuel. His parents are Nahor and Milkah"

ring ... bracelets

In this story, all of these items were made of gold. See how you translated these in Genesis 24:22.

Genesis 24:48

I bowed down

This is a sign of humility before God.

led me by the way that is right

"brought me here"

who had led me

The connecting word "because" can be used to show this is why the servant worshiped God. Alternate translation: "because Yahweh led me"

my master's relative

This refers to Bethuel, the son of Abraham's brother Nahor.

Genesis 24:49

General Information:

Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.

Now therefore

"Now." Here "Now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

if you are prepared to show steadfast love and faithfulness to my master, tell me

The abstract nouns "love" and "faithfulness" can be stated with the verb "love" and the adjective "faithful." Also, you could state explicitly how they could show the "steadfast love and faithfulness." Alternate translation: "tell me if you will love my master and be faithful to him by giving Rebekah to be his son's wife"

you

The word "you" refers to Laban and Bethuel.

But if not

The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "But if you are not prepared to treat my master with steadfast love and faithfulness"

so that I may turn to the right hand or to the left

Possible meanings are 1) deciding what to do is spoken of as if the person will physically turn one direction or another. Alternate translation: "so that I will know what do" or 2) the servant wants to know if he needs to travel somewhere else. Alternate translation: "so that I may continue on my journey"

Genesis 24:50

Bethuel

This was the father of Laban and Rebekah.

The thing has come from Yahweh

"Yahweh has caused all of this to happen"

we cannot speak to you either bad or good

They are saying they do not have the authority to decide whether what God has done is good or bad. Alternate translation: "we dare not judge what Yahweh is doing"

Genesis 24:51

Look, Rebekah is

"You can see Rebekah here"

Rebekah is before you

"Here is Rebekah"

Genesis 24:52

their words

"what Laban and Bethuel said"

he bowed down

Bowing down before God is an expression of worship to him.

Genesis 24:53

articles of silver and articles of gold

"silver and gold items" or "things made of silver and gold"

precious gifts

"expensive gifts" or "valuable gifts"

Genesis 24:54

he and the men who were with him

"Abraham's servant and his men"

stayed there overnight

"slept there that night"

arose in the morning

"got up the next morning"

Send me away

"Let me leave and return"

Genesis 24:55

a few more days, at least ten

"at least ten more days"

After that

"Then"

Genesis 24:56

he said

"Abraham's servant said"

to them

"to Rebekah's brother and mother"

Do not hinder me

"Do not delay me" or "Do not make me wait"

Yahweh has prospered my way

Here "way" stands for a journey. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has caused me to succeed in the purpose my journey"

Send me on my way

"Allow me to leave"

Genesis 24:57

General Information:

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Genesis 24:58

General Information:

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Genesis 24:59

So they sent their sister Rebekah

"So the family sent Rebekah"

their sister

Rebekah was Laban's sister. Alternate translation: "their relative" or "Laban's sister"

her female servant

This refers to the female servant who had fed Rebekah when she was a baby, cared for her when she was a child, and still served her.

Genesis 24:60

Our sister

Rebekah was not the sister to everyone in her family. But they called her this to show that they loved her. Alternate translation: "Our dear Rebekah"

may you be the mother of thousands of ten thousands

Here "mother" stands for ancestor. Alternate translation: "may you be the ancestor of millions of people" or "may you have very many descendants"

thousands of ten thousands

This means a very large number or an uncountable number.

may your descendants possess the gate of those who hate them

Armies would break through the gate of their enemies' cities and conquer the people. Alternate translation: "may your descendants completely defeat those who hate them"

Genesis 24:61

Then Rebekah arose, and she and her servant girls mounted the camels

"Then Rebekah and her servant girls went and got on the camels"

Thus the servant took Rebekah, and went his way

"In this way Abraham's servant took Rebekah with him and returned to where he had come from"

Genesis 24:62

Now

This word marks a change in the story. It was telling about the servant finding a wife, and now it will tell about Isaac.

Beer Lahai Roi

This is the name of a water well in the Negev. See how you translated it in Genesis 16:14.

Genesis 24:63

Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening

"One evening Isaac went out to the field to think." This must have been a long time after the servant and Rebekah left her home since they had to travel a long distance.

When he looked up and saw, behold, there were camels coming!

The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. "When he looked up he was surprised to see camels coming"

Genesis 24:64

Rebekah looked

"Rebekah looked up"

she jumped down from the camel

"she quickly got off the camel"

Genesis 24:65

So she took her veil, and covered herself

"So she covered her face with her veil." This is a sign of respect and modesty towards the man she will marry. The full meaning of this can be made explicit.

veil

a piece of cloth used to cover a person's head, shoulders and face

Genesis 24:66

General Information:

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Genesis 24:67

took Rebekah, and she became his wife

Both of these phrases mean that Isaac married Rebekah. Alternate translation: "married Rebekah" or "took her as his wife"

So Isaac was comforted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So Rebekah comforted Isaac"

Chapter 25

Genesis 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 25:23.

Special concepts in this chapter

Polygamy

Abraham married another wife. This was sinful of him. Many other Hebrew leaders came to marry multiple wives. This is known as "polygamy." It has never been an acceptable practice. (See: sin)

Inheritance

In the ancient Near East, inheritance was passed on through the eldest son. Even though Esau and Jacob were twins, it is very important that Esau was born first. It was his birthright to receive his inheritance, but he foolishly gave it up. (See: inherit and birthright and foolish)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

God fulfills his promise

God begins to fulfill the promise he gave to Abraham about making his descendants numerous. Many of these children through his concubines would become large people groups. This may not be easy to understand without the remainder of the Old Testament and the history it records.

Genesis 25:1

General Information:

See.

Genesis 25:2

General Information:

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Genesis 25:3

General Information:

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Genesis 25:4

All these

This refers to the people named in verses 2-4.

Genesis 25:5

Abraham gave all that he owned to Isaac

"Isaac inherited all that Abraham owned." It was normal for the father to divide his wealth when he was old and not leave that for others to do after he died.

Genesis 25:6

General Information:

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Genesis 25:7

These were the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived, 175 years

"These were ... he lived, one hundred and seventy-five years." Abraham lived 175 years.

Genesis 25:8

Abraham breathed his last and died

"Abraham took his last breath and died." The phrases "breathed his last" and "died" mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "Abraham died"

breathed his last

This is a polite way of saying a person died.

at a good old age, an old man with a full life

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Abraham lived a very long time. Alternate translation: "when he had lived a very long time and was very old"

an old man with a full life

Living a long life is spoken of as if life were a container that becomes full.

he was gathered to his people

This means that after Abraham died, his soul went to the same place as his relatives who died before him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he joined his family members who had already died"

Genesis 25:9

the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron

Ephron owned a field in Machpelah and the cave that was in that field. Abraham bought the field from Ephron.

Machpelah

Machpelah was the name of an area or region. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:9]

Ephron ... Zohar

These are names of men. See how you translated these men's names in [Genesis 23:8]

which is near Mamre

Machpela was near Mamre.

Mamre

This was another name for the city of Hebron. It may have been named after Mamre, the friend of Abraham who lived there. See how you translated this place name in [Genesis 23:17]

Genesis 25:10

This field Abraham had bought

"Abraham had bought this field"

sons of Heth

"the descendants of Heth" or "the Hittites." See how you translated this in Genesis 23:5.

Abraham was buried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They buried Abraham"

Genesis 25:11

Beer Lahai Roi

This name means "the well of the living one who sees me." See how you translated this place name in [Genesis 16:14]

Genesis 25:12

Now

This word is used in English to introduce a new part of the story and information about Ishmael.

Genesis 25:13

General Information:

See.

Genesis 25:14

General Information:

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Genesis 25:15

General Information:

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Genesis 25:16

These were Ishmael's sons, and these were their names, by their villages, and by their encampments; twelve princes according to their tribes

This can be stated as two sentences. "These were the names of Ishmael's twelve sons. They led tribes that were named after them, and they each had their own villages and campsites"

twelve

"12"

princes

Here the word "princes" means that the men were leaders or rules of the tribes; it does not mean that they were the sons of a king.

Genesis 25:17

These were the years of the life of Ishmael, 137 years

"These were ... Ishmael, one hundred and thirty-seven years." Ishmael lived 137 years.

breathed his last and died

The terms "breathed his last" and "died" mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "died"

was gathered to his people

This means that after Ishmael died, his soul went to the same place as his relatives who died before him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he joined his family members who had already died"

Genesis 25:18

They lived

"His descendants settled"

from Havilah to Ashhur

"between Havilah and Ashhur"

Havilah

Havilah was located somewhere in the Arabian Desert. See how you translated this in [Genesis 2:11]

as one goes toward

"in the direction of"

They lived in hostility with each other

Possible meanings are 1) "they did not live in peace together," or 2) "they lived away from their other relatives."

Genesis 25:19

General Information:

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Genesis 25:20

forty years old

"40 years old"

when he took as his wife Rebekah

"when he married Rebekah"

Bethuel

Bethuel was Rebekah's father. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 22:22]

Paddan Aram

This was another name for the region of Mesopotamia, which about the same location as modern Iraq.

Genesis 25:21

she was barren

"she was unable to become pregnant"

Rebekah his wife conceived

It can be made explicit that Rebekah was pregnant with two babies at the same time: "Rebekah, his wife, became pregnant with twins"

Genesis 25:22

The children struggled together within her

"the babies inside her kept bumping against each other" or "The babies pushed against each other within her"

The children ... within her

Rebekah was pregnant with twins.

She went to ask Yahweh about this

"She went and asked Yahweh about this." It is not clear where she went. She may have gone somewhere private to pray, or she may have gone somewhere to offer a sacrifice.

Genesis 25:23

said to her

"said to Rebekah"

Two nations ... serve the younger

This is poetic language. If your language has a way to indicate poetry, you could use it here.

Two nations are in your womb

Here "two nations" stands for the two children. Each child will be the father of a nation. Alternate translation: "Two nations will come from the twins within you"

two peoples will be separated from within you

Here "two peoples" stands for the two children. Each child will be the father of a people. This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "when you give birth to these two children they will be rivals"

the older will serve the younger

Possible meanings are 1) "the older son will serve the younger son" or 2) "the descendants of the older son will serve the descendants of the younger son." If possible, translate it so that people could understand either meaning.

Genesis 25:24

behold, there

"she was surprised to learn that there"

Genesis 25:25

red all over like a hairy garment

Possible meanings are 1) his skin was red and he had a lot of hair on his body or 2) he had a lot of red hair on his body. Alternate translation: "red and hairy like a garment made of animal hair"

Esau

Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Esau sounds like the word 'hairy.'"

Genesis 25:26

grasping Esau's heel

"holding the back part of Esau's foot"

Jacob

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Jacob means 'he grasps the heel.'"

sixty years old

"60 years old"

Genesis 25:27

became a skillful hunter

"became good at hunting and killing animals for food"

a quiet man

"a peaceful man" or "a less active man"

who spent his time in the tents

This speaks about time as if it were a commodity that someone could spend. Alternate translation: "who remained in the tents much of the time"

Genesis 25:28

Now

This word is used to mark a change in focus, shifting from the story to background information about Isaac and Rebekah.

Isaac loved

Here the word "loved" means "favored" or "preferred."

because he ate the animals that he had hunted

"because he ate the animals that Esau had hunted" or "because he enjoyed eating the wild animal meat that Esau caught"

Genesis 25:29

Jacob cooked

Since this is the beginning of a story about something that happened one time, some translators may want to start it with a phrase like "One day, Jacob cooked" in a similar manner to the UDB.

cooked some stew

"boiled some food" or "cooked some soup." This stew was made of boiled lentils (Genesis 25:34).

he was weak from hunger

"he was weak because he was very hungry" or "he was very hungry"

Genesis 25:30

I am exhausted

"I am weak from hunger" or "I am very hungry"

Edom

Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Edom means 'red.'"

Genesis 25:31

birthright

right as firstborn to inherit most of the father's wealth

Genesis 25:32

I am about to die

Esau was exaggerating to emphasize how hungry he was. Alternate translation: "I am so hungry I feel like I could die"

What good is the birthright to me?

Esau used a question to emphasize that eating was more important than a birthright. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "My inheritance is no good to me if I die of hunger!"

Genesis 25:33

First swear to me

What Jacob wanted Esau to swear can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "First swear to me that you will sell me your birthright"

Genesis 25:34

lentils

These are like beans, but their seeds are very small, round, and somewhat flat.

Esau despised his birthright

"Esau showed that he did not value his birthright"

Chapter 26

Genesis 26 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Trust

When things in the land were bad, Isaac did not trust in Yahweh. Instead, he ran to the safety of Egypt. Even when Abraham's descendants did not trust in Yahweh's faithfulness to fulfill his covenant, Yahweh remained faithful to his covenant and blessed Isaac. (See: trust, faithful and fulfill and covenant)

Wells

In the ancient Near East, wells were very important strategically. Therefore, they were a sign of power and a sign of God's blessing being upon Isaac.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"She is my sister"

Isaac was afraid the Egyptians would see him as a foreigner and upon seeing his beautiful wife, they would try to kill him. This would free Rebekah to marry someone else. Apparently, it would have been easy for them to kill a foreigner without punishment. If she was Isaac's sister, they would have shown favor to him. This is the same thing his father, Abraham, did. (See: and favor)

Genesis 26:1

Now

This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.

a famine happened

"there was a famine" or "there was another famine"

in the land

You can state explicitly the land to which this refers. Alternate translation: "in the land where Isaac and his family lived"

that had been in the days of Abraham

"that had happened during Abraham's life" or "that had happened while Abraham was alive"

Genesis 26:2

General Information:

Yahweh begins to speak to Isaac.

appeared to him

"appeared to Isaac"

Do not go down to Egypt

It was common to speak of leaving the promised land as "going down" to another place.

Genesis 26:3

for to you and to your descendants, I will give all these lands

"for I will give all these lands to you and your descendants"

I will fulfill the oath that I swore to Abraham your father

"I will do what I promised Abraham your father I would do"

Genesis 26:4

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Isaac.

I will multiply your descendants

"I will cause you to have very many descendants."

like the stars of heaven

This speaks about the number of Isaac's descendants as if they were the same as the number of stars. See how you translated this in [Genesis 22:17]

heaven

This refers to everything we see above the earth, including the sun, moon, and stars.

all the nations of the earth will be blessed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will bless all the nations of the earth"

Genesis 26:5

Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my instructions, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws

The phrases "obeyed my voice" and "kept my instructions, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws" mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "Abraham obeyed me and did everything I commanded him to do"

obeyed my voice

Here "voice" stands for Yahweh. Alternate translation: "obeyed me"

Genesis 26:6

So Isaac settled in Gerar

Only Isaac is mentioned because he is the leader of the family, but his whole family was with him. Alternate translation: "So Isaac and his family settled in Gerar"

Genesis 26:7

He feared to say

Here "fear" refers to the unpleasant feeling a person has when there is a threat of harm to himself or others. "He was afraid to say"

to get Rebekah

"in order to take Rebekah"

Genesis 26:8

He saw, behold, Isaac

The word "behold" shows that what Abimelech saw surprised him. Alternate translation: "And he was surprised to see that Isaac"

was caressing Rebekah

Possible meanings are 1) he was touching her the way a husband touches his wife or 2) he was laughing and talking with her the way a husband talks with his wife.

Genesis 26:9

Abimelek called Isaac to him

Abimelek probably sent someone to tell Isaac that Abimelek wanted to see him. Alternate translation: "Abimelek sent someone to bring Isaac to him"

Why did you say, 'She is my sister'?

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "Why did you say that she is your sister?"

to get her

"so he could take her"

Genesis 26:10

What is this you have done to us?

Abimelech used this question to scold Isaac. Alternate translation: "You should not have done this to us!"

might easily have lain with your wife

The word "lain" here is a euphemism for "had sexual relations."

you would have brought guilt upon us

This speaks about causing someone to be guilty as if "guilt" were an object that is placed on someone. Alternate translation: "you would have caused us to be guilty of taking a man's wife"

upon us

Here "us" refers to Abimelech and his people.

Genesis 26:11

Whoever touches this man

Here "touches" means to touch in a harmful way. Alternate translation: "Whoever harms this man"

will surely be put to death

Abimelech may have intended to tell someone to kill anyone who might harm Isaac or Rebekah. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will put him to death" or "I will order my men to kill him"

Genesis 26:12

General Information:

This begins a new part of the story. It changes from telling about Isaac calling Rebekah his sister, and it starts to tell about how Isaac became very rich and the Philistines were jealous of him.

in that land

"in Gerar"

a hundredfold

This means "one hundred times as much as he planted." It can be translated more generally as "a very large crop."

Genesis 26:13

The man became rich

"Isaac became rich" or "He became rich"

grew more and more until he became very great

"he gained more and more until he became very wealthy"

Genesis 26:14

sheep

This may also include goats.

a large household

Here "household" stands for workers or servants. Alternate translation: "many servants"

The Philistines envied him

"The Philistines were jealous of him"

Genesis 26:15

Now

Here this word does not mean "at this moment." It is indicating where the action in the story begins. It can be translated with the connecting word "So" to show that this is a result of what happened in [Genesis 26:12-14]

in the days of Abraham his father

The phrase "in the days of" stands for a person's lifetime. Alternate translation: "when Abraham, his father, was living" or "during his father Abraham's lifetime"

Genesis 26:16

Abimelek said

Possible meanings are 1) this is another action to force Isaac and his people to leave. Alternate translation: "Then Abimelek said" or "Finally Abimelek said" or 2) Abimelek made this decision because he saw that his people were jealous and acting in a hostile way towards Isaac. Alternate translation: "Therefore Abimelek said"

much mightier than we

"much stronger than we are"

Genesis 26:17

So Isaac departed

Only Isaac is mentioned because he is the leader, but his family and servants went with him. Alternate translation: "So Isaac and his household left"

Genesis 26:18

Isaac dug out

Here "Isaac" stands for Isaac and his servants. Alternate translation: "Isaac and his servants dug out"

which they had dug

"which Abraham's servants had dug"

in the days of Abraham his father

"during his father Abraham's lifetime" or "when Abraham, his father, was living"

The Philistines had stopped them up

This was the reason that Isaac dug them out. Possible ways to translate this are: 1) Since this happened first, this sentence can come before the sentence about Isaac digging them out, as in the UDB. or 2) This sentence can start with "Isaac did this because the Philistines had stopped them up."

had stopped them up

"had filled them with earth"

Genesis 26:19

flowing water

This phrase refers to a natural spring they uncovered when they were digging a new well. It provided a continuous flow of fresh drinking water. Alternate translation: "fresh water"

Genesis 26:20

herdsmen

men who tended livestock

This water is ours

Here "ours" refers to the herdsmen of Gerar.

Esek

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Esek means 'quarrel' or 'argue.'"

Genesis 26:21

Then they dug

"Then Isaac's servants dug"

they quarreled

"the herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac's herdsmen"

so he gave it

"so Isaac gave it"

Sitnah

Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Sitnah means 'oppose' or 'accuse.'"

Genesis 26:22

Rehoboth

Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Rehoboth means 'make room for' or 'empty place.'"

us ... we

Isaac was speaking about himself and his household.

Genesis 26:23

Isaac went up from there to Beersheba

Here "went up" is probably a reference to going north. Say that he departed in the most natural way for your language. Alternate translation: "Isaac left there and went to Beersheba"

Genesis 26:24

multiply your descendants

"will cause your descendants to increase greatly" or "will cause your descendants to be very many"

for my servant Abraham's sake

"for my servant Abraham" or you can make the full meaning explicit. Alternate translation: "because I promised my servant Abraham that I would do this"

Genesis 26:25

Isaac built an altar there

You can make explicit why Isaac built an altar. Alternate translation: "Isaac built an altar there to sacrifice to Yahweh"

called on the name of Yahweh

To "call on" means to pray or to worship. Here "name" stands for Yahweh. Alternate translation: "prayed to Yahweh" or "worshiped Yahweh"

Genesis 26:26

went to him

"went to Isaac"

Ahuzzath

This is the name of a man.

his friend

Possible meanings are 1) "Abimelech's friend" or 2) "Abimelech's advisor."

Phicol

This is the name of a man. See how you translated his name in Genesis 21:22.

Genesis 26:27

General Information:

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Genesis 26:28

they said

This refers to Abimelech, Ahuzzath, and Phicol. One of them spoke and the other two agreed with what he said. It does not mean they all spoke at the same time. Alternate translation: "one of them said"

We have clearly seen

"We know" or "We are certain"

So let us make a covenant

"So we want to make a covenant"

Genesis 26:29

and as we have treated you well

This can also be translated as the beginning of a new sentence. "We have done only good to you"

you are blessed by Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has blessed you"

Genesis 26:30

Isaac made a feast for them, and they ate and drank

Eating a meal together was a part of making a covenant with one another.

for them

Here "them" refers to "Abimelech, Ahuzzath, and Phicol"

they ate

Here "they" refers to Isaac, Abimelech, Ahuzzath, and Phicol. Alternate translation: "they all ate"

Genesis 26:31

They rose early

"They awoke early"

Genesis 26:32

General Information:

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Genesis 26:33

He called the well Shibah

"So he called the well Shibah." Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Shibah sounds like the word that means 'oath.'"

Beersheba

Translators may add a footnote saying "Beersheba can mean either "well of the oath" or "well of seven." (See note on Genesis 21:32)

Genesis 26:34

General Information:

Most of Genesis 26 was about Isaac. These verses are about his older son Esau.

forty

"40"

he took a wife

"he married." You can state explicitly that he married two women. Alternate translation: "he took two wives"

Judith ... Basemath

These are the names of Esau's wives.

Beeri ... Elon

These are names of men.

the Hittite

"the descendant of Heth" or "a descendant of Heth." The Hittite people were the descendants of Heth.

Genesis 26:35

They brought sorrow to Isaac and Rebekah

Here "they" refers to Judith and Basemath. To make someone sorrowful or miserable is spoken of as if "sorrow" were an object that a person could bring to another person. Alternate translation: "They made Isaac and Rebekah sorrowful" or "Isaac and Rebekah were miserable because of them"

Chapter 27

Genesis 27 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 27:27-29 and in 27:39-40.

Special concepts in this chapter

Blessing

In the ancient Near East, a father's blessing was very important. This spoken blessing was legally binding. Jacob previously received the birthright from Esau and was guaranteed the double portion of land money that was supposed to be inherited by the older son, Esau. In this chapter, Jacob tricks Isaac into giving him Esau's blessing. This means that he is to inherit the promises of the covenant Yahweh made with Abraham. (See: bless, birthright, inherit and promise and covenant)

Genesis 27:1

his eyes were dim

This speaks about being nearly blind as if the eyes were a lamp and the light has nearly gone out. Alternate translation: "he was nearly blind" or "he was almost blind"

Here I am

"I am here" or "I am listening." See how you translated this in Genesis 22:1.

Genesis 27:2

See now, I

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: I" See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 12:11.

I do not know the day of my death

It is implied that Isaac knows he will die soon. Alternate translation: "I may die any day now"

death

This refers to physical death.

Genesis 27:3

General Information:

Isaac continues giving instructions to his older son Isaac.

your weapons

"your hunting equipment"

your quiver

A quiver is a case for holding arrows. Alternate translation: "your quiver of arrows"

hunt game for me

"hunt a wild animal for me"

Genesis 27:4

Make delicious food for me, the sort that I love

The word "delicious" refers to something that tastes very good. Alternate translation: "Cook for me the tasty meat that I love"

bless you

In Bible times, a father would often pronounce a formal blessing on his children.

Genesis 27:5

Connecting Statement:

This verse is background information for the description of the events that follow.

Now

This verse is background information for the description of the events that follow. The word "now" shows that the author is going to begin to talk about Rebekah and Jacob.

Rebekah heard it when Isaac spoke to Esau his son

"Rebekah heard Isaac speaking to his son Esau"

to Esau his son

Esau was the son of both Isaac and Rebekah. The author calls Esau "his son" to emphasize that Isaac preferred Esau over Isaac.

Genesis 27:6

Connecting Statement:

This verse continues the background information that begins with the words "Now Rebekah heard" in verse 5. It is background information for the description of the events that follow.

Rebekah spoke to Jacob

This verse continues the background information that begins with the words "Esau went ... bring it back" in verse 5. It is background information for the description of the events that follow. After Esau leaves, Rebekah speaks to Jacob because of what she has heard. "So when Esau went ... bring it back, Rebekah spoke to Jacob"

to Jacob her son

Jacob was the son of both Isaac and Rebekah. The author calls Jacob "her son" here to emphasize that Rebekah preferred Jacob over Esau.

See here

The phrase "see here" adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: "Listen carefully"

Genesis 27:7

'Bring me game and make me delicious food, that I may eat it and bless you in the presence of Yahweh before my death.'

These are the words that the author introduces with the words "He said" in verse 6. This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. "He told Esau to hunt a wild animal, and to make the tasty meat that he loves. Then before he dies, your father will bless Esau in the presence of Yahweh."

Bring me game

"Bring me a wild animal that you hunt and kill"

make me delicious food

"cook for me the tasty meat that I love." See how this was translated in Genesis 27:4.

bless you in the presence of Yahweh

"bless you before Yahweh"

before my death

"before I die"

Genesis 27:8

General Information:

Rebekah continues to speak to her younger son Jacob.

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

obey my voice as I command you

Rebekah said "my voice" to refer to what she was saying. Alternate translation: "obey me and do what I tell you"

Genesis 27:9

I will make delicious food from them for your father, just like he loves

The word "delicious" refers to something that tastes very good. See how a similar sentence was translated in Genesis 27:4.

Genesis 27:10

You will take it to your father

"Then take it to your father"

so that he may eat it, so that he may bless you

"and after he eats it, he will bless you"

he may bless you

The word "bless" refers to the formal blessing a father pronounces on his children.

before his death

"before he dies"

Genesis 27:11

I am a smooth man

"I am a man with smooth skin" or "I am not hairy"

Genesis 27:12

I will seem to him as a deceiver

"he will think that I am a liar" or "he will know that I am deceiving him"

I will bring a curse upon me and not a blessing

Being cursed or blessed is spoken of as if a curse and a blessing are objects that are placed on a person. Alternate translation: "Then because of this, he will curse me and not bless me"

Genesis 27:13

My son, let any curse fall on me

"let your curse be on me, my son." Being cursed is spoken of as if the curse were on object that is placed on the person. Alternate translation: "let your father curse me instead of you, my son"

obey my voice

Rebekah said "my voice" to refer to what she was saying. Alternate translation: "obey what I tell you" or "obey me"

bring them to me

"bring me the young goats"

Genesis 27:14

made delicious food, just like his father loved

The word "delicious" refers to something that tastes very good. See how a similar sentence was translated in Genesis 27:4.

Genesis 27:15

General Information:

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Genesis 27:16

She put the skins of the kids on his hands

The goat skins still had the hair on them.

Genesis 27:17

She put the delicious food and the bread that she had prepared into the hand of her son Jacob

"She gave to her son Jacob the delicious food and bread which she had prepared"

Genesis 27:18

Here I am

"Yes, I am listening" or "Yes, what is it?" See how you translated this in Genesis 22:1.

Genesis 27:19

I have done as you said to me

"I have done what you told me to do"

some of my game

The word "game" refers to wild animals that someone hunts and kills. See how "game" was translated in Genesis 27:3.

Genesis 27:20

He said

"Jacob replied"

brought it to me

This is an idiom meaning that God caused it to happen. Alternate translation: "helped me to succeed while hunting"

Genesis 27:21

whether you are my true son Esau or not

"if you are really my son Esau"

Genesis 27:22

Jacob went over to Isaac his father

"Jacob approached Isaac his father"

The voice is Jacob's voice

Here Issac speaks of Jacob's voice as representing Jacob. Alternate translation: "You sound like Jacob"

but the hands are the hands of Esau

Here Issac speaks of Esau's hands as representing Esau. Alternate translation: "but your hands feel like Esau's hands"

Genesis 27:23

General Information:

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Genesis 27:24

He said

Isaac asks this question before blessing his son. Alternate translation: "But first Isaac asked"

Genesis 27:25

eat of your game

The word "game" refers to a wild animal that people hunt and kill. See how "game" was translated in Genesis 27:7.

he drank

"Isaac drank it"

Genesis 27:26

General Information:

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Genesis 27:27

he smelled the smell of his clothes and blessed him

It can be made explicit that the clothes smelled like Esau's clothes. Alternate translation: "he smelled his clothes and they smelled like Esau's clothes, so Isaac blessed him"

he smelled

"Isaac smelled"

the smell

"the scent"

blessed him

"then he blessed him." This refers to the formal blessing a father pronounces on his children.

See, the smell of my son

The word "see" is used as an emphatic figure of speech to mean "it is true." Alternate translation: "Truly, the smell of my son"

that Yahweh has blessed

Here the word "blessed" means that Yahweh has caused good things to happen to the field and it has become fruitful. Alternate translation: "that Yahweh has caused to be very productive"

Genesis 27:28

General Information:

This is Isaac's blessing. He thought he was speaking to Esau, but he was speaking to Jacob.

give you

Here "you" is singular and refers to Jacob. But the blessing would also apply to Jacob's descendants.

dew of heaven

"Dew" is drops of water that form on the plants during the night. This can be made explicit in the translation. Alternate translation: "night mist from heaven to water your crops"

fatness of the earth

Having fertile land is spoken of as if the earth were fat or rich. Alternate translation: "good soil for producing crops"

plenty of grain and new wine

If "grain" and "wine" are unknown, this can be stated more generally. Alternate translation: "plenty of food and drink"

Genesis 27:29

you ... your

Here these pronouns are singular and refer to Jacob. But the blessing also applies to Jacob's descendants.

nations bow down

Here "nations" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "people from all nations bow down"

bow down

This means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.

Be master over your brothers

"Become a master over your brothers"

your brothers ... your mother's sons

Isaac is speaking this blessing directly to Jacob. But, it also applies to Jacob's descendants who will rule over the descendants of Esau and the descendants of any other of Jacob's brothers that he may have.

may your mother's sons bow down to you

"your mother's sons will bow down to you"

May every one who curses you be cursed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May God curse everyone who curses you"

may every one who blesses you be blessed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May God bless everyone who blesses you"

Genesis 27:30

had scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac his father

"had just left the tent of Isaac his father"

Genesis 27:31

delicious food

"tasty meat that I love." See how this was translated in Genesis 27:3.

some of your son's game

Here "your son's" was a polite way of Esau referring to his own food he prepared.

your son's game

The word "game" refers to wild animals that people hunt to eat. See how "game" was translated in Genesis 27:7.

bless me

This refers to the formal blessing a father pronounces on his children.

Genesis 27:32

said to him

"said to Esau"

Genesis 27:33

Isaac trembled

"Isaac began to shake"

hunted this game

Game refers to a wild animal that people hunt and kill. See how "game" was translated in Genesis 27:7.

Genesis 27:34

he cried with a very great and bitter cry

Esau's anguish was similar to the taste of something bitter. Alternate translation: "he cried loudly"

Genesis 27:35

has taken away your blessing

This is a figure of speech meaning Jacob took what was Esau's. Alternate translation: "I have blessed him instead of you"

Genesis 27:36

Is he not rightly named Jacob?

Esau uses a question to emphasize his anger at Jacob. Alternate translation: "Jacob is certainly the right name for my brother!"

Jacob

Translators may also add a footnote that says: "The name Jacob means 'he grasps the heel.' In the original language the name 'Jacob' also sounds like the word for 'he deceives.'"

He took away my birthright

This speaks about a birthright as if it were an object that a person could take away. Alternate translation: "What was once my birthright is now his because he tricked me"

now he has taken away my blessing

This speaks about a blessing as if it were an object that person could take away. Alternate translation: "now he has tricked you into blessing him instead of me"

Have you not reserved a blessing for me

Esau knows that his father cannot bless him with the same things that he blessed Jacob. Esau is asking if there is anything left to say to him that Isaac did not say while blessing Jacob.

Genesis 27:37

What more can I do for you, my son?

Isaac uses a question to emphasize that there is nothing else he can do. Alternate translation: "There is nothing else I can do for you!"

Genesis 27:38

Have you not even one blessing for me, my father

This can be stated in positive form. "My father, do you have one more blessing for me"

Genesis 27:39

said to him

"said to Esau"

Look, the place

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: the place"

far from the richness of the earth

This is a figure of speech referring to the earth's fertility. Alternate translation: "far from the fertile soil"

dew of the sky above

"Dew" is drops of water that form on the plants during the night. This can be made explicit in the translation. Alternate translation: "the night mist from the sky to water your crops"

Genesis 27:40

your ... you

In 27:39-40 these pronouns are singular and refer to Esau, but what Isaac says also applies to Esau's descendants

By your sword you will live

Here "sword" stands for violence. Alternate translation: "You will rob and kill people in order to get what you need to live"

you will break his yoke off of your neck

This speaks about someone having a master as if the master's control over the person were a yoke that the person had to carry. Alternate translation: "you will free yourself from his control"

Genesis 27:41

Esau bore a grudge against Jacob

Esau believed that Jacob had wronged him, and so Esau did not want to forgive Jacob.

Esau said in his heart

Here "heart" stands for Esau himself. Alternate translation: "Esau said to himself"

days of mourning for my father are near

This refers to a number of days a person grieves when a family member dies.

Genesis 27:42

The words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Rebekah about Esau's plan"

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

is consoling himself

"is making himself feel better"

Genesis 27:43

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

flee to Laban

"leave here quickly and go to Laban"

Genesis 27:44

for a while

"for a period of time"

until your brother's fury subsides

"until you brother calms down"

Genesis 27:45

until your brother's anger turns away from you

No longer being angry is spoken of as if the anger turns to a different direction away from the person. Alternate translation: "until he is no longer angry with you"

Why should I lose you both in one day?

Rebekah uses a question to emphasize her concern. Alternate translation: "I do not want to lose both of you in one day!"

I lose you both in one day

It is implied that if Esau kills Jacob, then they will execute Esau as a murderer.

I lose

This is a polite way of referring to her sons dying.

Genesis 27:46

I abhor life

Rebekah is exaggerating to emphasize how upset she is about the Hittite women that Esau married. Alternate translation: "I am terribly upset"

the daughters of Heth

"these Hittite women" or "descendants of Heth"

like these women, some of the daughters of the land

The phrase "daughters of the land" means the local females. Alternate translation: "like these women who live in this land"

what good will my life be to me?

Rebekah uses a question to emphasize how upset she would be if Jacob marries a Hittite woman. Alternate translation: "My life will be awful!"

Chapter 28

Genesis 28 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Even though Jacob tricked his father in order to receive Esau's blessing, the chapter repeats the blessing, ensuring he inherits the blessings promised to Abraham. (See: bless and inherit and promise)

Special concepts in this chapter

Jacob's dream

Jacob had a dream or received a vision. The purpose of this dream is to show that, despite Jacob's sin, God is giving Abraham's covenant promises to Jacob and his descendants. (See: sin and covenant and promise)

Bethel

This was an important city for Abraham and his descendants. It is possible that there is some theological significance to the city of Bethel.

Genesis 28:1

You must not take

"Do not take"

Genesis 28:2

Arise, go

"Go right away"

Paddan Aram

This was another name for the region of Mesopotamia, which about the same location as modern Iraq. See how this was translated in [Genesis 25:20]

house of

This refers to a person's descendants or other relatives. Alternate translation: "family"

Bethuel

Bethuel was Rebekah's father. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 22:22]

your mother's father

"your grandfather"

one of the daughters

"from the daughters"

your mother's brother

"your uncle"

Genesis 28:3

General Information:

Isaac continues speaking to Jacob

make you fruitful and multiply you

The word "multiply" explains how God would make Jacob "fruitful." Alternate translation: "give you many children and descendants"

Genesis 28:4

May he give you the blessing of Abraham, to you, and to your descendants after you

This speaks about blessing someone as if a blessing were an object that a person can give. The abstract noun "the blessing" can be stated as "bless." Alternate translation: "May God bless you and your descendants as he blessed Abraham" or "May God give to you and your descendants what he promised to Abraham"

that you may inherit the land

God giving the land of Canaan to Jacob and his descendants is spoken of as if a child were inheriting money or possessions from his father.

the land where you have been sojourning

"the land where you have been staying"

which God gave to Abraham

"which God promised to Abraham"

Genesis 28:5

Paddan Aram

This was another name for the region of Mesopotamia, which about the same location as modern Iraq. See how this was translated in [Genesis 25:20]

Bethuel

Bethuel was Rebekah's father. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 22:22]

Genesis 28:6

General Information:

The story changes from Jacob to Esau

Now

This word is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Esau.

Paddan Aram

This was another name for the region of Mesopotamia, which about the same location as modern Iraq. See how this was translated in [Genesis 25:20]

to take a wife

"to take a wife for himself"

He also saw that Isaac had blessed him

"Esau also saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob"

You must not take

"Do not take"

women of Canaan

"daughters of Canaan" or "Canaanite women"

Genesis 28:7

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Genesis 28:8

General Information:

This continues the background information about Esau.

Esau saw

"Esau realized"

the women of Canaan did not please Isaac his father

"his father Isaac did not approve of the women of Canaan"

women of Canaan

"daughters of Canaan" or "the Canaanite women"

Genesis 28:9

So he went

"Because of that, he went"

besides the wives that he had

"in addition to the wives that he already had"

Mahalath

This is the name of one of Ishmael's daughters.

Nebaioth

This is the name of one of Ishmael's sons.

Genesis 28:10

General Information:

The story switches back to Jacob

Genesis 28:11

He came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set

"He came to a certain place and, because the sun had set, he decided to stay for the night"

Genesis 28:12

He dreamed

"Jacob had a dream"

set up on the earth

"with the bottom of it touching the ground"

reached to heaven

This refers to the place where God lives.

Genesis 28:13

Behold

The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

Yahweh stood above it

Possible meanings are 1) "Yahweh was standing at the top of the stairway" or 2) "Yahweh was standing next to Jacob"

Abraham your father

Here "father" means "ancestor." Alternate translation: "Abraham your ancestor" or "Abraham your forefather"

Genesis 28:14

General Information:

God continues to talk to Jacob in a dream.

Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth

God compares Jacob's descendants to the dust of the earth to emphasize their huge number. Alternate translation: "You will have more descendants than you can count"

you will spread far out to the west

The word "you" is singular and refers to Jacob. Here Jacob represents his descendants. Alternate translation: "your descendants will spread out to the west"

you will spread far out

This means the people will extend the borders of their land and occupy more territory.

to the west, to the east, to the north, and to the south

This phrases are used together to mean "all directions." Alternate translation: "in all directions"

Through you and through your descendants will all the families of the earth be blessed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will bless all families on the earth through you and your descendants"

Genesis 28:15

Behold, I am

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: I am"

for I will not leave you. I will do all

"for I will not leave you until I have done all"

I will keep you

"I will keep you safe" or "I will protect you"

I will bring you into this land again

"I will bring you back to this land"

Genesis 28:16

awoke out of his sleep

"woke up from his sleep"

Genesis 28:17

the house of God ... the gate of heaven

The phrase "the gate of heaven" explains that this place is the entrance to "the house of God" and "the entrance to where God lives."

This is the gate of heaven

This speaks about the entrance to the place where God lives as if it were a literal kingdom that had a gate that someone has to open to let people in.

Genesis 28:18

pillar

This is a memorial pillar, that is, simply a large stone or boulder set up on its end.

poured oil upon the top of it

This action symbolizes that Jacob is dedicating the pillar to God. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "poured oil on the top of it in order to dedicate the pillar to God"

Genesis 28:19

Bethel

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Bethel means 'house of God.'"

Luz

This is the name of a city.

Genesis 28:20

Connecting Statement:

Jacob begins to make a vow to Yahweh.

vowed a vow

"made a vow" or "solemnly promised God"

If God will ... clothes to wear

Jacob is speaking to God in the third person. This can be stated in the second person. Alternate translation: "If you will ... clothes to wear"

on this road on which I am walking

This stands for Jacob's journey to find a wife and to return home. Alternate translation: "on this journey"

will give me bread to eat

Here "bread" stands for food in general.

Genesis 28:21

Connecting Statement:

The vow that began with the words "If God will ... clothes to wear" in verse 20 continues here.

so that I return safely ... then Yahweh will be my God

The vow that began with the words "If God will ... clothes to wear" in verse 20 continues here. Jacob is speaking to God in the third person. This can be stated in the second person. "If you will ... clothes to wear ... so that I return safely ... then you, Yahweh, will be the God that I will worship"

to my father's house

Here "house" stands for Jacob's family. Alternate translation: "to my father and the rest of my family"

Genesis 28:22

a sacred stone

This means that the stone will mark the place where God appeared to him and it will be a place where people can worship God. Alternate translation: "God's house" or "God's place"

Chapter 29

Genesis 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the conflict between Jacob's wives, Rachel and Leah. This account continues into the next chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Shepherds

Although the exact reasoning for the shepherds' unwillingness to give water to the sheep is unknown, it is probable they were being lazy. The actions of these shepherds contrast Jacob's actions.

Kissing

It was common in the ancient Near East for relatives to greet each other with a kiss. There was nothing sexual about this type of kissing.

Marriage

It was customary in the ancient Near East for a man to work for a woman's father in order to earn the right to marry her. It is unknown how common it was for a father to have his younger daughter marry before an older daughter. It was also sinful for Jacob to marry more than one wife. (See: sin)

Genesis 29:1

the people of the east

This means the people of Paddan Aram, which is a land east of the land of Canaan.

Genesis 29:2

and, behold, three flocks of sheep were lying there by it

The word "behold" marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. Your language may have a way of doing this.

For out of that well

"For from that well." This phrase marks a change from the story to background information about how the shepherds watered the flocks.

they would water

"the shepherds would water" or "those taking care of the sheep would water"

the well's mouth

Here "mouth" is a way of referring to an opening. Alternate translation: "the opening of the well"

Genesis 29:3

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Genesis 29:4

Jacob said to them

"Jacob said to the shepherds"

My brothers

This is a polite way to greet a stranger.

Genesis 29:5

Laban son of Nahor

Here "son" refers to a male descendant. Another possible meaning is "Laban the grandson of Nahor."

Genesis 29:6

and, look there, Rachel his daughter is coming with the sheep

"Now look! Rachel his daughter is coming with the sheep"

Genesis 29:7

it is the middle of the day

"the sun is still high in the sky" or "the sun is still shining brightly"

for the flocks to be gathered together

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for you to gather the flocks"

to be gathered together

This means to gather them together inside a fence for them to stay for the night. The full meaning of this can be made explicit.

let them graze

"let them eat grass in the field"

Genesis 29:8

We cannot water them

"We have to wait to water them." This has to do with timing, not permission.

until all the flocks are gathered together

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until the other shepherds gather their flocks"

from the well's mouth

Here "mouth" is way of referring to an opening. Alternate translation: "from the well" or "from the opening of the well"

and we will water the sheep

"then we will water the sheep"

Genesis 29:9

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Genesis 29:10

his mother's brother

"his uncle"

the well's mouth

Here "mouth" is a way of referring to an opening. Alternate translation: "the well" or "the opening of the well"

Genesis 29:11

Jacob kissed Rachel

In ancient Near East, it is common to greet a relative with a kiss. However, it is normally done between men. If your language has an affectionate greeting for a relative, use that. If not, use what is appropriate.

wept loudly

Jacob weeps because he is so happy. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

Genesis 29:12

her father's relative

"related to her father"

Genesis 29:13

his sister's son

"his nephew"

embraced him

"hugged him"

kissed him

In ancient Near East, it is common to greet a relative with a kiss. However, it is normally done between men. If your language has an affectionate greeting for a relative, use that. If not, use what is appropriate.

Jacob told Laban all these things

"then Jacob told Laban everything he told Rachel"

Genesis 29:14

my bone and my flesh

This phrase means they are directly related. Alternate translation: "my relative" or "a member of my family"

Genesis 29:15

Should you serve me for nothing ... my relative?

Laban uses a question to emphasize that he should pay Jacob for working for him. The question can be translated as a statement. This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "It is certainly right that I should pay you for working for me even though you are my relative."

Genesis 29:16

Now Laban had

The word "now" is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Laban and his daughters.

Genesis 29:17

Leah's eyes were tender

Possible meanings are 1) "Leah's eyes were pretty" or 2) "Leah's eyes were plain"

Genesis 29:18

Jacob loved Rachel

Here the word "loved" refers to a romantic attraction between a man and a woman.

Genesis 29:19

than that I should give her to another man

"rather than give her to another man"

Genesis 29:20

and they seemed to him only a few days

"but the time seemed to him to be only a few days"

for the love he had for her

"on account of the love he had for her" or "because of his love for her"

Genesis 29:21

for my days have been completed

The phrase "my days" refers to the seven years Jacob had to work for Laban. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for my days of working for you have been completed" or "For I have completed the length of time that I was to work for you"

so that I may go to her

This is a polite way of referring to having sexual relations with her. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Genesis 16:2]

Genesis 29:22

made a feast

"prepared a wedding feast." Most likely Laban had others prepare the feast. Alternate translation: "had others prepare a wedding feast"

Genesis 29:23

who went to her

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with her. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Genesis 16:2]

Genesis 29:24

Laban gave his female servant Zilpah ... her servant

Here the author gives background information about Laban giving Zilpah to Leah. Most likely he gave Zilpah to Leah before the wedding.

Zilpah

This is the name of Leah's female servant.

Genesis 29:25

behold, it was Leah

"Jacob was surprised to see it was Leah in bed with him." The word "behold" here shows that Jacob was surprised by what he saw.

What is this you have done to me?

Jacob uses a question to express his anger and surprise. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I cannot believe you did this to me!"

Did I not serve you for Rachel?

Jacob uses these questions to express his hurt that Laban had tricked him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I served you for seven years to marry Rachel!"

Genesis 29:26

It is not our custom to give

"In our family we do not give"

Genesis 29:27

Complete the bridal week of this daughter

"Finish celebrating Leah's bridal week"

we will give you the other also

The full meaning can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "next week we will give you Rachel also"

Genesis 29:28

Jacob did so, and completed Leah's week

"And Jacob did what Laban asked, and finished celebrating Leah's bridal week"

Genesis 29:29

Bilhah

This is the name of Rachel's female servant.

Genesis 29:30

Jacob went to Rachel

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with her. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Genesis 16:2]

he loved Rachel

This refers to the romantic love between a man and a woman.

Genesis 29:31

Leah was not loved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jacob did not love Leah"

not loved

This is an exaggeration to emphasize that Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah. Alternate translation: "loved less than Rachel"

so he opened her womb

God causing Leah to be able to become pregnant is spoken of as if God is opening her womb.

was barren

"was not able to become pregnant"

Genesis 29:32

Leah conceived and bore a son

"Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son"

she called his name Reuben

Translators may also add a footnote that says: "The name Reuben means 'See, a son.'"

Yahweh has looked upon my affliction

Leah was experiencing emotional pain because Jacob had rejected her. The abstract noun "affliction" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "Yahweh saw that I was suffering"

Genesis 29:33

Then she conceived

"Then Leah became pregnant"

bore a son

"gave birth to a son"

Yahweh has heard that I am unloved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has heard that my husband does not love me"

she called his name Simeon

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Simeon means 'heard.'"

Genesis 29:34

will my husband be attached to me

"my husband will embrace me"

I have borne him three sons

"I have given birth to three sons for him"

his name was called Levi

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Levi means 'attached.'"

Genesis 29:35

She conceived again

"Leah became pregnant again"

bore a son

"gave birth to a son"

she called his name Judah

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Judah means 'praise.'"

Chapter 30

Genesis 30 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the story of the conflict between Rachel and Leah.

Special concepts in this chapter

Women and their children

In the ancient Near East, it was important for a married woman to have many children. If a woman did not have many children, people believed it brought shame upon her. This is one of the reasons why Rachel and Leah were always jealous of each other. (See: jealous)

Speckled and spotted

Speckled and spotted sheep were considered to be imperfect. Therefore, they were considered to be much less valuable than the spotless sheep. Despite Jacob's fair offer, Laban once again tried to cheat him out of something he deserved. Jacob anticipated Laban's cheating.

Genesis 30:1

When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children

"When Rachel realized that she was unable to become preganant"

I will die

Rachel is exaggerating to show how upset she is about not having children. Alternate translation: "I will feel completely worthless"

Give me children

"Cause me to become pregnant"

Genesis 30:2

Jacob's anger burned against Rachel

Jacob's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire. Alternate translation: "Jacob was very angry with Rachel"

Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?

This is a rhetorical question that Jacob uses to scold Rachel. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am not God! I am not the one who is preventing you from having children!"

Genesis 30:3

She said

"Rachel said"

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

there is my servant Bilhah ... I will have children by her

At that time, this was an acceptable way for a barren woman to have children that would legally belong to her. The full meaning of this may be made explicit.

Bilhah

This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in Genesis 29:29.

Go to her

This is a polite way of asking him to have sexual relations with her servant. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Genesis 16:2]

on my knees

This is a way of saying that the child that Bilhah gives birth to will belong to Rachel. Alternate translation: "for me"

I will have children by her

"and in this way she will cause me to have children"

Genesis 30:4

Jacob went to her

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with Bilhah. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Genesis 16:2]

Genesis 30:5

Bilhah

This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in Genesis 29:29.

bore Jacob a son

"gave birth to a son for Jacob"

Genesis 30:6

she called his name

"Rachel gave him the name"

called his name Dan

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Dan means 'he judged.'"

Genesis 30:7

Bilhah ... conceived again

"Bilhah ... became pregnant again"

bore Jacob a second son

"gave birth to a second son for Jacob"

Genesis 30:8

With mighty wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister

The phrase "wrestlings have I wrestled" is an idiom used for emphasis. It is also a metaphor that speaks of Rachel's attempts to have a child like her sister as if she were having a physical fight with Leah. Alternate translation: "I have had a great struggle to have children like my older sister, Leah"

have prevailed

"I have won" or "I have succeeded"

called his name Naphtali

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Naphtali means 'my struggle.'"

Genesis 30:9

When Leah saw that

"When Leah became aware that"

she took Zilpah, her servant, and gave her to Jacob as a wife

"she gave Zilpah, her servant, to Jacob as a wife"

Zilpah

This is the name of Leah's female servant. See how you translated this in Genesis 29:24.

Genesis 30:10

bore Jacob a son

"gave birth to a son for Jacob"

Genesis 30:11

This is fortunate!

"How fortunate!" or "What good luck!"

called his name Gad

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Gad means 'fortunate.'"

Genesis 30:12

Zilpah

This is the name of Leah's female servant. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 29:24]

bore Jacob a second son

"gave birth to a second son for Jacob"

Genesis 30:13

I am happy!

"How blessed I am!" or "How happy I am!"

the daughters

"the women" or "the young women"

called his name Asher

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Asher means 'happy.'"

Genesis 30:14

Reuben went

"Reuben went out"

in the days of wheat harvest

Here the phrase "in the days of" is an idiom that refers to the season or time of year. Alternate translation: "at the time of year of the wheat harvest" or "during the wheat harvest"

mandrakes

This is a fruit that was said to increase fertility and the desire to sleep with one's lover. Alternate translation: "love fruit"

Genesis 30:15

Is it a small matter to you ... my husband?

"Do you not care ... my husband?" This is a rhetorical question used to scold Rachel. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is bad enough ... my husband."

Do you now want ... too?

This is a rhetorical question, used to scold Rachel. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Now you want ... too!"

Then he will lie with you

Here "lie with" is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "Then Jacob will have sexual relations with you"

Genesis 30:16

You must come to me

Here "come to" is a euphemism for sexual relations. Alternate translation: "You must have sexual intercourse with me"

with my son's mandrakes

"for the price of my son's mandrakes." See how you translated "mandrake" in Genesis 30:14.

Jacob lay with Leah

Here "lay with" is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "Jacob had sexual relations with Leah"

Genesis 30:17

she conceived

"She became pregnant"

bore Jacob a fifth son

"gave birth to a fifth son for Jacob"

Genesis 30:18

God has given me my wages

God rewarding Leah is spoken of as if he were a boss paying wages to someone who works for him. Alternate translation: "God has given my due" or "God has rewarded me"

She called his name Issachar

Translators may also add a footnote that says: "The name Issachar means 'there is a reward.'"

Genesis 30:19

Leah conceived again

"Leah became pregnant again"

bore a sixth son to Jacob

"gave birth to a sixth son for Jacob"

Genesis 30:20

She called his name Zebulun

Translators may also add a footnote that says: "The name Zebulun means 'honor.'"

Genesis 30:21

called her name Dinah

This is the name of Leah's daughter.

Genesis 30:22

God called Rachel to mind and listened to her

The phrase "call to mind" means to remember. This does not mean God forgot about Rachel. It means he considered her request. Alternate translation: "God considered Rachel and granted to her what she wanted"

Genesis 30:23

God has taken away my shame

God causing Rachel to no longer feel ashamed is spoken of as if "shame" were an object that person could take away from someone else. The abstract noun "shame" can be stated as "ashamed." Alternate translation: "God has caused me to no longer feel ashamed"

Genesis 30:24

She called his name Joseph

Translators may also add a footnote that says: "The name Joseph means 'may he add.'"

Yahweh has added to me another son

Rachel's first sons were through her female servant Bilhah.

Genesis 30:25

After Rachel had borne Joseph

"After Rachel gave birth to Joseph"

Genesis 30:26

and let me go

"so I can go"

you know the service I have given you

Jacob is reminding Laban of their contract

Genesis 30:27

Laban said to him

"Laban said to Jacob"

If now I have found favor in your eyes

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "If I have found favor with you" or "If you are pleased with me"

found favor

This is an idiom that means that someone is approved of by someone else.

wait, because

"please stay, because"

I have learned by using divination

"I have discovered by my own spiritual and magical practices"

for your sake

"because of you"

Genesis 30:28

Name your wages

This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: "Tell me how much I have to pay to keep you here"

Genesis 30:29

Jacob said to him

"Jacob said to Laban"

how your livestock have fared with me

"how well your livestock have done since I started taking care of them"

Genesis 30:30

For you had little before I came

"your herds were small before I worked for you"

and it has increased abundantly

"but now your wealth has greatly increased"

Now when will I provide for my own household also?

"Now when will I take care of my own family?" Jacob uses a question to emphasize that he wants to start providing for his own family. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Now I want to take care of my family!"

Genesis 30:31

What will I pay you

"What can I pay you" or "What can I give you." This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: "What can I pay you so that you stay and work for me"

If you will do this thing for me

The connecting word "But" can be used at the beginning to show that what Jacob is about to say contrasts with what he just said. Alternate translation: "But if you will do this thing for me"

this thing

The phrase "this thing" refers to what Jacob will propose in verse 32.

feed your flock and keep it

"feed and take care of your flock"

Genesis 30:32

removing from it every speckled and spotted sheep, and every black one among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats

"and remove every sheep with spots, every black sheep, and every goat with spots"

These will be my wages

"This will be the cost of keeping me here"

Genesis 30:33

My integrity will testify for me later on

The word "integrity" means "honesty." This speaks about integrity as if it were a person who could testify for or against another person. Alternate translation: "And later you will know if I have been honest with you or not"

Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, if any are found with me, will be considered to be stolen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If you find any goats without spots or any sheep that are not black, you can consider them stolen"

Genesis 30:34

Let it be according to your word

"Let it be as you say" or "We will do what you have said"

Genesis 30:35

that were striped and spotted

"that had stripes and spots"

that were speckled and spotted

"that had spots"

every one that had white in it

"every goat that had some white in it"

all the black ones among the sheep

"all the black sheep"

gave them into the hand

Here "hand" stands for control or care. Alternate translation: "had his sons take care of them"

Genesis 30:36

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Genesis 30:37

poplar, almond, and plane trees

These are all trees with white wood.

he peeled white streaks in them and made the white inner wood appear that was in the sticks

"he peeled off pieces of bark so that the white wood underneath would show"

Genesis 30:38

the watering troughs

long open containers for holding water for animals to drink

Genesis 30:39

The flocks bred

"The animals of the flocks conceived" or "The animals mated"

produced striped, speckled, and spotted young

"gave birth to babies with stripes and spots"

Genesis 30:40

Jacob separated

It can be made explicit that this happened over several years. Alternate translation: "During the several years following, Jacob separated"

face toward

"look toward"

he separated out his flocks for himself alone

"he set his flocks apart"

Genesis 30:41

before the eyes of the flock

Here the flock's "eyes" represent the sheep and emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: "so that the flock could see them"

among the sticks

"in front of the sticks"

Genesis 30:42

the feebler animals

"the weaker animals"

So the feebler animals were Laban's, and the stronger were Jacob's

"So the weaker offspring belonged to Laban, while the stronger offspring belonged to Jacob." You can make this even more explicit. Alternate translation: "So the weaker offspring did not have stripes or spots and so belonged to Laban, while the stronger offspring did have stripes or spots and so belonged to Jacob"

Genesis 30:43

The man

"Jacob"

became very prosperous

"greatly prospered" or "became very wealthy"

Chapter 31

Genesis 31 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God's blessing

When Jacob left Paddam Aram, he left very wealthy. Despite his punishment of exile from Canaan, God still blessed Jacob and his family. (See: bless)

Household gods

Although a few scholars believe the possession of the household gods was a sign of inheritance, this seems unlikely. It is probable that Rachel believed these idols would bring them "good luck" and would bring them great blessing. This was sinful because they were to trust in Yahweh, who already promised to bless them. (See: falsegod and inherit and sin)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Irony

Laban's sons complained that Jacob cheated them out of their father's possessions. It was their father who tried to cheat Jacob out of what he promised to give Jacob. Jacob treated his brother Esau in the same way. Jacob cheated Esau out of their father's blessing.

Genesis 31:1

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the story.

Jacob heard the words of Laban's sons, that they said

"Jacob heard that Laban's sons were saying"

Jacob has taken away all that was our father's

Laban's sons were exaggerating because they were angry. Alternate translation: "Everything that Jacob has taken belonged to our father"

Genesis 31:2

Jacob saw the look on Laban's face. He saw that his attitude toward him had changed

These two sentences mean basically the same thing. The second explains the look that Jacob saw on Laban's face. Alternate translation: "Jacob noticed that Laban was no longer pleased with him"

Genesis 31:3

your fathers

"your father Isaac and your grandfather Abraham"

Genesis 31:4

Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field to his flock

"Jacob sent for Rachel and Leah and told them to meet him out in the field with the flocks"

Genesis 31:5

and said to them

You can start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: "He said to them"

I see your father's attitude toward me has changed

"I have noticed your father is no longer pleased with me"

Genesis 31:6

You know that it is with all my strength that I have served your father

The word "you" here refers to both Rachel and Leah. It also adds emphasis. Alternate translation: "You yourselves know that I have served your father with all my strength"

Genesis 31:7

has deceived me

"has lied to me" or "has not treated me fairly"

my wages

"what he said he would pay me"

to hurt me

Possible meanings are 1) physical harm or 2) to cause Jacob to suffer in any way.

Genesis 31:8

The speckled animals

"The animals with spots"

the flock bore

"the flock gave birth to"

The striped

"The animals with stripes"

Genesis 31:9

In this way God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me

"This is how God gave your father's animals to me"

Genesis 31:10

General Information:

Jacob continues his story to his wives Leah and Rachel.

Once at the time of breeding season

"During the breeding season"

mating with the flock

Here "flock" represents only the female goats. Alternate translation: "mating with the female goats of the flock"

were striped, speckled, and spotted

"had stripes, little spots, and big spots"

Genesis 31:11

angel of God

Possible meanings are 1) God himself appeared as a man or 2) one of God's messengers appeared. Since the phrase is not well understood, it is best to simply translate it as "the angel of God," using the normal word that you use for "angel."

I said

"And I answered"

Here I am

"Yes, I am listening" or "Yes, what is it?" See how you translated this in Genesis 22:1.

Genesis 31:12

General Information:

The angel of the Lord continues to talk to Jacob (Genesis 31:10).

Lift up your eyes

This is a way of saying "Look up."

that are breeding with the flock

Here "flock" stands for only the female goats. Alternate translation: "that are breeding with the female goats of the flock"

are striped, speckled, and spotted

"have stripes and spots"

Genesis 31:13

where you anointed a pillar

Jacob poured oil on the pillar to dedicate it to God.

the land of your birth

"the land where you were born"

Genesis 31:14

Rachel and Leah answered and said to him

This does not mean they talked at the same time. It emphasizes they agreed with each other.

Is there any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?

Rachel and Leah use a question to emphasize that there is nothing left for their father to give. Alternate translation: "There is absolutely nothing left for us to inherit from our father!"

Genesis 31:15

Are we not treated by him as foreigners?

They use a question to show their anger about how their father treats them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Our father treats us like a foreign women instead of daughters!"

For he has sold us

This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: "He has sold us for his own gain"

has also completely devoured our money

Laban completely using up the money that he should have given to his daughters is spoken of as if he were a wild beast that ate the money as if it were food. Alternate translation: "he completely used up our money"

Genesis 31:16

are now ours and our children's

"belongs to us and to our children"

Now then

Here "Now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

whatever God has said to you, do it

"do all that God has told you"

Genesis 31:17

his sons

Jacob took all of his children. It only mentions the sons because they are important as his heirs. Alternate translation: "his children"

Genesis 31:18

He drove all his livestock

"He drove all his cattle." Here "livestock" is referring to all his domesticate animals.

including the livestock he had acquired in Paddan Aram

"and the other herd of cattle which he took ownership of when he was in Paddan Aram"

Then he set out to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan

"He went to the land of Canaan, where his father Isaac lived"

Genesis 31:19

When Laban had gone to shear his flock

"When Laban had left to cut the wool off of the sheep in his flock"

Genesis 31:20

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Genesis 31:21

the River

This refers to the Euphrates River.

headed toward

"traveled toward"

the hill country of Gilead

"the mountains of Gilead" or "Mount Gilead"

Genesis 31:22

On the third day

It was Jewish custom to count the day of departure as day one. Alternate translation: "Two days after they had left"

Laban was told

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone told Laban"

that Jacob had fled

Only Jacob is mentioned because he is the leader of the family. It can be made explicit that his family went with him. Alternate translation: "that Jacob had fled with his wives and children"

Genesis 31:23

So he took

"So Laban took"

pursued him

"chased after Jacob"

for a seven days' journey

Laban spent seven days walking to catch up to Jacob.

He overtook him

"He caught up to him"

Genesis 31:24

Now God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream at night

The word "now" is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Laban. Alternate translation: "That night God came to Laban in a dream"

Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad

The phrase "good nor bad" are used together to mean "anything." Alternate translation: "Do not say anything to try and stop Jacob from leaving"

Genesis 31:25

Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country. Laban also camped with his relatives in the hill country of Gilead

The word "now" is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Jacob and Laban. Alternate translation: "When Laban caught up with Jacob, Jacob had set up camp in the hill country. Then Laban and his relatives also camped in the hill country of Gilead"

Genesis 31:26

carried away my daughters like captives of the sword

Laban speaks about Jacob taking his family with him back to the land of Canaan as if Jacob took them as prisoners after a battle and is forcing them to go with him. Laban is exaggerating because he is angry and is trying to make Jacob feel guilty for what he did.

Genesis 31:27

flee secretly

"run away in secret"

with celebration

"with joy"

with tambourine and with harps

These instruments stand for music. Alternate translation: "and with music"

tambourine

a musical instrument with a head like a drum that can be hit and with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instrument is shaken

Genesis 31:28

to kiss my grandsons

Here "grandsons" would include all grandchildren whether male or female. Alternate translation: "to kiss my grandchildren"

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

Genesis 31:29

It is in my power to do you harm

The word "you" is plural and refers to everyone with Jacob. Alternate translation: "I have enough people with me to harm all of you"

Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad

The words "good nor bad" are used together to mean "anything." See how you translated this in [Genesis 31:24]

Genesis 31:30

you have gone away

This "you" is singular and refers to Jacob.

to your father's house

Here "house" stands for family. Alternate translation: "to be home with your father and the rest of your family"

my gods

"my idols"

Genesis 31:31

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Genesis 31:32

Whoever has stolen your gods will not continue to live

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "We will kill whoever has stolen your gods"

In the presence of our relatives

The word "our" refers to Jacob's relatives and includes Laban's relatives. All the relatives will watch to make sure everything is fair and honest.

identify whatever with me is yours and take it

"look for whatever we have that is yours and take it"

For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them

This changes from the story to background information about Jacob.

Genesis 31:33

the two female servants

This refers to Zilpah and Bilhah.

he did not find them

"he did not find his idols"

Genesis 31:34

Now Rachel ... upon them

The word "now" is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Rachel.

saddle

a seat placed on the back of an animal so a person can ride on it

Genesis 31:35

my master

Calling someone "my master" is a way of honoring them.

that I cannot stand up before you

"because I am unable to stand up in your presence"

for I am having my period

This refers to the time of the month when a woman bleeds from her womb.

Genesis 31:36

He said to him

"Jacob said to Laban"

What is my offense? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued me?

The phrases "What is my offense" and "What is my sin" mean basically the same thing. Jacob is asking Laban to tell him what he did wrong. Alternate translation: "What have I done wrong that you should pursue me like this?"

hotly pursued me

Here the word "hotly" means Laban urgently chased Jacob intending to capture him.

Genesis 31:37

What have you found of all your household goods?

"What have you found that belongs to you?"

Set them here before our relatives

Here the word "our" refers to Jacob's relatives and includes Laban's relatives. Alternate translation: "Lay anything you have found in front of our relatives"

they may judge between the two of us

Here "two of us" refers to Jacob and Laban. The phrase "to judge between" means to decide which person is right in a dispute. Alternate translation: "they may judge between the two of us"

Genesis 31:38

General Information:

Jacob continues to speak to Laban.

twenty years

"20 years"

ewes

female sheep

have not miscarried

This means they have not had a pregnancy end early and unexpectedly with the lamb or kid born dead.

Genesis 31:39

What was torn by beasts I did not bring to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I did not bring to you any of your animals that a wild beast tore apart" or "When a wild animal killed any of your animals I did not bring it to you"

I bore the loss of it

For Jacob to count Laban's dead animals as a loss from his own flock is spoken of as if it was a burden he would bear on his shoulders. Alternate translation: "Instead of counting it a loss from your flock, I counted it as a loss from my flock"

You demanded payment from my hand

It can be made explicit what Jacob had to pay for. Alternate translation "You demanded that I pay you for any animal of yours that was missing"

whether stolen by day or stolen by night

"whether it was taken during the day or at night". Possble meanings are 1) "whether someone stole it during the day or at night" or 2) "whether an animal took it during the day or night."

Genesis 31:40

There I was; in the day the heat consumed me, and the frost by night

Suffering in the hot and cold temperatures is spoken of as if the temperatures were animals that were eating Jacob. Alternate translation: "I stayed with your flocks even during hottest part of the day and the coldest part of the night"

Genesis 31:41

General Information:

Jacob continues to speak to Laban.

These twenty years

"These last 20 years"

fourteen years

"14 years"

changed my wages ten times

"changed what he said he would pay me ten times." See how you translated "my wages" in Genesis 31:7.

Genesis 31:42

Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the one Isaac fears, had been with me

Jacob is referring to the same God not to three different gods. Alternate translation: "If the God of Abraham and Isaac, my father, had not been with me"

the God of my father

Here the word "father" refers to his parent, Isaac.

the one Isaac fears

Here the word "fears" refers to the "fear of Yahweh," which means to deeply respect him and show that respect by obeying him.

empty-handed

This stands for having nothing. Alternate translation: "with absolutely nothing"

God has seen my affliction and my toil

The abstract noun "affliction" can be stated as "afflicted." Alternate translation: "God has seen how hard I worked and how you afflicted me"

Genesis 31:43

But what can I do today to these my daughters, or to their children whom they have borne?

Laban uses a question to emphasize that there is nothing he can do. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "But, there is nothing I can do to bring my daughters and grandchildren back with me."

Genesis 31:44

let it be for a witness

Here the word "witness" does not refer to a person, but it is used figuratively and refers to the covenant that Jacob and Laban are making. The covenant is spoken of as if it were a person who is there when they agree to act peacefully to one another.

Genesis 31:45

pillar

This means that a large stone was simply set up on its end to mark the place where this important event happened.

Genesis 31:46

made a pile

"stacked them on top of each other"

Then they ate there by the pile

Eating a meal together was a part of making the covenant with one another. The full meaning of this may be made explicit.

Genesis 31:47

Jegar Sahadutha

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Jegar Sahadutha means 'heap of witness' in Laban's language."

Galeed

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Galeed means 'heap of witness' in Jacob's language.

Genesis 31:48

This pile is a witness between me and you

The stones do not actually bear witness as a person. Alternate translation: "This pile will be a reminder between me and you"

Galeed

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Galeed means 'heap of witness' in Jacob's language. See how you translated this in [Genesis 31:47]

Genesis 31:49

Mizpah

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Mizpah means 'watchtower.'"

when we are out of sight one from another

Here "out of sight" stands for no longer being in each other's presence. Alternate translation: "when we are no longer with each other"

Genesis 31:50

although no one else is with us

Here "us" refers to Laban and Jacob. Alternate translation: "even if no one else is there to see us"

see

"look" or "remember" or "pay attention to what i am about to tell you"

Genesis 31:51

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Genesis 31:52

This pile is a witness, and the pillar is a witness

These piles of stones were to act as a remembrance and a boundary marker for Jacob and Laban regarding their peace agreement. They are spoken of as if they are human witnesses.

Genesis 31:53

May the God of Abraham, and the god of Nahor, the gods of their father, judge between us

Abraham is Jacob's grandfather. Nahor is Laban's grandfather. The father of Abraham and Nahor is Terah. Not all of them worshipped Yahweh.

the Fear of his father Isaac

Here the word "Fear" refers to Yahweh, who Isaac deeply respected and showed that respect by obeying him.

Genesis 31:54

called his relatives to eat a meal

Eating a meal together was part of making the covenant with one another. The full meaning of this may be made explicit.

Genesis 31:55

Early in the morning ... returned home

Verse 55 is the first verse of chapter 32 in the original Hebrew text, but the last verse of chapter 31 in most modern Bibles. We suggest that you follow the numbering of Bibles in your national language.

blessed

This means expressing a desire for positive and beneficial things to happen to someone.

Chapter 32

Genesis 32 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Jacob does not trust Yahweh

Jacob does not trust in Yahweh. Instead, he fears that his brother Esau could kill him and his family. He should have known that Yahweh would continue to bless him and protect his family. He should have trusted in Yahweh's covenant faithfulness. (See: bless and trust and covenantfaith)

Name change

In Scripture, a change in name always occurs at a highly significant point in a person's life. The return of Jacob to Canaan was a significant event in the history of the Hebrew people.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"A man wrestled with him"

Scholars are divided over the identity of the person Jacob wrestled with. It was probably an angel, but some believe he wrestled with Jesus before he came to earth. The translator will probably have difficulty trying to keep ambiguity in identifying this individual because the word "man" usually indicates a normal, living person.

Genesis 32:1

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Genesis 32:2

Mahanaim

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Mahanaim means 'two camps.'"

Genesis 32:3

Seir

This is a mountainous area in the region of Edom.

Genesis 32:4

This is what you will say to my master Esau: This is what your servant Jacob says: 'I have been ... have delayed my return until now.

This has a quotation within a quotation. The direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "'This is what I want you to tell my master Esau. Tell him that I have been ... have delayed my return until now.'"

my master Esau

Jacob is using polite language and refers to his brother as "my master."

your servant Jacob

Jacob is using polite language and refers to himself as "your servant."

Genesis 32:5

I have cattle ... in your eyes.

This continues the quotation within a quotation that begins with the words "I have been" in verse 4. The direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. "This is what I want you to tell my master Esau. Tell him that I have been ... Tell him that I have cattle ... in his eyes."

that I may find favor in your eyes

When a person finds favor in the eyes of another, the second person approves of the first person. Here "eyes" are a metonym for the person seeing something, and seeing a person is a metaphor for deciding whether what that person sees is good or bad. Alternate translation: "that you may approve of me"

Genesis 32:6

four hundred men

"400 men"

Genesis 32:7

afraid

This refers to the unpleasant feeling a person has when there is a threat of harm to himself or others.

upset

distressed, troubled

Genesis 32:8

to one camp and attacks it, then the camp that remains will escape

Here "camp" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "to attack the people in one camp, then the people in the other camp will escape"

Genesis 32:9

God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, Yahweh

This does not refer to different gods, but to the one God they all worship. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, who is God of my grandfather Abraham and my father Isaac"

Yahweh, who said to me, 'Return to your country and to your kindred, and I will prosper you,'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, you who said that I should return to my country and to my kindred, and that you would prosper me,"

to your kindred

"to your family"

I will prosper you

"I will do good for you" or "I will treat you well"

Genesis 32:10

I am not worthy of all your acts of covenant faithfulness and of all the trustworthiness that you have done for your servant

The abstract nouns "faithfulness" and "trustworthiness" can be stated as "faithful" and "loyal." Alternate translation: "I do not deserve for you to remain faithful to your covenant or for you to be loyal to me, your servant"

your servant

This is a polite way of saying "me."

now I have become two camps

Here the phrase "I have become" is an idiom meaning what he now possesses. Alternate translation: "and now I have enough people, flocks, and possessions with me to make two camps"

Genesis 32:11

rescue me

"save me"

from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau

Here the word "hand" refers to power. The two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second clarifies that the brother whom Jacob intended was Esau. Alternate translation: "from the power of my brother, Esau" or "from my brother, Esau"

I am afraid of him, that he will

"I am afraid that he will"

Genesis 32:12

But you said, 'I will certainly make you prosper. I will make your descendants ... number.'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated an an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "But you said that you would certainly prosper me, and that you would make my descendants ... number"

make you prosper

"do good to you" or "treat you well"

I will make your descendants like the sand of the sea

This speaks about the very large number of Jacob's descendants as if their number will be like the grains of sand on the seashore.

which cannot be numbered for their number

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which no one can count because of their number"

Genesis 32:13

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Genesis 32:14

two hundred

"200"

twenty

"20"

Genesis 32:15

thirty ... forty ... ten

"30 ... 40 ... 10"

their colts

"their young"

Genesis 32:16

These he gave into the hand of his servants, every herd by itself

Here "into the hand" means to give control over them. Alternate translation: "He divided them into small herds, and gave each of his servants control over one herd"

put a space between each of the herds

"let each herd travel at a distance from the other herds"

Genesis 32:17

He instructed

"He commanded"

asks you ... that are in front of you?'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "asks you who your master is, where you are going, and who owns these animals that are ahead of you"

To whom do you belong?

"Who is your master?"

Whose animals are these that are in front of you?

"Who owns these animals that are in front of you?"

Genesis 32:18

Then you will say, 'They are your servant Jacob's. They are a gift sent to my master Esau. See, he is also coming after us.'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "Then I want you to tell him that all of these things belong to Jacob, his servant, and he his giving them to his master, Esau. And tell him that Jacob is on the way to meet him"

your servant Jacob's

Jacob is referring to himself in a polite way as Esau's servant.

to my master Esau

Jacob is referring to Esau is a polite way as his master.

coming after us

Here "us" refers to the servant speaking and the other servants bringing herds to Esau.

Genesis 32:19

gave instructions to the second group

"commanded the second group"

Genesis 32:20

You must also say, 'Your servant Jacob

Possible meanings are 1) "You will say also, 'Your servant Jacob'" or 2) "You will say, 'Also, Your servant Jacob.'"

I will appease him

"I will calm him down" or "I will make his anger go away"

he will receive me

"he will welcome me kindly"

Genesis 32:21

So the gifts went on ahead of him

Here "gifts" stands for the servants taking the gifts.

He himself stayed

Here "himself" emphasizes that Jacob did not go with the servants.

Genesis 32:22

his two women servants

"his two servant wives." This means Zilpah and Bilhah.

ford

a shallow place in a river that is easy to cross

Jabbok

This is the name of a river.

Genesis 32:23

all his possessions

"all that he had"

Genesis 32:24

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Genesis 32:25

he struck Jacob's hip, so that his hip was dislocated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he struck Jacob's hip and dislocated it" or "he struck Jacob's hip and injured it"

his hip was dislocated

Possible meanings are that 1) the top of Jacob's leg bone moved out of the hole in the hip where it normally is, or 2) a muscle or something that attaches the top of the leg to the hip was torn.

Genesis 32:26

for the dawn is breaking

"the sun will rise soon"

bless

Here "bless" means to pronounce a formal blessing on someone and to cause good things to happen to that person.

I will not let you go unless you bless me

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I will let you go only if you bless me" or "Absolutely not! You must bless me first, then I will let you go"

Genesis 32:27

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Genesis 32:28

Israel

Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Israel means 'He struggles with God.'"

with men

Here "men" means "people" in general.

Genesis 32:29

He said, "Why is it that you ask my name?"

"He said, 'Why would you ask about my name?'" This rhetorical question was meant to shock, rebuke and cause Jacob to ponder over what just happened between him and the other man he just wrestled with. Alternate translation: "Do not ask me for my name!"

Genesis 32:30

Peniel

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Peniel means 'the face of God.'"

face to face

Being "face to face" means that two people are seeing each other in person, at a close distance.

and my life is delivered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "yet he spared my life"

Genesis 32:31

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Genesis 32:32

That is why to this day

This marks a change from the story to background information about the descendants of Israel.

to this day

This means to the day that the author was writing this.

ligaments of the hip

This refers to the muscle that connects the thigh bone to the thigh socket.

hip joint

"thigh socket"

while dislocating

"while striking"

Chapter 33

Genesis 33 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Jacob's fear

Jacob feared his brother. He showed Esau great respect and sought to protect his family from Esau's power. He did not fear and trust Yahweh. (See: fear and trust)

Favoritism

Jacob showed favoritism towards Rachel and Joseph. He arranged the family according to those he loved the most. Rachel and Joseph were the most protected from a potential attack by Esau. He would have rather had everyone else die, in order to spare their lives.

Genesis 33:1

behold

The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to a surprising new part of the story.

four hundred men

"400 men"

Jacob divided the children ... female servants

This does not mean Jacob divided the children evenly so that each woman had the same amount of children with her. Jacob divided the children so that each one went with his or her mother.

female servants

"servant wives." This refers to Bilhah and Zilpah.

Genesis 33:2

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Genesis 33:3

He himself went on ahead of them

Here "himself" emphasizes that Jacob went alone in front of the others.

He bowed

Here the word "bow" means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.

Genesis 33:4

meet him

"meet Jacob"

embraced him, hugged his neck, and kissed him

This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "Esau put his arms around Jacob, hugged him, and kissed him"

Then they wept

This can be translated more explicitly. Alternate translation: "Then Esau and Jacob cried because they were happy to see each other again"

Genesis 33:5

he saw the women and the children

"he saw the women and children who were with Jacob"

The children whom God has graciously given your servant

The phrase "your servant" is a polite way for Jacob to refer to himself. Alternate translation: "These are the children God has kindly given me, your servant"

Genesis 33:6

female servants

"servant wives." This refers to Bilhah and Zilpah.

bowed down

This is a sign of humility and respect before another person.

Genesis 33:7

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Genesis 33:8

What do you mean by all these groups that I met?

The phrase "all these groups" refers to the groups of servants that Jacob sent to give gifts to Esau. Alternate translation: "Why did you send all of those different groups to meet me?"

To find favor in the sight of my master

The phrase "find favor" is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Also, sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "So that you, my master, would be pleased with me"

my master

The phrase "my master" is a polite way of referring to Esau.

Genesis 33:9

I have enough

The word "animals" or "property" is understood. Alternate translation: "I have enough animals" or "I have enough property"

Genesis 33:10

if I have found favor in your eyes

The phrase "found favor" is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Here "eyes" are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: "if you are pleased with me"

my gift from my hand

Here "hand" refers to Jacob. Alternate translation: "this gift that I am giving to you"

my hand, for indeed

This can be translated as a new sentence: "my hand. For certainly"

I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God

The meaning of this simile is unclear. Possible meanings are 1) Jacob is happy that Esau has forgiven him like God has forgiven him or 2) Jacob is amazed to see his brother again like he was amazed to see God or 3) Jacob is humbled to be in Esau's presence like he was humbled to be in God's presence.

I have seen your face

Here "face" stands for Esau. It may be best to translate as "face" because of the importance of the word "face" here with "face of God" and "face to face" in Genesis 32:30.

Genesis 33:11

that was brought to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that my servants brought to you"

God has dealt graciously with me

"God has treated me very well" or "God has blessed me very much"

Thus Jacob urged him, and Esau accepted it

It was customary to refuse a gift first, but then to accept the gift before the giver was offended.

Genesis 33:12

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Genesis 33:13

My master knows

This is a polite and formal way of referring to Esau. Alternate translation: "You, my master, know"

the children are young

The meaning can be stated more explicitly. Alternate translation: "the children are too young to travel fast"

If they are driven hard even one day

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If we force them to go too fast even for one day"

Genesis 33:14

Please let my master go on ahead of his servant

This is a polite and formal way of Jacob referring to himself. Alternate translation: "My lord, I am your servant. Please go ahead of me"

at the pace of the livestock that are before me

"at the speed the animals I am looking after can go"

Seir

This is a mountainous area in the region of Edom. See how you translated this in [Genesis 32:3]

Genesis 33:15

Why do that?

Jacob uses a question to emphasize that Esau does not need to leave men. Alternate translation: "Do not do that!" or "You do not need to do that!"

my lord

This is a polite and formal way of referring to Esau. Alternate translation: "you, my lord"

Genesis 33:16

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Genesis 33:17

Sukkoth

Translators may also add a footnote that says, "The name Sukkoth means 'shelters.'"

built himself a house

It is implied that the house is also for his family. Alternate translation: "built a house for himself and his family"

for his livestock

"for the animals he looked after"

Genesis 33:18

General Information:

This starts a new part of the story. The author describes what Jacob did after he rested in Sukkoth.

When Jacob came from Paddan Aram

"After Jacob left Paddan Aram"

When Jacob ... he arrived ... He camped

This only mentions Jacob because he is the leader of the family. It is implied that his family was with him.

He camped near

"He set up his camp near"

Genesis 33:19

piece of ground

"piece of land"

Hamor

This is the name of a man.

Shechem's father

Shechem is the name of a city and the name of a man.

a hundred

"100"

Genesis 33:20

El Elohe Israel

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name El Elohe Israel means 'God, the God of Israel.'"

Chapter 34

Genesis 34 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel

Jacob's name was changed to Israel. It is his descendants who inherited the promised blessings given to him and to Isaac and Abraham. This is the first time his descendants are collectively referred to as the people group Israel. The people group Israel is identified through the covenant of circumcision. (See: inherit, promise, bless and covenant and circumcise)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Implicit information

Jacob's reacted to the rape of Dinah with indifference. This is possibly because she was not a daughter of Rachel. His reaction was both unwise and improper. This action brought shame on the whole family. Therefore, Jacob's sons corrected this wrong and plotted against Hamor and Shechem.

Shechem raped Dinah, but then he said he loved her. By raping her, he ensured that no one else would want to marry her. This is not love.

Genesis 34:1

Now

Here this word is used to mark a new part of the story.

Dinah

This is the name of Leah's daughter. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 30:21]

Genesis 34:2

the Hivite

This is the name of a people group. See how you translated the similar word "Hivites" in [Genesis 10:17]

the prince of the land

This is referring to Hamor not Shechem. Also, "prince" here does not mean son of a king. It means Hamor was the leader of the people in that area.

He took her and lay with her

Possible meanings are 1) "took" and "lay with" are two separate actions. Alternate translation: "he grabbed her and had sexual relations with her" or 2) "took" and "lay with" are a hendiadys, two words used to describe one action, Alternate translation: "raped her"

lay with her

This is a polite way of speaking of sexual relations. You may have to use other words in your translation. Alternate translation: "had sexual relations with her"

Genesis 34:3

He was drawn to Dinah

"He was very attracted to her." This speaks about Shechem loving Dinah and wanting to be with her as if something were forcing him to come to Dinah. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He wanted very much to be with Dinah"

spoke tenderly to her

He tried to convince her that he loved her and that he wanted her to love him also.

Genesis 34:4

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Genesis 34:5

Now Jacob

"Now" is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Jacob.

Jacob heard that he

The word "he" refers to Shechem.

he had defiled

This means that Shechem had greatly dishonored and disgraced Dinah by forcing her to sleep with him.

held his peace

This is a way of saying that Jacob did not say or do anything about the matter.

Genesis 34:6

Hamor ... went out to Jacob

"Hamor ... went to meet Jacob"

Genesis 34:7

The men were offended

"The men were very insulted" or "They were shocked"

he had disgraced Israel

Here the word "Israel" refers to every member of Jacob's family. Israel as a people group was disgraced. Alternate translation: "he had humiliated the family of Israel" or "he had brought shame on the people of Israel"

lying with Jacob's daughter

Here "lying with" is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "having sexual relations with Jacob's daughter"

for such a thing should not have been done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for he should not have done such a terrible thing"

Genesis 34:8

Hamor spoke with them

"Hamor spoke with Jacob and his sons"

loves your daughter

Here the word "love" refers to romantic love between a man and a woman. Alternate translation: "loves her and wants to marry her"

give her to him as a wife

In some cultures, the parents decide whom their children will marry.

Genesis 34:9

Intermarry with us

To intermarry is to marry a member of a different racial, social, religious or tribal group. Alternate translation: "Allow marriages between your people and ours"

Genesis 34:10

the land will be open to you

"the land will be available to you"

Genesis 34:11

Shechem said to her father

"Shechem said to Dinah's father Jacob"

Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you tell me I will give

The phrase "find favor" is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Also, the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "If you will approve of me, then I will give you whatever you ask"

Genesis 34:12

bride price

In some cultures, it is customary for a man to give money, property, cattle, and other gifts to the bride's family at the time of marriage.

Genesis 34:13

The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father with deceit

The abstract noun "deceit" can be stated as the verb "lied." Alternate translation: "But the sons of Jacob lied to Shechem and Hamor when they answered them"

Shechem had defiled Dinah

This means that Shechem had greatly dishonored and disgraced Dinah by forcing her to sleep with him. See how you translated "defiled" in Genesis 34:5.

Genesis 34:14

They said to them

"Jacob's sons said to Shechem and Hamor"

We cannot do this thing, to give our sister

"We cannot agree to give Dinah in marriage"

for that would be a disgrace to us

"for that would cause us shame." Here "us" refers to Jacob's sons and all the people of Israel.

Genesis 34:15

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Genesis 34:16

give our daughters to you ... take your daughters to ourselves

This means they will allow a person from Jacob's family to marry a person who lives in Hamor's land.

Genesis 34:17

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Genesis 34:18

Their words pleased Hamor and his son Shechem

"Hamor and his son Shechem agreed with what Jacob's sons said"

Genesis 34:19

to do what they said

"to become circumcised"

Jacob's daughter

"Jacob's daughter Dinah"

because he was the most honored person in all his father's household

This can be translated as a new sentence. It can be made explicit that Shechem knew the other men would agree to be circumcised because they greatly respected him. Alternate translation: "Shechem knew all the men in his father's household would agree with him because he was the most honored among them"

Genesis 34:20

the gate of their city

It was common for leaders to meet at the city gate to make official decisions.

Genesis 34:21

These men

"Jacob, his sons, and the people of Israel"

peace with us

Here "us" includes Hamor, his son and all the people they spoke with at the city gate.

let them live in the land and trade in it

"let them live and trade in the land"

for, really, the land is large enough for them

Shechem uses the word "really" to add emphasis to his statement. "because, certainly, the land is large enough for them" or "because, indeed, there is plenty of land for them"

take their daughters ... give them our daughters

This refers to marriages between the women of one group and the men of the other group. See how you translated similar phrases in Genesis 34:9.

Genesis 34:22

General Information:

Hamor and Shechem his son continue to talk to the city elders.

Only on this condition will the men agree to live with us and become one people: If every male among us is circumcised, as they are circumcised

"Only if every man among us is circumcised, as the men of Israel are circumcised, will they agree to live among us and unite with us as one people"

Genesis 34:23

Will not their livestock and their property—all their animals be ours?

Shechem uses a question to emphasize that Jacob's livestock and property will belong to the people of Shechem. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "All of their animals and property will be ours."

Genesis 34:24

All who went out to the gates of his city

This refers to men old enough to gather at the city gates to discuss community affairs. The word "his" probably refers to Hamor, who was the king.

All males were circumcised

The meaning of this statement is clarified, not contradicted, by the words "all who went out to the gates." If a literal translation would be misunderstood, you can specify that this refers only to adult males. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "All adult males were circumcised" or "So Hamor and Shechem had someone circumcise all the adult men"

Genesis 34:25

On the third day

"third" is the ordinal number for three. It can be stated without the ordinal number. Alternate translation: "After two days"

when they were still in pain

"when the men of the city were still in pain"

each took his sword

"took their swords"

they attacked the city

Here "city" stands for the people. Alternate translation: "they attacked the people of the city"

security, and they killed all the males

This can be translated as a new sentence. "security. Simeon and Levi killed all the men of the city"

Genesis 34:26

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Genesis 34:27

the dead bodies

"the dead bodies of Hamor, Shechem, and their men"

plundered the city

"stole everything in the city that was valuable"

because the people had defiled their sister

Shechem alone had defiled Dinah, but Jacob's sons considered Shechem's entire family and everyone in the city responsible for this act.

had defiled

This means that Shechem had greatly dishonored and disgraced Dinah by forcing her to sleep with him. See how you translated "defiled" in Genesis 34:5.

Genesis 34:28

They took their flocks, their herds, their donkeys, and everything

"Jacob's sons took the people's flocks, herds, and donkeys, as well as everything"

Genesis 34:29

They captured all their wealth, all their children, and their wives

"They took all their wealth, and they captured all their children and their wives"

their wealth ... their children ... their wives

The word "their" refers to the people of Shechem.

all their wealth

"all their possessions and money"

Genesis 34:30

brought trouble on me

Causing someone to experience trouble is spoken of as if trouble were an object that is brought and placed on a person. Alternate translation: "caused great problems for me"

to make me stink to the inhabitants of the land

Causing the people in the surrounding areas to hate Jacob is spoken of as if Jacob's sons made him smell bad physically. This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "You have made me repulsive to the people who live in the land"

I am few in number ... against me and attack me, then I will be destroyed, I and my household

Here the words "I" and "me" refer to all of Jacob's household. Jacob only says "I" or "me" since he is the leader. Alternate translation: "My household is small ... against us and attack us, then they will destroy all of us"

gather themselves together against me and attack me

"form an army and attack me" or "form an army and attack us"

then I will be destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they will destroy me" or "they will destroy us"

Genesis 34:31

Should Shechem have dealt with our sister as with a prostitute?

Simeon and Levi use a question to emphasize that Shechem did what was wrong and deserved to die. Alternate translation: "Shechem should not have treated our sister as if she were a prostitute!"

Chapter 35

Genesis 35 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Name change

In Scripture, a change in name always occurs at a highly significant point in a person's life. The return of Jacob to Canaan was a significant event in the history of the Hebrew people.

Covenant

The covenant God made with Abraham is repeated here. It indicates that all of Jacob's descendants will inherit the promises of this covenant. (See: covenant and inherit and promise)

Genesis 35:1

go up to Bethel

The phrase "go up" is used because Bethel is higher in elevation than Shechem.

dwell there

"live there"

Build an altar there to God

God speaks about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "Build an altar there to me, your God"

Genesis 35:2

said to his household

"said to his family"

Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you

"Throw away your idols" or "Get rid of your false gods"

purify yourselves, and change your clothes

This was the custom of cleansing oneself morally and physically before going to worship God.

change your clothes

Putting on a new clothes was a sign that they had made themselves clean before approaching God.

Genesis 35:3

in the day of my distress

"in the time of my distress" or "when I was in trouble"

Genesis 35:4

So they gave

"so everyone in Jacob's household gave" or "so all of his family and servants gave"

that were in their hand

Here "in their hand" stands for what they own. Alternate translation: "that were in their possession" or "that they had"

the rings that were in their ears

"their earrings." Possible meanings are 1) the gold in the earrings could have been used to make more idols or 2) they took these earrings from the city of Shechem after they attacked it and killed all the people. The earrings would have reminded them of their sin.

Genesis 35:5

God made panic to fall on the cities

God causing the people of the cities to be afraid of Jacob and his family is spoken of as if panic were an object that fell on the cities. The abstract noun "panic" can be stated as "afraid." Alternate translation: "God made the people in the surrounding cities afraid of Jacob and those with him"

on the cities

Here "cities" stands for the people who live in the cities.

the sons of Jacob

It is implied that no one attacked anyone in Jacob's family. But two of the sons, Simeon and Levi had attacked the Canaanites relatives of Shechem after he seized and slept with Jacob's daughter. Jacob was afraid they would seek revenge in [Genesis 34:30]

Genesis 35:6

Luz

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in [Genesis 28:19]

Genesis 35:7

El Bethel

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name El Bethel means 'God of Bethel.'"

there God had revealed himself to him

"there God made himself known to Jacob"

Genesis 35:8

Deborah

This is the name of a woman.

Rebekah's nurse

A nurse is a woman who takes care of another woman's child. The nurse was highly honored and important to the family.

She was buried down from Bethel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They buried her down from Bethel"

down from Bethel

The phrase "down from" is used because they buried her in a place that was lower in elevation than Bethel.

Allon Bakuth

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Allon Bakuth means 'Oak tree where there is weeping.'"

Genesis 35:9

When Jacob came from Paddan Aram

It can be made explicit that they were in Bethel. Alternate translation: "After Jacob left Paddan Aram, and while he was in Bethel"

blessed

Here "bless" means to pronounce a formal blessing on someone and to cause good things to happen to that person.

Genesis 35:10

but your name will no longer be called Jacob

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but your name will no longer be Jacob"

Genesis 35:11

God said to him

"God said to Jacob"

Be fruitful and multiply

God told Jacob to produce children so that there would be many of them. The word "multiply" explains how he was to be "fruitful." See how you translated this in [Genesis 1:22]

A nation and a company of nations will come from you

Here "nation" and "nations" refer to Jacob's descendants who will establish these nations.

Genesis 35:12

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Genesis 35:13

God went up from him

Here "went up" is used because where God dwells is typically thought of as being up or above the world. Alternate translation: "God left him"

Genesis 35:14

pillar

This is a memorial pillar which was simply a large stone or boulder set up on its end.

He poured out a drink offering over it and poured oil on it

This is a sign that he is dedicating the pillar to God.

Genesis 35:15

Bethel

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Bethel means 'house of God.'"

Genesis 35:16

Ephrath

This is another name for the town of Bethlehem.

She had hard labor

"She was having a very difficult time giving birth to the child"

Genesis 35:17

While she was in hardest labor

"When the labor pain was at its worst"

midwife

a person who helps a woman when she is giving birth to a child

Genesis 35:18

As she was dying, with her dying breath

A "dying breath" is a person's last breath before he or she dies. Alternate translation: "Just before she died, as she was taking her last breath"

Ben-Oni

Translator may add a footnote that says "The name Ben-Oni means 'son of my sorrow.'"

Benjamin

Translator may add a footnote that says "The name Benjamin means 'son of the right hand.'" The phrase "right hand" indicates a place of special favor.

Genesis 35:19

was buried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried her"

on the way

"alongside the road"

Genesis 35:20

It is the marker of Rachel's grave to this day

"It marks Rachel's grave still to this day"

to this day

"up to the present time." This means to the time that the author was writing this.

Genesis 35:21

Israel traveled on

It is implied that Israel's family and servants are with him. The full meaning of this information can be made explicit.

the watchtower of the flock

Some English translations understand this phrase as a proper name, either "Migdal Eder" or "the tower of Eder."

Genesis 35:22

lay with

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "had sexual relations with"

Bilhah

This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 29:29]

Now Jacob had twelve sons

This sentence begins a new paragraph, which continues into the following verses.

twelve sons

"12 sons"

Genesis 35:23

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Genesis 35:24

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Genesis 35:25

Bilhah

This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 29:29]

Genesis 35:26

Zilpah

This is the name of Leah's female servant. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 29:24]

who were born to him in Paddan Aram

It is implied that this does not include Benjamin who was born in the land of Canaan near Bethlehem. It only mentions Paddan Aram since that is where most of them were born. The full meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "who were born to him in Paddan Aram, except Benjamin who was born in the land of Canaan"

Genesis 35:27

Jacob came to Isaac

Here "came" can be stated as "went."

Mamre

This was another name for the city of Hebron. It may have been named after Mamre, the friend of Abraham who lived there. See how you translated this in [Genesis 13:18]

Kiriath Arba

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:2]

Genesis 35:28

one hundred eighty years

"180 years"

Genesis 35:29

Isaac breathed his last and died

"Isaac took his last breath and died." The phrases "breathed his last" and "died" mean basically the same thing. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Genesis 25:8]

breathed his last

This is a polite way of saying a person died. See how you translated this in [Genesis 25:8]

was gathered to his ancestors

This means that after Isaac died, his soul went to the same place as his relatives who died before him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he joined his family members who had already died"

an old man full of days

The phrases "old man" and "full of days" mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that Isaac lived a very long time. Alternate translation: "after he had lived a very long time and was very old"

Chapter 36

Genesis 36 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Esau's descendants

Esau's descendants became known as the Edomite people group. They also become a great nation. This nation is prominent in the rest of the Old Testament. God graciously blessed Esau and he had many descendants. (See: grace and bless)

Genesis 36:1

These were the descendants of Esau (also called Edom)

"These are the descendants of Esau, who is also called Edom." This sentence introduces the account of Esau's descendants in Genesis 36:1-8. Alternate translation: "This is an account of the descendants of Esau, who is also called Edom"

Genesis 36:2

Adah ... Oholibamah

These are names of Esau's wives.

Elon the Hittite

"Elon the descendant of Heth" or "Elon a descendant of Heth." This is the name of a man. See how you translate this in Genesis 26:34.

Anah ... Zibeon

These are names of men.

Hivite

This refers to a larger group of people. See how you translated it in Genesis 10:17.

Genesis 36:3

Nebaioth

a man's name

Basemath

This is the name of one of Esau's wives. See how you translated this in Genesis 26:34.

Nebaioth

This is the name of one of Ishmael's sons. See how you translated this in Genesis 28:9.

Genesis 36:4

Adah ... Basemath

These are names of Esau's wives. See how you translated these in [Genesis 36:2-3]

Eliphaz ... Reuel

These are names of Esau's sons.

Genesis 36:5

Oholibamah

These are names of Esau's wives. See how you translated these in [Genesis 36:2]

Jeush ... Jalam ... Korah

These are names of Esau's sons.

Genesis 36:6

which he had gathered in the land of Canaan

This refers to all of the things that he had accumulated while living in the land of Canaan. Alternate translation: "which he had accumulated while living in the land of Canaan"

went into a land

This means to moved to another place and live there. Alternate translation: "went to live in another land"

Genesis 36:7

their possessions

"Esau's and Jacob's possessions"

could not support them because of their livestock

The land was not large enough to support all of the livestock that Jacob and Esau owned. Alternate translation: "was not big enough to support all of their livestock" or "was not big enough for both Esau's flocks and Jacob's flocks"

where they were sojourning

The word "settled" means to move somewhere and live there. Alternate translation: "where they were living as foreigners"

Genesis 36:8

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Genesis 36:9

These were the descendants of Esau

This sentence introduces the account of Esau's descendants in Genesis 36:9-43. Alternate translation: "This is an account of the descendants of Esau"

in the hill country of Seir

This means that they lived in the hill country of Seir. The full meaning of this may be made explicit. Alternate translation: "who lived in the hill country of Seir"

Genesis 36:10

Eliphaz ... Reuel

These are names of Esau's sons. See how you translated these names in [Genesis 36:4]

Adah ... Basemath

These are names of Esau's wives. See how you translated these names in [Genesis 36:2-3]

Genesis 36:11

Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz

These are names of the sons of Eliphaz.

Genesis 36:12

Amalek

a son of Eliphaz

Timna

This is the name of Eliphaz's concubine.

Genesis 36:13

Reuel

This is the name of a son of Esau. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 36:4]

Nahath ... Zerah ... Shammah ... Mizzah

These are names of Reuel's sons.

Basemath

This is the name of a wife of Esau. See how you translated this in Genesis 36:3.

Genesis 36:14

Oholibamah

This is the name of a wife of Esau. See how you translated these in [Genesis 36:2]

Anah ... Zibeon

These are the names of men.

Jeush, Jalam, and Korah

These are names of Esau's sons. See how you translated these names in Genesis 36:5.

Genesis 36:15

Eliphaz

This is the name of one of Esau's sons. See how you translated his name in [Genesis 36:4]

Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz

These are names of Eliphaz's sons.

Genesis 36:16

Korah, Gatam, and Amalek

These are names of Eliphaz's sons.

Adah

This is the name of one of Esau's wives. See how you translated her name in Genesis 36:2.

Genesis 36:17

Reuel

This is the name of a son of Esau. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 36:4]

Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, Mizzah

These are the names of Reuel's sons. See how you translated these names in [Genesis 36:13]

in the land of Edom

This means that they lived in the land of Edom. Alternate translation: "who lived in the land of Edom"

Basemath

This is the name of a wife of Esau. See how you translated these names in [Genesis 36:3]

Genesis 36:18

Oholibamah

This is the name of a wife of Esau. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 36:2]

Jeush, Jalam, Korah

These are the names of Esau's sons. See how you translated these names in [Genesis 36:5]

Anah

This the name of a man. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 36:2]

Genesis 36:19

General Information:

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Genesis 36:20

Seir

The word "Seir" is the name of a man and of a country.

the Horite

The word "Horite" refers to a people group. See how you translated it in Genesis 14:6.

the inhabitants of the land

"who lived in the land of Seir, which is also called Edom"

Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah

These are names of men.

Genesis 36:21

Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan

These are names of men.

Genesis 36:22

Lotan ... Hori and Heman

These are names of men.

Timna

This is the name of a woman.

Genesis 36:23

Shobal

This is the name of man. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 36:20]

Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam

These are names of men.

Genesis 36:24

Zibeon

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 36:20]

Aiah and Anah

These are names of men.

Genesis 36:25

Anah ... Dishon

These are names of men. See how you translated "Anah" in Genesis 36:20.

Oholibamah

This is the name of a woman.

Genesis 36:26

Dishon ... Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Keran

These are names of men. See how you translated "Dishon" in [Genesis 36:21]

Genesis 36:27

Ezer ... Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan

These are names of men. See how you translated "Ezer" in [Genesis 36:20-21]

Genesis 36:28

Dishan ... Uz and Aran

These are names of men. See how you translated "Dishan" in [Genesis 36:21]

Genesis 36:29

the Horites

This is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in [Genesis 14:6]

Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, and Anah

These are the names of men. See how you translated these names in [Genesis 36:20]

Genesis 36:30

Dishon, Ezer, Dishan

These are the names of men. See how you translated these names in [Genesis 36:21]

in the land of Seir

This means that they lived in the land of Seir. Alternate translation: "of those who lived in the land of Seir"

Genesis 36:31

General Information:

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Genesis 36:32

Bela ... Beor

These are names of men.

the name of his city

This means that this was the city where he lived. Alternate translation: "the name of the city where he lived"

Dinhabah

This is the name of a place.

Genesis 36:33

Bela ... Jobab ... Zerah

These are names of men.

Bozrah

This is the name of a place.

reigned in his place

"reigned in Bela's place" or "reigned instead of Bela." This means that Jobab became king after Bela. Alternate translation: "succeeded Bela as king" or "became king after him"

Genesis 36:34

Jobab

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 36:33]

Husham

This is the name of a man.

Husham who was of the land of the Temanites

This means that Husham lived in the land of the Temanites. Alternate translation: "Husham who lived in the land of the Temanites"

Temanites

descendants of a man named Teman

Genesis 36:35

Husham ... Hadad ... Bedad

These are names of men.

The name of his city

This means that this was the city where he lived. Alternate translation: "The name of the city where he lived"

Avith

These are names of places.

Genesis 36:36

Hadad ... Samlah

These are names of men.

Samlah of Masrekah

"Samlah from Masrekah"

Masrekah

These are names of places.

Genesis 36:37

Samlah

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 36:36]

then Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his place

Shaul lived in Rehoboth. Rehoboth was by the Euphrates river. This information may be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "then Shaul reigned in his place. He was from Rehoboth which is by the Euphrates River"

Shaul

This is the name of a man.

Rehoboth

This is the name of a place.

Genesis 36:38

Shaul ... Baal-Hanan ... Akbor

These are names of men.

Genesis 36:39

Baal-Hanan ... Akbor ... Hadar ... Matred ... Me-Zahab

These are names of men.

The name of his city

This means that this was the city where he lived. Alternate translation: "The name of the city where he lived"

Pau

These are names of places.

Mehetabel

This is the name of a woman.

the daughter of Matred, the granddaughter of Me-Zahab

"she was the daughter of Matred, and the granddaughter of Me-Zahab"

Genesis 36:40

the heads of clans

"the leaders of the clans"

according to their clans and their regions, by their names

The clans and the regions were named after the heads of the clans. Alternate translation: "the names of their clans and the regions where they lived were named after them. These are their names"

Timna, Alvah, Jetheth

These are names of people groups.

Genesis 36:41

Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon

These are names of people groups.

Genesis 36:42

Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar

These are names of people groups.

Genesis 36:43

Magdiel, and Iram

These are names of people groups.

their settlements

"their dwelling places" or "the places they lived"

This was Esau

This list is said "to be" Esau, which means that it is the whole list of his descendants. Alternate translation: "This is the list of the descendants of Esau"

Chapter 37

Genesis 37 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins to record the account of Jacob's sons. The rest of the book of Genesis focuses on Jacob's sons, especially Joseph. This chapter also references Jacob as "Israel" beginning in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Favoritism

Jacob's favoritism became a great problem for his sons. They are always jealous of Joseph because he is the favorite son. The beautiful garment Jacob gave to Joseph greatly strained the relationship between Joseph and his brothers. Joseph dreams he will rule all of his brothers, even though he is not the oldest son. (See: favor)

God's power

The account of Joseph focuses on the power of God. God is able to protect his people despite the evil actions of some. He also is able to continue to bless them despite their circumstances. (See: peopleofgod and bless)

Genesis 37:1

the land where his father had sojourned, in the land of Canaan

"in the land of Canaan where his father had lived as a foreigner"

Genesis 37:2

seventeen years old

"17 years old"

Bilhah

This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 29:29]

Zilpah

This is the name of Leah's female servant. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 29:24]

wives

These women were servants of Leah and Rachel whom they had given to Jacob to produce children.

an unfavorable report about them

"a bad report about his brothers"

Genesis 37:3

Now

This word is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Israel and Joseph.

loved

This refers to brotherly love or love for a friend or family member. This is natural human love between friends or relatives.

of his old age

This means that Joseph was born when Israel was an old man. Alternate translation: "who was born when Israel was an old man"

He made him

"Israel made Joseph"

a beautifully decorated garment

"a beautiful robe"

Genesis 37:4

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Genesis 37:5

Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told his brothers about it. They hated him even more

This is a summary of the events that will happen in 37:6-11.

They hated him even more

"And Joseph's brothers hated him even more than they hated him before"

Genesis 37:6

Please listen to this dream which I dreamed

"Please listen to this dream that I had"

Genesis 37:7

General Information:

Joseph tells his brothers about his dream.

Behold

The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

we were

The word "we" refers to Joseph and includes all of his brothers.

tying bundles of grain

When grain is reaped it is tied into bundles and stacked until it is time to separate the grain from the straw.

behold

Here the word "behold" here shows that Joseph was surprised by what he saw.

my bundle rose and stood upright ... your bundles came around and bowed down

Here the bundles of grain are standing and kneeling as if they were people. These bundle represent Joseph and his brothers.

Genesis 37:8

Will you really reign over us? Will you actually rule over us?

Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. Joseph's brothers are using questions to mock Joseph. They can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "You will never be our king, and we will never bow down to you!"

reign over us

The word "us" refers to Joseph's brothers but not Joseph.

for his dreams and for his words

"because of his dreams and what he said"

Genesis 37:9

He dreamed another dream

"Joseph had another dream"

eleven stars

"11 stars"

Genesis 37:10

his father rebuked him. He said to him

"Israel scolded him, saying"

What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will your mother ... to the ground to you?

Israel uses questions to correct Joseph. This can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "This dream you had is not real. Your mother, brothers, and I will not bow down before you!"

Genesis 37:11

jealous

This means being angry because someone else is successful or more popular.

kept the matter in mind

The means that he kept thinking about the meaning of Joseph's dream. Alternate translation: "kept thinking about what the dream might mean"

Genesis 37:12

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Genesis 37:13

Are not your brothers tending the flock in Shechem?

Israel uses a question to begin a conversation. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You brothers are tending the flock in Shechem."

Come

Here it is implied that Israel is asking Joseph to prepare himself to leave and go see his brothers. Alternate translation: "Get ready"

I am ready

He is ready to leave. "I am ready to go"

Genesis 37:14

He said to him

"Israel said to Joseph"

bring me word

Israel wants Joseph to come back and tell him about how his brother and flocks are doing. Alternate translation: "come tell me what you find out" or "give me a report"

out of the Valley

"from the Valley"

Genesis 37:15

A certain man found Joseph. Behold, Joseph was wandering in a field

"A certain man found Joseph wandering in a field"

Behold

This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of doing this.

What do you seek?

"What are you looking for?"

Genesis 37:16

Tell me, please, where

"Please tell me where"

tending the flock

"shepherding their flock"

Genesis 37:17

Dothan

This is the name of a place that is about 22 kilometers from Shechem.

Genesis 37:18

They saw him from a distance

"Joseph's brothers saw him while he was far away"

they plotted against him to kill him

"they made evil plans to kill him"

Genesis 37:19

this master of dreams is approaching

"here comes the wonderful person who has great dreams." The phrase "this master of dreams" is sarcastic. If your language has a way of showing that the brothers used these words to show that they hated Joseph, you may want to use it here.

Genesis 37:20

Come now, therefore

This wording shows that the brothers acted upon their plans. Alternate translation: "So now"

wild animal

"dangerous animal" or "ferocious animal"

devoured

to eagerly have eaten

We will see what will become of his dreams

His brothers planned to kill him, therefore it is ironic that they would speak of his dream coming true, since he would be dead. Alternate translation: "That way we will make sure his dreams do not come true"

Genesis 37:21

heard it

"heard what they were saying"

from their hand

The phrase "their hand" refers to the brothers' plan to kill him. Alternate translation: "from them" or "from their plans"

Let us not take his life

The phrase "take his life" is a euphemism for killing someone. Alternate translation: "Let us not kill Joseph"

Genesis 37:22

Shed no blood

The negation can be placed on the verb. Also, "shedding blood" is a euphemism for killing someone. Alternate translation: "Do not spill any blood" or "Do not kill him"

that he might rescue him

This can be translated as a new sentence: "Rueben said this so that he might rescue Joseph"

out of their hand

The phrase "their hand" refers to the brothers' plan to kill him. Alternate translation: "from them" or "from their plans"

to bring him back

"and return him"

Genesis 37:23

It came about that when

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

they stripped him of his beautifully decorated garment

"they tore his beautiful garment off of him"

beautifully decorated garment

"beautiful robe." See how you translated this in Genesis 37:3.

Genesis 37:24

General Information:

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Genesis 37:25

They sat down to eat bread

"Bread" represents food in general. Alternate translation: "They sat down to eat food" or "Joseph's brothers sat down to eat"

They lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a caravan

Here looking up is spoken of as if a person literally lifted up his eyes. Also, the word "behold" is used here to draw the reader's attention to what the men saw. Alternate translation: "They looked up and they suddenly saw a caravan"

bearing

carrying

spices

seasonings

balm

an oily substance with a sweet smell used for healing and protecting skin. "medicine"

traveling to carry them down to Egypt

"bringing them down to Egypt." This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: "bringing them down to Egypt to sell them"

Genesis 37:26

What profit is it if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?

This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "We do not gain a profit by killing our brother and covering up his blood"

cover up his blood

This is a figure of speech referring to hiding Joseph's death. Alternate translation: "hide his murder"

Genesis 37:27

to the Ishmaelites

"to these men who are descendants of Ishmael"

not lay our hands upon him

This means not to harm or injure him. Alternate translation: "not hurt him"

he is our brother, our flesh

The word "flesh" is a metonym that stands for a relative. Alternate translation: "he is our blood relative"

His brothers listened to him

"Judah's brothers listened to him" or "Judah's brothers agreed with him"

Genesis 37:28

Midianite ... Ishmaelites

Both names refer to the same group of traders that Joseph's brothers meet.

for twenty pieces of silver

"for the price of 20 pieces of silver"

carried Joseph into Egypt

"took Joseph to Egypt"

Genesis 37:29

Reuben returned to the pit, and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit

"Reuben returned to the pit, and was surprised to see that Joseph was not there." The word "behold" here shows that Reuben was surprised to find out Joseph was gone.

He tore his clothes

This is an act of deep distress and grief. This can be written more clearly. Alternate translation: "He was so grieved that he tore his clothes"

Genesis 37:30

The boy is not there! And I, where can I go?

Reuben uses questions for emphasis the problem that Joseph was missing. These can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "The boy is gone! I cannot go back home now!"

Genesis 37:31

Joseph's garment

This refers to the beautiful garment that his father made for him.

the blood

"the goat's blood"

Genesis 37:32

General Information:

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Genesis 37:33

has devoured him

"has eaten him"

Joseph has certainly been torn to pieces

Jacob thinks that a wild animal has torn Joseph's body apart. Alternate translation: "It has certainly torn Joseph to pieces"

Genesis 37:34

Jacob tore his garments

This is an act of deep distress and grief. This can be written more clearly. Alternate translation: "Jacob was so grieved that he tore his garments"

put sackcloth upon his loins

Here "loins" refers to the middle part of the body or the waist. Alternate translation: "put on sackcloth"

Genesis 37:35

rose up

Here the childrens' coming to their father is spoke of as "rising up." Alternate translation: "came to him"

but he refused to be comforted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but he would not let them comfort him"

Indeed I will go down to Sheol mourning

The means that he be mourning from now until when he dies. Alternate translation: "Indeed when I die and go down to Sheol I will still be mourning"

Genesis 37:36

The Midianites sold him

"The Midianites sold Joseph"

the captain of the bodyguard

"the leader of the soldiers who guarded the king"

Chapter 38

Genesis 38 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter focuses on Jacob's son Judah.

Special concepts in this chapter

"Spilling his seed"

Onan was to provide for his brother's widow and give her an heir. This phrase indicates that he used Tamar to fulfill his own sexual desires rather than help her. This was sinful. (See: and sin)

God preserves Judah's line

The Canaanite woman, Tamar, deceived her father-in-law, Judah, into having sexual relations with her. If it had not been for this act, Judah would not have any descendants to carry on his family line. Although her actions were wrong, God used them to protect his people. (See: peopleofgod)

Genesis 38:1

It came about at that time that Judah

This introduces a new part of the story that focuses on Judah.

a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah

Hirah is the name of a man who lived in the village of Adullam.

Genesis 38:2

whose name was Shua

Shua is a Canaanite woman who married Judah.

he ... went to her

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with her. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Genesis 16:2]

Genesis 38:3

She conceived

"Judah's wife became pregnant"

He was named Er

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "His father named him Er"

Er

Judah's son

Genesis 38:4

called his name

"named him"

Onan

Judah's son

Genesis 38:5

Shelah

Judah's son

Kezib

This is the name of a place.

Genesis 38:6

Er

This is the name of one of Judah's sons. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 38:3]

Genesis 38:7

was wicked in the sight of Yahweh

The phrase "in the sight" refers to Yahweh seeing Er's wickedness. Alternate translation: "was wicked and Yahweh saw it"

Yahweh killed him

Yahweh killed him because he was wicked. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "So Yahweh killed him"

Genesis 38:8

Onan

This is the name of one of Judah's sons. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 38:4]

Go to your brother's wife

This is a polite way of telling him to have sexual relations with his brother's wife. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Genesis 16:2]

Do the duty of a brother-in-law to her

This refers to a custom that when the oldest brother dies before he and his wife have a son, the next oldest brother would marry and have sexual relations with the widow. When the widow gave birth to the first son, that son was considered the son of the oldest brother and he would receive the oldest brother's inheritance.

Genesis 38:9

he went to his brother's wife

This is a polite way of referring to having sexual relations with her. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Genesis 16:2]

he wasted it on the ground

You may need to make explicit that the word "it" refers to Onan's semen. Alternate translation: "he destroyed his semen by having it flow on the ground" or "he did not send his semen into her"

on the ground

This is probably a euphemism for any place that it should not have gone.

Genesis 38:10

was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The phrase "in the sight" refers to Yahweh seeing Onan's wickedness. Alternate translation: "was evil and Yahweh saw it"

Yahweh killed him also

Yahweh killed him because what he did was evil. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "So Yahweh killed him also"

Genesis 38:11

his daughter-in-law

"his oldest son's wife"

in your father's house

This means her to live in here father's house. Alternate translation: "and live in your father's house"

until Shelah, my son, grows up

Judah intends for Tamar to marry Shelah when he grows up. Alternate translation: "and when Shelah, my son, grows up, he can marry you"

Shelah

This is the name of one of Judah's sons. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 38:5]

For he feared, "He might also die, just like his brothers

Judah feared that if Shelah married Tamar he would also die like his brothers did. Alternate translation: "For he feared, 'If he marries her he may also die like his brothers did"

Genesis 38:12

Shua's

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 38:2]

Judah was comforted and

"When Judah was no longer grieving, he"

the shearers of his sheep at Timnah

"Timnah, where his men were shearing sheep"

Timnah

This is the name of a place.

he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite

"His friend Hiram, from Adullam, went with him"

Hirah the Adullamite

"Hiram" is the name of a man, and "Adullam" is the name of a village where he lived. See how you translated this name in Genesis 38:1.

Genesis 38:13

Tamar was told

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Tamar"

Look, your father-in-law

"Listen." Here the word "look" is used to get Tamar attention.

your father-in-law

"your husband's father"

Genesis 38:14

Enaim

This is the name of a place.

of her widowhood

"that widows wear"

veil

a very thin material used to cover a woman's head and face

wrapped herself

This means that she hid herself with her clothing so that people would not recognize her. Traditionally, part of women's clothing were large pieces of cloth they wrapped themselves with. Alternate translation: "wrapped herself in her clothing so that people would not recognize her"

by the road

"along the road" or "on the way"

she had not been given to him as a wife

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Judah had not given her to Shelah as a wife"

Genesis 38:15

When Judah saw her

The word "her" here refers to Tamar, but your reader should understand that Judah did not know that the woman he was looking at was Tamar.

because she had covered her face

Judah did not think she was a prostitute just because her face was covered but also because she was sitting in the gate. Alternate translation: "because she had covered her head and sat where prostitutes often sat"

Genesis 38:16

He went to her by the road

Tamar was sitting by the road. Alternate translation: "He went to where she was sitting by the road"

Come, please

"Come with me, please" or "Come now, please"

please let me come to you

This is a polite way of asking her to have sexual relations with him. You may need to use another euphemism in your language. Alternate translation: "Please have sexual relations with me" or "Please lie with me"

Genesis 38:17

from the flock

"from my flock of goats"

Genesis 38:18

seal and cord ... staff

A "seal" is similar to a coin with a design engraved on it, used to imprint melted wax. The "cord" was put through the seal so the owner could wear it around his neck. A staff was long wooden stick that helped in walking over rough ground.

he went to her

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with Hagar. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Genesis 16:2]

she conceived by him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he caused her to become pregnant"

Genesis 38:19

veil

This was a very thin material used to cover a woman's head and face. See how you translated these in Genesis 38:14.

clothing of her widowhood

"clothing that widows wear." See how you translated these in Genesis 38:14.

Genesis 38:20

Adullamite

a person who lives in the village of Adullam. See how you translated this in [Genesis 38:1]

receive the pledge

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "take back the pledge"

from the woman's hand

Here "hand" emphasizes that they were in here possession. The woman's hand refers to the woman. Alternate translation: "from the woman"

Genesis 38:21

Adullamite

a person who lives in the village of Adullam. See how you translated this in [Genesis 38:1]

the men of the place

"some of the men who lived there"

cultic prostitute

"prostitute who serves in the temple"

Enaim

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in [Genesis 38:14]

Genesis 38:22

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Genesis 38:23

that we not be put to shame

When people found out what had happened they would ridicule Judah and laugh at him. This can be made clear and stated in active form. Alternate translation: "or else people will laugh at us when they find out what happened"

Genesis 38:24

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.

it was told to Judah

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone told Judah"

Tamar your daughter-in-law

"Tamar, your oldest son's wife"

she is pregnant by it

Here the word "it" refers to the "prostitution" that she committed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it has made her pregnant" or "she is pregnant"

Bring her here

"Bring her out"

let her be burned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we will burn her to death"

Genesis 38:25

When she was brought out

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When they brought her out"

her father-in-law

"her husband's father"

seal and cords and staff

A "seal" is similar to a coin with a design engraved on it, used to make an impression in melted wax. The "cord" was put through the seal so the owner could wear it around his neck. A staff was long wooden stick that helped in walking over rough ground. See how you translated this in Genesis 38:18.

Genesis 38:26

Shelah

This is the name of one of Judah's sons. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 38:5]

He did not know her again

This is a polite way of saying that Judah did not have sexual relations with her again. You may need to use another euphemism in your language.

Genesis 38:27

It came about at the time

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.

behold

The word "behold" alerts us to the surprise that Tamar was carrying twins, which was previously unknown.

Genesis 38:28

It came about as she was giving birth

This phrase "It came about" marks an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

one put out a hand

"one of the babies put out his hand"

midwife

This is a person who helps a woman when she is giving birth to a child. See how you translated this in Genesis 35:17.

scarlet thread

"bright red thread"

on his hand

"around his wrist"

Genesis 38:29

behold

The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

How you have broken out!

This shows the midwife's surprise to seeing the second baby come out first. Alternate translation: "So this is how you break your way out first!" or "You have burst out first!"

he was named

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "she named him"

Perez

This is the name of a boy. Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Perez means 'breaking out.'"

Genesis 38:30

Zerah

This is the name of a boy. Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Zerah means 'scarlet or bright red.'"

Chapter 39

Genesis 39 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God's power

The account of Joseph focuses on the power of God. God is able to protect his people despite the evil actions of some. He also is able to continue to bless them despite their circumstances. This is a sign of Yahweh's covenant faithfulness. (See: peopleofgod, bless and sign and covenantfaith)

Joseph's character

Genesis just recorded a period of time where Joseph's ancestors and brothers struggled with sin. Joseph's character in this chapter is upright. He chose to do what was right, even when it could cause him harm. (See: sin)

Genesis 39:1

Joseph was brought down to Egypt

Traveling to Egypt is always considered as going "down" in contrast to going "up" to the promised land. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Ishmaelites had taken Joseph to Egypt"

Genesis 39:2

Yahweh was with Joseph

This means that Yahweh helped Joseph and was always with him. Alternate translation: "Yahweh guided Joseph and helped him"

He lived in the house

Here the author speaks of working in the master's house as if it were living in the master's house. Only the most trusted servants were permitted to work in their master's house. Alternate translation: "he worked in the house"

his Egyptian master

Joseph was now Potiphar's slave.

Genesis 39:3

His master saw that Yahweh was with him

This means that the master saw how Yahweh was helping Joseph. Alternate translation: "His master saw that Yahweh was helping him"

that Yahweh prospered everything that he did

"Yahweh caused everything that Joseph did to prosper"

Genesis 39:4

Joseph found favor in his sight

"To find favor" means to be approved by someone. The idiom "in his sight" refers to a person's opinion. Possible meanings are 1) Alternate translation: "Potiphar was pleased with Joseph" or 2) Alternate translation: "Yahweh was pleased with Joseph"

He served Potiphar

This means that he was Potiphar's personal servant.

Potiphar made Joseph manager over his house, and everything that he possessed

"Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his household and everything that belonged to Potiphar"

put under his care

When something is "put under someone's care," it means that the person is responsible for its care and safe-keeping. Alternate translation: "he had Joseph care for"

Genesis 39:5

It came about from the time that he made him manager over his house and over everything he possessed, that Yahweh blessed the Egyptian's house because of Joseph

You may need to use the words "Joseph" and "the Egyptian" before using pronouns to refer to them. "The Egyptian made Joseph manager over his house and over everything he possessed, and it came about from the time that that Yahweh blessed the Egyptian's house because of Joseph"

It came about

This phrase is used here to tell the reader that these two verses are background information for the next event.

he made him manager over his house and over everything he possessed

"Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his household and everything that belonged to him"

blessed

Here "blessed" means to cause good and beneficial things to happen to the person or thing that is being blessed.

The blessing of Yahweh was on

Here the author speaks of the blessing that Yahweh gave as if it were a physical covering put over something. Alternate translation: "Yahweh blessed"

everything that Potiphar had in the house and in the field

This refers his household and his crops and livestock. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Potiphar's household and all of his crops and livestock"

Genesis 39:6

Potiphar put everything that he had under Joseph's care

When something is "put under someone's care," it means that the person is responsible for its care and safe-keeping. Alternate translation: "So Potiphar put Joseph in charge of everything that he had"

He did not have to think about anything except the food that he ate

This double negative emphasizes that the food that he ate was the only thing he had to think about. This is probably an exaggeration or metaphor to say that Joseph took care of all the important business of the house while Potiphar thought only about minor personal affairs. Alternate translation: "The only thing he had to think about was the food that he ate"

Now

The word "now" marks a stop in the story as the author gives background information about Joseph.

handsome and attractive

Both of the words have same meaning. They refer to Joseph's pleasing appearance. He was likely good-looking and strong. Alternate translation: "handsome and strong"

Genesis 39:7

It came about after this that

"And so." This phrase is used here to mark a new event.

Lie with me

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "Have sexual relations with me"

Genesis 39:8

Look

"Listen." Joseph uses this word to get Potiphar's wife's attention.

my master does not pay attention to what I do in the house

"my master has no concern about his household with me in charge" or "my master trusts me with his household"

he has put everything that he owns under my care

When something is "put under someone's care," it means that the person is responsible for its care and safe-keeping. Alternate translation: "he has put me in charge of everything that belongs to him"

Genesis 39:9

No one is greater in this house than I am

Here the author speaks of authority as if it were greatness. Alternate translation: "I have more authority in this house than anyone else"

He has not kept back anything from me but you

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "He has given me everything except you"

How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?

Joseph uses a question for emphasis. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I certainly cannot do such a wicked thing and sin against God."

Genesis 39:10

She spoke to Joseph day after day

This means that she kept asking him to sleep with her. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "She kept on asking Joseph to sleep with her"

to lie with her

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "to have sexual relations with her"

to be with her

"to be near her"

Genesis 39:11

It came about

"And so." This phrase is used here to mark a new event in the story.

None of the men of the house

"None of the other men who worked in the house"

Genesis 39:12

Lie with me

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "Have sexual relations with me"

fled, and went outside

"and quickly ran outside" or "and quickly ran out of the house"

Genesis 39:13

It came about

"Then" The phrase "it came about" is used here to mark the next event in the story.

had fled outside

"had quickly ran out of the house"

Genesis 39:14

the men of her house

"the men who worked in her house"

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you."

He came to me to lie with me

Here Potiphar's wife is accusing Joseph of trying to seize her and have sexual relations with her. Alternate translation: "He came into my room to have sexual relations with me"

Genesis 39:15

It came about when he heard me scream, that he

"When he heard me scream, he." The phrase "it came about" is used here to mark the next event in the story.

Genesis 39:16

his master

"Joseph's master." This refers to Potiphar.

Genesis 39:17

She told him this explanation

"She explained it like this"

brought to us

The word "us" refers to Potiphar, his wife, and includes the rest of the household.

came in to mock me

"came in to make a fool of me." Here, the word "mock" is a euphemism for "to seize and to sleep with." Alternate translation: "came into where I was and tried to force me to sleep with him"

Genesis 39:18

It came about that

"Then." Potiphar's wife uses this phrase to mark the next event in the account she is telling him about Joseph trying to sleep with her.

fled outside

"ran quickly out of the house"

Genesis 39:19

It came about that

"And so." This phrase is used here to mark a new event in the story.

his master

"Joseph's master." This refers to Potiphar. This information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Joseph's master, Potiphar"

heard the explanation his wife told him

"heard his wife explain to him." The word "his" and "him" here refer to Potiphar.

he became very angry

"Potiphar became very angry"

Genesis 39:20

the place where the king's prisoners were confined

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the place where the king put his prisoners"

He was there

"Joseph stayed there"

Genesis 39:21

But Yahweh was with Joseph

This refers to how Yahweh took care of Joseph and was kind to him. Alternate translation: "But Yahweh was kind to Joseph" or "But Yahweh took care of Joseph"

showed covenant faithfulness to him

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithful" or "faithfully." Alternate translation: "was faithful to his covenant with him" or "faithfully loved him"

He gave him favor in the sight of the prison warden

This means Yahweh caused the prison warden to approve of Joseph and to treat him well. Alternate translation: "Yahweh caused the prison warden to be pleased with Joseph"

the prison warden

"the prison manager" or "the man in charge of the prison"

Genesis 39:22

gave into Joseph's hand

Here "hand" represents Joseph's power or trust. Alternate translation: "put Joseph in charge of"

Whatever they did there, Joseph was in charge of it

"Joseph was in charge of everything they did there"

Genesis 39:23

because Yahweh was with him

This refers to how Yahweh helped Joseph and guided him. Alternate translation: "because Yahweh guided Joseph"

Whatever he did, Yahweh prospered

"Yahweh caused everything that Joseph did to prosper"

Chapter 40

Genesis 40 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God's power

The account of Joseph focuses on the power of God. God is able to protect his people despite the evil actions of some. He also is able to continue to bless them despite their circumstances. (See: peopleofgod and bless)

Interpretation of dreams

The interpretation of dreams was important in the ancient Near East. It was seen as possible only through divine power. Yahweh gave Joseph the power to interpret dreams in order to bring himself glory and to protect Joseph and the Hebrew people. (See: glory)

Genesis 40:1

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark a new event in the story.

the cupbearer

This is the person who brought drinks to the king.

king's baker

This is the person who made food for the king.

offended their master

"upset their master"

Genesis 40:2

the chief of the cupbearers and the chief of the bakers

"the leading cupbearer and the leading baker"

Genesis 40:3

He put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard

"He put them in the prison that was in the house that was overseen by the captain of the guard"

He put them

The king did not put them in prison but rather he commanded for them to be imprisoned. Alternate translation: "He had them put" or "He commanded his guard to put"

in the same prison where Joseph was confined

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This was the same prison that Joseph was in" or "This was the same prison Potiphar put Joseph in"

Genesis 40:4

They remained in custody for some time

"They remained in prison for a long time"

Genesis 40:5

General Information:

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Genesis 40:6

Joseph came to them

"Joseph came to the cupbearer and the baker"

Behold, they were upset

The word "behold" here shows that Joseph was surprised by what he saw. Alternate translation: "He was surprised to see that they were upset"

Genesis 40:7

Pharaoh's officials who were with him

This refers to the cupbearer and the baker.

in custody in his master's house

"In prison in him master's house." "His master" refers to Joseph's master, the captain of the guard.

Genesis 40:8

Do not interpretations belong to God?

Joseph uses a question for emphasis. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Interpretations belong to God!" or "It is God who can tell the meaning of dreams!"

Tell me, please

Joseph asks for them to tell him their dreams. Alternate translation: "Tell me the dreams, please"

Genesis 40:9

The chief of the cupbearers

The most important person who brings drinks to the king. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:2.

In my dream, behold, a vine was in front of me

"In my dream, I saw a vine in front of me!" The cupbearer uses word "behold" here to show that he was surprised by what he saw in his dream and to alert Joseph to pay attention.

Genesis 40:10

the clusters of grapes ripened

"its clusters ripened into grapes"

Genesis 40:11

squeezed them

This means that he squeezed the juice out of them. Alternate translation: "squeezed the juice from them"

Genesis 40:12

This is the interpretation of it

"Here is what the dream means"

The three branches are three days

"The three branches represent three days"

Genesis 40:13

Within three days

"In three more days"

will lift up your head

Here "lift up your head" is a metaphor for "restore your honor." If the meaning is not clear, it can be explained in the text or a footnote. Alternate translation: "will lift up your head in honor"

restore you to your office

"will give you back your job"

just as when

"just as you did when"

Genesis 40:14

please show kindness to me

"please be kind to me"

Mention me to Pharaoh and bring me out of this prison

Joseph means for the cupbearer to tell Pharaoh about him so that Pharaoh will release him from prison. Alternate translation: "Help me get out of this prison by telling Pharaoh about me"

Genesis 40:15

For indeed I was abducted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For indeed people took me" or "For indeed the Ishmaelites took me"

the land of the Hebrews

"the land where the Hebrew people live"

Here also have I done nothing that they should put me in this dungeon

"and also while I have been here in Egypt, I have done nothing for which I deserved to be put in prison"

Genesis 40:16

the chief of the bakers

This refers to the leading person who made food for the king. See how this was translated in Genesis 40:2.

I also had a dream, and

"I also had a dream, and in my dream,"

behold, three baskets of bread were on my head

"there were three baskets of bread on my head!" The baker uses word "behold" here to show that he was surprised by what he saw in his dream and to alert Joseph to pay attention.

Genesis 40:17

baked goods for Pharaoh

"baked foods for Pharaoh"

Genesis 40:18

This is the interpretation

"Here is what the dream means"

The three baskets are three days

"The three baskets represent three days"

Genesis 40:19

will lift up your head from you

In verse 13 Joseph said "lift up your head," but there it had a different meaning. Here "lift up your head from you" means either that the prisoner's head would be cut off his body, or the prisoner's head would be lifted when a noose was put around his neck and he was hanged. Alternate translation: "will lift up your head with a knife" or "will lift up your head with a noose"

flesh

Here "flesh" literally means the soft tissue on a person's body.

Genesis 40:20

It came about on the third day that

"Afterward, on the third day." The phrase "it came about" is used here to mark a new event in the story.

He made a feast

"He had a feast"

He lifted up the head of the chief of the cupbearers and the head of the chief of the bakers

The author writes that Pharaoh lifted up both men's heads so that it would sound like he did the same thing to both men. But the meaning of "lift up the head" for each man is different and is explained in verses 21 and 22. This can also be shortened. Alternate translation: "He lifted up the heads of the chief of the cupbearers and the chief of the bakers"

the chief of the cupbearers

This was the leading person who prepared and served drinks to the king. See how these were translated in Genesis 40:2.

the chief of the bakers

This refers to the leading person who made food for the king. See how this was translated in Genesis 40:2.

Genesis 40:21

He restored the chief of the cupbearers to his responsibility

The chief of the cupbearer's "responsibility" refers to his job as chief of the cupbearers. Alternate translation: "He gave the chief of the cupbearers his job back"

Genesis 40:22

But he hanged the chief of the bakers

Pharaoh did not personally hang the baker, rather he commanded for him to be hanged. Alternate translation: "But he commanded for the chief of the bakers to be hanged" or "But he commanded his guards to hang the chief of the bakers"

just as Joseph had interpreted to them

This refers to when Joseph interpreted their dreams. Alternate translation: "just as Joseph had said would happen when he interpreted the two men's dreams"

Genesis 40:23

General Information:

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Chapter 41

Genesis 41 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God's power

The account of Joseph focuses on the power of God. God is able to protect his people despite the evil actions of some. He also is able to continue to bless them despite their circumstances. (See: peopleofgod and bless)

Interpretation of dreams

The interpretation of dreams was important in the ancient Near East. It was seen as possible only through divine power. Yahweh gave Joseph the power to interpret dreams in order to bring himself glory and to protect Joseph and the Hebrew people. (See: glory)

Joseph's character

Genesis just recorded a period of time where Joseph's ancestors and brothers struggled with sin. Joseph's character in this chapter is upright. It gained him great favor in the eyes of Pharaoh and helped to save his people. (See: sin, righteous and save)

Genesis 41:1

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

at the end of two full years

Two years passed after Joseph correctly interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, who had been in prison with Joseph.

Behold, he stood

The word "behold" here marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. Your language may have a way of doing this. Alternate translation: "He was surprised because he was standing"

he stood

"Pharaoh was standing"

Genesis 41:2

desirable and fat

"healthy and fat"

grazed in the reeds

"were eating the grass along the side of the river"

reeds

tall, thin grasses that grow in wet areas

Genesis 41:3

Behold, seven other cows

The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was again surprised by what he saw.

undesirable and thin

"sick and thin"

bank of the river

"beside the river" or "riverside." This is the higher ground along the edge of a river.

Genesis 41:4

undesirable and thin

"weak and skinny." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:3.

desirable and fat

"healthy and well-fed." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:2.

woke up

"awakened"

Genesis 41:5

a second time

The word "second" is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: "again"

Behold, seven heads

The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was surprised by what he saw.

heads of grain

The heads are parts of the corn plant on which the seeds grow.

came up on one stalk

"grew up on one stem." The stalk is the thick or tall part of a plant.

on one stalk, wholesome and good

"on one stock and they were healthy and beautiful"

Genesis 41:6

thin and scorched by the east wind

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that were thin and burned because of the hot wind from the east"

the east wind

Wind from the east blew in from the desert. The heat of the east wind was often very destructive.

sprouted up

"grew up" or "developed"

Genesis 41:7

The thin heads

The words "of grain" are understood. Alternate translation: "The thin heads of grain"

swallowed up

"ate." Pharaoh is dreaming that unhealthy corn could eat healthy corn just like a person eats food.

wholesome and full heads

"healthy and good heads." See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:5.

woke up

"awakened"

behold

The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was surprised by what he had seen.

it was a dream

"he had been dreaming"

Genesis 41:8

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

his spirit was troubled

Here the word "spirit" refers to his inner being or his emotions. Alternate translation: "he was troubled in his inner being" or "he was troubled"

He sent and called

It is understood that he sent servants. Alternate translation: "He sent his servants to call" or "He sent his servants to summon"

all the magicians and wise men of Egypt

Ancient kings and rulers used magicians and wise men as advisers.

Genesis 41:9

chief cupbearer

The most important person who brings drinks to the king. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:2.

I have remembered my sins today

"I realize now that I have sinned." The phrase "my sins" is used for emphasis. His "sins" are that he should have told Pharaoh something much earlier but he did not.

Genesis 41:10

Pharaoh was angry

The cupbearer is referring to Pharaoh in third person. This is a common way for someone with less power to speak to someone with greater power. Alternate translation: "You, Pharaoh, were angry"

with his servants

Here "his" refers to Pharaoh. Here "servants" refers to the cupbearer and the chief baker. Alternate translation: "with us, your servants"

put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, the chief baker and me

"put the chief baker and me in the prison where the captain of the guard was in charge." Here "house" refers to the prison.

the captain of the guard

The soldier in charge of the royal guards. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:3.

the chief baker

The most important person who made food for the king. See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 40:2.

Genesis 41:11

We dreamed a dream the same night, he and I

"One night we both had dreams"

We dreamed

Here "We" refers to the chief cupbearer and the chief baker.

We dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream

"Our dreams had different meanings"

Genesis 41:12

General Information:

The chief cupbearer continues to speak to Pharaoh.

There was with us there

"In prison there was with the chief baker and me"

the captain of the guard

The soldier in charge of the royal guards. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:3.

We told him and he interpreted for us our dreams

"We told him our dreams and he explained their meanings to us"

He interpreted for each of us according to his dream

Here "his" refers to the cupbearer and baker individually, not to the one interpreting the dream. Alternate translation: "He explained what was going to happen to both of us"

Genesis 41:13

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

as he interpreted for us, so it happened

"what he explained about the dreams is what later happened"

Pharaoh restored me to my post

Here the cupbearer uses Pharaoh's title in speaking to him as a way of honoring him. Alternate translation: "You allowed me to return to my job"

the other one

"the chief baker"

he hanged

Here "he" refers to Pharaoh. And, it stands for the soldiers that Pharaoh commanded to hang the chief baker. Alternate translation: "you ordered your soldiers to hang"

Genesis 41:14

Pharaoh sent and called for

It is understood that Pharaoh sent servants. Alternate translation: "Pharaoh sent his servants to get Joseph"

out of the dungeon

"out of the jail" or "out of the prison"

He shaved himself

It was common practice to shave both the facial and head hair when preparing to go before Pharaoh.

came in to Pharaoh

Here "came" can be stated as "went." Alternate translation: "went before Pharaoh"

Genesis 41:15

there is no interpreter for it

"no one can explain the meaning"

you can interpret it

"you can explain its meaning"

Genesis 41:16

It is not in me

"I am not the one who can explain the meaning"

God will answer Pharaoh with favor

"God will answer Pharaoh favorably"

Genesis 41:17

behold, I stood

Pharaoh uses the word "behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.

bank of the Nile

This is the higher ground along the edge of the Nile River. See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:3. Alternate translation: "beside the Nile"

Genesis 41:18

Behold, seven cows

Pharaoh uses the word "Behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.

fat and desirable

"well-fed and healthy." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:2.

grazed among the reeds

"were eating the grass along the side of the river." See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:2.

Genesis 41:19

Behold, seven other cows

Pharaoh uses the word "Behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.

undesirable, and thin

"weak, and skinny." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:3.

such undesirableness

The abstract noun "undesirableness" can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: "such ugly cows" or "such worthless looking cows"

Genesis 41:20

fat cows

"well-fed cows." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:2.

Genesis 41:21

it could not be known that they had eaten them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one would have been able to tell that the thin cows had eaten the fat cows"

Genesis 41:22

General Information:

Pharaoh continues telling Joseph his dreams.

I looked in my dream

This begins Pharaoh's next dream after he woke up and went back to sleep. Alternate translation: "Then I dreamed again"

behold, seven heads

Pharaoh uses the word "Behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.

seven heads

The words "of grain" are understood. Alternate translation: "seven heads of grain"

came up upon one stalk

"grew up on one stem." The stalk is the thick or tall part of a plant. See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:5.

Genesis 41:23

withered

dead and dried

sprang up

"grew up" or "developed"

Genesis 41:24

The thin heads

The words "of grain" are understood. See how you translated this in [Genesis 41:7]

swallowed up

"ate." Pharaoh is dreaming that unhealthy corn could eat healthy corn just like a person eats food. See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:7.

there was none that could

"there was not a single one that could" or "none of them could"

Genesis 41:25

The dreams of Pharaoh are the same

It is implied that the meanings are the same. Alternate translation: "Both dreams mean the same thing"

What God is about to do, he has declared to Pharaoh

Joseph speaks to Pharaoh in the third person. This is a way of showing respect. It can be stated in the second person. Alternate translation: "God is showing you what he will soon do"

Genesis 41:26

seven good heads

The words "of grain" are understood. Alternate translation: "seven good heads of grain"

Genesis 41:27

General Information:

Joseph continues his interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams

thin and undesirable cows

"skinny and weak cows." See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:3.

seven thin heads scorched by the east wind

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "seven thin heads of grain scorched because of the hot wind from the east"

Genesis 41:28

That is the thing which I spoke to Pharaoh ... revealed to Pharaoh

Joseph speaks to Pharaoh in the third person. This is a way of showing respect. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: "These events will happen just as I have told you ... revealed to you, Pharaoh"

he has revealed

"he has made known"

Genesis 41:29

Look, seven

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: seven"

seven years of great abundance will come throughout all the land of Egypt

This speaks about the years of abundance as if time is something that travels and comes to a place. Alternate translation: "there will be seven years in which there will be plenty of food throughout the land of Egypt"

Genesis 41:30

General Information:

Joseph continues interpreting Pharaoh's dreams.

Seven years of famine will come after them

This speaks about the seven years of famine as if they are something that travels and comes to a place. Alternate translation: "Then there will be seven years when there is very little food"

all the abundance will be forgotten ... and the famine will devastate the land

Joseph expresses an idea in two ways to emphasize its importance.

all the abundance will be forgotten in the land of Egypt

Here "land" refers to the people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people of Egypt will forget about the years in which there was plenty of food"

will devastate the land

Here "land" refers to the soil, the people, and the entire country.

Genesis 41:31

The abundance will not be remembered ... because of the famine that will follow

Joseph expresses an idea in two ways to emphasize its importance.

because of the famine that will follow

This speaks about the famine as if it were a thing that travels and follows behind something else. Alternate translation: "because of the time of famine that will happen afterwards"

Genesis 41:32

That the dream was repeated to Pharaoh is because the matter has been established by God

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God gave you two dreams to show you that he will certainly cause these things to happen"

Genesis 41:33

General Information:

Joseph continues to address Pharaoh

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

let Pharaoh look

Joseph speaks to Pharaoh in third person. This is a way of showing respect. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: "You, Pharaoh, should look"

put him over the land of Egypt

The phrase "put him over" means to give someone authority. Alternate translation: "give him authority over the kingdom of Egypt" or "put him in charge of the kingdom of Egypt"

land of Egypt

Here "land" stands for all the people and everything in Egypt.

Genesis 41:34

let them take a fifth of the crops of Egypt

The word "fifth" is a fraction. Alternate translation: "let them divide the crops of Egypt into five equal parts, then take one of those parts"

in the seven abundant years

"during the seven years in which there is plenty of food"

Genesis 41:35

General Information:

Joseph continues to counsel Pharaoh

Let them gather

"Allow the overseers to gather"

of these good years that are coming

This speaks of years as if they are something that travels and comes to a place. Alternate translation: "during the good years that will soon happen"

store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh

The phrase "under the authority of Pharaoh" means Pharaoh gives them authority. Alternate translation: "use the authority of Pharaoh to store the grain"

They should preserve it

The word "they" refers to the overseers and represents the soldiers that they should command to guard the grain. Alternate translation: "The overseers should leave soldiers there to guard the grain"

Genesis 41:36

The food will be a supply for the land

Here "land" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "This food will be for the people"

In this way the land will not be devastated by the famine

Here "land" stands for the people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This way the people will not starve during the famine"

Genesis 41:37

This advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "Pharaoh and his servants thought this was a good plan"

his servants

This means Pharaoh's officials.

Genesis 41:38

such a man as this

"a man like the one Joseph described"

in whom is the Spirit of God

"in whom the Spirit of God lives"

Genesis 41:39

there is none so discerning

"no one else is as capable in making decisions." See how you translated "discerning" in Genesis 41:33.

Genesis 41:40

You will be over my house

Here "house" stands for Pharaoh's palace and the people in the palace. The phrase "will be over" means Joseph will have authority over. Alternate translation: "You will be in charge of everyone in my palace"

according to your word will all my people be ruled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will rule over my people and they will do what you command"

Only in the throne

Here "throne" stands for Pharaoh's rule as king. Alternate translation: "Only in my role as king"

Genesis 41:41

See, I have put you

The word "See" adds emphasis to what Pharaoh says next. Alternate translation: "Look, I have put you"

I have put you over all the land of Egypt

The phrase "put you over" means to give authority. Here "land" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "I put you in charge of everyone in Egypt"

Genesis 41:42

Pharaoh took off his signet ring ... gold chain on his neck

All of these actions symbolize that Pharaoh is giving Joseph the authority to do everything that Joseph planned.

signet ring

This ring had Pharaoh's seal engraved on it. This gave Joseph the authority and money needed to carry out his plans.

clothes of fine linen

"Linen" here is a smooth, strong cloth made from the blue-flowered flax plant.

Genesis 41:43

He had him ride in the second chariot which he possessed

This act makes clear to the people that Joseph is second only to Pharaoh.

Bend the knee

"Bow down and honor Joseph." To bend the knee and bow down was a sign of honor and respect.

Pharaoh put him over all the land

The phrase "put you over" means to give authority. Here "land" refers to the people. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Genesis 41:41]

Genesis 41:44

I am Pharaoh, and apart from you

Pharaoh is emphasizing his authority. Alternate translation: "As Pharaoh, I command that apart from you"

apart from you, no man will lift his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt

Here "hand" and "foot" stand for a person's actions. Alternate translation: "no person in Egypt will do anything without your permission" or "every person in Egypt must ask your permission before they do anything"

no man

Here "man" refers to any person in general, whether male or female.

Genesis 41:45

Zaphenath-Paneah

Translators may add the following footnote: The name Zaphenath-Paneah means "a revealer of secrets."

He gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, as a wife

Priests in Egypt were the highest and most privileged caste. This marriage signifies Joseph's place of honor and privilege.

gave him Asenath

"Asenath" is the name of the woman whom Pharaoh gave to Joseph as his wife.

daughter of Potiphera

"Potiphera" is the father of Asenath.

priest of On

On is a city, also called Heliopolis, which was "the City of the Sun" and the center of worship of the sun god Ra.

Joseph went out over the land of Egypt

Joseph traveled over the land to supervise the preparations for the coming drought.

Genesis 41:46

thirty years old

"30 years old"

when he stood before Pharaoh

Here "stood before" stands for Joseph starting to serve Pharaoh. Alternate translation: "when he started to serve Pharaoh"

went throughout all the land of Egypt

Joseph is inspecting the country as he prepares to carry out his plans.

Genesis 41:47

In the seven bountiful years

"During the seven good years"

the land produced abundantly

"the land produced big harvests"

Genesis 41:48

He gathered up ... He put

Here "He" stands for Joseph's servants. Alternate translation: "Joseph ordered his servants to gather ... They put"

Genesis 41:49

Joseph stored up grain like the sand of the sea

This compares the grain to the sand of sea to emphasize its great quantity. Alternate translation: "The grain that Joseph stored was as plentiful as the sand on the seashore"

Joseph stored up ... he stopped

Here "Joseph" and "he" stand for Joseph's servants. Alternate translation: "Joseph had his servants store up ... they stopped"

Genesis 41:50

before the years of famine came

This speaks about years as if they are something that travels and comes to a place. Alternate translation: "before the seven years of the famine began"

Asenath

a woman's name. See how you translated this in [Genesis 41:45]

daughter of Potiphera

"Potiphera" is the father of Asenath. See how you translated this in [Genesis 41:45]

priest of On

On is a city, also called Heliopolis, which was "the City of the Sun" and the center of worship of the sun god Ra. See how you translated this in [Genesis 41:45]

Genesis 41:51

Manasseh

Translators may also add a footnote that says, "The name 'Manasseh' means 'to cause to forget.'"

father's household

This refers to Joseph's father Jacob and his family.

Genesis 41:52

Ephraim

Translators may also add a footnote that says, "The name 'Ephraim' means 'to be fruitful' or 'to have children.'"

made me fruitful

Here "fruitful" means to prosper or to have children.

in the land of my affliction

The abstract noun "affliction" can be stated as "I have suffered." Alternate translation: "in this land where I have suffered"

Genesis 41:53

General Information:

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Genesis 41:54

in all lands

In all the surrounding nations beyond Egypt, including the land of Canaan.

but in all the land of Egypt there was food

It is implied that there was food because of Joseph commanded his people to store food during the seven good years.

Genesis 41:55

When all the land of Egypt was famished

Here "land" stands for the people. Alternate translation: "When all the Egyptians were starving"

Genesis 41:56

The famine was over all the face of the whole land

The word "face" refers to the surface of the land. Alternate translation: "The famine had spread throughout the land"

Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians

Here "Joseph" stands for Joseph's servants. Alternate translation: "Joseph had his servants open all the storehouses and sell grain to the Egyptians"

Genesis 41:57

All the earth was coming to Egypt

Here "earth" stands for the people from all regions. Alternate translation: "People were coming to Egypt from all the surrounding regions"

in all the earth

"throughout the land." It is likely that all the different trading partners and nations that were part of the Egyptian trading routes effected by the drought came to Egypt for grain.

Chapter 42

Genesis 42 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Famine

Apparently this famine extended beyond Egypt and encompassed the land of Canaan too. Because of Egypt's size and power, it would not have been unusual for people to go there in times of need.

Joseph's test

Joseph tests his brothers to see if they are good. They treat their brother Benjamin better than they treated Joseph and tried to protect him.

Genesis 42:1

Now Jacob became

The word "Now" marks a new part of the story.

Why do you look at one another?

Jacob uses a question to scold his sons for not doing anything about the grain. Alternate translation: "Do not just sit here!"

Genesis 42:2

Go down there

It was common to speak of going from Canaan to Egypt as going "down."

Genesis 42:3

went down

It was common to speak of going from Canaan to Egypt as going "down."

from Egypt

Here "Egypt" refers to the people selling grain. Alternate translation: "from those selling grain in Egypt"

Genesis 42:4

Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph's brother, with his brothers

Benjamin and Joseph had the same father and mother; their mother was different from the mothers of the other brothers. Jacob did not want to risk sending Rachel's last son.

Genesis 42:5

The sons of Israel came to buy among those who came

The word "came" can be translated as "went." Also, the words "grain" and "Egypt" are understood. Alternate translation: "The sons of Israel went to by grain along with other people who went to Egypt"

Genesis 42:6

Now Joseph

"Now" marks a change from the story to background information about Joseph.

over the land

Here "land" refers to Egypt. Alternate translation: "over Egypt"

all the people of the land

Here "land" includes Egypt and other surrounding countries. Alternate translation: "all the people of all the nations that came to buy grain"

Joseph's brothers came

Here "came" can be translated as "went."

bowed down to him with their faces to the ground

This is a way of showing respect.

Genesis 42:7

Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them

"When Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them"

he disguised himself to them

"he acted like he was not their brother" or "he did not let them know that he was their brother"

Where have you come from?

This was not a rhetorical question even though Joseph knew the answer. It was part of his choice to keep his identity from his brothers.

Genesis 42:8

General Information:

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Genesis 42:9

You are spies

Spies are people who secretly try to get information about a country to help another country.

You have come to see the undefended parts of the land

The full meaning can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "You have come to find out where we are not guarding our land so that you can attack us"

Genesis 42:10

my master

This is a way to refer to someone to honor them.

Your servants have

The brothers refer to themselves as "your servants." This is a formal way of speaking to someone with greater authority. Alternate translation: "We, your servants, have" or "We have"

Genesis 42:11

General Information:

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Genesis 42:12

He said to them

"Joseph said to his brothers"

No, you have come to see the undefended parts of the land

The full meaning can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "No, you have come to find out where we are not guarding our land so that you can attack us"

Genesis 42:13

twelve brothers

"12 brothers"

See, the youngest

"Listen to us, the youngest." The word "See" is used to emphasize what they say next.

the youngest is this day with our father

"right now our youngest brother is with our father"

Genesis 42:14

It is what I said to you; you are spies

"like I already said, you are spies." See how you translated "spies" in Genesis 42:9.

Genesis 42:15

By this you will be tested

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This is how I will test you"

By the life of Pharaoh

This phrase indicates a solemn oath. Alternate translation: "I swear by the life of Pharaoh"

Genesis 42:16

Send one of yourselves and let him get your brother

"Choose one of you to go get your brother"

You will remain in prison

"The rest of you will remain in prison"

that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that I may find out if you are telling the truth"

Genesis 42:17

in custody

"in prison"

Genesis 42:18

on the third day

The word "third" is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: "after the second day"

Do this and live

"If you will do what I say, I will let you live"

fear God

This refers to deeply respecting God and showing that respect by obeying him.

Genesis 42:19

let one of your brothers be confined in this prison

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "leave one of your brothers here in prison"

but you go

Here "you" is plural and refers to all the brothers that will not stay in prison. Alternate translation: "but the rest of you go"

carry grain for the famine of your houses

Here "houses" stands for families. Alternate translation: "carry grain home to help your family during this famine"

Genesis 42:20

so your words will be verified

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so I may know what you say is true"

you will not die

This implies that Joseph would have his soldiers execute the brothers if he finds out they are spies.

Genesis 42:21

in that we saw the distress of his soul

The word "soul" stands for Joseph. Alternate translation: "because we saw how distressed Joseph was" or "because we saw that Joseph was suffering"

Therefore this distress has come upon us

The abstract noun "distress" can be stated as the verb "suffering." Alternate translation: "That is why we are suffering like this now"

Genesis 42:22

Did I not tell you, 'Do not sin against the boy,' but you would not listen?

Reuben uses a question to scold his brothers. Alternate translation: "I told you not to hurt the boy, but you would not listen!"

Did I not tell you, 'Do not sin against the boy,' but

This has a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "Did I not tell you not to sin against the boy, but" or "I told you not to harm the boy, but"

Now, see

Here "Now" does not mean "at this moment," but both "Now" and "see" are used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

his blood is required of us

Here "blood" stands for Joseph's death. His brothers thought Joseph was dead. The phrase "is required of us" means they must be punished for what they did. Alternate translation: "we are getting what we deserve for his death" or "we are suffering for having killed him"

Genesis 42:23

They did not know ... an interpreter between them

This changes from the main story to background information that explains why the brothers thought Joseph could not understand them.

an interpreter

An "interpreter" is someone who translates what one person says into another language. Joseph placed an interpreter between himself and his brothers to make it seem like he did not speak their language.

Genesis 42:24

He turned from them and wept

It is implied that Joseph wept because he was emotional after hearing what his brothers said.

spoke to them

Joseph was still speaking a different language and using the interpreter to speak to his brothers.

bound him before their eyes

Here the people are represented by their "eyes" to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: "bound him in their sight" or "bound him as they watched"

Genesis 42:25

to give them provisions

"to give them the supplies they needed"

It was done for them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The servants did for them everything that Joseph commanded"

Genesis 42:26

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Genesis 42:27

As one of them opened his sack to give his donkey feed in the lodging place, he saw his money. Behold, it was in the opening of his sack

"When they stopped at a place for the night, one of the brothers opened his sack to get food for his donkey. In the sack he saw his money!"

Behold

The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

Genesis 42:28

My money has been put back

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone has put my money back"

Look at it

"Look in my sack!"

Their hearts sank

To become afraid is spoken of as if their heart were sinking. Here "hearts" stands for courage. Alternate translation: "They became very afraid"

Genesis 42:29

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Genesis 42:30

lord of the land

"the lord of Egypt"

spoke roughly

"spoke harshly"

we were spies

Spies are people who secretly try to get information about a country to help another country. See how you translated "spies" in Genesis 42:9.

Genesis 42:31

We said to him, 'We are honest men. We are not spies.

This has a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. "We told him that we are honest men and not spies."

Genesis 42:32

We are twelve brothers, sons of our father. One is no longer alive ... land of Canaan.'

The quotation within a quotation that began with the words "We said to him, 'We are honest men ... not spies. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. "We told him that we are honest men ... not spies. We said that we are twelve brothers, sons of our father, and that one brother is no longer alive ... land of Canaan"

One is no longer alive

The word "brother" is understood. Alternate translation: "One brother is no longer alive"

the youngest is this day with our father

The word "brother" is understood. Alternate translation: "the youngest brother is with our father right now"

Genesis 42:33

the lord of the land

"The lord of Egypt"

take grain for the famine in your houses

Here "houses" stands for "family." Alternate translation: "take grain to help your family during the famine"

go your way

"go home" or "leave"

Genesis 42:34

you will trade in the land

"I will allow you to buy and sell in this land"

Genesis 42:35

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

behold, every

"they were surprised because every"

Genesis 42:36

You have bereaved me of my children

"you have deprived me of my children" or "you have caused me to lose two of my children"

All these things are against me

"all these things hurt me"

Genesis 42:37

Put him in my hands

This is a request for Reuben to take Joseph with him and to care for him on the journey. Alternate translation: "Put me in charge of him" or "Let me take care of him"

Genesis 42:38

My son will not go down with you

It was common to use the phrase "go down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt. Alternate translation: "My son, Benjamin, will not go with you to Egypt"

with you

Here "you" is plural and refers to Jacob's older sons.

For his brother is dead and he alone is left

The full meaning can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "For my wife, Rachel, only had two children. Joseph is dead and Benjamin is the only one left"

on the road in which you go

"while you a traveling to Egypt and back" or "while you are away." Here "road" stands for traveling.

then you will bring down my gray hair with sorrow to Sheol

To "bring down ... to Sheol" is way of saying they will cause him to die and go to Sheol. He uses the word "down" because it was commonly believed sheol is somewhere underground. Alternate translation: "then you will cause me, an old man, to die of sorrow"

my gray hair

This stands for Jacob and emphasizes his old age. Alternate translation: "me, an old man"

Chapter 43

Genesis 43 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel's concern

Israel is concerned over his favored son, Benjamin. He is also confused about the reason the Egyptian official treated them so kindly. This caused him some concern. It is possible he thought his sons were lying to him. (See: favor)

Genesis 43:1

The famine was severe in the land

The word "Canaan" is understood. This information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "The famine was severe in the land of Canaan"

Genesis 43:2

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

when they had eaten

"when Jacob and his family had eaten"

they had brought

"Jacob's older sons had brought"

buy us

Here "us" refers to Jacob, his sons, and the rest of the family.

Genesis 43:3

Judah told him

"Judah told his father Jacob"

The man

This refers to Joseph, but the brothers did not know it was Joseph. They referred to him as "the man" or "the man, the lord of the land" as in Genesis 42:30.

warned us, 'You will not see my face unless your brother is with you.'

This has a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "warned us that we would not see his face unless we brought our youngest brother with us"

solemnly warned us

"was very serious when he warned us, saying"

You will not see my face

Judah uses this phrase twice in 43:3-5 to emphasize to his father that they cannot return to Egypt without Benjamin. The phrase "my face" refers to the man, who is Joseph. Alternate translation: "You will not see me"

your brother is with you

Judah is referring to Benjamin, Rachel's last born before she died.

Genesis 43:4

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Genesis 43:5

we will not go down

It was common to use the phrase "go down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.

Genesis 43:6

Why did you treat me so badly

"Why did you cause me so much trouble"

Genesis 43:7

The man asked details

"The man asked many questions"

about us

Here "us" is exclusive and refers to the brothers who went to Egypt and spoke with "the man."

He said, 'Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "He asked us directly if our father was still alive and if we had another brother."

We answered him according to these questions

"We answered the questions he asked us"

How could we have known that he would say ... down?

The sons use a question emphasize that the did not know what the man would tell them to do. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "We did not know he would say ... down!"

he would say, 'Bring your brother down?'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "he would tell us to bring our brother down to Egypt."

Bring your brother down

It was common to use the word "down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.

Genesis 43:8

We will rise and go that we may live and not die, both we, you, and also our children

The phrases "we may live" and "not die" mean the same thing. Judah is emphasizing that they have to buy food in Egypt in order to survive. Alternate translation: "We will go now to Egypt and get grain so our whole family will live"

We will rise

Here "We" refers to the brothers who will travel to Egypt.

we may live

Here "we" refers to the brothers, Israel, and the whole family.

both we

Here "we" refers to the brothers.

we, you

Here "you" is singular and refers to Israel.

also our children

Here "our" refers to the brothers. This refers to the small children who were most likely to die during a famine.

Genesis 43:9

I will be a guarantee for him

The abstract noun "guarantee" can be stated as the verb "promise." Alternate translation: "I will promise to bring him back"

You will hold me responsible

How Jacob will hold Judah responsible can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "You will make me answer to you about what happens to Benjamin"

let me bear the blame

This speaks about "blame" as if it were an object that a person has to carry. Alternate translation: "you may blame me"

Genesis 43:10

For if we had not delayed, surely by now we would have come back here a second time

They delayed because their father waited so long to send his sons to Egypt to get more food. Judah is complaining that they could not go sooner. He wishes that they had not delayed.

we would have come back here a second time

"we could have gone and returned twice"

Genesis 43:11

If it be so, now do this

"If this is our only choice, then do it"

Carry down

It was common to use the word "down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.

balm

an oily substance with a sweet smell used for healing and protecting skin. See how you translated this word in Genesis 37:25. Alternate translation: "medicine"

spices

seasonings. See how you translated these words in Genesis 37:25.

pistachio nuts

small, green tree nuts

almonds

tree nuts with a sweet flavor

Genesis 43:12

Take double money in your hand

Here "hand" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "Take double the money with you"

The money that was returned in the opening of your sacks, carry again in your hand

Here "hand" stands for the whole person. The phrase "that was returned" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "take back to Egypt the money someone put in your sacks"

Genesis 43:13

Take also your brother

"Take also Benjamin"

go again

"return"

Genesis 43:14

May God Almighty give you mercy before the man

The abstract noun "mercy" can be stated as the adjective "kind." Alternate translation: "May God Almighty cause the man to be kind to you"

your other brother

"Simeon"

If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved

"If I lose my children, then I lose my children." This means that Jacob knows he must accept whatever happens to his sons.

Genesis 43:15

in their hand they took

Here "hand" refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: "they took"

went down to Egypt

It was common to use the phrase "went down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.

Genesis 43:16

Benjamin with them

"Benjamin with Joseph's older brothers"

the steward of his house

The "steward" was responsible for managing Joseph's household activities.

Genesis 43:17

He brought the men

Here "brought" can be translated as "took."

to Joseph's house

"into Joseph's house"

Genesis 43:18

The men were afraid

"Joseph's brothers were afraid"

they were brought to Joseph's house

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they were going into Joseph's house" or "the steward was taking them into Joseph's house"

It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time we were brought in

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The steward is bringing us into the house because of the money that someone put back in our sacks"

that he may seek an opportunity against us. He might arrest us

This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "He is waiting for the opportunity to accuse us, so that he might arrest us"

Genesis 43:19

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Genesis 43:20

we came down

It is common to use the phrase "came down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.

Genesis 43:21

Connecting Statement:

The brothers continue speaking to the steward of the house.

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

when we reached the lodging place

"when we came to the place that we were going to stay for the night"

behold

The word "behold" here shows that the brothers were surprised by what they saw.

every man's money was in the opening of his sack, our money in full weight

"each one of us found the full amount of his money in his sack"

We have brought it back in our hands

Here "hands" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "We have brought the money back with us"

Genesis 43:22

Other money we have also brought down in our hand to buy food

Here "hand" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "We have also brought more money to buy food"

brought down

It common to use the word "down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.

Genesis 43:23

Peace be to you

The abstract noun "Peace" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "Relax" or "Calm yourselves"

Your God and the God of your father

The stewards is not speaking about two different Gods. Alternate translation: "Your God, the God your father worships"

Genesis 43:24

washed their feet

This custom helped tired travelers to refresh themselves after walking long distances. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit.

feed to their donkeys

"Feed" is dry food that is set aside for animals

Genesis 43:25

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Genesis 43:26

they brought the gifts which were in their hand

Here "hand" stands for the entire person. Alternate translation: "the brothers brought the gifts they had with them"

bowed down before him

This is a way of showing honor and respect.

Genesis 43:27

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Genesis 43:28

Your servant our father

They refer to their father as "Your servant" to show respect. Alternate translation: "Our father who serves you"

they bowed down and gave him honor

They lay down in front of the man to show him respect.

Genesis 43:29

he lifted up his eyes

This means "he looked up."

his mother's son, and he said

This can be translated with a new sentence. Alternate translation: "his mother's son. Joseph said"

Is this your youngest brother ... me?

Possible meanings are 1) Joseph is truly asking a question to confirm that this man is Benjamin, or 2) it is a rhetorical question. Alternate translation: "So this is your youngest brother ... me."

my son

This is a friendly way one man speaks to another man of lower rank. Alternate translation: "young man"

Genesis 43:30

hurried to go out of the room

"hurried out of the room"

for he was deeply moved about his brother

The phrase "deeply moved" refers to having a strong feeling or emotion when something important happens. Alternate translation: "for he had strong feelings of compassion for his brother" or "for he had strong feelings of affection for his brother"

Genesis 43:31

saying

It can be made explicit to whom Joseph is speaking. Alternate translation: "and said to his servants"

Serve the food

This means to distribute the food so that people may eat.

Genesis 43:32

The servants served Joseph by himself and the brothers by themselves. The Egyptians there ate with him by themselves

This means that Joseph, the brothers, and the other Egyptians are eating in three different places within the same room. Alternate translation: "The servants served Joseph by himself and the brothers by themselves and the Egyptians, who were eating with him, by themselves"

The Egyptians there ate with him by themselves

These are probably other Egyptian officials who ate with Joseph, but they still sat separately from him and the Hebrew brothers.

because the Egyptians could not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is detestable to the Egyptians

This can be translated as a new sentence: "They did this because the Egyptians thought it was shameful to eat with the Hebrews"

could not eat bread

Here "bread" stands for food in general.

Genesis 43:33

The brothers sat before him

It is implied that Joseph had arranged where each brother would sit. You can make clear the implied information. Alternate translation: "The brothers sat across from the man, according to how he arranged their places"

the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth

The "firstborn" and the "youngest" are used together to mean all the brothers were sitting in order according to their age.

The men were astonished together

"The men were very surprised when they realized this"

Genesis 43:34

But Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of his brothers

The phrase "five times" can be stated more generally. Alternate translation: "But Benjamin received a portion that was much bigger than what his brothers received"

Chapter 44

Genesis 44 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Judah's sacrifice

Judah is willing to sacrifice himself in order to save Benjamin, the favored son of Jacob. Judah's descendants will become the leaders of the Israelites and the godliest of the twelve tribes of Israel. (See: favor and godly)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Joseph's test

Joseph tests his brothers to see if they are good. They treat their brother Benjamin better than they treated Joseph and tried to protect him. (See: test)

Genesis 44:1

General Information:

This begins a new event in the story. Most likely this is the next morning after the feast.

steward of his house

The "steward" was responsible for managing Joseph's household activities.

every man's money

Their money was silver coins most likely in a small bag.

in his sack's opening

"in his sack"

Genesis 44:2

Put my cup, the silver cup

"Put my silver cup"

in the sack's opening of the youngest

The word "brother" is understood. Alternate translation: "in the youngest brother's sack"

Genesis 44:3

The morning dawned

"The morning light shown"

the men were sent away, they and their donkeys

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they sent the men away, along with their donkeys"

Genesis 44:4

Why have you returned evil for good?

This question is used to scold the brothers. Alternate translation: "You have treated us badly, after we were good to you!"

Genesis 44:5

Is this not the cup from which my master drinks, and the cup that he uses for divination?

This question is used to scold the brothers. Alternate translation: "You already know that this is the cup that my master uses for drinking and for fortune telling!"

You have done evil, this thing that you have done

This repeats "you have done" for emphasis. Alternate translation: "What you have done is very evil"

Genesis 44:6

spoke these words to them

"spoke what Joseph told him to say"

Genesis 44:7

Why does my master speak such words as these?

Here "words" stands for what was said. The brothers refer to the steward as "my master." This is a formal way of speaking to someone with greater authority. It can be stated in the second person. Alternate translation: "Why are you saying this, my master?"

Far be it from your servants that they would do such a thing.

The brothers refer to themselves as "your servants" and "they." This is a formal way of speaking to someone with greater authority. Alternate translation: "We would never do such a thing!"

Far be it from your servants

Something that a person would never do is spoken of as if it were an object that person wants to put very far from himself.

Genesis 44:8

Look, the money

"Listen to what we are about to say and you will see that we are speaking the truth: the money"

the money that we found in our sacks' openings

"you know the money that we found in our sacks"

we brought again to you out of the land of Canaan

"we brought back to you from Canaan"

How then could we steal out of your master's house silver or gold?

The brothers use a question to emphasize that they would not steal from the lord of Egypt. Alternate translation: "So we would never take anything from your master's house!"

silver or gold

These words are used together to mean that they would not steal anything of any value.

Genesis 44:9

If any of your servants is found with it

The brothers refer to themselves as "your servants." This is a formal way of speaking to someone with greater authority. It can be stated in the first person. Also, "is found with it" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If you find that one of us has stolen the cup"

we also will be my master's slaves

The phrase "my master" refers to the steward. This can be stated in the second person. Alternate translation: "you may take us as your slaves"

Genesis 44:10

Now also let it be according to your words

"Very well. I will do what you said." Here "now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

He with whom the cup is found will be my slave

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If I find the cup in one of your sacks, that person will be my slave"

Genesis 44:11

brought his sack down

"lowered his sack"

Genesis 44:12

the oldest ... the youngest

The word "brother" is understood. Alternate translation: "the oldest brother ... the youngest brother"

youngest, and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack

This can be translated as a new sentence and in active form. Alternate translation: "youngest. The steward found the cup in Benjamin's sack"

Genesis 44:13

Then they tore their clothes

The word "they" refers to the brothers. Tearing clothes was a sign of great distress and sorrow.

donkey and returned

"donkey, and they returned"

Genesis 44:14

He was still there

"Joseph was still there"

they bowed before him

"they fell before him." This is a sign of the brothers wanting the lord to be merciful to them.

Genesis 44:15

Do you not know that a man like me practices divination?

Joseph uses a question to scold his brothers. Alternate translation: "Surely you know that a man like me can learn things by magic!"

Genesis 44:16

What can we say to my master? What can we speak? Or how can we justify ourselves?

All 3 questions mean basically the same thing. They use these questions to emphasize that there is nothing they can say to explain what happened. Alternate translation: "We have nothing to say, my master. We cannot speak anything of value. We cannot justify ourselves."

What can we say to my master ... my master's slaves

Here "my master" refers to Joseph. This is a formal way of speaking to someone with greater authority. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: "What can we say to you ... your slaves"

God has found out the iniquity of your servants

Here "found out" does not mean God just found out what the brothers did. It means God is now punishing them for what they did. Alternate translation: "God is punishing us for our past sins"

the iniquity of your servants

The brothers refer to themselves as "your servants." This is a formal way of speaking to someone with greater authority. It can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "our iniquity"

he also in whose hand the cup was found

Here "hand" stands for the whole person. Also, "was found" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one who had your cup"

Genesis 44:17

Far be it from me that I should do so

Something that a person would never do is spoken of as if it were an object the person wants put far away from him. Alternate translation: "It is not like me to do something like that"

The man in whose hand the cup was found

Here "hand" stands for the whole person. Also, "was found" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The man who had my cup"

Genesis 44:18

came near to

"approached"

let your servant

Judah refers to himself as "your servant." This is a formal way of speaking to someone with more authority. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "let me, your servant"

speak a word in my master's ears

The word "ear" is a synecdoche that stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "speak to you, my master"

in my master's ears

Here "my master" refers to Joseph. This is a formal way of speaking to someone with more authority. This can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: "to you"

do not let your anger burn against your servant

Being angry is spoke of as if it were a burning fire. Alternate translation: "please do not be angry with me, your servant"

for you are just like Pharaoh

Judah compares the master to Pharaoh to emphasize the great power that the master has. He is also implying that he does want the master to become angry and execute him. Alternate translation: "for you are as powerful as Pharaoh and could have your soldiers kill me"

Genesis 44:19

My master asked his servants, saying, 'Do you have a father or a brother?'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "My master asked us if we have a father or a brother."

My master asked his servants

Judah refers to Joseph with the words "my master" and "his." He also refers to himself and his brothers as "his servants." Alternate translation: "You, my master, asked us, your servants" or "You asked us"

Genesis 44:20

General Information:

Judah continues to speak before Joseph

We said to my master, 'We have a father ... his father loves him.'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "And we said to my master that we have a father ... his father loves him"

his father loves him

This refers to love for a friend or family member.

Genesis 44:21

Then you said to your servants, 'Bring him down to me that I may see him.'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "And you said to your servants that we should bring our youngest brother to you so that you may see him"

Then you said to your servants

Judah refers to himself and his brothers as "your servants." Alternate translation: "Then you said to us, your servants"

Bring him down to me

It was common to use the word "down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt. Alternate translation: "Bring him to me"

Genesis 44:22

we said to my master

Judah refers to Joseph as "my master." This is a formal way of speaking to someone with greater authority. Alternate translation: "we said to you, my master"

After that, we said to my master, 'The boy cannot ... father would die.'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "In response, we said to my master that the boy cannot ... father would die"

his father would die

It is implied that their father would die from sorrow.

Genesis 44:23

General Information:

Judah continues his story to Joseph

Then you said to your servants, 'Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "Then you said to your servants that unless our youngest brother comes with us, we would not see you again."

Then you said to your servants

Judah refers to himself and his brothers as "your servants." This is a formal way of speaking to someone with greater authority. Alternate translation: "Then you said to us, your servants"

comes down

It was common to use the word "down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.

you will not see my face again

Here "face" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "you will not see me again"

Genesis 44:24

Then it came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

we went up to your servant my father

It was common to use the phrase "went up" when speaking of traveling from Egypt to Canaan.

we told him the words of my master

Judah refers to Joseph as "my master." Alternate translation: "we told him what you said, my master"

Genesis 44:25

Our father said, 'Go again, buy us some food.'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "Our father told us to go again to Egypt to buy food for us and our families."

Genesis 44:26

go down

It was common to use the word "down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.

Then we said, 'We cannot go down. If our youngest brother ... is with us.'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "Then we said to him that we cannot go down to Egypt. We told him that if our youngest brother is with us ... is with us"

to see the man's face

Here "face" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "to see the man"

Genesis 44:27

General Information:

Judah continues his story to Joseph.

Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of a three-level quote.

said to us

Here "us" does not include Joseph.

You know

Here "You" is plural and refers to the brothers.

Genesis 44:28

Connecting Statement:

The three-level quote that began in verse 27 continues.

he is torn in pieces

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a wild animal has torn him to pieces"

Genesis 44:29

Connecting Statement:

The three-level quote that began in verse 27 ends here.

Now if you also take this one from me, and harm comes to him, you will bring down my gray hair with sorrow to Sheol

The three-level quote that began with the words "Your servant ... said to us, 'You know ... two sons" in verse 27 and continued with the words "and I said, 'Surely ... since" in verse 28 ends here. You may need to change one or more of these levels to indirect quotes. "This is what your servant my father said to us: 'You know that my wife bore me two sons. One of them went out from me and I said that surely he had been torn in pieces, and I have not seen him since. Now if you also take this one from me, and harm comes to him, you will bring down my gray hair with sorrow to Sheol.'" or "Your servant my father told us that we knew that his wife had borne him two sons. One of them went out from him, and he said that surely that son had been torn in pieces, and he has not seen him since. He then said that if we also took this one from him, and harm came to him, we would bring down his gray hair with sorrow to Sheol."

harm comes to him

Something bad happening to a person is spoken of as if "harm" were something that travels and comes to a person.

you will bring down my gray hair with sorrow to Sheol

To "bring down ... to Sheol" is way of saying they will cause him to die and go to Sheol. He uses the word "down" because it was commonly believed Sheol is somewhere underground. Alternate translation: "then you will cause me, an old man, to die of sorrow"

my gray hair

This stands for Jacob and emphasizes his old age. Alternate translation: "me, an old man"

Genesis 44:30

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

therefore, when I come to your servant my father

Judah begins to describe what he expects will happen to Jacob if he returns to Jacob without Benjamin. Here "come" can be translated as "go" or "return."

since his life is bound up in the boy's life

The father saying he would die if his son died is spoken of as if their two lives were physically bound together. Alternate translation: "since he said he would die if the boy did not come back"

Genesis 44:31

Connecting Statement:

Judah finishes describing what he expects to happen to Jacob if he returns to Jacob without Benjamin.

Your servants will bring down the gray hair of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol

To "bring down ... to Sheol" is way of saying they will cause him to die and go to Sheol. He uses the word "down" because it was commonly believed Sheol is somewhere underground. Alternate translation: "And we your servants will have caused our old father to die of sorrow"

Your servants

Judah refers to himself and his brothers as "your servants." This is a formal way of speaking to someone who has greater authority. Alternate translation: "And we, your servants" or "And we"

the gray hair of your servant our father

Here "gray hair" stands for Jacob and emphasizes his old age. Alternate translation: "our old father"

Genesis 44:32

For your servant became a guarantee for the boy to my father

The abstract noun "guarantee" can be stated with the verb "promised." Alternate translation: "For I promised my father concerning the boy"

For your servant

Judah refers to himself as "your servant." Alternate translation: "For I, your servant" or "For I"

then I will bear the guilt to my father

Being considered guilty is spoken of as if "guilt" were something that a person carries. Alternate translation: "then my father may blame me"

Genesis 44:33

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

let your servant stay instead of the boy as slave to my master

"let your servant remain as a slave to my master instead of the boy"

let your servant

Judah refers to himself as "your servant." This is a formal way of speaking to someone with greater authority. Alternate translation: "let me, your servant" or "let me"

to my master

Judah refers to Joseph as "my master." Alternate translation: "to you, my master" or "to you"

let the boy go up

It was going to use the phrase "go up" when speaking about traveling from Egypt to Canaan.

Genesis 44:34

For how can I go up to my father if the boy is not with me?

Judah uses a question to emphasize the grief he would have if Benjamin did not return home. Alternate translation: "I cannot return to my father if the boy is not with me."

I am afraid to see the evil that would come on my father

A person suffering terribly is spoken of as if "evil" were a thing that comes upon a person. Alternate translation: "I am afraid to see how much my father would suffer"

Chapter 45

Genesis 45 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers in this chapter. This chapter forms the conclusion of the story which began in chapter 43.

Special concepts in this chapter

God's power

The account of Joseph focuses on the power of God. God is able to protect his people despite the evil actions of some. He also is able to continue to bless them despite their circumstances. (See: peopleofgod and bless)

Joseph's character

Genesis just recorded a period of time where Joseph's ancestors and brothers struggled with sin. Joseph's character in this chapter is upright. It gained him great favor in the eyes of Pharaoh and helped to save his people. (See: sin save)

Genesis 45:1

could not control himself

This means he could not control his emotions. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "was about to start crying"

by him

"near him"

Genesis 45:2

house of Pharaoh

Here "house" stands for the people in the Pharaoh's palace. Alternate translation: "everyone in Pharaoh's palace"

Genesis 45:3

shocked in his presence

"terrified of him"

Genesis 45:4

whom you sold into Egypt

The meaning can be stated more explicitly. Alternate translation: "whom you sold as a slave to the trader who brought me to Egypt"

Genesis 45:5

Do not be grieved

"do not be upset" or "do not be distressed"

that you sold me here

The meaning can be stated more explicitly. Alternate translation: "that you sold me as a slave and sent me here to Egypt"

to preserve life

Here "life" stands for the people that Joseph saved from dying during the famine. Alternate translation: "so I could save many lives"

Genesis 45:6

there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest

"there will be five more years without planting or harvesting." Here "neither plowing nor harvest" stands for the fact that the crops still will not grow because of the famine. Alternate translation: "and the famine will last five more years"

Genesis 45:7

to preserve you as a remnant in the earth

"so that you and your families would not completely perish from the earth" or "to make sure your descendants would survive"

to keep you alive by a great deliverance

The abstract noun "deliverance" can be stated as "rescuing." Alternate translation: "to keep you alive by rescuing you in a mighty way"

Genesis 45:8

he has made me a father to Pharaoh

Joseph advising and helping Pharaoh is spoken of as if Joseph were Pharaoh's father. Alternate translation: "he has made me a guide to Pharaoh" or "he has made me the chief adviser to Pharaoh"

of all his house

Here "house" stands for the people who live in his palace. Alternate translation: "of all his household" or "of all his palace"

ruler of all the land of Egypt

Here "land" stands for the people. Alternate translation: "ruler over all the people of Egypt"

ruler

Here Joseph means that he is ruler in second place to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. This understood information can be made clear.

Genesis 45:9

Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of a three-level quotation.

go up to my father

It was common to use the phrase "go up" when speaking about going from Egypt to Canaan. Alternate translation: "go back to my father"

Come down to me

It was common to use the phrase "come down" when speaking about going from Canaan to Egypt. Alternate translation: "Come here to me"

Genesis 45:10

Connecting Statement:

The three-level quotation that began in verse 9 continues here.

Genesis 45:11

Connecting Statement:

The three-level quotation that began in verse 9 ends here.

I will provide ... all that you have

The three-level quotation that began with the words "say to him" in verse 9 ends here. You may need to reduce the number of levels by making some levels indirect quotes. "say to him that his son Joseph says that God has made him master of all Egypt, so he must go down to Joseph and not delay. He will live in the land of Goshen, and he will be near Joseph, he and his children and his children's children, and his flocks and his herds, and all that he has. Joseph will provide for him there, for there are still five years of famine, so that he does not come to poverty, him, his household, and all that he has." or "say to him, 'Your son Joseph says that God has made him master of all Egypt, so he must go down to Joseph and not delay. He will live in the land of Goshen, and he will be near Joseph, he and his children and his children's children, and his flocks and his herds, and all that he has. Joseph will provide for him there, for there are still five years of famine, so that he does not come to poverty, him, his household, and all that he has.'"

come to poverty

This speaks about "poverty" as if it were a destination. Alternate translation: "waste away" or "starve"

Genesis 45:12

your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin

The word "eyes" stands for the entire person. Alternate translation: "All of you and Benjamin can see"

that it is my mouth that speaks to you

The word "mouth" stands for the entire person. Alternate translation: "that I, Joseph, am speaking to you"

Genesis 45:13

about all my honor in Egypt

"how the people in Egypt greatly honor me"

my father down here

It was common to use the word "down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt. Alternate translation: "my father here to me"

Genesis 45:14

He hugged his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck

"Joseph hugged his brother Benjamin, and they both wept"

Genesis 45:15

He kissed all his brothers

In ancient Near East, it is common to greet a relative with a kiss. If your language has an affectionate greeting for a relative, use that. If not, use what is appropriate.

wept over them

This means Joseph was crying while he kissed them.

After that his brothers talked with him

Earlier they were too afraid to speak. Now they feel they can speak freely. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "After that his brothers talked freely with him"

Genesis 45:16

The news of the matter was told in Pharaoh's house: "Joseph's brothers have come."

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. It may also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Everyone in Pharaoh's palace heard that Joseph's brothers had come."

Pharaoh's house

This stands for Pharaoh's palace.

Genesis 45:17

Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of a two-level quotation.

Genesis 45:18

Connecting Statement:

The two-level quotation that began in verse 17 ends here.

Get your father ... fat of the land.'

The two-level quotation that began in verse 17 ends here. This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. "Pharaoh told Joseph to tell his brothers, 'Do this: Load your animals and go to the land of Canaan. Get your father and your households and come to me. I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land.'" or "Pharaoh to Joseph to tell his brothers to do this: to load their animals and go to the land of Canaan, and also to get their father and their households and go to him. Pharaoh would give them the good of the land of Egypt, and they would eat the fat of the land."

I will give you the good of the land of Egypt

"I will give you the best land in Egypt"

you will eat the fat of the land

The best food that a land produces is spoken of as if it were the fat portion of the land. Alternate translation: "you will eat the best food in the land"

Genesis 45:19

General Information:

Pharaoh continues to tell Joseph what to tell his brothers.

Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of a two-level quotation.

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

you are commanded

This can be stated in active form. You may also need to add the words "to tell them," which the writer left out of this ellipsis. Alternate translation: "I also command you to tell them" or "also tell them"

take carts out

"Carts" are wagons with two or four wheels. Animals pull the carts.

Genesis 45:20

Connecting Statement:

The two-level quote that began in verse 19 ends here.

Do not be concerned about your possessions, for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.'

The two-level quote that began in verse 19 ends here. This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. "Now you are commanded to tell them to take carts out of the land of Egypt for their children and for their wives, to get their father, and to come. They are not to be concerned about their possessions, for the good of all the land of Egypt will be theirs."

Genesis 45:21

gave them provisions for the journey

"gave them what they needed for traveling"

Genesis 45:22

he gave each man changes of clothing

Each man received a set of clothes except for Benjamin who received 5 sets of clothes.

three hundred pieces

"300 pieces"

Genesis 45:23

ten donkeys ... and ten female donkeys

The donkeys were included as part of the gift.

Genesis 45:24

do not quarrel

Possible meanings include 1) "do not argue" and 2) "do not become afraid"

Genesis 45:25

went up out of Egypt

It was common to use the word "up" when speaking of traveling from Egypt to Canaan.

Genesis 45:26

he is ruler over all the land of Egypt

Here "land of Egypt" stands for the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: "he rules all the people of Egypt"

His heart was astonished

Here "heart" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "and he was astonished" or "he was very surprised"

he could not believe what they told him

"he did not accept that what they said was true"

Genesis 45:27

They told him

"They told Jacob"

all the words of Joseph that he had said to them

"everything that Joseph had said to them"

the spirit of Jacob their father revived

The word "spirit" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "Jacob their father recovered" or "Jacob their father became very excited"

Genesis 45:28

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Chapter 46

Genesis 46 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Going to Egypt

Yahweh allowed Israel to go to Egypt. He was to trust in Yahweh and his covenant faithfulness. God continued to bless them in Egypt. (See: trust and covenantfaith and bless)

Shepherds

Because of the regular flooding of the Nile River, Egypt's economy revolved around farming more than raising animals. Therefore, the Egyptians despised the nomadic lifestyle of shepherds. Joseph's instructions permitted the Hebrew people to live separately from the Egyptians.

Genesis 46:1

went to Beersheba

"came to Beersheba"

Genesis 46:2

Here I am

"Yes, I am listening"

Genesis 46:3

to go down to Egypt

It was common to use the phrase "go down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.

I will make you a great nation

The "you" is singular and refers to Jacob. Here Jacob refers to his descendants that will become a large nation. Alternate translation: "I will give you many descendants, and they will become a great nation"

Genesis 46:4

into Egypt

"to Egypt"

I will surely bring you up again

The promise was made to Jacob, but the promise would be fulfilled to all of Israel's descendants. Alternate translation: "I will surely bring your descendants out of Egypt again"

bring you up again

It was common to use the word "up" when speaking about traveling from Egypt to Canaan.

Joseph will close your eyes with his own hand

The phrase "close you eyes with his own hand" is a way of saying that Joseph will be present when Israel dies and it will be Joseph who will close Jacob's eyelids at the time of his death. Alternate translation: "Joseph will even be present with you at the time of your death"

will close your eyes

It was a custom to pull down the eyelids when a person died with their eyes open. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

Genesis 46:5

rose up from

"set out from"

in the carts

"Carts" are wagons with two or four wheels. Animals pull the carts. See how you translated "carts" in Genesis 45:19.

Genesis 46:6

they had accumulated

"they had acquired" or "they had gained"

Genesis 46:7

He brought with him

"Jacob brought with him"

his sons' sons

"his grandsons"

his sons' daughters

"his granddaughters"

Genesis 46:8

These are the names

This refers to the names of the people that the author is about to list.

Genesis 46:9

Hanok, Pallu, Hezron, and Karmi

These are all names of men.

Genesis 46:10

Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar, and Shaul

These are all names of men.

Genesis 46:11

Gershon, Kohath, and Merari

These are all names of men.

Genesis 46:12

Er, Onan, Shelah

These were the sons of Judah by his wife, Shua. See how you translated these names in Genesis 38:3-5.

Perez, and Zerah

These were the sons of Judah by his daughter-in-law, Tamar. See how you translated these names in Genesis 38:29-30.

Hezron ... Hamul

These are all names of men.

Genesis 46:13

Tola, Puah, Jashub ... Shimron

These are all names of men. . "Jashub" is spelled as "Lob" or "Iob" in some verions.

Genesis 46:14

Sered, Elon ... Jahleel

These are all names of men.

Genesis 46:15

Dinah

This is the name of Leah's daughter. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 30:21]

His sons and his daughters numbered thirty-three

Here "sons" and "daughters" refer to Jacob's sons, daughters, and grandchildren related to Leah. Alternate translation: "Altogether he had 33 sons, daughters, and grandchildren"

Genesis 46:16

Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi ... Areli

These are the names of men.

Genesis 46:17

Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi ... Beriah ... Heber ... Malkiel

These are the names of men.

Serah

This is the name of a woman.

Genesis 46:18

Zilpah

This is the name of Leah's female servant. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 29:24]

These sons she bore to Jacob—sixteen in all

This refers to 16 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that were related to Zilpah.

Genesis 46:19

General Information:

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Genesis 46:20

Asenath

a woman's name. See how you translated this in [Genesis 41:45]

Potiphera

a man's name. See how you translated this in [Genesis 41:45]

priest of On

On is a city, also called Heliopolis, which was "the City of the Sun" and the center of worship of the sun god Ra. See how you translated this in [Genesis 41:45]

Genesis 46:21

Bela, Beker, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard

These are names of men.

Genesis 46:22

fourteen in all

This refers to the 14 sons and grandsons related to Rachel.

Genesis 46:23

Hushim

This is the name of a man.

Genesis 46:24

Jahziel, Guni, Jezer ... Shillem

These are the names of men.

Genesis 46:25

Bilhah

This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 29:29]

seven in all

This refers to the 7 children and grandchildren related to Bilhah.

Genesis 46:26

direct descendants

A person's "direct descendants" are natural sons, daughters, and grandchildren, not those who have become part of the family by marrying a direct descendant.

sixty-six

"66"

Genesis 46:27

seventy

"70"

Genesis 46:28

to show the way before him to Goshen

"to show them the way to Goshen"

Genesis 46:29

Joseph prepared his chariot and went up

Here "Joseph" stands for his servants. Alternate translation: "Joseph's servants prepared his chariot and Joseph went up"

went up to meet Israel

The phrase "went up" is used because Joseph is traveling to a higher elevation to meet his father. Alternate translation: "went to meet Israel"

hugged his neck, and wept on his neck a long time

"put his arms around his father, and wept for a long time"

Genesis 46:30

Now let me die

"Now I am ready to die" or "Now I will die happy"

since I have seen your face, that you are still alive

Here "face" stands for the entire person. Jacob was expressing joy at seeing Joseph. Alternate translation: "since I have seen you alive again"

Genesis 46:31

Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of a two-level quotation.

his father's house

Here "house" stands for his family. Alternate translation: "his father's family" or "his father's household"

I will go up and tell Pharaoh

It was common to use the phrase "go up" when referring to someone going to speak with someone with greater authority. Alternate translation: "I will go tell Pharaoh"

Genesis 46:32

Connecting Statement:

The two-level quotation that began in verse 31 ends here.

The men are shepherds ... all that they have

The two-level quotation that began with the words "I will go up" in verse 31 ends here. This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "I will go up and tell Pharaoh and say that my brothers and my father's house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. I will tell him that the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and that they have brought their flocks, their herds, and all that they have."

Genesis 46:33

Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of a two-level quotation.

It will come about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event that is about to happen in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Genesis 46:34

Connecting Statement:

The two-level quotation that began in verse 33 ends here.

you should say, 'Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth until now, both we, and our forefathers.'

The two-level quotation that began with the words "when Pharaoh ... asks" in verse 33 ends here. This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. "when Pharaoh ... asks what your occupation is, that you should say that you have been keepers of livestock from your youth until now, both you and your forefathers. Do this"

Your servants

Joseph's family are to refer to themselves as "your servants" when they speak to Pharaoh. This is a formal way of speaking to someone with greater authority. It can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: "We, your servants"

every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians

The abstract noun "abomination" can be translated with the adjective "disgusting." Alternate translation: "Egyptians think shepherds are disgusting"

Chapter 47

Genesis 47 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Abrahamic covenant

Part of the Abrahamic covenant was that Yahweh would bless those who bless Abraham's descendants. Since Pharaoh cared for the Hebrew people, Yahweh blessed the Egyptians while the Hebrew people lived in Egypt. The Hebrew people also multiplied greatly as this covenant promised. (See: covenant and bless and promise)

Jacob was not buried in Egypt

In the ancient Near east, a person was typically buried in their hometown. Since Egypt was not the Israelites' home, Jacob did not wish to be buried in Egypt. This was a lesson to the Israelites that Canaan was their true home, the promised land. (See: promisedland)

Genesis 47:1

Joseph went in and told Pharaoh

It is not clear whether Joseph went with his father and family from Canaan to Goshen and then alone from Goshen to see the Pharaoh, back to Goshen for his five brothers, and then back to Pharaoh, as the ULB implies, or whether he brought the five brothers with him the first time he went from Goshen to Pharaoh, as the UDB states.

Genesis 47:2

He took five of his brothers and introduced them

It is not clear whether Joseph went with his father and family from Canaan to Goshen and then alone from Goshen to see the Pharaoh, back to Goshen for his five brothers, and then back to Pharaoh, as the ULB implies, or whether he brought the five brothers with him the first time he went from Goshen to Pharaoh, as the UDB states.

Genesis 47:3

Your servants are shepherds

"Your servants shepherd flocks"

Your servants

Joseph's brothers refer to themselves as "your servants." This is a formal way of speaking to someone with more authority. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "We, your servants" or "We"

as our ancestors

"both we and our forefathers" or "both we and our ancestors"

Genesis 47:4

We come as temporary residents in the land

"We have come to stay for a while in Egypt"

There is no pasture

"There is no grass to eat"

now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

Genesis 47:5

General Information:

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Genesis 47:6

The land of Egypt is before you

"The land of Egypt is open to you" or "All of the land of Egypt is available to you"

Settle your father and your brothers in the best region, the land of Goshen

"Settle your father and your brothers in the land of Goshen, which is the best region"

If you know any capable men among them

It is implied that they are capable of taking care of animals. Alternate translation: "If you know of any men among them who have great skill taking care of animals"

Genesis 47:7

Jacob blessed Pharaoh

Here "blessed" means to express a desire for positive and beneficial things to happen to that person.

Genesis 47:8

How long have you lived?

"How old are you?"

Genesis 47:9

The years of my sojourning are 130

The phrase "years of my sojourning" refers to how long he has lived on the earth traveling from one place to another. Alternate translation: "I have lived as a foreigner in many places on the earth for 130 years"

The years of my life have been few ... not been as long as the days of my ancestors' sojourning

Jacob means his life is short compared to the lives of Abraham and Isaac.

painful

Jacob has experienced much pain and trouble during his life.

Genesis 47:10

General Information:

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Genesis 47:11

Then Joseph settled his father and his brothers

"Then Joseph took care of his father and his brothers and helped them establish where they would live"

the land of Rameses

This is another name for the land of Goshen.

Genesis 47:12

according to the number of their little ones

Here, the word "little ones" means the small children in the family. Alternate translation: "according to how many small children were in their families"

Genesis 47:13

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the story.

The land of Egypt and the land of Canaan

This refers to the people living in these lands. Alternate translation: "The people of Egypt and the people of Canaan"

wasted away

"became thin and weak"

Genesis 47:14

Joseph gathered all the money that was in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, by selling grain to the inhabitants

"The people of Egypt and Canaan spent all of their money buying grain from Joseph"

Joseph gathered ... Joseph brought

Most likely Joseph ordered his servants to gather and bring the money.

Genesis 47:15

When all the money of the lands of Egypt and Canaan was spent

Here "lands" stands for the people who live in the lands. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When the people of Egypt and Canaan used up all their money"

of the lands of Egypt and Canaan

"from the land of Egypt and from the land of Canaan"

Why should we die in your presence because our money is gone?

The people used a question to emphasize how desperate they are to buy food. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Please, do not let us die because we have used up all of our money!"

Genesis 47:16

General Information:

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Genesis 47:17

He fed them with bread

Here "bread" stands for food in general. Alternate translation: "He gave them food" or "He provided them with food"

Genesis 47:18

they came to him

"the people came to Joseph"

We will not hide from my master

The people refer to Joseph as "my master." This is a formal way of speaking to someone with greater authority. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: "We will not hide from you, our master" or "We will not hide from you"

There is nothing left in the sight of my master, except our bodies and our land

This double negative emphasizes that the speakers' bodies and land were the only things they had left. Alternate translation: "The only things we have left in the sight of my master is our bodies and our land"

There is nothing left in the sight of my master

Here "sight" stands for Joseph himself. Alternate translation: "We have nothing left to give you, our master"

Genesis 47:19

Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land?

The word "eyes" refers to Joseph's sight. The people use a question to emphasize how desperate they are to buy food. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Please do not just watch as we die and our land is ruined!"

Why should we die ... both we and our land

The land becomes useless and ruined because there is no seed to plant; thus it is spoken of as if the land would die.

Genesis 47:20

In this way, the land became Pharaoh's

"So the land became Pharaoh's"

Genesis 47:21

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Genesis 47:22

It was only the land of the priests that Joseph did not buy

"But he did not buy the land of the priests"

the priests were given an allowance

An "allowance" is an amount of money or food that someone regularly gives to another person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Pharaoh gave the priests a certain amount of food each day"

They ate from the allotment which Pharaoh gave them

"They ate from what Pharaoh gave them"

Genesis 47:23

and you will plant

"that you might sow"

Genesis 47:24

At the harvest, you must give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four parts will be your own

The word "fifth" is a fraction. Alternate translation: "At harvest time you will divide the crops into five parts. You will give one part back to Pharaoh for payment and the four parts are for your own"

for food for your households and your little ones

You can state clearly the understood information. Alternate translation: "for food for your households and for food for your little ones"

Genesis 47:25

May we find favor in your eyes

The phrase "find favor" is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Also, the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "May you be pleased with us"

Genesis 47:26

in the land of Egypt

"over the land of Egypt" or "throughout the land of Egypt"

to this day

This means to the time that the author was writing this.

one-fifth

See how you translated "a fifth" in Genesis 47:24.

Genesis 47:27

They were fruitful and multiplied greatly

The word "multiplied" explains how they were "fruitful." Alternate translation: "They had very many children"

were fruitful

Here "fruitful" means to prosper or to have children.

Genesis 47:28

seventeen years

"17 years"

so the years of Jacob's life were one hundred forty-seven years

"so Jacob lived to be 147 years old"

Genesis 47:29

When the time approached for Israel to die

This speaks about time as if it travels and comes to a place. Alternate translation: "When it was almost time for Israel to die"

If now I have found favor in your eyes

Here "eyes" is a metonym for sight, and "sight" stands for thoughts or opinions. Alternate translation: "If I have found favor with you" or "If I have pleased you"

now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

found favor

This means that someone is approved of by someone else.

put your hand under my thigh

This act is a sign of making a serious promise. See how you translated this in [Genesis 24:2]

show me faithfulness and trustworthiness

The abstract nouns "faithfulness" and "trustworthiness" can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "treat me in a faithful and trustworthy manner"

Please do not bury me in Egypt

The word "please" adds emphasis to this request.

Genesis 47:30

When I lie down with my fathers

This is a polite way of saying that he will die. Alternate translation: "When I die and join my family members who died before me"

Genesis 47:31

Swear to me

"Promise me" or "Make an oath to me"

swore to him

"promised him" or "made an oath to him"

Chapter 48

Genesis 48 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 48:15-16, and in 48:20.

Special concepts in this chapter

Blessing

The blessing of Jacob is given to Joseph, and his sons Manasseh and Ephraim. It is probably distinct from inheriting the promises Yahweh gave to Abraham because Scripture talks about all of Israel's descendants inheriting those promises. (See: bless and inherit and promise)

Genesis 48:1

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.

one said to Joseph

"someone said to Joseph"

Look, your father

"Listen, your father." Here the word "look" is used to get Joseph's attention.

So he took

"So Joseph took"

Genesis 48:2

When Jacob was told

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When someone told Jacob"

your son Joseph has arrived to see you

"your son Joseph has come to you"

Israel gathered strength and sat up in bed

Here the author speaks of Israel struggling to to sit up in bed as if he were gathering "strength" as someone gathers actual things. Alternate translation: "Israel made a great effort to sit up in bed" or "Israel struggled as he sat up in bed"

Genesis 48:3

Luz

This is the name of a city. See how you translated the name of this city in [Genesis 28:19]

in the land of Canaan. He blessed me

This can be translated with the new sentence starting in a different place. Alternate translation: "in the land of Canaan, and he blessed me"

blessed

This refers to God pronouncing a formal blessing on someone.

Genesis 48:4

and said to me

This can be translated with the new sentence starting in a different place. Alternate translation: "And he said to me"

said to me, 'Behold, I will make you fruitful, and multiply you. I will make of you an assembly of nations. I will give this land to your descendants as an everlasting possession.'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "said to me that he would make me fruitful and multiply me. And, he said that he would make me an assembly of nations and he would give this land to my descendants as an everlasting possession."

Behold

God used the word "behold" here to alert Jacob to pay attention to what he was about to tell him.

I will make you fruitful, and multiply you

The phrase "multiply you" explains how God would make Jacob "fruitful." Alternate translation: "I will give you very many descendants"

I will make of you an assembly of nations

Here "you" refers to Jacob, but it stands for Jacob's descendants. Alternate translation: "I will make your descendants into many nations"

an everlasting possession

"a permanent possession"

Genesis 48:5

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine

Ephraim and Manasseh each will receive a portion of land just like Joseph's brothers.

Genesis 48:6

they will be listed under the names of their brothers in their inheritance

Possible meanings are 1)the rest of Joseph's children would inherit land as part of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh or 2) Joseph will be given separate land from Ephraim and Manasseh and Joseph's other children will inherit that land. Alternate translation: "as for their inheritance, you will list them under the names of their brothers"

Genesis 48:7

Ephrath

This is another name for the town of Bethlehem. See how you translated the name of this city in Genesis 35:16.

Genesis 48:8

Whose are these?

"Whose sons are these?"

Genesis 48:9

bless

A father would often pronounce a formal blessing on his children or grandchildren.

Genesis 48:10

Now Israel's eyes ... could not see

The word "Now" is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Israel.

he kissed them

"Israel kissed them"

Genesis 48:11

to see your face again

Here "face" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "to see you again"

Genesis 48:12

between Israel's knees

When Joseph placed his sons on Israel's lap or knees it was a sign that Israel was adopting them. This gave the children special inheritance rights from Jacob.

then he bowed with his face to the earth

Joseph bowed down to show honor to his father.

Genesis 48:13

Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand

Joseph places the boys so that Israel will put his right hand on Manasseh. Manasseh was the oldest brother and the right hand was the sign he would receive the greater blessing.

Genesis 48:14

his right hand and laid it upon Ephraim's head

Placing the right hand on Ephraim's head was the sign that he would receive the greater blessing.

Genesis 48:15

Israel blessed Joseph

Here "Joseph" also stands for Ephraim and Manasseh. Since Joseph is the father, he is the only one mentioned here.

The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked

Serving God is spoken of as if it were walking before God. Alternate translation: "The God who my grandfather Abraham and father Isaac served"

who has cared for me

God has taken care of Israel like a shepherd takes care of his sheep. Alternate translation: "who has cared for me like a shepherd cares for his animals"

Genesis 48:16

the angel

These words could refer to 1) the angel that God sent to protect Jacob or 2) God, who appeared in angel form to protect Jacob.

protected me

"delivered me"

May my name be named in them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac

Here "name" stands for the person. The phrase "my name be named in them" is an idiom that means a person is remembered because of another person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May people remember Abraham, Isaac, and me because of Ephraim and Manasseh"

May they grow into a multitude on the earth

Here "they" refers to Ephraim and Manasseh, but it stands for their descendants. Alternate translation: "May they have many descendants who will live all over the earth"

Genesis 48:17

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Genesis 48:18

Put your right hand upon his head

The right hand was the sign of the greater blessing which the oldest son was supposed to receive.

Genesis 48:19

He also will become a people, and he also will be great

Here "He" refers to Manasseh, but it stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "Your older son will have many descendants, and they will become a great people"

Genesis 48:20

that day with these words

"that day, saying"

The people of Israel will pronounce blessings by your names saying

"The people of Israel will speak your names when they are blessing others"

by your names saying, 'May God make you like Ephraim and like Manasseh'

This is a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "by your names. They will ask God to make others like Ephraim and like Manasseh"

like Ephraim and like Manasseh

Israel saying Ephraim's name first is another way he indicates that Ephraim will be greater than Manasseh.

Israel put Ephraim before Manasseh

Giving Ephraim the greater blessing and making him more important than Manasseh is spoken of as if Israel physically put Ephraim in front of Manasseh.

Genesis 48:21

will be with you ... bring you back ... your fathers

Here "you" and "your" are plural and refer to all the people of Israel.

will be with you

This is an idiom that means God will help and bless the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "God will help you" or "God will bless you"

will bring you back

Here "bring" can be translated as "take."

land of your fathers

"land of your ancestors"

Genesis 48:22

To you, as one who is above your brothers, I give to you the mountain slope

Possible meanings are 1) Joseph having more honor and authority than his brothers is spoken of as if he were physically above them. Alternate translation: "To you, who is greater than your brothers, I give the mountain slope" or 2) Jacob means he is giving more land to Joseph than he is giving to Joseph's brothers. Alternate translation: "To you, I give one more ridge than I give your brothers. I give to you the mountain slope"

To you

Here "you" is singular and refers to Joseph.

the mountain slope that I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow

Here "sword" and "bow" stands for fighting in battle. Alternate translation: "the portion of land I fought for and took from the Amorites"

Chapter 49

Genesis 49 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 49:1-27.

Special concepts in this chapter

Prophecies

These statements made by Jacob to his sons are probably prophecies. These prophecies are concerned with the descendants of each of Jacob's sons who would become the twelve tribes of Israel. (See: prophet)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"The scepter will not depart from Judah"

This prophecy indicates Judah will be the ruling tribe of Israel. The future kings of Israel all come from the tribe of Judah.

"I buried Leah"

Since Moses wrote the book of Genesis, this is an editorial comment he makes in the text as the narrator.

Genesis 49:1

General Information:

This begins Jacob's final blessings to his sons. This continues through Genesis 49:27. Jacob's blessings are written in poetic form.

Genesis 49:2

Assemble yourselves and listen, you sons of Jacob. Listen to Israel, your father

Both sentences say the same thing for emphasis. Alternate translation: "Come and listen carefully to your father"

you sons of Jacob. Listen to Israel, your father

Jacob is referring to himself in the third person. It can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: "my sons. Listen to me, your father"

Genesis 49:3

my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength

The phrases "my firstborn, my might" and "the beginning of my strength" mean the same thing. The words "might" and "strength" stand for Jacob's ability to produce children. The words "firstborn" and "beginning" mean that Reuben is his first child. Alternate translation: "my first child after I became a man"

outstanding in dignity, and outstanding in power

This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "You are first in honor and power" or "You surpass everyone else in honor and power"

Genesis 49:4

Uncontrollable as rushing water

Jacob compares Reuben to water in a strong current to emphasize that he cannot control his anger and he is not stable.

you will not have the preeminence

"you shall not be first among your brothers"

because you went up to your father's bed. Then you defiled it; you went up to my couch

Here "bed" and "couch" stand for Jacob's concubine, Bilhah. Jacob is referring to when Reuben slept with Bilhah

you went up to your father's bed ... you went up to my couch

Both statements mean the same thing.

Genesis 49:5

Simeon and Levi are brothers

This does not just mean they are brothers by birth. Jacob is emphasizing that they worked together to kill the people of Shechem.

Weapons of violence are their swords

"They use their swords to hurt and to kill people"

Genesis 49:6

O my soul ... my glory

Jacob uses the words "soul" and "glory" to refer to himself and is saying that other people, and perhaps God also, honor him so much that he does not wish to join with those who make plans to do evil.

they hamstrung oxen

This refers to Simeon and Levi crippling oxen just for fun.

hamstrung

This refers to cutting the sinews of an animal's leg so that it cannot walk.

Genesis 49:7

May their anger be cursed, for it was fierce—and their fury, for it was severe

God cursing Simeon and Levi is spoken of as if God were cursing their anger and fury. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Lord says, 'I will curse them because of their fierce anger and their cruel fury" or "I, the Lord, will curse them because of their fierce anger and their cruel fury"

May their anger be cursed

In prophecy, the prophet will often speak the words of God as if God himself were speaking. This emphasizes how closely united the prophet and God are.

their fury, for it was severe

The words "I will curse" are understood. Alternate translation: "I will curse their fury, for it was cruel"

I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel

The word "I" refers to God. The word "them" refers to Simeon and Levi but they are a metonym standing for their descendants. The words "Jacob" and "Israel" are a metonym standing for all people of Israel. Alternate translation: "I will divide their descendants and scatter them among all the people of Israel"

Genesis 49:8

your brothers will praise you ... Your father's sons will bow down before you

These two statements mean the same thing.

will praise you. Your hand

The second sentence states the reason for the first sentence. This can be made clear with "for" or "because." Alternate translation: "will praise you. For your hand" or "will praise you because your hand"

Your hand will be on the neck of your enemies

This is a way of saying "You will conquer your enemies."

bow down

This means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.

Genesis 49:9

Judah is a lion's cub

Jacob speaks about Judah as if he were a lion's cub. Jacob is emphasizing Judah's strength. Alternate translation: "Judah is like a young lion"

My son, you have gone up from your victims

"You, my son, have come back from eating your prey"

like a lioness

Jacob also compares Judah to a female lion. The lioness is the primary hunter and protector of her cubs.

Who would dare to awaken him?

Jacob uses a question to emphasize how terrifying Judah is to other people. Alternate translation: "No one wants to wake him up."

Genesis 49:10

The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet

The "scepter" and the "staff" are long decorated sticks that kings carried. Here they are metonymies that stand for the power to rule. And, "Judah" stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "The power to rule will always be with the descendants of Judah"

until Shiloh comes. The nations will obey him

Possible meanings are 1) "Shiloh" means "tribute." Alternate translation: "until the nations obey him and bring him tribute" or 2) "Shiloh" refers to the city of Shiloh. Alternate translation: "until the ruler comes to Shiloh. Then the nations will obey him" Many people consider this a prophecy about the Messiah, who is a descendant of King David. David is a descendant of Judah.

The nations will obey him

Here "nations" refer to the people. Alternate translation: "The people of the nations will obey him"

Genesis 49:11

Binding his donkey ... to the choice vine

Both statements mean the same thing. It is implied that the vines are so full of grapes that the master does not mind that his donkey eats some of them.

his ... he

Possible meanings for all occurrences of "his" or "he" are 1) they refer to Judah's descendants. Alternate translation: "their ... they" or 2) they refer to the ruler in Genesis 49:10, which may refer to the Messiah.

he has washed ... in the blood of grapes

Both statements mean the same thing. It implies that there are so many grapes that they can wash their clothes in the juice.

he has washed

Often in prophecy events that will happen in the future are described as something that has already happened in the past. This emphasizes that this event will certainly happen. Alternate translation: "they will wash" or "he will wash"

the blood of grapes

This speaks about the grape juice as if it were blood. This emphasizes how red the juice is.

Genesis 49:12

His eyes will be as dark as wine

This refers to the color of a person's eyes to the red color of wine. Possible meanings are 1) dark eyes imply healthy eyes or 2) people eyes will be red from drinking too much of wine.

his teeth as white as milk

This compare the color of the person's teeth to the white color of milk. This implies that there will be so many healthy cows they will have much milk to drink.

Genesis 49:13

Zebulun will live

This refers to the descendants of Zebulun. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Zebulun will live"

He will be a harbor

Here "He" stands for sea towns that the people of Zebulun will inhabit or build. These cities will provide shelter for ships.

harbor

a part of the sea that is next to land and is a safe place for ships

Genesis 49:14

Issachar is a strong donkey

Jacob speaks about Issachar and his descendants as if they are a donkey. This emphasizes that they will work very hard. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Issachar will be like a strong donkey"

Issachar is

Often in prophecy events that will happen in the future are described as something that is already happening. This emphasizes that the event will certainly happen. It can be stated in the future tense. Alternate translation: "Issachar will be" or "The descendants of Issachar will be"

lying down between the sheepfolds

Possible meanings are 1) "lying down between the packs they were carrying" or 2) "lying down between two sheep pens." Either way, Jacob speaks about Issachar's descendants as if they are donkeys that have worked hard and are lying down to rest.

Genesis 49:15

He sees ... He will

These words refer to the descendants of Issachar

a good resting place and the pleasant land

"a resting place that is good and that the land is pleasant"

He will bend his shoulder to the burden

The phrase "bend his shoulder to the burden" is a way of saying "work very hard to carry the load"

become a servant for forced labor

"will work for others as slaves"

Genesis 49:16

Dan will judge his people

Here "Dan" stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Dan will judge their people"

his people

Possible meanings for "his people" are 1) "the people of Dan" or 2) "the people of Israel"

Genesis 49:17

Dan will be a snake beside the road

Jacob speaks about Dan and his descendants as if they were snakes. Though a snake is small, it can bring down a rider off his horse. So Dan, though a small tribe, is very dangerous to its enemies. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Dan will be like a snake beside the road"

Genesis 49:18

I wait for your salvation, Yahweh

The abstract noun "salvation" can be translated as "save." Alternate translation: "I wait for you, Yahweh, to save me"

I wait

The word "I" refers to Jacob.

Genesis 49:19

Gad ... attack him, but he

Here "Gad" stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Gad ... attack them, but they"

at their heels

Here "heels" stands for the raiders who are running away from the descendants of Gad.

Genesis 49:20

Asher's food ... and he

Here "Asher" stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "Asher's descendants' food ... and they"

food will be rich

Here "rich" is a way of saying "delicious."

Genesis 49:21

Naphtali is ... he will

Here "Naphtali" stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Naphtali are ... they will"

Naphtali is a doe let loose

Jacob speaks about the descendants of Naphtali as if they were a female deer that is free to run. This may emphasize that they will be swift messengers. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Naphtali will be like deer set free"

have beautiful fawns

A "fawn" is a baby deer. The meaning of the Hebrew word is unclear. Some versions translate it as "have beautiful words" or "speak beautiful things"

Genesis 49:22

Joseph is a fruitful bough

Here "Joseph" is a metonym that stands for his descendants. Jacob speaks about them as if they were a tree branch that produces a lot of fruit. This emphasizes that they will greatly increase in number. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Joseph are a fruitful bough"

bough

a main branch of a tree

whose branches climb over the wall

Branches that grow and extend over a wall are spoken of as if they were climbing.

Genesis 49:23

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Genesis 49:24

General Information:

Jacob continues to bless Joseph and his descendants.

his bow will remain steady

The person holding the bow steady is spoken of as if the bow itself will remain steady. It is implied he is holding it steady as he aims at his enemy. Alternate translation: "he will hold his bow steady as he aims at his enemy"

his bow ... his hands

Here "his" refers to Joseph who stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "their bow ... their hands"

his hands will be skillful

Here the whole person is represented by the "hands" since they are used to hold the bow. Alternate translation: "his arms will remain strong as he aims his bow"

the hands of the Mighty One

The "hands" are expressing the power of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "the power of the Mighty One"

because of the name of the Shepherd

Here "name" refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: "because of the Shepherd"

the Shepherd

Jacob speak of Yahweh as if he were a "Shepherd." This emphasizes that Yahweh guides and protects his people.

the Rock

Jacob speaks of Yahweh as if he were a "Rock" that people can climb upon to find safety from enemies. This emphasizes that Yahweh protects his people.

Genesis 49:25

General Information:

Jacob continues to bless Joseph and his descendants (Genesis 49:22-23).

help you ... bless you

Here "you" refers to Joseph who stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "help your descendants ... bless them"

blessings of the sky

Here "sky" stands for the rain that helps the crops to grow.

blessings of the deep that lies beneath

Here "deep" stands for the water underneath the ground that supplies rivers and wells.

blessings of the breasts and womb

Here "breasts and womb" stand for the ability for a mother to have children and feed them milk.

Genesis 49:26

General Information:

Jacob continues to bless Joseph and his descendants.

the ancient mountains

The meaning of the original language is not certain. Some Bible translations have "my ancestors" instead of "ancient mountains."

May they be on the head of Joseph

Here "they" refers to the blessings of his father.

upon the crown of the head of the prince of his brothers

Jacob desires for these blessings to be passed on to even the most important of his descendants. Alternate translation: "on the head of the most important of Joseph's descendants"

prince of his brothers

"most important of his brothers"

Genesis 49:27

Benjamin is a hungry wolf

Here "Benjamin" is a metonym that stands for his descendants. Jacob speaks about Benjamin's descendants as if they were a hungry wolf. This emphasizes that they will be fierce warriors. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Benjamin will be like hungry wolves"

Genesis 49:28

These are the twelve tribes of Israel

"These" refers to the sons Jacob mentioned in 49:1-27. Each son became the leader of his own tribe.

when he blessed them

Here the word "blessed" refers to the speaking of formal blessings.

Each one he blessed with an appropriate blessing

"He gave each son a fitting blessing"

Genesis 49:29

he instructed them

"he commanded them"

I am about to go to my people

This is a polite way of saying he is about to die. Alternate translation: "I am about to die"

go to my people

Jacob is referring to where his inner man will go when he dies. He expects to join Abraham and Isaac in the afterlife.

Ephron the Hittite

This is the name of a man. "Hittite" means "descendent of Heth." See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:8]

Genesis 49:30

Machpelah

Machpelah was the name of an area or region. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:9]

Mamre

This was another name for the city of Hebron. It may have been named after Mamre, the friend of Abraham who lived there. See how you translated this in [Genesis 13:18]

Genesis 49:31

General Information:

Jacob continues speaking to his sons.

Genesis 49:32

in it were purchased

The purchase can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "in it were purchased by Abraham"

from the people of Heth

"from the Hittites"

Genesis 49:33

finished these instructions to his sons

"finished instructing his sons" or "finished commanding his sons"

he pulled his feet into the bed

Jacob was sitting on the bed. Now, Jacob turns and puts his feet in the bed so he can lie down.

breathed his last

This is a polite way of saying a person died.

went to his people

After Jacob died, his inner man went to the same place as his relatives who died before him.

Chapter 50

Genesis 50 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Embalming

Embalming was practiced in Egypt on very important people when they died. They removed the liquids from the body then wrapped it in an attempt to preserve the body from decay.

Joseph's character

Joseph's character was so upright that Pharaoh's officials went with him to Canaan to bury Jacob. This was a very large funeral procession. He also learned lessons from earlier in his life and unified his family. (See: righteous)

Genesis 50:1

that he collapsed on the face of his father

The term "he collapsed" is an idiom for being overcome. Alternate translation: "that he fell on his father in grief"

Genesis 50:2

his servants the physicians

"his servants who took care of dead bodies"

to embalm his father

To "embalm" is a special way of preserving a dead body before it is buried. Alternate translation: "to prepare his father's body for burial"

Genesis 50:3

They took forty days

"They took 40 days"

seventy days

"70 days"

Genesis 50:4

Connecting Statement:

A three-level quotation is introduced with the words "Joseph spoke ... saying." The second level begins with the words "If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak to Pharaoh, saying."

days of weeping

"days of mourning him" or "days of weeping for him"

Joseph spoke to the house of Pharaoh

Here "house of Pharaoh" stands for the officials that make up Pharaoh's royal court. Alternate translation: "Joseph spoke to Pharaoh's officials"

If now I have found favor in your eyes

The phrase "find favor" is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Also, the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "If I have found favor with you" or "If you are pleased with me"

Genesis 50:5

Connecting Statement:

The three-level quotation that began with the words "Joseph spoke ... saying" in verse 4 continues. The second level of that quotation, which began with the words "If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak to Pharaoh, saying" in verse 4 continues.

My father made me swear, saying, "See, I am about to die. Bury me in my tomb that I dug for myself in the land of Canaan. There you will bury me." Now let me go up ... I will return.

This is the second level of the three-level quotation that begins with the words "If now I have" in verse 4. It contains a quote within it. This embedded quote can be translated as an indirect quote. "My father made me swear, saying that he was about to die and that I was to bury him in his tomb that he dug for himself in the land of Canaan. I was to bury him there. Now let me go up ... I will return." The entire second-level quotation can also be translated as an indirect quote. "If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak to Pharaoh and tell him that my father made me swear, saying that he was about to die and that I was to bury him in his tomb that he dug for himself in the land of Canaan. I was to bury him there. Now let me go up ... I will return."

See, I am about to die ... you will bury me

This is the third level of the three-level quotation that begins with the words "If now I have" in verse 4.

See, I am about to die

"See, I am dying"

let me go up

It was common to use the phrase "go up" when speaking of traveling from Egypt to Canaan.

Genesis 50:6

Pharaoh answered

It is implied that the members of the court spoke to Pharaoh, and now Pharaoh is replying to Joseph.

as he made you swear

"as you swore to him"

Genesis 50:7

Joseph went up

It was common to use the phrase "went up" when speaking of traveling from Egypt to Canaan.

All the servants ... the elders ... the senior officials

All of Pharaoh's most important leaders attended the burial procession.

servants of Pharaoh

These were probably government officials, not household servants.

the elders of his household

Here "household" refers to Pharaoh's royal court.

Genesis 50:8

with all Joseph's household and his brothers, and his father's household

This can be translated as a new sentence: "Joseph's household, his brothers, and his father's household also went with him"

Genesis 50:9

Chariots

Here this stands for the men riding in the chariots.

It was a very large group of people

"It was a very large gathering"

Genesis 50:10

When they came

The word "they" refers to the participants in the burial procession.

floor of Atad

Possible meanings are 1) the word "Atad" means "thorn" and it may refer to a place where large amounts of thorns grew, or 2) it may be the name of the person who owns the threshing floor.

they mourned with very great and grievous sorrow

"they were extremely sad and they mourned very much"

a seven-day

"a 7-day"

Genesis 50:11

at the threshing floor of Atad

Possible meanings are 1) "on the threshing floor that belonged to a man named Atad" or "in the threshing floor at a place called Atad"

This is a very sad occasion for the Egyptians

"The mourning of the Egyptians is very great"

Abel Mizraim

The translator can add a footnote that says: "The name Abel Mizraim means "the mourning of Egypt.'"

Genesis 50:12

So his sons

"So Jacob's sons"

just as he had instructed them

"just as he had directed them"

Genesis 50:13

His sons carried him

"His sons took his body"

Machpelah

Machpela was the name of an area or region. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:9]

Mamre

This was another name for the city of Hebron. It may have been named after Mamre, the friend of Abraham who lived there. See how you translated this in [Genesis 13:18]

Ephron the Hittite

This is the name of a man. "Hittite" means "descendent of Heth." See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:8]

Genesis 50:14

Joseph returned into Egypt

"Joseph returned to Egypt"

all who had accompanied him

"all who had come with him"

Genesis 50:15

What if Joseph continues to be angry against us

Here anger is spoken of as if it was something physical that Joseph could hold in his hands. Alternate translation: "What if Joseph is actually still angry with us"

wants to repay us in full for all the evil we did to him

Avenging oneself against someone who harmed him is spoken of as if the person were paying they other person what they are owed. Alternate translation: "wants revenge for the evil thing we did to him"

Genesis 50:16

Connecting Statement:

A three-level quotation begins with the words "Your father gave."

Your father gave instructions before he died, saying

Jacob was the father of all the brothers. Here they say "your father" to emphasize that Joseph needs to pay attention to what his father said. Alternate translation: "Before our father died he said"

Genesis 50:17

Connecting Statement:

The three-level quotation that begins with the words "Your father gave" in verse 16 ends here.

Tell Joseph this, "Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin when they did evil to you."

The three-level quotation that begins with the words "Your father gave" in verse 16 ends here. This is the second-level quotation, and it contains a third-level quotation that can be stated as an indirect quotation. "Tell Joseph to please forgive your transgression and your sin when you did evil to him." Both the second-level and third-level quotations can be translated as indirect quotations. "Your father instructed us before he died to tell you to please forgive our transgression and our sin when we did evil to you."

and their sin when they did evil to you

"for the wicked things they did to you"

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

please forgive the servants of the God of your father

The brothers are referring to themselves as "the servants of the God of your father." This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "please forgive us, the servants of the God of our father"

Joseph wept when they spoke to him

"Joseph wept when he heard this message"

Genesis 50:18

lay facedown before him

They lay down with their faces toward the ground. This is a sign of humility and respect for Joseph.

Genesis 50:19

Am I in the place of God?

Joseph uses a question to comfort his brothers. Alternate translation: "I am not in the place of God." or "I am not God."

Genesis 50:20

you meant to harm me

"you intended to do evil against me"

God meant it for good

"God intended it for good"

Genesis 50:21

So now do not be afraid

"So do not fear me"

I will provide for you and your little children

"I will always make sure you and your children have enough to eat"

He comforted them in this way and spoke kindly to their hearts

Here "hearts" refers to the brothers. Alternate translation: "He comforted them by speaking kindly to them"

Genesis 50:22

one hundred ten years

"110 years"

Genesis 50:23

Ephraim's children to the third generation

"Ephraim's children and grandchildren"

Makir

This is the name of Joseph's grandson.

who were placed on the knees of Joseph

This expression means that Joseph adopted these children of Machir as his own children. This means they would have special inheritance rights from Joseph.

Genesis 50:24

surely come to you

In [Genesis 50:24/26]

lead you up out of this land to the land

It was common to use the word "up" when speaking of traveling from Egypt to Canaan. Alternate translation: "bring you out of this land and take you to the land"

Genesis 50:25

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Genesis 50:26

110 years

"one hundred and ten years"

They embalmed him

To "embalm" is a special way of preserving a dead body before it is buried. See how you translated "embalmed" in Genesis 50:1.

he was placed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they placed him"

in a coffin

"in a chest" or "in a case." This is a box a dead person is placed in.

Book: Exodus

Chapter 1

Exodus 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is intended to form a smooth transition with the last chapter of the book of Genesis.

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel's growth

Many years had passed since the famine that caused the Israelites to go to Egypt, and the number of Israelites had grown greatly. This was in fulfillment of the covenant God made with Abraham. It also caused the Egyptians great concern that there would be more Israelites than Egyptians because they would be unable to defend themselves against such a large number of people. Pharaoh also tried to kill all of the male babies so they would not become soldiers who would fight against him. (See: fulfill and covenant)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"All of the descendants of Jacob were seventy in number"

This number included both Jacob's children and grandchildren. It may cause confusion, but it is important to remember Jacob only had 12 sons.

Exodus 1:1

household

This refers to all the people who live in a house together, usually a large family with servants.

Exodus 1:2

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Exodus 1:3

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Exodus 1:4

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Exodus 1:5

seventy in number

"70 in number"

Joseph was already in Egypt

"Joseph lived in Egypt before his brothers"

Exodus 1:6

all his brothers

This includes 10 older brothers and 1 younger brother.

Exodus 1:7

General Information:

The author here emphasizes how God was blessing the Israelites by saying five different ways that there very many of them.

Connecting Statement:

The word "but" that begins this verse indicates that the life and growth that this verse speaks of is good, in contrast to the death and sadness in the previous verse.

were fruitful

The birth of children to the Israelites is spoken of as if they were plants that were producing fruit. Alternate translation: "had many children" or "gave birth to many children"

became very, very mighty

They were mighty because there were so many of them.

very, very mighty

The writer is saying that the people were more than just "mighty" and even more than just "very mighty." Your language may have another way of expressing an idea stronger than "very mighty."

the land was filled with them

This hyperbole emphasizes how many people there were and should probably be left as a hyperbole. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they filled the land" or "the land was full of them"

with them

The word "them" refers to the Israelites.

Exodus 1:8

arose over Egypt

Here "Egypt" refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: "began to rule over the people of Egypt"

Exodus 1:9

He said to his people

"The king said to his people"

his people

These were the people who lived in Egypt, the Egyptians.

Exodus 1:10

let us

The word "us" is inclusive and refers to the king and his people, the Egyptians.

war breaks out

Here war is spoken of as a person that is able to act.

leave the land

"leave Egypt"

Exodus 1:11

taskmasters

Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work

to oppress them with hard labor

"to force the Israelites to do hard work for the Egyptians"

store cities

These were places where the leaders put food and other important things to keep them safe.

Exodus 1:12

to dread

"to abhor and fear"

Exodus 1:13

severely forced the people of Israel to serve

"harshly forced the people of Israel to work"

Exodus 1:14

made their lives bitter

The difficult lives of the Israelites are spoken of as if they were bitter food that was difficult to eat.

mortar

This was a wet glue or mud put between bricks or stones that held them together when it dried.

All their required work was severe

"The Egyptians made them work very hard" or "The Egyptians forced them to work very hard"

Exodus 1:15

king of Egypt

The king of Egypt is called Pharaoh.

midwives

These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby.

Shiphrah ... Puah

These are Hebrew women's names.

Exodus 1:16

on the birthstool

Women sat on this short stool as they gave birth. Therefore, it is associated with birth. Alternate translation: "as they give birth"

Exodus 1:17

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Exodus 1:18

midwives

These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:16.

Why have you done this, and let the baby boys live?

Pharaoh asked this question to rebuke the midwives for allowing the male children to live. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have disobeyed my order by not killing the male babies!"

Exodus 1:19

The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women

The midwives answered wisely to appease Pharaoh's anger.

Exodus 1:20

God protected these midwives

God kept Pharaoh from killing these midwives.

midwives

These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:16.

The people increased in numbers

"The Israelites increased in numbers"

became very mighty

They were mighty because there were so many of them. See how you translated similar words in Exodus 1:7.

Exodus 1:21

feared God

"revered God" or "had reverence for God"

he gave them families

"the enabled them to have children"

Exodus 1:22

You must throw every son ... into the river

This order was given in order to drown the male children. The full meaning of this may be made explicit. Alternate translation: "You must ... into the river so they will drown"

Chapter 2

Exodus 2 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Moses's heritage

In the first part of this chapter, Pharaoh's daughter recognizes Moses as being a Hebrew, but in the last part of this chapter, the Midianites believe him to be an Egyptian.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Ironic situations

While Pharaoh tried to diminish the power of the Israelites by killing all of their baby boys, Yahweh used Pharaoh's own daughter to save Moses. Moses was the one who would ultimately be used by Yahweh to deliver Israel.

Exodus 2:1

Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main event. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the narrative. If you have a way of doing this in your language, consider using it here.

Exodus 2:2

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Exodus 2:3

papyrus basket

This is a basket made from a tall grass that grows by the Nile River in Egypt.

sealed it with bitumen and pitch

You could explicitly state that this was to keep out water. Alternate translation: "spread tar on it to keep water from getting into it"

sealed

Here "sealed" means that she applied a waterproof coating.

bitumen

This is a sticky black paste made from petroleum. It can be used to keep out water. Alternate translation: "tar"

pitch

This is a sticky brown or black paste that can be made from tree sap or from petroleum. Therefore, "pitch" would include not only "bitumen" but also plant-based resins. It too can be used to keep out water. Alternate translation: "tar" or "resin"

reeds

These "reeds" were a type of tall grass that grew in flat, wet areas.

Exodus 2:4

at a distance

This means she stood far enough away so that she would not be noticed, but close enough to see the basket.

Exodus 2:5

her attendants

the young women whose job was to be with her and make sure nothing bad happened to her

Exodus 2:6

Behold

The word "behold" signals the surprising information that follows.

Exodus 2:7

nurse

feed with milk from the breast

Exodus 2:8

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Exodus 2:9

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Exodus 2:10

she brought him

"the Hebrew woman brought him"

he became her son

"he became the adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter"

Because I drew him from the water

Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Moses sounds like the Hebrew word that means 'pull.'"

drew him

"pulled him"

Exodus 2:11

striking a Hebrew

"hitting a Hebrew" or "beating a Hebrew"

Exodus 2:12

He looked this way and that way

These two opposite directions have the combined meaning of "everywhere." Alternate translation: "He looked all around"

Exodus 2:13

He went out

"Moses went out"

behold

The word "behold" here shows that Moses was surprised by what he saw. You can use a word in your language that will give this meaning.

the one who was in the wrong

This was a customary way of saying "the one who started the fight." Alternate translation: "the one who was guilty of starting the fight"

Exodus 2:14

Who made you a leader and judge over us?

The man used this question to rebuke Moses for intervening in the fight. Alternate translation: "You are not our leader and have no right to judge us!"

Are you planning to kill me as you killed that Egyptian?

The man used a question here to be sarcastic. Alternate translation: "We know that you killed an Egyptian yesterday. You had better not kill me!"

Exodus 2:15

Now when Pharaoh heard about it

The word "now" is used here to mark a break in the event. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the incident.

Exodus 2:16

Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters

The word "now" is used here to mark a break in the event. Here the author tells about new people in the narrative.

drew water

This means that they brought up water from a well.

troughs

a long, narrow, open container for animals to eat or drink out of

Exodus 2:17

drive them away

"chase them away"

helped them

"rescued them"

Exodus 2:18

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Exodus 2:19

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Exodus 2:20

Why did you leave the man?

This question is a mild rebuke to the daughters for not inviting Moses into their home according to the normal hospitality of that culture. Alternate translation: "You should not have left this man at the well!"

Exodus 2:21

Moses agreed to stay with the man

"Moses agreed to live with Reuel"

Zipporah

This is Reuel's daughter.

Exodus 2:22

Gershom

This is Moses's son.

resident in a foreign land

"stranger in a foreign land"

Exodus 2:23

groaned

They did this because of their sorrow and misery. Alternate translation: "sighed deeply"

their pleas went up to God

The cries of the Israelites are spoken of as if they were a person and were able to travel up to where God is. Alternate translation: "God heard their pleas"

Exodus 2:24

God called to mind his covenant

This was a customary way of saying God thought about what He had promised. Alternate translation: "God remembered his covenant"

Exodus 2:25

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Chapter 3

Exodus 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records one of the most important events in the history of the Israelite people: the revelation of the name Yahweh at the burning bush. (See: reveal)

Special concepts in this chapter

God's holiness

God is so holy that people could not look upon him without dying. This is why Moses covered his eyes. It is also why he took off his shoes.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Yahweh

The name Yahweh is sacred in the Hebrew religion. It is the personal name of God, which he revealed to Moses. It is by this name, he is known. Yahweh means "I am." Some translations use all capitals to set this apart, "I AM." Great care must be taken in translating the phrase "I am that I am." (See: yahweh)

Exodus 3:1

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Exodus 3:2

angel of Yahweh

This was Yahweh himself appearing as an angel, and not just an angel that Yahweh sent. "Yahweh appeared as an angel" .

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

behold

The word "behold" here shows that Moses saw something that was very different from what he expected.

Exodus 3:3

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Exodus 3:4

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Exodus 3:5

set apart

"made holy"

Exodus 3:6

the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob

All of these men worshiped the same God. Alternate translation: "the God of your father, of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob"

your father

Possible meanings are 1) "your ancestor" or 2) "your father." If it means "your ancestor," then the phrases following it clarify who "your father" refers to: it refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. If it means "your father," then it refers to Moses's own father.

Exodus 3:7

their outcry

Here the "outcry" is of pain because of the hard work the Egyptians were forcing the Israelites to do.

their taskmasters

Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:11.

Exodus 3:8

a land flowing with milk and honey

"a land where milk and honey flow." God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. Alternate translation: "a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops"

flowing with

"full of" or "with an abundance of"

milk

Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. Alternate translation: "food from livestock"

honey

Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. Alternate translation: "food from crops"

Exodus 3:9

the outcry of the people of Israel has come to me

Here the word "outcry" is spoken of as if it were a person capable of moving on his own. Alternate translation: "I have heard the outcry of the people of Israel"

the outcry

Here the "outcry" is of pain because of the hard work the Egyptians were forcing the Israelites to do. See how you translated "outcry" in Exodus 3:7.

Exodus 3:10

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Exodus 3:11

Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh ... Egypt?

Moses uses this question to tell God that Moses is a nobody and no one will listen to him. Alternate translation: "I am not important enough to go to Pharaoh ... Egypt!"

Exodus 3:12

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Exodus 3:13

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Exodus 3:14

God said to Moses, "I AM THAT I AM."

This is God's response to Moses's question about God's name. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "God said to Moses, 'Tell them that God says his name is, "I AM THAT I AM."'"

I AM THAT I AM

Possible meanings are 1) this whole sentence is God's name or 2) God is not telling his name but something about himself. By saying this, God is teaching that he is eternal; he has always lived and always will live.

I AM

Languages that do not have an equivalent to the verb "am" may need to render this as "I LIVE" or "I EXIST."

Exodus 3:15

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Exodus 3:16

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God continues speaking to Moses.

the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were three of Moses's ancestors. They all worshiped the same God.

I have indeed observed you

The word "you" refers to the people of Israel.

Exodus 3:17

a land flowing with milk and honey

"a land where milk and honey flow." God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. See how you translated this in [Exodus 3:8]

flowing with

"full of" or "with an abundance of"

milk

Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. Alternate translation: "food from livestock"

honey

Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. Alternate translation: "food from crops"

Exodus 3:18

They will listen to you

The word "you" refers to Moses. Alternate translation: "The elders will listen to you"

Exodus 3:19

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except under a mighty hand

The word "hand" is a metonym for the power of the owner of the hand. Possible meanings are 1) "only if someone stronger than he forces him to let you go" or "only if I force him to let you go," or 2) "not even if I force him to let you go."

Exodus 3:20

I will reach out with my hand and attack

Here "hand" refers to God's power. Alternate translation: "I will powerfully attack"

Exodus 3:21

will not go empty-handed

"will go with full hands" or "will go with many valuable things"

Exodus 3:22

any women staying in her neighbors' houses

"any Egyptian woman staying in the houses of her Egyptian neighbors"

Chapter 4

Exodus 4 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Moses does not understand

Although Moses believes in Yahweh, he does not trust in him. This is because Moses lacks understanding. Moses tries to believe the things he is asked to do are done by his own power. Yahweh is trying to get Moses to trust that these are Yahweh's doing. (See: believe and trust)

Children of God

This chapter really introduces the concept that the people group Israel is the chosen people of God and God's children, possibly God's firstborn children. (See: elect and peopleofgod and firstborn)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart

Scholars are divided over how to understand this statement. There is debate over whether Pharaoh plays an active or passive role in the hardening of his own heart.

Exodus 4:1

if they do not believe

"if the Israelites do not believe"

Exodus 4:2

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Exodus 4:3

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Exodus 4:4

take it by the tail

"pick it up by the tail" or "grasp it by the tail"

became a staff

"turned into a rod" or "changed into a staff"

Exodus 4:5

the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were three of their ancestors. They all worshiped the same God.

Exodus 4:6

behold

This word is used to create an exclamation, showing surprise.

as white as snow

The word "as" here is used to compare what Moses's hand looked like. Leprosy causes the skin to look white. You may not have a word for snow in your language. If so, consider an alternative that describes something white. Alternate translation: "as white as wool or as white as the sand on the beach"

Exodus 4:7

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Exodus 4:8

pay attention

"acknowledge" or "accept"

Exodus 4:9

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Exodus 4:10

have never been eloquent

"have never been an excellent speaker"

I am slow of speech and slow of tongue

The phrases "slow of speech" and "slow of tongue" mean basically the same thing. Moses uses them to emphasize that he is not a good speaker.

slow of tongue

Here "tongue" refers to Moses's ability to speak. Alternate translation: "unable to speak well"

Exodus 4:11

Who is it who made man's mouth?

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the Creator who makes if possible for people to speak. Alternate translation: "I Yahweh am the one who created the human mouth and the ability to speak!"

Who makes a man mute or deaf or seeing or blind?

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the one who decides if people can speak and hear, and if they can see. Alternate translation: "I Yahweh make people able to speak, or hear, or to see, or to be blind!"

Is it not I, Yahweh?

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he alone makes these decisions. Alternate translation: "I, Yahweh, am the one who does this!"

Exodus 4:12

I will be with your mouth

Here "mouth" refers to Moses's ability to speak. Alternate translation: "I will give you the ability to speak"

Exodus 4:13

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Exodus 4:14

he will be glad in his heart

Here "heart" refers to inner thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: "he will be very happy"

Exodus 4:15

put the words to say into his mouth

Words here are spoken of as if they were something that can be physically placed in a person's mouth. Alternate translation: "give him the message that he is to repeat"

I will be with your mouth

The word "mouth" here represents Moses choice of words. Alternate translation: "I will give you the right words to speak"

with his mouth

The word "mouth" here represents Aaron's choice of words. Alternate translation: "I will give him the right words to speak"

Exodus 4:16

He will be like a mouth for you

The word "mouth" here represents Aaron repeating what Moses told him. Alternate translation: "He will say what you tell him to say"

you will be like God for him

The word "like" here means Moses would represent the same authority to Aaron as God did to Moses. Alternate translation: "you will speak to Aaron with the same authority with which I speak to you"

Exodus 4:17

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Exodus 4:18

father-in-law

This refers to the father of Moses's wife.

Exodus 4:19

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Exodus 4:20

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Exodus 4:21

will harden his heart

Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. Alternate translation: "will cause Pharaoh to be stubborn"

Exodus 4:22

Israel is my son

The word "Israel" here represents all the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "The people of Israel are my own children"

is my son, my firstborn

Here the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were a firstborn son who causes joy and pride. Alternate translation: "is like my own firstborn son"

Exodus 4:23

you have refused to let him go

The word "him" refers to the people of Israel as God's son. Alternate translation: "you have refused to let my son go"

I will certainly kill your son, your firstborn

The word "son" here refers to the actual son of Pharaoh.

Exodus 4:24

Yahweh met Moses and tried to kill him

This may have been because Moses had not circumcised his son.

Exodus 4:25

Zipporah

This is the name of Moses's wife.

flint knife

This was a knife with a sharpened stone blade.

to his feet

It is possible that the word "feet" here may have been a more respectful way to refer to the genital area of the body.

you are a bridegroom to me by blood

The meaning of this metaphor is unclear. It was probably a known saying in that culture. Alternate translation: "you are related to me by this blood" or "you are my husband because of blood"

Exodus 4:26

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Exodus 4:27

Yahweh said to Aaron

You may want to add a word that marks the beginning of a new part of the story, as the UDB does with the word "Meanwhile."

at the mountain of God

This may have been the mountain at Sinai, but the text does not include that information.

Exodus 4:28

he had sent him to say

The word "he" refers to Yahweh, and "him" refers to Moses.

Exodus 4:29

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Exodus 4:30

in the sight of the people

"before the people" or "in the presence of the people"

Exodus 4:31

had observed the people of Israel

"saw the people of Israel" or "was concerned about the people of Israel"

they bowed down

Possible meanings are 1) "they bowed their heads in awe" or 2) "they bowed down low in reverence."

Chapter 5

Exodus 5 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

A slave's work

The Egyptians were known for making their slaves do a lot of work. They were forced to make a specific number of bricks every day. In this chapter, the were required to not only make these bricks, but also to gather the straw in order to make these bricks.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"Let my people go"

This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to "let go" of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

Titles

The leaders are given different titles in this chapter. The ULB uses "taskmasters" and "foremen." Many cultures will not have these types of titles. Generic expressions like "Egyptian leaders" and "Hebrew leaders" may be necessary.

Exodus 5:1

After these things happened

It is unclear how long Moses and Aaron waited until they went to see Pharoah.

festival for me

This is a celebration to worship Yahweh.

Exodus 5:2

Who is Yahweh?

Pharaoh uses this question to show that he does not recognize Yahweh as a legitimate god. Alternate translation: "I do not know Yahweh"

Why should I ... let Israel go?

Pharaoh uses this question to state that he has no interest in obeying Yahweh or in letting the Israelites go to worship him. Alternate translation: "He is nothing to me and I will not let Israel go!"

listen to his voice

The words "his voice" represent the words God spoke. Alternate translation: "listen to what he says"

Exodus 5:3

God of the Hebrews

This is a term also used for the Israelites' God or Yahweh.

or with the sword

Here "sword" represents war or an attack by enemies. Alternate translation: "or cause our enemies to attack us"

Exodus 5:4

why are you taking the people from their work?

Pharaoh uses this question to express his anger towards Moses and Aaron for taking the Israelites away from their work. Alternate translation: "stop distracting the people from doing their work!"

Exodus 5:5

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Exodus 5:6

taskmasters

Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:11.

Exodus 5:7

you must no longer give

The word "you" in these verses is plural and refers to the taskmasters and foremen.

Exodus 5:8

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Exodus 5:9

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Exodus 5:10

taskmasters

Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:11.

I will no longer give you

The word "you" is plural and refers to the Israelite people.

Exodus 5:11

you can find ... your workload

The word "you" is plural and refers to the Israelite people.

You yourselves must go

Here "yourselves" emphasizes that the Egyptians will no longer help them.

your workload will not be reduced

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "you must continue to make the same number of bricks as before"

Exodus 5:12

throughout all the land of Egypt

This is an generalization used to show the extra effort Israel made to meet Pharaoh's demands. Alternate translation: "to many places throughout Egypt"

stubble

the part of a plant that is left over after harvest

Exodus 5:13

taskmasters

Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:11.

Exodus 5:14

Why have you not produced all the bricks required of you ... in the past?

The taskmasters used this question to show they were angry with the lack of bricks. Alternate translation: "You are not producing enough bricks, either yesterday or today, as you did in the past!"

Exodus 5:15

cried out

"complained"

Exodus 5:16

they are still telling us, 'Make bricks!'

Here "they" refers to the Egyptian taskmasters.

Exodus 5:17

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Exodus 5:18

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Exodus 5:19

when they were told

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when Pharaoh told them"

Exodus 5:20

palace

This is a very large house that a king lives in.

Exodus 5:21

you have made us offensive

The Egyptians responded to the Israelites the same way they would respond to a foul odor. Alternate translation: "you have caused them to hate us"

have put a sword in their hand to kill us

Here "a sword" represents an opportunity to destroy enemies. Alternate translation: "have given them a reason to kill us"

Exodus 5:22

Lord, why have you caused trouble for this people?

This question shows how disappointed he was that the Egyptians were treating the Israelites even more harshly now. Alternate translation: "Lord, I am sorry that you have caused this trouble for this people."

Why did you send me in the first place?

This question shows how disappointed Moses was that God had sent him to Egypt. Alternate translation: "I wish you had never sent me here!"

Exodus 5:23

to speak to him in your name

The word "name" here represents the message of God. Alternate translation: "to give him your message"

Chapter 6

Exodus 6 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Promised Land

According to the covenant Yahweh made with Abraham, Egypt is not the home of the Hebrew people. It is the Promised Land in Canaan. The people are to return home to their land. (See: covenant and promisedland)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Let my people go

This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to "let go" of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

Exodus 6:1

my strong hand

The word "hand" here represents God's actions or works. Alternate translation: "the power I show in my works"

Exodus 6:2

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Exodus 6:3

I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob

"I showed myself to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob"

I was not known to them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They did not know me"

Exodus 6:4

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Exodus 6:5

groaning

This means making sad sounds because of pain and suffering.

Exodus 6:6

say to the people of Israel

This is a command from Yahweh to Moses. "Yahweh told Moses to say to the people of Israel"

mighty acts of judgment

These "acts of judgment" will be acts with which Yahweh will punish the Egyptians.

Exodus 6:7

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Exodus 6:8

I swore

"I promised" or "I said I would"

Exodus 6:9

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Exodus 6:10

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Exodus 6:11

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Exodus 6:12

If the people of Israel have not listened to me, why will Pharaoh listen to me, since I am not good at speaking?

Moses asked this question hoping God would change his mind about using Moses. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "The people of Israel did not listen to me, so I can be sure that Pharaoh will not listen to me either because I am not good at speaking!"

Exodus 6:13

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Exodus 6:14

the heads of their fathers' houses

Here "heads" refers to the original ancestors of the clan. Alternate translation: "the ancestors of the clans"

Hanok, Pallu, Hezron, and Karmi

These are the names of men.

Exodus 6:15

Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar, and Shaul

These are the names of men.

Exodus 6:16

Gershon ... Merari

These are the names of men.

137 years old

"one hundred and thirty-seven years old"

Exodus 6:17

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Exodus 6:18

Amram ... Uzziel

These are the names of men.

133 years old

"one hundred and thirty-three years old"

Exodus 6:19

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Exodus 6:20

137 years

"one hundred and thirty-seven years"

Exodus 6:21

Izhar ... Korah ... Zikri

These are the names of men.

Exodus 6:22

Uzziel ... Mishael ... Sithri

These are the names of men.

Exodus 6:23

Nadab ... Ithamar

These are the names of men.

Exodus 6:24

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Exodus 6:25

Phinehas

This is the name of a man.

These were the heads of the fathers' houses

The word "heads" here represents family leaders. Alternate translation: "These were the leaders of the families"

Exodus 6:26

by their hosts

"one tribe at a time" or "one family group after another"

Exodus 6:27

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Exodus 6:28

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Exodus 6:29

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Exodus 6:30

I am not good ... why will Pharaoh listen to me?

Moses asks this question hoping to change God's mind. This rhetorical question can be translated as as statement. Alternate translation: "I am not good ... Pharaoh will certainly not listen to me!"

Chapter 7

Exodus 7 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Miracles

When Yahweh had Moses perform miracles, Pharaoh's men were able to copy these miracles. It is unknown how they were able to do this, but since it was not from Yahweh, they were probably done under some evil power. (See: miracle and evil)

Pharaoh's hard heart

Pharaoh's heart is often described as hard in this chapter. This means that his heart was not open or willing to understand Yahweh's instructions. When his heart was hardened, it became less and less receptive to Yahweh.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Let my people go

This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to "let go" of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

Exodus 7:1

I have made you like a god

"I will cause Pharaoh to consider you as a god"

Exodus 7:2

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Exodus 7:3

harden Pharaoh's heart

Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated this in [Exodus 4:21]

many signs ... many wonders

The words "signs" and "wonders" mean basically the same thing. God uses them to emphasize the greatness of what he will do in Egypt.

Exodus 7:4

put my hand on

The words "my hand" represent God's great power. Alternate translation: "use my power against"

great acts of judgment

These "acts of judgment" will be acts with which Yahweh will punish the Egyptians. See how you translated this in Exodus 6:6.

Exodus 7:5

reach out with my hand on

The words "my hand" represent God's great power. Alternate translation: "show my powerful acts against"

Exodus 7:6

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Exodus 7:7

Aaron eighty-three years old

"Aaron was eighty-three years old"

Exodus 7:8

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Exodus 7:9

When Pharaoh says to you, 'Do a miracle,' then you will say to Aaron, 'Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh, so that it may become a snake.'

This could be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "When Pharaoh tells you to do a miracle, then you will tell Aaron to take his staff and throw it down before Pharaoh, so that it may become a snake"

Exodus 7:10

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Exodus 7:11

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Exodus 7:12

swallowed up

"ate up" or "devoured"

Exodus 7:13

Pharaoh's heart was hardened

Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. Alternate translation: "Pharaoh became more defiant"

Exodus 7:14

Pharaoh's heart is hard

Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:13]

Exodus 7:15

when he goes out to the water

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "when he goes down to the Nile River to bathe"

Exodus 7:16

Say to him

"Say to Pharaoh"

Exodus 7:17

strike the water

"hit the water"

Exodus 7:18

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Exodus 7:19

throughout all

"in every part of"

Exodus 7:20

in the river

The name of the river may be made explicit. Alternate translation: "in the Nile River"

Exodus 7:21

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Exodus 7:22

Pharaoh's heart was hardened

Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:13]

Exodus 7:23

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Exodus 7:24

All the Egyptians

The word "all" here is a generalization that means "many." Alternate translation: "Many of the Egyptians"

Exodus 7:25

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Chapter 8

Exodus 8 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Pharaoh's hard heart

Pharaoh's heart is often described as hard in this chapter. This means that his heart was not open or willing to understand Yahweh's instructions. When his heart was hardened, it became less and less receptive to Yahweh.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Let my people go

This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to "let go" of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

Exodus 8:1

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Exodus 8:2

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Exodus 8:3

The river

"the Nile River"

kneading bowls

These are bowls in which bread is made.

Exodus 8:4

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Exodus 8:5

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Exodus 8:6

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Exodus 8:7

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Exodus 8:8

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron

"Then Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron"

Exodus 8:9

Honor yourself over me. When should I pray ... river?

"The honor is yours to tell me when to pray ... river."

Exodus 8:10

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Exodus 8:11

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Exodus 8:12

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Exodus 8:13

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Exodus 8:14

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Exodus 8:15

he hardened his heart

"Pharaoh hardened his heart." Here "hardened" means that he became stubborn.

just as Yahweh had said that he would do

"just as Yahweh had said Pharaoh would do"

Exodus 8:16

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Exodus 8:17

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Exodus 8:18

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Exodus 8:19

This is the finger of God

The words "finger of God" represent the power of God. Alternate translation: "This is the powerful work of God"

Pharaoh's heart was hardened

Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:13]

Exodus 8:20

stand in front of Pharaoh

"present yourself to Pharaoh"

Let my people go

"set my people free"

Exodus 8:21

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Exodus 8:22

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Yahweh continues to speak to Pharaoh through Moses.

Exodus 8:23

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Exodus 8:24

the land was ruined because of the swarms of flies

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the swarms of flies devastated the land"

Exodus 8:25

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Exodus 8:26

right before their eyes

This was a customary way of saying "in the presence of someone." Alternate translation: "in their presence"

will they not stone us?

Moses asks this question to show Pharaoh the Egyptians would allow the Israelites to worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: "they will certainly stone us!"

Exodus 8:27

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Exodus 8:28

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Exodus 8:29

you must not deal deceitfully any more by not letting our people go

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "you must begin to deal truthfully with us and let our people go"

But you must not deal deceitfully

"But you must not deceive us" or "But you must not lie to us"

Exodus 8:30

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Exodus 8:31

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Exodus 8:32

Pharaoh hardened his heart

Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:13]

Chapter 9

Exodus 9 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Pharaoh's hard heart

Pharaoh's heart is often described as hard in this chapter. This means that his heart was not open or willing to understand Yahweh's instructions. When his heart was hardened, it became less and less receptive to Yahweh.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Let my people go

This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to "let go" of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

Exodus 9:1

General Information:

Yahweh continues talking with Moses about dealing with Pharaoh and bringing the Hebrew people out of Egypt.

Exodus 9:2

if you refuse to let them go, if you still keep them back

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. They will emphasize to Pharaoh what will happen if Pharaoh does this. Alternate translation: "if you continue refusing to let them go"

Exodus 9:3

then Yahweh's hand will bring

The word "hand" here represents Yahweh's power to afflict their animals with disease. Alternate translation: "then the power of Yahweh will bring"

will bring a terrible plague on your livestock ... flocks

"will cause your livestock ... flocks—to die from a terrible plague"

on your livestock

The word "your" here refers to all the people of Egypt who owned livestock.

Exodus 9:4

set ... apart

See how you translated this idea in Exodus 8:22.

livestock of Israel

Here "Israel" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the livestock belonging to the people of Israel"

livestock of Egypt

Here "Egypt" refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: "the livestock belonging to the people of Egypt"

Exodus 9:5

fixed a time

"set a time" or "appointed a time"

Exodus 9:6

All the cattle of Egypt died

This is exaggerated to emphasize the seriousness of the event. There were still some animals alive that were afflicted by later plagues. However, it may be best to translate this with the word "All."

cattle of Egypt

Here "Egypt" refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: "the cattle belonging to the people of Egypt"

Exodus 9:7

Pharaoh investigated

Pharaoh collected facts about the situation.

behold

The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was surprised by what he saw.

his heart was stubborn

Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. Alternate translation: "he refused to change his mind"

Exodus 9:8

kiln

a furnace

Exodus 9:9

fine

very small

to break out on

"to quickly appear on"

Exodus 9:10

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Exodus 9:11

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Exodus 9:12

Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart

Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 7:13]

Exodus 9:13

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Exodus 9:14

on you yourself

This means that even Pharaoh will be hurt by the plagues.

I will do this so that you may know

The word "this" refers to the plagues that Moses had just told Pharaoh about.

Exodus 9:15

reached out with my hand and attacked you

Here "my hand" refers to God's power. Alternate translation: "used my power to strike you"

Exodus 9:16

so that my name may be proclaimed throughout all the earth

Here "my name" represents Yahweh's reputation. Alternate translation: "so that people everywhere will know I am great"

Exodus 9:17

lifting yourself up against my people

Pharaoh's opposition to letting Israel go to worship Yahweh is spoken of as if he was raising himself up as a barrier to them.

Exodus 9:18

Listen!

"Pay attention to the important thing I am about to tell you"

Exodus 9:19

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Exodus 9:20

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Exodus 9:21

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Exodus 9:22

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Exodus 9:23

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Exodus 9:24

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Exodus 9:25

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Exodus 9:26

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Exodus 9:27

to summon

"to call"

Exodus 9:28

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Exodus 9:29

Moses said to him

"Moses said to Pharaoh"

spread my hands out to Yahweh

This symbolic gesture accompanies prayer. Alternate translation: "lift up my hands and pray to Yahweh"

Exodus 9:30

honor Yahweh God

Honoring God involves obeying him and living in a way that shows how great he is.

Exodus 9:31

flax

This is a plant that produces fibers that can be made into linen cloth.

barley

This is a type of grain used for making bread; also used for cattle feed.

Exodus 9:32

spelt

This is a kind of wheat.

Exodus 9:33

spread out his hands to Yahweh

This symbolic gesture accompanies prayer. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 9:29]

Exodus 9:34

hardened his heart

Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. Alternate translation: "became more defiant"

Exodus 9:35

The heart of Pharaoh was hardened

Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:13]

just as Yahweh had spoken by the hand of Moses

Here "the hand of Moses" is a metonym for Moses's activity in speaking. Yahweh had told Moses that Pharaoh would not let the people go, and Moses repeated it. Alternate translation: "just had Yahweh had said through Moses" or "just as Yahweh had said through Moses that Pharaoh would do"

Chapter 10

Exodus 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Pharaoh's hard heart

Pharaoh's heart is often described as hard in this chapter. This means that his heart was not open or willing to understand Yahweh's instructions. When his heart was hardened, it became less and less receptive to Yahweh.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Let my people go

This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to "let go" of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

Exodus 10:1

for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his servants

Yahweh speaks of making Pharaoh and his servants stubborn as if he were making their hearts hard. See how you translated "Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart" in [Exodus 9:12]

Exodus 10:2

various signs

"many different signs"

Exodus 10:3

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Exodus 10:4

listen

This word adds emphasis to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

Exodus 10:5

hail

Hail is raindrops that freeze while falling from the clouds.

Exodus 10:6

nothing ever seen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "nothing anyone has ever seen"

Exodus 10:7

How long will this man be a snare to us?

Pharaoh's servants ask this rhetorical question to scold Pharaoh and get him to stop rejecting Moses's words. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "We cannot allow this man to continue to be a snare to us!"

be a snare to us

The word "snare" is a metonym for the trouble that a snare causes to a person or animal that it captures. Alternate translation: "cause us trouble"

Do you not yet realize that Egypt is destroyed?

Pharaoh's servants ask this question to bring Pharaoh to recognize what he refuses to see. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should realize that Egypt is destroyed!"

that Egypt is destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that these plagues have destroyed Egypt" or "that their God has destroyed Egypt"

Exodus 10:8

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Exodus 10:9

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Exodus 10:10

May Yahweh indeed be with you, if I ever let you go and your little ones go

Pharaoh said this to emphasize that he would not let the Israelites take the women and children with them to worship Yahweh. When he said, "May Yahweh indeed be with you," he may have been warning Moses that the Israelites would need Yahweh to protect them from Pharaoh.

little ones

This phrase is a synecdoche for everyone in the family except the man (the father and husband), including wives, children, and servants.

Exodus 10:11

Then Moses and Aaron were driven out from Pharaoh's presence

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then Pharaoh drove Moses and Aaron out from his presence" or "Then Pharaoh had his servants drive Moses and Aaron out from his presence"

Exodus 10:12

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Exodus 10:13

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Exodus 10:14

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Exodus 10:15

so that it was darkened

There were so many locusts that the land appeared to be dark. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that they darkened the land" or "so that the land appeared dark"

Exodus 10:16

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Exodus 10:17

this time

"once again"

take this death away from me

The word "death" here refers to the destruction by the locusts of all plants in Egypt, which would eventually lead to the deaths of people because there were no crops. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "stop this destruction that will lead to our deaths"

Exodus 10:18

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Exodus 10:19

picked up the locusts

"moved the locusts upwards"

Exodus 10:20

Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart

Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated this phrase in [Exodus 9:12]

Exodus 10:21

darkness that may be felt

Yahweh speaks of extreme darkness as if it is so thick that people can grasp it in their hands. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "dense darkness that people can grasp with their hands"

Exodus 10:22

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Exodus 10:23

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Exodus 10:24

little ones

This phrase is a synecdoche for everyone in the family except the man (the father and husband), including wives, children, and servants. See how you translated this in Exodus 10:10.

Exodus 10:25

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Exodus 10:26

not a hoof of them may be left behind

Here the word "hoof" refers to the entire animal. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we cannot leave behind a single animal"

Exodus 10:27

Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart

Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated this phrase in [Exodus 9:12]

he would not let them go

"Pharaoh would not let them go"

Exodus 10:28

Be careful about one thing

"Make sure of one thing" or "Be certain of one thing"

you see my face

Here the word "face" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "you see me"

Exodus 10:29

You yourself have spoken

With these words, Moses emphasizes that Pharaoh has spoken the truth. Alternate translation: "What you have said is true"

Chapter 11

Exodus 11 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Pharaoh's hard heart

Pharaoh's heart is often described as hard in this chapter. This means that his heart was not open or willing to understand Yahweh's instructions. When his heart was hardened, it became less and less receptive to Yahweh.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Let my people go

In the previous chapters, Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to "let go" of the Hebrew people. Instead, he demanded that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people. In this chapter, the same wording is used to refer to Pharaoh "allowing" the Hebrew people to leave Egypt.

Exodus 11:1

he will let you go from here

Each occurrence of the word "you" in this verse is plural and refers to Moses and the rest of the Israelites.

Exodus 11:2

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Exodus 11:3

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Exodus 11:4

midnight

This is the time of 12 am (at night) or 2400 hours.

Exodus 11:5

All the firstborn ... the firstborn of Pharaoh ... the firstborn of the slave girl ... the firstborn of the livestock

The "firstborn" always refers to the oldest male offspring.

who sits on his throne

This phrase refers to Pharaoh.

who is behind the handmill grinding it

"who is grinding at the handmill" or "who is behind the handmill grinding grain"

Exodus 11:6

great outcry

Here the "outcry" is of pain and grief over the death of the children. See how you translated "outcry" in Exodus 3:7.

Exodus 11:7

making a distinction between

He is setting the Israelites apart from the Egyptians. The words "making a distinction" translate the same Hebrew word as "set ... apart" in Exodus 8:22, so if your language has a word or phrase for both ideas, you may want to use it there and here.

Exodus 11:8

After that I will go out

This means that Moses and the people of Israel will leave Egypt. Alternate translation: "After that I will leave here" or "After that I will go out from Egypt"

Exodus 11:9

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Exodus 11:10

Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart

Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated this phrase in [Exodus 9:12]

Chapter 12

Exodus 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The events of this chapter are known as the Passover. They are remembered in the celebration of Passover. (See: passover)

Special concepts in this chapter

Unleavened bread

The concept of unleavened bread is introduced in this chapter. Its significance stems from its connection to the events in this chapter. (See: unleavenedbread)

Ethnic segregation

The Hebrew people were to be separate from the rest of the world. Because of this, they separated themselves from other people groups. At this time, these foreigners were looked upon as unholy. (See: holy)

Exodus 12:1

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Exodus 12:2

For you, this month will be the start of months, the first month of the year to you

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the month in which the events of this chapter take place will be the beginning of their calendar year.

the first month of the year

The first month of the Hebrew calendar includes the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. It marks when Yahweh rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians.

Exodus 12:3

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Exodus 12:4

If the household is too small for a lamb

This means that there are not enough people in the family to eat an entire lamb. Alternate translation: "If there are not enough people in the household to eat an entire lamb"

the man and his next door neighbor

Here "the man" refers to the man who is the leader of the household.

Exodus 12:5

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Exodus 12:6

twilight

This refers to the time of evening after the sun has set but while there is still some light.

Exodus 12:7

on the two side doorposts and on the tops of the doorframes of the houses

"on the sides and top of the way into the house"

Exodus 12:8

Eat it with bread made without yeast

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Eat it with bread which you have made without yeast"

bitter herbs

These are small plants that have a strong and usually bad taste.

Exodus 12:9

Do not eat it raw

"Do not eat the lamb or goat uncooked"

Exodus 12:10

You must not let any of it be left over until morning

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not leave any of it until the morning"

Exodus 12:11

belt

This refers to a strip of leather or fabric for tying around the waist.

eat it hurriedly

"eat it quickly"

It is Yahweh's Passover

Here the word "it" refers to eating the animal on the tenth day of the month. Alternate translation: "This observance is Yahweh's Passover"

Exodus 12:12

I will do acts of judgment on all

"I will bring judgment on all" or "I will punish all." These "acts of judgment" will be acts with which Yahweh will punish the gods of Egypt. See how you translated this in Exodus 6:6.

Exodus 12:13

for my coming to you

This implies that Yahweh will see the blood which indicates an Israelite home. Alternate translation: "that I will see when I come to you"

I will pass over you

The words "pass over" were a customary way of saying to not visit or enter. Alternate translation: "I will not enter your house"

Exodus 12:14

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Exodus 12:15

that person must be cut off from Israel

The metaphor "cut off" has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) "the people of Israel must send him away" or 2) "I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel" or 3) "the people of Israel must kill him."

Exodus 12:16

an assembly that is set apart to me

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "an assembly that you have set apart to me"

No work will be done on these days, except the cooking for everyone to eat

This double negative emphasizes that cooking is the only work that will be done. Alternate translation: "The only work that will be done on these days is the cooking for everyone to eat"

No work will be done on these days

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You will do no work on these days"

That must be the only work that may be done by you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "That must be the only work that you do"

Exodus 12:17

because it was on this day that I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt

God was about to bring his people out of Egypt, and he was giving them instructions about what they should do on that day and again later as they remembered that day. Alternate translation: "because it is on this day that I will have brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt" or "for it will remind you that it was on this day that I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt"

your hosts

A host is a military term referring to a large number of soldiers. God speaks of the many people of Israel as if they were an army of many soldiers. Alternate translation: "your armies" or "your tribes"

Exodus 12:18

twilight

This refers to the time of evening after the sun has set but while there is still some light. See how you translated this in Exodus 12:6.

the fourteenth day in the first month

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The fourteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars.

the twenty-first day of the month

"the twenty-first day of the first month." This is near the middle of April on Western calendars.

Exodus 12:19

no yeast must be found in your houses

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "there must not be any yeast in your houses"

must be cut off from the community of Israel

The metaphor "cut off" has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) "the people of Israel must send him away" or 2) "I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel" or 3) "the people of Israel must kill him." See how you translated "must be cut off from Israel" in [Exodus 12:15]

Exodus 12:20

bread made without yeast

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Exodus 12:8]

Exodus 12:21

summoned

officially called

Exodus 12:22

hyssop

a woody plant with small leaves that can be used for sprinkling liquids

the top of the doorframe and the two doorposts

"on the sides and top of the way into the house." See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 12:7.

Exodus 12:23

pass over your door

Here the word "door" implies the entire house. This means that God will spare the Israelites in houses with blood on the doors. Alternate translation: "pass over your house"

Exodus 12:24

this event

These words refer to the Passover or Festival of Unleavened Bread. Observing the Passover was an act of worshiping Yahweh.

Exodus 12:25

this act of worship

These words refer to the Passover or Festival of Unleavened Bread. Observing the Passover was an act of worshiping Yahweh.

Exodus 12:26

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Exodus 12:27

He set our households free

This means that Yahweh spared the Israelites' firstborn sons. Alternate translation: "He did not kill the firstborn sons in our houses"

Exodus 12:28

as Yahweh had commanded Moses and Aaron

"everything that Yahweh told Moses and Aaron to do"

Exodus 12:29

at midnight

"in the middle of the night"

all the firstborn in the land of Egypt ... all the firstborn of the livestock

Here, "firstborn" always refers to the oldest male offspring. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 11:5.

who sat on his throne

This refers to Pharaoh.

the firstborn of the person in the dungeon

"to the firstborn of people in the dungeon." This refers to prisoners in general, not to a specific person in the dungeon.

Exodus 12:30

There was a loud outcry in Egypt

This can be stated with a verbal form. Alternate translation: "All the Egyptians cried loudly"

loud outcry

Here the "outcry" is of pain and grief over the death of the children. See how you translated "outcry" in Exodus 3:7.

for there was not a house where there was not someone dead

This double negative emphasizes the positive. Alternate translation: "because someone was dead in every house"

Exodus 12:31

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Exodus 12:32

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Exodus 12:33

We will all die

The Egyptians were afraid that they would die if the Israelites did not leave Egypt. Alternate translation: "We will all die if you do not leave"

Exodus 12:34

Their kneading bowls were already tied up in their clothes and on their shoulders

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They had already tied up their kneading bowls in their clothes and on their shoulders"

Exodus 12:35

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Exodus 12:36

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Exodus 12:37

Rameses

Rameses was a major Egyptian city where grain was stored. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:11.

They numbered about 600,000 men

"They numbered about six hundred thousand men." The total number of men was about 600,000.

little ones

This phrase is a synecdoche for everyone in the family except the man (the father and husband), including wives, children, and servants. See how you translated this in Exodus 10:10.

Exodus 12:38

A mixed multitude also went

A multitude is a very large number of people. The word "mixed" here means that the people belonged to differnt ethnic groups. Alternate translation: "A crowd of people from other ethnic groups also went"

Exodus 12:39

bread without yeast in the dough

"bread with dough that did not contain yeast"

they had been driven out of Egypt

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Egyptians had driven them out of Egypt"

Exodus 12:40

430 years

"four hundred and thirty years"

Exodus 12:41

430 years

"four hundred and thirty years"

Yahweh's armed groups

This refers to the tribes of Israel.

Exodus 12:42

to be observed by all the people of Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that all the people of Israel were to observe"

all the people of Israel throughout their people's generations

"all the people of Israel and the all the generations of their descendants"

Exodus 12:43

No foreigner may share in eating it

The pronoun "it" refers to the Passover meal.

Exodus 12:44

every Israelite's slave

"any slave of an Israelite"

bought with money

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the Israelite has bought with money"

Exodus 12:45

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Exodus 12:46

The food must be eaten in one house

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Each Israelite family must eat the food in one house"

you must not break any bone of it

"you must not break any of its bones." Here the word "it" refers to the lamb which the Israelite family will eat.

Exodus 12:47

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Exodus 12:48

all his male relatives must be circumcised

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone must circumcise all his male relatives"

the people who were born in the land

Here the word "land" refers to Canaan. The expression "born in the land" means a person who is a native Israelite. Alternate translation: "those who are Israelites by birth"

no uncircumcised person may eat

This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: "only circumcised people may eat"

Exodus 12:49

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Exodus 12:50

as Yahweh had commanded Moses and Aaron

"everything that Yahweh told Moses and Aaron to do"

Exodus 12:51

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

by their armed groups

The term used for these groups is a military term referring to a large number of soldiers. See how you translated "armed group" in Exodus 12:41. Alternate translation: "by their divisions" or "by their regiments"

Chapter 13

Exodus 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the instructions for the celebration of Passover. (See: passover)

Special concepts in this chapter

Law

The law mentioned here is not the law of Moses because it has not yet been revealed. Instead, it is a more generic "rule." (See: lawofmoses and reveal)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Let my people go

This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to "let go" of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people. When this chapter states that Pharaoh let the people go, it indicates that he gave them permission to leave.

Exodus 13:1

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Exodus 13:2

Set apart to me ... every firstborn male

God requires that every firstborn male child be set apart for him.

Exodus 13:3

Call this day to mind

The words "Call ... to mind" were a customary way of telling someone to remember something. Alternate translation: "Remember and celebrate this day"

the house of slavery

Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. Alternate translation: "the place where you were slaves"

Yahweh's strong hand

Here the word "hand" refers to power. See how you translated "strong hand" in [Exodus 6:1]

No bread with yeast may be eaten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must not eat bread with yeast"

Exodus 13:4

the month of Aviv

This is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars.

Exodus 13:5

you must observe this act of worship

When the Israelites live in Canaan, they must celebrate the Passover on this day each year. See how you translated this phrase in Exodus 12:25.

Exodus 13:6

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

For seven days

"For 7 days"

Exodus 13:7

Bread without yeast must be eaten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must eat bread without yeast"

no bread with yeast may be seen among you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You may not have any bread with yeast among you"

No yeast may be seen with you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You may not have any yeast"

within any of your borders

"inside any of the borders of your land"

Exodus 13:8

On that day you are to say to your children, 'This is because of what Yahweh did for me when I came out of Egypt.'

The quotation can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "On that day you are to tell your children that this is because of what Yahweh did for you when you came out of Egypt"

Exodus 13:9

This will be a reminder for you on your hand, and a reminder on your forehead

These are two different types of physical reminders so people will not forget something important.

a reminder for you on your hand

Moses speaks of celebrating the festival as if it were tying an object around their hands to remind them of what Yahweh had done. Alternate translation: "like something you tie around your hand as a reminder"

a reminder on your forehead

Moses speaks of celebrating the festival as if it were tying an object around their foreheads to remind them of what Yahweh had done. Alternate translation: "like something you tie around your head as a reminder"

so the law of Yahweh may be in your mouth

The words "in your mouth" here refers to the words that they speak. Alternate translation: "so you may always be speaking of the law of Yahweh"

strong hand

The word "hand" here represents God's actions or works. See how you translated this in Exodus 6:1. Alternate translation: "the power I show in my works"

Exodus 13:10

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Exodus 13:11

when he gives the land to you

"when he gives the land of the Canaanites to you"

Exodus 13:12

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Exodus 13:13

Every firstborn of a donkey

Israel is given a choice to kill the firstborn donkey or buy it back with a lamb.

Exodus 13:14

When your son asks you later, 'What does this mean?' then you are to tell him

The first quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "When your son asks you later what this means, then you are to tell him"

strong hand

The word "hand" here represents God's actions or works. See how you translated this in [Exodus 6:1]

the house of slavery

Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. See how you translated this in [Exodus 13:3]

Exodus 13:15

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Exodus 13:16

become a reminder on your hands, and a reminder on your forehead

This expresses two ways to remember the importance of the passover event. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 13:9]

Exodus 13:17

was nearby

"was close to where they were located"

the people will change their minds ... and ... return to Egypt

Since Israelites had lived in slavery all their lives, they were more accustomed to peace than to war and would rather return to slavery than fight.

Exodus 13:18

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Exodus 13:19

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Exodus 13:20

camped at Etham

Etham is located south of the route heading towards the Philistines, at the border of the wilderness.

Exodus 13:21

pillar of cloud ... pillar of fire

"a cloud in the shape of a column ... fire in the shape of a column." God is with them in a cloud by day and in a fire by night.

Exodus 13:22

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Chapter 14

Exodus 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is an important event in the history of Israel, known as the "parting of the Sea of Reeds."

Special concepts in this chapter

Pharaoh's hard heart

Pharaoh's heart is often described as hard in this chapter. This means that his heart was not open or willing to understand Yahweh's instructions. When his heart was hardened, it became less and less receptive to Yahweh.

Pharaoh's chariots

These chariots were a fighting force. Pharaoh took an army to kill the Hebrew people.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

The Israelites asked a few rhetorical questions of Moses. These questions were not really directed at Moses, but at Yahweh. This showed their lack of faith in Yahweh. (See: and faith)

Exodus 14:1

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Exodus 14:2

Pi Hahiroth ... Migdol ... Baal Zephon

These are towns on Egypt's eastern border.

You are to camp

Here the word "You" is plural and refers to Moses and the Israelites.

Exodus 14:3

Pharaoh will say about the people of Israel, 'They are wandering confused in the land. The wilderness has closed in on them.'

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "Pharaoh will say that the people of Israel are wandering confused in the land and that the wilderness has closed in on them"

The wilderness has closed in on them

Pharaoh speaks of the wilderness as a person who has trapped the people of Israel.

Exodus 14:4

General Information:

Yahweh continues to instruct Moses on where to go and what Yahweh will do.

I will harden Pharaoh's heart

Here "heart" refers to the Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 9:12]

he will pursue them

"Pharaoh will pursue the Israelites"

I will get honor

"People will honor me"

The Egyptians will know that I am Yahweh

"The Egyptians will understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God"

So the Israelites camped as they were instructed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So the Israelites camped as Yahweh had instructed them"

Exodus 14:5

When the king of Egypt was told

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When someone told the king of Egypt"

the king of Egypt

This refers to Pharaoh.

had fled

"had run away"

the minds of Pharaoh and his servants turned against the people

Here the word "minds" refers to their attitudes towards the Israelites. Alternate translation: "Pharaoh and his servants changed their attitudes about the people"

What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.

They asked this question to show they thought they had done a foolish thing. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "We have done a stupid thing by letting Israel go free from working for us!"

Exodus 14:6

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Exodus 14:7

He took six hundred chosen chariots

"He took 600 of his best chariots"

Exodus 14:8

Yahweh hardened the heart of Pharaoh

Here "heart" refers to the Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 9:12]

Exodus 14:9

Pi Hahiroth ... Baal Zephon

These are towns on Egypt's eastern border. See how you translated them in [Exodus 14:2]

Exodus 14:10

When Pharaoh came close

The word "Pharaoh" here represents the entire Egyptian army. Alternate translation: "When Pharaoh and his army came close"

they were terrified

"the Israelites were terrified"

Exodus 14:11

Is it because there were no graves in Egypt, that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?

The Israelites ask this question to express their frustration and fear of dying. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "There were plenty of graveyards in Egypt for us to be buried in. You did not have to take us into the wilderness to die!"

Why have you treated us like this, bringing us out of Egypt?

The Israelites ask this question to rebuke Moses for bringing them to the desert to die. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not have treated us like this by bringing us out of Egypt!"

Exodus 14:12

Is this not what we told you in Egypt?

The Israelites ask this question to emphasize that this is what they had told Moses. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "This is exactly what we told you while we were in Egypt."

We said to you, 'Leave us alone, so we can work for the Egyptians.'

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "We told you to leave us alone, so we could work for the Egyptians."

Exodus 14:13

Moses said to the people

Moses responds to the Israelites' fears.

provide for you

The pronoun "you" refers to the Israelites.

For you will never see again the Egyptians

Moses used a polite way of saying God was going to destroy the Egyptian army. Alternate translation: "For God will kill the Egyptians"

Exodus 14:14

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Exodus 14:15

Why are you, Moses, continuing to call out to me?

Moses apparently had been praying to God for help so God uses this question to compel Moses to act. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Do not call out to me any longer, Moses."

Exodus 14:16

divide it in two

"divide the sea into two parts"

Exodus 14:17

Be aware

"Know"

I will harden the Egyptians' hearts

Here "hearts" refers to the Egyptians themselves. Their stubborn attitude is spoken of as if their hearts were hard. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 9:12]

so they will go after them

"so that the Egyptians will go into the sea after the Israelites"

Exodus 14:18

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Exodus 14:19

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Exodus 14:20

the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel

"the Egyptian army and the Israelite people"

so one side did not come near the other

This means that the Egyptians and the Israelites could not approach one another.

Exodus 14:21

east wind

An east wind originates in the east and blows towards the west.

east

where the sun rises

the waters were divided

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh divided the waters"

Exodus 14:22

on their right hand and on their left

"on each side of them" or "on both sides of them"

Exodus 14:23

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Exodus 14:24

He threw the Egyptians into confusion

The Egyptians were so afraid that they could not think normally.

Exodus 14:25

Their chariot wheels were clogged

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Mud clogged their chariot wheels" or "Their chariot wheels were getting stuck in the mud"

Exodus 14:26

Yahweh said to Moses, "Reach out with your hand ... and their horsemen."

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "Yahweh told Moses to reach out with his hand over the sea so that the waters would come back onto the Egyptians, their chariots, and their horsemen."

come back onto

"fall on"

Exodus 14:27

The Egyptians fled into the sea

Since the sea was closing in on top of the Egyptians, instead of escaping, they were actually running right into the water.

Yahweh drove the Egyptians

"Yahweh pushed the Egyptians" or "Yahweh threw the Egyptians"

Exodus 14:28

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Exodus 14:29

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Exodus 14:30

out of the hand of the Egyptians

Here the word "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "from the Egyptians' power"

on the seashore

"on the land along the edge of the sea"

Exodus 14:31

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Chapter 15

Exodus 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetic songs in 15:1-18 and 15:21.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's laws

In this chapter, Moses talks about Yahweh's laws. The law of Moses is about to be introduced. Although it has not yet been formally introduced, this is what is being referenced in this chapter in anticipation of the revelation of the law of Moses. (See: lawofmoses and reveal)

Exodus 15:1

General Information:

This is a song about the events that happened in Exodus 14:26-28.

he has triumphed gloriously

It can be stated explicitly over whom Yahweh triumphed. Alternate translation: "he has achieved a glorious victory over the army of Egypt"

the horse and its rider he has thrown into the sea

Moses sang about God causing the sea to cover and drown the horse and rider as if God had thrown them into the sea. Alternate translation: "he has made the sea cover over the horse and rider" or "he has made the horse and rider drown in the sea"

the horse and its rider

This refers to all or many of the Egyptian horses and riders that were chasing the Israelites. Alternate translation: "the horses and their riders"

rider

This is a person who sits on a horse or travels in a chariot that a horse is pulling.

Exodus 15:2

Yah is my strength

Possible meanings are 1) "Yah is the one who gives me strength" or 2) "Yah is the strong one who protects me."

song

Moses calls Yahweh his song because Yahweh is the one he sings about. Alternate translation: "the one I sing about"

he has become my salvation

Moses calls God his salvation because God saved him. Alternate translation: "he has saved me" or "he is the one who saves me"

Exodus 15:3

Yahweh is a warrior

Moses calls God a warrior because God powerfully fought against the Egyptians and won. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is like a warrior"

Exodus 15:4

He has thrown Pharaoh's chariots and army into the sea

Moses sings about God causing the sea to cover Pharaohs chariots and army as if God had thrown them into the sea. Alternate translation: "he has made the sea cover over Pharaoh's chariots and army" or "He has made Pharaoh's chariot riders and army drown in the sea"

Exodus 15:5

they went down into the depths like a stone

Just as a stone does not float but sinks to the bottom of the sea, the enemy soldiers sank to the bottom of the sea. Alternate translation: "they went down into the deep water like a stone sinking to the bottom of the sea"

Exodus 15:6

Your right hand, Yahweh, is glorious in power

Moses speaks of God as if God had hands. The right hand refers to God's power or the things God does powerfully. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, your power is glorious" or "Yahweh, what you do is glorious in power"

your right hand, Yahweh, has shattered the enemy

Moses speaks of God as if God had hands. The right hand refers to God's power. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, your power has shattered the enemy" or "Yahweh, by your power you have shattered the enemy"

has shattered the enemy

Moses speaks of the enemy as if it were fragile and could be shattered like glass or pottery. Alternate translation: "has completely destroyed the enemy"

Exodus 15:7

those who rose up against you

Rebelling against God is spoken of as rising up against him. Alternate translation: "those who rebelled against you" or "your enemies"

You sent out your wrath

Moses speaks of God's wrath as if it were a servant that God sent out to do something. Alternate translation: "You showed your wrath" or "You acted according to your wrath"

it consumed them like stubble

Moses speaks of God's wrath as if it were fire that could completely burn up things. His enemies were completely destroyed like stubble in a fire. Alternate translation: "it completely destroyed your enemies like a fire that burns up straw"

Exodus 15:8

By the blast of your nostrils

Moses speaks of God as if God had a nose, and he speaks of the wind as if God blew the wind from his nose. Alternate translation: "You blew on the sea and"

Exodus 15:9

my desire will be satisfied on them

This can be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: "I will satisfy my desire on them" or "I will take all I want from them"

my hand will destroy them

The enemies speak of destroying the Israelites by the power of their hands as if it were their hands that would destroy them. Alternate translation: "I will destroy them with my hand"

Exodus 15:10

But you blew with your wind

Moses spoke about God making the wind blow as if God blew the wind through his nose or mouth. Alternate translation: "But you made the wind blow"

sank like lead in the mighty waters

Lead is a heavy metal that is commonly used to make things sink in water. The word "lead" here is used to show how fast God's enemies were destroyed. Alternate translation: "sank as fast as lead in the deep turbulent waters"

Exodus 15:11

Who is like you, Yahweh, among the gods?

Moses uses this question to show how great God is. Alternate translation: "O Yahweh, no one is like you among the gods!" or "Yahweh, none of the gods is like you!"

Who is like you, ... doing miracles?

Moses uses this question to show how great God is. Alternate translation: No one is like you. No one is majestic in holiness as you are, no one is honored in praises as you are, and no one does miracles as you do!"

Exodus 15:12

with your right hand

The phrase "right hand" represents the strong power of God. Alternate translation: "with your strong power"

You reached out with your right hand

Moses speaks about God causing something to happen as if God reached out with his hand. Alternate translation: "With your strong power you made it happen"

the earth swallowed them

Moses personifies the earth as if it could swallow or devour with it's mouth. Alternate translation: "the earth devoured them"

Exodus 15:13

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Exodus 15:14

tremble

This means to shake because you are afraid.

terror will seize the inhabitants of Philistia

Moses speaks of terror as if it were a person that could forcefully grab hold of someone and make them extremely afraid. Alternate translation: "the inhabitants of Philistia will be afraid"

Exodus 15:15

will melt away

Moses speaks of people becoming weak from their fear as melting away. Alternate translation: "will be weak from fear" or "will be afraid and faint"

Exodus 15:16

Connecting Statement:

Moses continues to sing about how the people of other nations will feel when they see God's people.

Terror and dread will fall on them

These two words mean that fear will come upon them. Alternate translation: "Fear will come upon them"

dread

Dread is extreme fear or anxiety about something that is going to happen or might happen.

Because of your arm's power

God's arm represents his great strength. Alternate translation: "Because of your great strength"

they will become as still as a stone

Possible meanings are 1) "They will be silent like stone" or 2) "They will be motionless as stone"

Exodus 15:17

You will bring them

Where God would bring them can be stated clearly. Since Moses was not already in Canaan, some languages would use "take" rather than "bring." Alternate translation: "You will take your people to Canaan"

plant them on the mountain

Moses speaks about God giving his people the land to live in as if they were a tree that God was planting. Alternate translation: "settle them on the mountain" or "let them live on the mountain"

the mountain of your inheritance

This refers to Mount Zion in the land of Canaan.

of your inheritance

Moses speaks about God promising to give his people the mountain forever as if he were giving it to them as an inheritance. Alternate translation: "that you have given them as an inheritance"

that your hands have built

The phrase "your hands" refers to God's power. Alternate translation: "that you have built by your power"

Exodus 15:18

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Exodus 15:19

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Exodus 15:20

Miriam ... Aaron

Miriam was the older sister of Moses and Aaron.

tambourine

This is a musical instrument like a small drum that also has pieces of metal around the side that make a sound when shaken.

Exodus 15:21

he has triumphed gloriously

It can be stated explicitly over whom Yahweh triumphed. See how you translated this in [Exodus 15:1]

The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea

Miriam sang about God causing the sea to cover and drown the horse and rider as if God had thrown them into the sea. See how you translated this in [Exodus 15:1]

Exodus 15:22

Moses led Israel

The word "Israel" represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "Moses led the Israelite people"

wilderness of Shur

We do not know the exact locations of this place.

Exodus 15:23

Marah

We do not know the exact locations of this place.

Exodus 15:24

complained to Moses and said

"were unhappy and told Moses" or "angrily told Moses"

Exodus 15:25

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Exodus 15:26

the voice of Yahweh your God

Yahweh is speaking about his own voice. His voice represents what he says. Alternate translation: "my voice" or "what I say"

do what is right in his eyes

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "do what Yahweh considers to be right"

I will put on you none of the diseases

God speaks of causing people to have diseases as putting diseases on them. Alternate translation: "I will not cause any of you to have the diseases"

Exodus 15:27

Elim

This is an oasis in the desert, a place with water and shade trees.

twelve

"12"

seventy

"70"

Chapter 16

Exodus 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Complaints

The Israelites complained about the amount of food Yahweh gave them, even when he miraculously provided their food for them. This is intended to show their ungratefulness and their sinful view of Yahweh. (See: sin)

Prohibition against storing food

The people were not allowed to store the food, called manna, they were provided with. This is because they were to trust in Yahweh to provide for their needs every day. (See: trust)

Sabbath

This is the first recorded celebration of the Sabbath rest. (See: sabbath)

Ark of the covenant

Although the covenant has not yet been made, it is referenced in Exodus 16:34. This is probably done either in anticipation of the building of the ark or as an editorial comment made by Moses after these events. (See: covenant)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Wilderness of Sin

Sin is the name of a part of the Sinai Wilderness. It is not the description of a place, and it has nothing to do with sinning.

Exodus 16:1

wilderness of Sin

The word "Sin" here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness. It is not the English word "sin."

on the fifteenth day of the second month

This time coincides with the end of April and the beginning of May on Western calendars. Alternate translation: "on day 15 of the second month"

Exodus 16:2

The whole community of the people of Israel complained

"All the Israelites complained." This is a generalization. Moses and Aaron did not complain. Alternate translation: "The Israelites complained"

complained

"were angry and spoke"

Exodus 16:3

If only we had died

This is a way of saying that they wished that they had died. Alternate translation: "We wish that we had died"

by Yahweh's hand

The phrase "Yahweh's hand" represents Yahweh's action. Alternate translation: "by Yahweh's action"

Exodus 16:4

I will rain down bread from heaven for you

God speaks of food coming down from heaven as if it were rain. Alternate translation: "I will make bread come down from heaven like rain" or "I will make bread fall to you from the sky"

bread

God speaks of the food that he will send as if it were bread. The Israelites would eat this food every day, just as they had eaten bread every day before this. Alternate translation: "food" or "food like bread"

walk in my law

God speaks of obeying his law as walking in it. Alternate translation: "obey my law" or "live according to my law"

my law

"my command"

Exodus 16:5

It will come about on the sixth day, that they

"It will happen on the sixth day that they" or "On the sixth day they"

on the sixth day

"on day 6"

twice

two times

Exodus 16:6

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Exodus 16:7

Who are we for you to complain against us?

Moses and Aaron used this question to show the people that it was foolish to complain against them. Alternate translation: "We are not powerful enough for you to complain against us." or "It is foolish to complain against us, because we cannot do what you want."

Exodus 16:8

bread

Moses speaks of the food that God will send as if it were bread. The Israelites would eat this food every day, just as they had eaten bread every day before this. See how you translated it in [Exodus 16:4]

Who are Aaron and I?

Moses used this question to show the people that he and Aaron did not have the power to give them what they wanted. Alternate translation: "Aaron and I cannot give you what you want."

Your complaints are not against us; they are against Yahweh

The people were complaining against Moses and Aaron, who were Yahweh's servants. So by complaining against them, the people were really complaining against Yahweh. Alternate translation: Your complaints are not really against us; they are against Yahweh, because we are his servants"

Exodus 16:9

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Exodus 16:10

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. The important event here is the people seeing Yahweh's glory. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

behold

The word "behold" here shows that the people saw something interesting.

Exodus 16:11

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Exodus 16:12

bread

God speaks of the food that he will send as if it were bread. The Israelites would eat this food every day, just as they had eaten bread every day before this. See how you translated it in [Exodus 16:4]

Exodus 16:13

It came about ... that

This phrase is used here to mark an important part of the events. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

quails

These are small, plump birds.

Exodus 16:14

like frost

The original readers knew what frost is like, so this phrase would help them understand what the flakes were like. Frost is frozen dew that forms on the ground. It is very fine. Alternate translation: "that looked like frost" or "that was fine like frost"

Exodus 16:15

bread

Moses speaks of the food that God sent as if it were bread. The Israelites would eat this food every day, just as they had eaten bread every day before this. See how you translated it in [Exodus 16:4]

Exodus 16:16

Connecting Statement:

Moses continues telling the people about the food that God was providing for them.

omer

2 liters

Exodus 16:17

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Exodus 16:18

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Exodus 16:19

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Exodus 16:20

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Exodus 16:21

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Exodus 16:22

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. Verses 16:22-30 tell about what the people did concerning the manna on the sixth and seventh days of the week. If your language has a way for marking this as a new part of the story, you could consider using it here.

on the sixth day

"on day 6"

twice

two times

bread

This refers to the bread that appeared as thin flakes on the ground each morning.

Exodus 16:23

a solemn rest

"a day to rest quietly and think seriously"

Exodus 16:24

did not become foul

"did not smell rotten"

Exodus 16:25

today is a day reserved as a Sabbath to honor Yahweh

"today is a Sabbath and is to be used only for honoring Yahweh"

Exodus 16:26

but the seventh day

"but on day seven"

manna

This was the name the Israelites gave to the bread that Yahweh caused to appear for them each morning.

Exodus 16:27

they found none

"they did not find any manna"

Exodus 16:28

General Information:

Yahweh speaks to Moses, but the word "you" refers to the people of Israel in general.

How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws?

God used this question to scold the people because they did not obey his laws. Alternate translation: "You people still do not keep my commandments and laws!"

to keep my commandments and my laws

"to obey my commandments and my laws"

Exodus 16:29

Yahweh has given you the Sabbath

Yahweh speaks about teaching people to rest on the Sabbath as if the Sabbath were a gift. Alternate translation: "I, Yahweh, have taught you to rest on the Sabbath"

sixth day ... two days ... seventh day

"day 6 ... 2 days ... day 7"

bread

This refers to the bread that appeared as thin flakes on the ground each morning.

Exodus 16:30

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Exodus 16:31

coriander seed

Coriander is also known as cilantro. People dry the seeds and grind them into a powder and put it in food to give it flavor.

wafers

very thin biscuits or crackers

Exodus 16:32

omer

2 liters

bread

This refers to the bread that appeared as thin flakes on the ground each morning.

Exodus 16:33

an omer

"two liters"

Exodus 16:34

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Exodus 16:35

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Exodus 16:36

Now an omer is a tenth of an ephah

An omer and an ephah are both containers for measuring volume. The original readers would have known how much an ephah was. This sentence would help them know how much an omer was. For languages that do not use fractions, this can be reworded. Alternate translation: "Now ten omers equal one ephah"

Chapter 17

Exodus 17 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

Moses uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. The purpose of these questions is to convince people of their sin. Likewise, the people's rhetorical question showed their ignorance. (See: and sin)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Wilderness of Sin

Sin is the name of a part of the Sinai Wilderness. It is not the description of a place, and it has nothing to do with sinning.

Exodus 17:1

wilderness of Sin

The word "Sin" here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness. It is not the English word "sin." See how you translated this in [Exodus 16:1]

Rephidim

This means "the resting place," a place to rest on long journeys through the wilderness.

Exodus 17:2

Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Yahweh?

Moses uses these questions to scold the people. Alternate translation: "You should not quarrel with me! You should not test Yahweh!"

Exodus 17:3

To kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?

The people use this question to accuse Moses of wanting to kill them. Alternate translation: "You only brought us out here to kill us and our children and livestock by not letting us have any water to drink!"

Exodus 17:4

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Exodus 17:5

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Exodus 17:6

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Exodus 17:7

Massah

a place in the desert whose name means "testing"

Meribah

a place in the desert whose name means "complaining"

Exodus 17:8

Rephidim

This was the name of a place in the desert.

Exodus 17:9

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Exodus 17:10

So Joshua fought Amalek

Joshua represents himself and the Israelites that he led into battle. Alternate translation: "So Joshua and the men he chose fought against the Amalekites"

Hur

Hur was a friend of Moses and Aaron.

Exodus 17:11

Israel was winning ... Amalek would begin to win

The words "Israel" and "Amalek" represent the fighters from those groups. Alternate translation: "the Israelite fighters were winning ... the Amalekite fighters would begin to win"

Exodus 17:12

hands became heavy

The author writes of Moses's arms becoming tired as if his hands became heavy. Alternate translation: "arms became tired"

Exodus 17:13

laid waste to

This is a euphemism for "killed." Alternate translation: "killed" or "destroyed"

Amalek and his people

The name "Amalek" is either 1) a personification of the nation of Amalek. Alternate translation: "the people of the nation of Amalek" Or 2) a metonym for the land on which the Amalekite people lived. Alternate translation: "the land of Amalek and the people who lived there"

with the sword

The sword represents battle. Alternate translation: "in battle"

Exodus 17:14

I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek

God speaks of destroying Amalek as if he were removing people's memory of Amalek. When a group of people is completely destroyed, there is nothing to remind people about them. Alternate translation: "I will completely destroy Amalek"

Amalek

This refers to the Amalekites. Alternate translation: Amalekites"

Exodus 17:15

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Exodus 17:16

a hand was lifted up

People would raise their hand when they made a promise or pledge, so raising the hand represents making a promise. Alternate translation: "a promise was made"

a hand was lifted up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh lifted up his hand" or "Yahweh made a solemn promise"

Chapter 18

Exodus 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Leadership lessons

Jethro taught Moses an important leadership lesson in this chapter. Many scholars look at this chapter for important leadership lessons. Moses delegated some of his responsibilities to other godly men so that he would not become worn out by all the demands made of him. (See: godly)

Exodus 18:1

Moses' father-in-law

This refers to the father of the wife of Moses.

Exodus 18:2

took Zipporah, Moses' wife

Possible meanings are 1) Jethro took Zipporah to Moses, or 2) Jethro had earlier welcomed back Zipporah.

after he had sent her home

This is something Moses had done earlier. The full meaning of the can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "after Moses had sent her home to her parents"

Exodus 18:3

and her two sons

This is the ending of the sentence that begins with the words "Jethro ... took Zipporah" in verse 2. Possible meanings are 1) Jethro took Zipporah and her two sons to Moses, or 2) Jethro had earlier welcomed back Zipporah and her two sons.

Gershom

This is a son of Moses and Zipporah, whose name means "foreigner."

Exodus 18:4

Eliezer

This is a son of Moses and Zipporah, whose name means "God is the one who helps me."

Pharaoh's sword

This represents being killed by Pharaoh or Pharaoh's army. Alternate translation: "being killed by Pharaoh" or "being killed by Pharaoh's army"

Exodus 18:5

where he was camped

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where he camped with the Israelites"

Exodus 18:6

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Exodus 18:7

bowed down, and kissed him

These symbolic acts were the normal way that people showed great respect and devotion in that culture.

Exodus 18:8

for Israel's sake

The word "Israel" represents the Israelite people. Alternate translation: "in order to help the Israelite people"

all the hardships that had come to them

Moses writes of hardships happening to them as if hardships had come to them. Alternate translation: "all the hardships that had happened to them" or "all the hardships they had experienced"

Exodus 18:9

the hand of the Egyptians

The hand represents the power of someone to do something. Alternate translation: "the power of the Egyptians ... the power of Pharaoh" or "what the Egyptians were doing to you"

Exodus 18:10

the hand of the Egyptians ... the hand of Pharaoh

The hand represents the power of someone to do something. Alternate translation: "the power of the Egyptians ... the power of Pharaoh" or "what the Egyptians were doing to you ... what Pharaoh was doing to you"

Exodus 18:11

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Exodus 18:12

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Exodus 18:13

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Exodus 18:14

What is this that you are doing with the people?

Jethro uses this question to show Moses that what he was doing was not good. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not be doing all of this for the people!"

Why is it that you sit alone ... from morning until evening?

Jethro used this question to show Moses that he was doing too much. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not sit alone ... from morning till evening!"

you sit alone

The word "sit" here is a metonym for "judge." Judges would sit while they listened to people's complaints. Alternate translation: "you judge alone" or "you are the only one who judges the people"

Exodus 18:15

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Exodus 18:16

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Exodus 18:17

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Exodus 18:18

You will surely wear yourselves out

"you will surely make yourselves very tired"

This burden is too heavy for you

Jethro speaks of the hard work that Moses is doing as if it were a physical burden that Moses was carrying. Alternate translation: "This work is too much for you"

Exodus 18:19

you advice

"you guidance" or "you instruction"

God will be with you

Jethro speaks of God helping Moses as if God would be with Moses. Alternate translation: "God will help you" or "God will give you wisdom"

you bring their disputes to him

Jethro speaks of Moses telling God about their disputes as if Moses were bringing their disputes to God. Alternate translation: "you tell God about their disputes" or "you tell God what they are arguing about"

Exodus 18:20

You must show them the way to walk

Jethro speaks of living or behaving like walking. Alternate translation: "You must show them how to live" or "You must show them how to behave"

Exodus 18:21

Connecting Statement:

Jethro continues speaking to Moses.

Furthermore, you must choose

"In addition, you must choose" or "You must also choose"

You must put them over people

Jethro speaks of giving them authority over people as putting them over people. Alternate translation: You must give them authority over people"

leaders in charge of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and of tens

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of people in each group. Alternate translation: "leaders in charge of groups of 1,000 people, groups of 100 people, groups of 50 people, and groups of 10 people" or 2) these numbers are not exact, but represent groups of people of various sizes. Alternate translation: "leaders in charge of very small groups, small groups, large groups, and very large groups"

Exodus 18:22

routine cases

"the simple cases"

the difficult cases they will bring to you

Jethro speaks of telling Moses about the difficult cases as bringing him the difficult cases. Alternate translation: "the difficult cases they will tell you about" or "when there are difficult cases, they will tell you about them so you can judge them"

they will carry the burden with you

Jethro speaks of the hard work that they would do as if it were a burden that they would carry. Alternate translation: "they will do the hard work with you" or "they will help you do the hard work"

Exodus 18:23

endure

What they will endure can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "endure the stress of the work"

in peace

They will be satisfied that the dispute has been settled justly.

Exodus 18:24

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Exodus 18:25

heads over the people

Moses writes of the leaders of people as if they were the head of a body. Alternate translation: "leaders of the people"

capable men

What they were capable of doing can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "men who were able to lead" or "men who were able to judge"

leaders in charge of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of people in each group. Alternate translation: "leaders in charge of groups of 1,000 people, groups of 100 people, groups of 50 people, and groups of 10 people" or 2) these numbers are not exact, but represent groups of people of various sizes. Alternate translation: "leaders in charge of very small groups, small groups, large groups, and very large groups" See how you translated this in [Exodus 18:21]

Exodus 18:26

judged the people in normal circumstances

"judged the people most of the time" or "judged the people's easy cases"

The difficult cases they brought to Moses

The author writes of telling Moses about the difficult cases as bringing him the difficult cases. Alternate translation: "the difficult cases they told Moses about" or "when there were difficult cases, they told Moses about them so that he would judge them"

the small cases

"the easy cases"

Exodus 18:27

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Chapter 19

Exodus 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

"A kingdom of priests"

The function of the priests was to intercede for the people. The Levites were the only priests in Israel; this is a metaphor indicating that the nation was to intercede for the world as a whole. They were also to be holy, or set apart, from the rest of the world. (See: priest and and holy)

Revealing the Law

The events of this chapter are concerned with preparing the people to receive the law of Moses. The people go through all of this to prepare themselves for the law, which show the great importance of this event for Israel. (See: lawofmoses)

Exodus 19:1

In the third month ... on the same day

This means they arrived at the wilderness on the first day of the month just as they left Egypt on the first day of the month. The first day of the third month on the Hebrew calendar is near the middle of May on Western calendars. Alternate translation: "In the third month ... on the first day of the month"

had gone out from

"had left"

Exodus 19:2

Rephidim

This is an area on the edge of the wilderness of Sinai where the people of Israel had been camping. See how you translated this name in [Exodus 17:1]

Exodus 19:3

the house of Jacob

The word "house" here represents Jacob's family and descendants. Alternate translation: "the descendants of Jacob"

the house of Jacob, the people of Israel

The phrase "the people of Israel" explains what "the house of Jacob" means.

Exodus 19:4

You have seen

The word "you" here refers to the Israelites. Yahweh is telling Moses what to tell the Israelites.

I carried you on eagles' wings

God speaks of caring for his people while they traveled as if he were an eagle and carried them on his wings. Alternate translation: "I helped you travel like an eagle that carries her babies on her wings"

Exodus 19:5

obediently listen to my voice

Obediently can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "listen to my voice and obey me"

my voice

God's voice represents what he says. Alternate translation: "what I say" or "my words"

keep my covenant

"do what my covenant requires you to do"

special possession

"treasure"

Exodus 19:6

a kingdom of priests

God speaks of his people as if they were priests. Alternate translation: "a kingdom of people who are like priests" or "a kingdom of people who do what priests do"

Exodus 19:7

set before them all these words

The author writes of Moses telling people things as if he were setting the words before them. Alternate translation: "told them all these words"

all these words that Yahweh had commanded him

"all that Yahweh had commanded him"

Exodus 19:8

Moses came to report

Where Moses went can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "Moses went back up the mountain to report"

the people's words

The word "words" refers to what the people said. Alternate translation: "what the people said"

Exodus 19:9

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Exodus 19:10

you must set them apart to me

This probably means "tell them to dedicate themselves to me" or "tell them to purify themselves for me."

their garments

"their clothes" or "what they are wearing"

Exodus 19:11

Be ready

This was a command to the people of Israel.

Exodus 19:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

set boundaries

"make a boundary." This was probably some kind of mark, but it could have been a fence.

Whoever touches the mountain will surely be put to death

This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "You must surely put to death any person who touches the mountain" or "You must surely kill anyone who touches the mountain"

Whoever touches

"Any person who touches" or "Anyone who touches"

Exodus 19:13

No one's hand may touch him

The word "him" refers to anyone who touches the mountain. Alternate translation: "No one's hand may touch anyone who does that" or "No one may touch anyone who touches the mountain"

Whether an animal or a man

"Whether he is an animal or a man" or "Whether it is an animal or a man that touches the mountain"

he must certainly be stoned or shot

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must certainly stone him or shoot him"

be ... shot

This refers to being killed by someone who shoots arrows from a bow.

a long blast

"a long, loud sound"

Exodus 19:14

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Exodus 19:15

do not go near your wives

This is a polite way of talking about sleeping with their wives. Alternate translation: "do not sleep with your wives"

Exodus 19:16

All the people ... trembled

"All the people ... shook with fear"

Exodus 19:17

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Exodus 19:18

Yahweh descended

"Yahweh came down"

like the smoke of a furnace

This shows that it was a very large amount of smoke. Alternate translation: "like the smoke from a very large fire"

furnace

an oven that can be made extremely hot

Exodus 19:19

grew louder and louder

"continued to become louder and louder"

in a voice

The word "voice" here refers to a sound that God made. Possible meanings are 1) "by speaking loudly like thunder" or 2) "by speaking" or 3) "by causing thunder to sound"

Exodus 19:20

he summoned Moses

"he commanded Moses to come up"

Exodus 19:21

they might break out

God spoke about people walking past the boundary

Exodus 19:22

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Exodus 19:23

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Exodus 19:24

break through

God spoke about people walking past the boundary as if they were breaking through a fence and walking through it. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 19:21]

Exodus 19:25

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Chapter 20

Exodus 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The instructions recorded in this chapter are commonly known as the "ten commandments."

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant

Yahweh's covenant faithfulness is now based on the covenant he made with Abraham as well as the covenant he is making with Moses. (See: covenantfaith and covenant)

Exodus 20:1

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Exodus 20:2

house of slavery

"place where you were slaves"

Exodus 20:3

You must have no other gods before me

"You must not worship any other gods but me"

Exodus 20:4

nor the likeness

"and you must not make the likeness"

Exodus 20:5

You must not bow down to them or worship them

The word "them" refers to carved figures or idols.

jealous

God wants his people to worship only him.

punish the ancestors' wickedness by bringing punishment on the descendants

God will punish people for the sin of their parents.

to the third and the fourth generation

"to generations 3 and 4." This refers to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alternate translation: "even on the grandchildren and great-grandchildren

Exodus 20:6

I show steadfast love to thousands of those who love me

The abstract noun "love" can be restated with the verb "love." Alternate translation: "I faithfully love thousands of those who love me"

to thousands of those who love me

The word "thousands" is a metonym for a number too many to count. Alternate translation: "forever to those who love me"

Exodus 20:7

take the name of Yahweh your God

"use the name of Yahweh your God"

in vain

"carelessly" or "without proper respect"

I will not hold guiltless

This double-negative can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: "I will certainly consider guilty" or "I will certainly punish"

Exodus 20:8

set it apart

"set it apart for a special purpose"

Exodus 20:9

do all your work

"do all your usual duties"

Exodus 20:10

within your gates

Cities often had walls around them to keep out enemies, and gates for people to go in and out. Alternate translation: "within your community" or "inside your city"

Exodus 20:11

on the seventh day

"on day seven." Here "seventh" is the ordinal number for "7."

blessed the Sabbath day

Possible meanings are that 1) God caused the Sabbath day to produce good results, or 2) God said that the Sabbath day was good.

Exodus 20:12

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Exodus 20:13

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Exodus 20:14

You must not commit adultery

"You must not have sex with anyone other than your spouse"

Exodus 20:15

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Exodus 20:16

must not give false testimony

"must not speak a false report" or "must not tell lies about someone"

Exodus 20:17

must not covet

"must not strongly want to have" or "must not want to take"

Exodus 20:18

the mountain smoking

"smoke coming from the mountain"

they trembled

"they shook with fear"

stood far off

"stood far away" or "stood at a distance"

Exodus 20:19

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Exodus 20:20

so that the honor of him may be in you, and so that you do not sin

"so that you will honor him and not sin"

Exodus 20:21

Moses approached

"Moses went closer to"

Exodus 20:22

This is what you must tell the people of Israel

"Tell the people of Israel this"

You yourselves have seen that I have talked with you from heaven

"You have heard me speak to you from heaven"

Exodus 20:23

You will not make for yourselves other gods alongside me

"You must not make idols as other gods instead of me"

gods of silver or gods of gold

"gods made out of silver or gold" or "idols made out of silver or gold"

Exodus 20:24

earthen altar

an altar made of materials from the ground, such as stone, soil, or clay

cause my name to be honored

Here "name" is a metonym for God's being. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "choose for you to honor me"

Exodus 20:25

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Exodus 20:26

You must not go up to my altar on steps

"Do not build steps up to the altar and go up to it on those steps"

your nakedness

"your private parts"

Chapter 21

Exodus 21 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant with Moses

Although the covenant Yahweh made with Moses began in the previous chapter, it formally begins with the statement, "Now these are the decrees that you must set before them." The law of Moses was a major part of this covenant. (See: covenant and lawofmoses)

Slavery

This passage does not condone slavery as an acceptable practice. However, it does impose some restrictions on the practice.

Justice in society

The rules and law of this chapter are not intended to be followed by every society. Israel was God's chosen nation and was required to live in a special way. These laws concerned creating a just society and a holy nation. (See: elect and justice and holy)

Exodus 21:1

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

you must set before them

"you must give them" or "you must tell them"

Exodus 21:2

General Information:

Yahweh tells Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

Exodus 21:3

If he came by himself, he must go free by himself

What "by himself" means can be stated clearly. Some languages require that the additional condition, that he marries while a slave, be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "If he became a slave while he had no wife, and if he marries while he is a slave, the master need only free the man"

by himself

"alone" or "without a wife"

if he is married

"if he was married when he became a slave" or "if he came as a married man"

Exodus 21:4

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Exodus 21:5

plainly says

"clearly says"

I will not go out free

"I do not want my master to set me free"

Exodus 21:6

bore his ear through

"put a hole in his ear"

awl

a pointed tool used to make a hole

for life

"until the end of his life" or "until he dies"

Exodus 21:7

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Exodus 21:8

has selected

"has chosen"

he must let her be redeemed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he must allow her father to buy her back"

has no right to sell

"has no authority to sell"

he has treated her deceitfully

"he has deceived her"

Exodus 21:9

selects her as a wife for his son

"decides that she is the one who will be his son's wife"

Exodus 21:10

he must not diminish her food, clothing, or her marital rights

"he must give the first wife the same food, clothing, and marital rights she had before"

must not diminish her food

"must not take away her food" or "must not give her less food"

or her marital rights

This includes things that a husband must do for his wife, including sleeping with her. Alternate translation: "and he must continue to sleep with her as before"

Exodus 21:11

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Exodus 21:12

strikes a man

"hits a man" or "attacks a man"

that person must surely be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must certainly execute that person" or "you must certainly kill that person"

Exodus 21:13

did not lie in wait for him

"did not plan to harm him" or "did not do it on purpose"

I will appoint for you a place to where he can flee

The purpose of choosing a place can be stately clearly here. Alternate translation: "I will choose a place that he can run away to be safe"

Exodus 21:14

cleverly

"after thinking carefully about it"

must take him

The word "him" refers to the one who killed his neighbor.

so that he may die

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that you can kill him"

Exodus 21:15

Whoever hits his father or mother must surely be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If anyone hits his father or mother, you must surely put him to death" or "You must surely kill anyone who hits his father or mother"

must surely

"must certainly"

Exodus 21:16

that kidnapper must be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must kill that kidnapper"

Exodus 21:17

Whoever curses his father or his mother must surely be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must surely kill anyone who curses his father or his mother"

Exodus 21:18

is confined to his bed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "cannot get out of bed" or "has to stay in bed"

Exodus 21:19

he recovers

"he gets better"

staff

This is a stick that can be leaned on for support while walking.

the loss of his time

This refers to a situation when someone cannot work to earn money. You can express this clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "the time he could not work"

see that he is completely healed

"pay his medical costs" or "pay for his costs for healing"

Exodus 21:20

as a result of the blow

"because of the injury" or "because his master hit him"

that man must surely be punished

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must certainly punish that man"

Exodus 21:21

there is to be no vengeance

"no one is to punish the master"

Possible meanings are 1)

for he will have suffered the loss of the servant

You can express clearly in the translation that the servant was valuable to his master. Alternate translation: "because he has already lost his servant who was valuable to him"

Exodus 21:22

she miscarries

"her baby dies in her womb" or "her baby is born too soon and dies"

the guilty man must surely be forced to pay a fine

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must certainly fine the guilty man" or "the guilty man must pay a fine"

as the judges determine

"what the judges decide"

Exodus 21:23

you must give a life for a life

This means that if she is hurt, the person who hurt her must be hurt in the same way. Alternate translation: "he must give his life for her life"

Exodus 21:24

an eye for an eye

This means that if she is hurt, the person who hurt her must be hurt in the same way. Alternate translation: "his eye for her eye"

Exodus 21:25

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Exodus 21:26

If a man

Here "man" refers to the owner of a slave.

in compensation

"as payment." Compensation is what someone does for another person or gives to another person to make up for what he has caused that person to lose.

Exodus 21:27

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Exodus 21:28

an ox gores

"an ox injures with its horns"

the ox must surely be stoned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must stone the ox to death"

its flesh must not be eaten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must not eat its flesh"

the ox's owner must be acquitted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must acquit the ox's owner"

Exodus 21:29

its owner also must be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must also kill its owner"

Exodus 21:30

If a ransom is required for his life

If the ox's owner can pay a fine to save his own life, then he must pay whatever the judges decide. The full meaning of this can be stated clearly. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if the owner of the bull can pay a fine to save his own life"

whatever he is required to pay

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the full amount that the judges say that he must pay"

Exodus 21:31

has gored

"has injured with its horns"

Exodus 21:32

thirty shekels of silver

"330 grams of silver." A shekel weighed eleven grams.

the ox must be stoned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must kill the ox by stoning it"

Exodus 21:33

opens a pit

"uncovers a hole in the ground" or "takes a cover off a hole in the ground"

Exodus 21:34

repay the loss

The owner must be paid for the loss of his animal. Alternate translation: "pay the owner for the dead animal"

will become his

The one who paid for the loss of the animal will become the owner of the dead animal and can do what he wants with it. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "will belong to the owner of the pit"

Exodus 21:35

divide its price

"divide the money" or "divide the money they receive"

Exodus 21:36

if it was known

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if people knew" or "if the owner knew"

a habit of goring in time past

"had gored other animals before"

its owner has not kept it in

This means that the owner did not keep his ox securely inside a fence. This can be clearly stated in the translation. Alternate translation: "its owner did not keep it inside a fence"

he must surely pay ox for ox

The owner of the ox that killed must give an ox to the man who lost his ox. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "the owner of the ox that killed must surely give a living ox to the owner of the ox that died"

Chapter 22

Exodus 22 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Justice in society

The rules and laws of this chapter are not intended to be followed by every society. Israel was God's chosen nation and was required to live in a special way. These laws concerned creating a just society and a holy nation. In this chapter, the purpose of these laws often focuses on minimizing the people's desire for vengeance. (See: elect, lawofmoses, justice and holy and avenge)

Exodus 22:1

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

Exodus 22:2

If a thief is found

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If anyone finds a thief"

breaking in

"using force to come into a house"

if he is struck so that he dies

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if anyone strikes the thief so that he dies"

no bloodguilt will attach to anyone on his account

"no one will be guilty of murdering him"

Exodus 22:3

if the sun has risen before he breaks in

"if it is light before he breaks in" or "if he breaks in and it is after sunrise"

bloodguilt will attach to the person who kills him

"the person who kills him will be guilty of murder"

make restitution

"pay for what he stole"

he must be sold for his theft

This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "you must sell him as a slave in order to pay for what he stole"

Exodus 22:4

If the stolen animal is found alive in his possession

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If they find that he still has the live animal that he stole"

pay back double

pay two animals for every animal that he took

Exodus 22:5

If a man grazes his livestock

"If a man lets his animals eat plants"

it grazes

"it eats plants"

he must make restitution

"he must pay back the owner of that field"

Exodus 22:6

If a fire breaks out and spreads in thorns

"If someone starts a fire and it spreads in thorns"

spreads in thorns

"moves along the ground through dry plants"

stacked grain

This is grain that has been cut and tied in bundles. "bundled grain" or "harvested grain"

standing grain

This is grain that has not been cut, but it is ready to be harvested.

a field is consumed

"fire consumes a field" or "fire destroys a field"

must surely make restitution

"must certainly pay for the grain that the fire destroyed"

Exodus 22:7

for safe keeping

"to watch over it" or "to keep it safe"

if it is stolen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if someone steals it"

thief

someone who steals something

if the thief is found

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if you find the thief"

Exodus 22:8

come before the judges to see whether

"come before the judges so that they can find out if"

has put his own hand on his neighbor's property

This is an idiom. If you have a way of saying this in your language, you can use it here. Alternate translation: "has stolen his neighbor's property"

Exodus 22:9

the claim of both parties must come before the judges

The judges must listen to both people who claim that the item belongs to them and the judges will decide who is guilty.

Exodus 22:10

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Exodus 22:11

an oath to Yahweh must be taken by them both

Only the man who is accused of stealing the animal must swear the oath. The owner of the lost animal must accept the oath that has been sworn. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the man who was caring for the animal must swear an oath before Yahweh and the owner must accept that oath"

Exodus 22:12

But if it was stolen from him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But if someone stole the animal from him"

Exodus 22:13

If an animal was torn in pieces

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But if a wild beast tore the animal in pieces"

He will not have to pay for what was torn

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He will not have to pay for the animal that the wild beast destroyed"

Exodus 22:14

must surely make restitution

"must certainly repay with another animal" or "must certainly pay the owner for the animal"

Exodus 22:15

if the animal was hired

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if someone rented the animal"

it will be paid for by its hiring fee

The one who borrowed the animal will not have to pay the owner anything more than the hiring or rental fee. This fee will pay for the loss of the animal. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "the money that someone paid to rent the animal will cover the loss of the animal"

hiring fee

"rental fee" or "money paid to rent the animal"

Exodus 22:16

a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed

"a man persuades a virgin who is not betrothed that she wants to sleep with him"

not betrothed

"not promised to be married"

if he lies with her

Lying with someone is a euphemism for having sex. Alternate translation: "if he has sexual relations with her"

bride wealth

"dowry" or "bride price"

Exodus 22:17

him, he

These pronouns refer back to the man who seduced the virgin.

Exodus 22:18

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Exodus 22:19

Whoever lies with an animal

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "Whoever has sexual relations with an animal"

Exodus 22:20

Yahweh must be completely destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, you must completely destroy"

Exodus 22:21

wrong a foreigner

"mistreat a foreigner" or "cheat a foreigner"

Exodus 22:22

You must not mistreat any widow or fatherless child

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "You must treat all widows and fatherless children fairly"

widow

"woman whose husband has died"

fatherless child

"orphan" or "child with no parents"

Exodus 22:23

their outcry

Here the "outcry" is of people in pain because they are being oppressed. See how you translated "outcry" in Exodus 3:7.

Exodus 22:24

I will kill you with the sword

To be killed "with the sword" is a metonym that means a person will die violently, or perhaps fighting in a war. Alternate translation: "you will die a violent death"

Exodus 22:25

a moneylender

"one who lends money"

charge him interest

"charge him extra money for borrowing" or "charge him extra money for the loan"

Exodus 22:26

garment in pledge

"coat as collateral" or "coat as a guarantee to repay the loan"

Exodus 22:27

only covering

"only coat" or "only garment to keep him warm"

What else can he lie down in?

This question adds emphasis. You can translate it as a strong statement. Alternate translation: "He will have nothing to wear while he sleeps!"

Exodus 22:28

You must not blaspheme me, God

"Do not insult God" or "Do not speak evil about God"

nor curse a ruler

"and do not ask God to do bad things to a ruler"

Exodus 22:29

You must not hold back offerings

This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "You must bring all of your offerings"

give to me the firstborn of your sons

"dedicate your firstborn sons to me"

Exodus 22:30

do the same with

"dedicate to me the firstborn of"

For seven days

This can be written as a numeral. Alternate translation: "For 7 days after they are born"

the eighth day

This can be written as a numeral. Alternate translation: "day number 8"

give them to me

"dedicate them to me"

Exodus 22:31

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Chapter 23

Exodus 23 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Justice in society

The rules and laws of this chapter are not intended to be followed by every society. Israel was God's chosen nation and was required to live in a special way. These laws concerned creating a just society and a holy nation. (See: elect, lawofmoses and justice and holy)

Celebrations of feasts and festivals

The people of Israel were required to celebrate certain feasts and festivals. These were part of the law of Moses and some are described in this chapter. Their purpose was to worship Yahweh and to remember the great things Yahweh has done for them.

Exodus 23:1

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

malicious witness

This is the same as a lying or false witness.

Exodus 23:2

siding with the crowd

This is a metaphor that describes one's agreeing with a group of people as if he actually walked over and stood with that group. Alternate translation: "doing what the crowd wants" or "agreeing with the majority"

pervert justice

do illegal or immoral actions that result in a unjust ruling

Exodus 23:3

General Information:

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Exodus 23:4

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

Exodus 23:5

General Information:

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Exodus 23:6

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

Do not thrust aside justice for your poor in his lawsuit

"Do not decide to treat a poor man unjustly in legal matters"

lawsuit

Here, this refers to any matter that a court decides.

Exodus 23:7

I will not acquit the wicked

"I will not find the wicked not guilty" or "I will not say of wicked people that they are innocent"

Exodus 23:8

bribe blinds ... perverts

Here a "bribe" is described as if it were a person. Alternate translation: "bribe discredits ... undermines"

Exodus 23:9

the life of a foreigner

"the kind of life a stranger lives in a foreign land"

Exodus 23:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

its produce

"the food its plants produce"

Exodus 23:11

fallow

in its natural state, not used for to grow food

so that the poor among your people may eat

The poor can eat any food that grows on its own in a field that is not cultivated. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "so the poor among your people may harvest and eat any food that grows on its own in that field"

Exodus 23:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

your ox and your donkey

"your work animals"

any foreigner may rest and be refreshed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "any foreigner may rest and regain his strength"

Exodus 23:13

Pay attention to

"Do" or "Obey"

mention the names of other gods

This represents praying to other gods. Alternate translation: "pray to other gods"

Exodus 23:14

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

Exodus 23:15

Aviv

This is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. See how you translated this in [Exodus 13:4]

not appear before me empty-handed

Here understatement is used to emphasize that the Israelites must bring a suitable offering to Yahweh. "come to me without a proper offering" or "always bring an offering to me"

Exodus 23:16

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

You must observe

"You must honor" or "You must celebrate"

Festival of Ingathering

This festival celebrated the final harvesting of all the crops for the year.

Exodus 23:17

All your males must appear before the Lord Yahweh

Here to "appear" means to gather for worship. Alternate translation: "All the men must gather to worship the Lord Yahweh"

Exodus 23:18

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

fat from the sacrifices

The fat was burned as an offering to Yahweh and was never eaten.

Exodus 23:19

the choicest firstfruits

"the best and first produce of the harvest"

You must not boil a young goat in its mother's milk

This was a magical fertility practice among the Canaanites, which the Israelites were not permitted to participate in.

Exodus 23:20

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

Exodus 23:21

Be attentive to him

"Listen to him"

Do not provoke him, for he will not pardon

"If you provoke him, he will not pardon"

My name is on him

Here "name" refers to God's authority. Alternate translation: "He has my authority"

Exodus 23:22

If you indeed obey his voice

Here "voice" represents what the angel says. Alternate translation: "If you carefully obey what he says"

an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries

These two phrases mean the same thing and are used for emphasis.

Exodus 23:23

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

Exodus 23:24

You must not ... do as they do

The Israelites must not live as the people who worship other gods. Alternate translation: "You must not ... live as the people who worship those gods"

Exodus 23:25

he will bless your bread and water

This is a merism that means food and drink. Alternate translation: "he will bless your food and drink" or "he will bless you by giving you food and drink"

he will bless ... I will remove

Yahweh switched between the first and third pronoun to refer to himself. Here both "he" and "I" refer to Yahweh.

Exodus 23:26

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

No woman will be barren or will miscarry her young in your land

"Every woman will be able to become pregnant and give birth to healthy babies"

miscarry

to have a pregnancy end early and unexpectedly

Exodus 23:27

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Exodus 23:28

hornets

a flying insect that can sting people and cause pain

Exodus 23:29

or the land would become desolate

"because no one would be living in the land"

Exodus 23:30

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

Exodus 23:31

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Exodus 23:32

General Information:

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Exodus 23:33

this will surely become a trap for you

This means worshiping other gods will lead the people of Israel to certain destruction as if they were an animal caught in a hunter's trap.

Chapter 24

Exodus 24 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Moses's covenant

The people of Israel promise to obey the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. Their continued blessings were contingent upon their obedience to this covenant. (See: promise and covenant)

God's holiness

Because Yahweh is perfectly holy, he can only be approached in a certain way. Because of this, only Moses was allowed near Yahweh. This is also why Yahweh is described as a "devouring fire." (See: holy)

Exodus 24:1

Nadab ... Abihu

These are men's names. See how you translated these names in [Exodus 6:23]

seventy of Israel's elders

"70 of Israel's elders"

Exodus 24:2

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Exodus 24:3

with one voice

This is an idiom that means the people were in complete agreement. Alternate translation: "together" or "in agreement"

Exodus 24:4

foot of the mountain

"base of the mountain" or "bottom of the mountain"

Exodus 24:5

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Exodus 24:6

Moses took half of the blood and put it into basins

Moses collected half of the blood in basins in order to splash it on the people in Exodus 24:8. This would confirm the people's participation in the covenant between the people of Israel and God.

he sprinkled the other half onto the altar

Here the altar represents God. This would confirm God's participation in the covenant between God and the people of Israel.

Exodus 24:7

We will be obedient

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We will obey everything"

Exodus 24:8

Then Moses took the blood

This refers to the blood that Moses had put into the bowls. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Then Moses took the blood that was in the bowls"

Exodus 24:9

Nadab ... Abihu

These are men's names. See how you translated these names in [Exodus 6:23]

Exodus 24:10

Under his feet

This speaks of God as if he had human feet.

a pavement made of sapphire stone

"a pavement made of blue stones called sapphires"

pavement

a hard surface for walking or riding

sapphire stone

This is a gemstone that is blue in color.

as clear as the sky itself

This is a simile. Alternate translation: "as clear as the sky is when there are no clouds"

Exodus 24:11

God did not lay a hand on the leaders of the people of Israel

This means that God did not harm the leaders. Alternate translation: "God did not harm the leaders of the people of Israel"

Exodus 24:12

tablets of stone and the law and commandments

God had written the law and commandments on the tablets of stone. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "two stone slabs on which I have written all the laws"

Exodus 24:13

with his assistant Joshua

"with Joshua who assisted him" or "with Joshua who helped him"

Exodus 24:14

wait for us

"wait for Joshua and me"

Hur

Hur was a man who was a friend of Moses and Aaron. See how you translated this name in [Exodus 17:10]

Exodus 24:15

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Exodus 24:16

Yahweh's glory

This was the brilliant light of God's presence. Alternate translation: "The brilliant light showing God's presence"

Exodus 24:17

like a devouring fire

This means the glory of Yahweh was very large and seemed to burn brightly like a fire. Alternate translation: "like a big fire burning"

in the eyes of the people of Israel

Their eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents their thoughts or judgment about they saw. Alternate translation: "to the people of Israel"

Exodus 24:18

forty days and forty nights

"40 days and 40 nights"

Chapter 25

Exodus 25 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The tent of meeting

This chapter gives specific instructions regarding the building of a tent where Moses would meet Yahweh and the ark would be stored. This would eventually become the tabernacle. It was to be considered a very holy place. (See: tabernacle and holy)

Exodus 25:1

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Exodus 25:2

who is motivated by a willing heart

This is an idiom that indicates a person's desire to give an offering. Alternate translation: "who wants to give an offering"

You must receive

The word "you" refers to Moses and the leaders.

Exodus 25:3

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 25:4

blue, purple, and scarlet material

Possible meanings are 1) "material that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet," probably wool yarn, or 2) "blue, purple and scarlet dye" to dye the linen.

scarlet

bright red

Exodus 25:5

hides

These are animal skins.

Exodus 25:6

spices

dried plants that people grind into a powder and put in oil or food to give it a nice smell or flavor

Exodus 25:7

onyx

a valuable stone that has layers of white and black, red or brown.

precious stones to be set

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "precious stones for someone to set"

precious stones

"valuable gems" or "treasured gems"

Exodus 25:8

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 25:9

tabernacle

Here this word means the same thing as the word "sanctuary" in verse 8.

You must make it

Here "you" is plural and refers to Moses and the people of Israel.

show you in the plans

"show you in the design" or "show you in the pattern." Here "you" is singular and refers to Moses.

Exodus 25:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

two and a half cubits ... one cubit and a half

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2.5 cubits ... 1.5 cubits" or "115 centimeters ... almost 69 centimeters"

Exodus 25:11

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Exodus 25:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

cast four rings of gold

Casting was a process in which gold was melted, poured into a mold that was in the shape of a ring, and then allowed to harden.

Exodus 25:13

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Exodus 25:14

in order to carry the ark

"so that you can carry the ark"

Exodus 25:15

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 25:16

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Exodus 25:17

atonement lid

This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made.

two and a half cubits ... a cubit and a half

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2.5 cubits ... 1.5 cubits" or "115 centimeters ... 69 centimeters"

Exodus 25:18

hammered gold

"beaten gold"

Exodus 25:19

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

atonement lid

This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:17.

They must be made

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must make them"

Exodus 25:20

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Exodus 25:21

You must put

Here "you" refers to Moses and the people of Israel.

Exodus 25:22

General Information:

Yahweh continues to speak to Moses.

It is at the ark that I will meet with you

"I will meet with you at the ark." In 25:22 the word "you" is singular and refers to Moses.

atonement lid

This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:17.

Exodus 25:23

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

two cubits ... one cubit ... a cubit and a half

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2 cubits ... 1 cubit ... 1.5 cubits" or "92 centimeters ... 46 centimeters ... 69 centimeters"

Exodus 25:24

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Exodus 25:25

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

one handbreadth wide

a measurement of 7 to 8 centimeters

frame for it

"frame for the table"

Exodus 25:26

feet were

"legs are"

Exodus 25:27

The rings must be attached

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must attach the rings"

in order to carry

"so you can carry"

Exodus 25:28

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

so that the table may be carried with them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that you may carry the table with them"

Exodus 25:29

to be used to pour out drink offerings

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that you may use them to pour out drink offerings"

Exodus 25:30

bread of the presence

This bread represented the presence of God.

Exodus 25:31

hammered gold

"beaten gold." See how you translated this in Exodus 25:18.

The lampstand is to be made

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Make the lampstand"

Its cups, its leafy bases, and its flowers are to be all made of one piece with it

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Make its cups, its leafy bases, and its flowers all of one piece with the lampstand"

Exodus 25:32

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Exodus 25:33

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. Yahweh is describing the lampstand (Exodus 25:31-32).

almond blossoms

white or pink flowers that have five petals

Exodus 25:34

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. Yahweh is describing the lampstand (Exodus 25:31-32).

Exodus 25:35

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. Yahweh is describing the lampstand (Exodus 25:31-32).

made as one piece with it

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must make them as one piece with the lampstand"

Exodus 25:36

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. Yahweh is describing the lampstand (Exodus 25:31-32).

Exodus 25:37

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

for them to give light from it

"so they shine light from it"

Exodus 25:38

The tongs and their trays must be made of pure gold

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Make the tongs and their trays of pure gold"

Exodus 25:39

one talent

A talent weighs about thirty-three kilograms.

its accessories

the tongs and the trays

Exodus 25:40

you are being shown on the mountain

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I am showing you on the mountain"

Chapter 26

Exodus 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a continuation of the material in the previous chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

The tent of meeting

This chapter gives specific instructions regarding the building of a tent where Moses would meet Yahweh and the ark would be stored. This would eventually become the tabernacle. It was to be considered a very holy place. (See: tabernacle and holy)

Exodus 26:1

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do (Exodus 25:1).

You must make

Yahweh is speaking to Moses, so the word "you" is singular. Yahweh probably expected Moses to tell someone else to do the actual work, but Moses would be the one responsible for seeing that the work was done correctly. "Tell a craftsman to make"

curtains

These were large, heavy sections of woven cloth that were used to form the covering and dividing walls of the tabernacle.

scarlet wool

wool dyed a deep red color

craftsman

a person who is skilled in making beautiful objects by hand

Exodus 26:2

twenty-eight cubits ... four cubits

"28 cubits ... 4 cubits." A cubit is 46 centimeters.

Exodus 26:3

Five curtains must be joined to each other ... must also be joined to each other

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Sew five curtains together to make one set, and sew the other five curtains together to make another set"

Exodus 26:4

one set

"one set of five curtains"

the second set

"the second set of five curtains"

Exodus 26:5

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Exodus 26:6

clasps

The clasps fit into the loops (verses 4 and 5) to hold the curtains together.

Exodus 26:7

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

eleven

"11"

Exodus 26:8

thirty ... four

"30 ... 4"

cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters.

Exodus 26:9

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Exodus 26:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

loops

See how you translated these in Exodus 26:4.

Exodus 26:11

clasps

The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:6.

Exodus 26:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 26:13

cubit

A cubit is 46 centimeters.

Exodus 26:14

General Information:

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Exodus 26:15

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

frames

This refers to frames or panels that they made by joining together smaller pieces of wood.

Exodus 26:16

ten cubits ... one and a half cubits

"10 cubits ... 1.5 cubits"

Exodus 26:17

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Exodus 26:18

General Information:

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Exodus 26:19

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

silver bases

These were silver blocks that had a slot in them to keep the board in place.

pedestals

The silver bases kept the wooden board off the ground.

There must be two bases

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Put two bases"

Exodus 26:20

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Exodus 26:21

and so on

This means that what was said about the first two boards should be done for the rest of the boards. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "and two bases for each of the rest of the boards"

Exodus 26:22

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 26:23

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Exodus 26:24

These frames must be separate at the bottom, but joined at the top

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Separate these frames at the bottom, but join them at the top"

Exodus 26:25

silver bases

These were silver blocks that had a slot in them to keep the frame in place. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:19.

in all

"total"

and so on

This means that what was said about the first two frames should be done for the rest of the frames. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:21]

Exodus 26:26

General Information:

Yahweh continue to tell Moses how the tabernacle was to be built.

crossbars

These are horizontal support beams that give stability to the structure.

Exodus 26:27

the back side of the tabernacle to the west

The front was on the east side of the tabernacle.

Exodus 26:28

General Information:

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Exodus 26:29

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses how the tabernacle must be constructed.

for them to serve as holders for the crossbars

"which will hold the crossbars" or "because they will hold the crossbars"

crossbars

These are horizontal support beams that give stability to the structure. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:26.

Exodus 26:30

you were shown on the mountain

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I have shown you here on this mountain"

Exodus 26:31

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses how the tabernacle is to be constructed.

You must make

Yahweh is speaking to Moses, so the word "you" is singular. Yahweh probably expected Moses to tell someone else to do the actual work, but Moses would be the one responsible for seeing that the work was done correctly. "Tell a craftsman to make." See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:1]

Exodus 26:32

General Information:

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Exodus 26:33

clasps

The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated these in Exodus 26:6.

you must bring in the ark of the covenant decrees

The ark of the testimony is the chest that contains the commandments. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "you must bring in the chest containing the commandments"

The curtain is to separate the holy place

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The curtain will separate the holy place"

Exodus 26:34

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

atonement lid

This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:17.

on the ark of the covenant decrees

"on the chest that contains the commandments"

Exodus 26:35

The table must be on the north side

This is the table that holds the bread that represents the presence of God. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Place the table for the bread of God's presence on the north side"

Exodus 26:36

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses how to construct the tabernacle.

a screen

This was a large curtain made of cloth.

blue, purple, and scarlet material

Possible meanings are 1) "yarn that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet," probably wool yarn, or 2) "blue, purple, and scarlet dye" to dye the linen. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:4.

fine twined linen

"finely twisted linen." This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread.

an embroiderer

"a person who sews designs into cloth" or "a person who embroiders"

Exodus 26:37

General Information:

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Chapter 27

Exodus 27 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a continuation of the material in the previous chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

The tent of meeting

This chapter gives specific instructions regarding the building of a tent where Moses would meet Yahweh and the ark would be stored. This would eventually become the tabernacle. It was to be considered a very holy place. (See: tabernacle and holy)

Exodus 27:1

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do (Exodus 25:1).

five cubits long and five cubits wide

"2.2 meters long on each side"

The altar must be square and three cubits high

"The altar must be square and 1.3 meters high"

cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters.

Exodus 27:2

You must make extensions of its four corners shaped like ox horns

"You must make projections that look like ox horns on its four corners"

The horns will be made

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must make the horns"

must cover them

"must cover the altar and horns"

Exodus 27:3

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

basins

bowls

firepans

These were pans that held hot coals from the altar.

utensils

These were any instrument, vessel, or tool that served a useful purpose.

Exodus 27:4

You must make a grate for the altar, a network of bronze

"You must make a bronze grate for the altar"

grate

a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning

Exodus 27:5

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people need to do.

You must put the grate under the ledge of the altar

The grate was placed inside the altar. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "You must put the grate under the rim of the altar, on the inside of the altar"

grate

This is a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:4.

Exodus 27:6

You must make poles for the altar

These poles were used for carrying the altar. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "You must make poles for carrying the altar"

Exodus 27:7

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people should do.

The poles must be put into the rings, and the poles must be on the two sides of the altar, to carry it

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must put the poles into the rings and place them on each side of the altar to carry it"

Exodus 27:8

planks

a long, flat piece of wood that is thicker than a board

you were shown on the mountain

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I have shown to you here on this mountain"

Exodus 27:9

There must be hangings ... courtyard

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must place hangings ... courtyard"

hangings of fine twined linen

A "hanging" was a large curtain made of cloth. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36

fine twined linen

"finely twisted linen." This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread

one hundred cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "44 meters"

Exodus 27:10

There must also be hooks ... posts

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must also attach hooks ... posts"

posts

a strong piece of wood set upright and used as a support

Exodus 27:11

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

there must be hangings one hundred cubits long

See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 27:9.

there must be hangings

This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: "you must make hangings"

with twenty posts, twenty bronze bases, hooks attached to the posts, and silver rods

See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 27:10.

Exodus 27:12

there must be a curtain

This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: "you must make a curtain"

There must be ten posts

This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: "You must make ten posts"

Exodus 27:13

The courtyard must also be fifty cubits long

This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: "Make the courtyard fifty cubits long"

Exodus 27:14

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

The hangings

These were large curtains made of cloth. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.

posts

These were strong pieces of wood set upright and used as supports. See how you translated these in Exodus 27:10.

bases

These were metal blocks that had a slot in them to keep the board in place. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:19.

fifteen cubits

about seven meters

Exodus 27:15

General Information:

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Exodus 27:16

The courtyard gate must be a screen twenty cubits long

This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: "You must make a screen twenty cubits long to be the courtyard gate"

The curtain must be made ... fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They must make the curtain ... fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer" or "Embroiderers must make the curtain ... fine twined linen"

blue, purple, and scarlet material and fine twined linen

Possible meanings are 1) "yarn that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet," probably wool yarn, or 2) "blue, purple, and scarlet dye" to dye the linen.

an embroiderer

a person who sews designs into cloth

Exodus 27:17

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 27:18

one hundred cubits

"100 cubits." A cubit is 46 centimeters.

fine twined linen hangings

"finely twisted linen." This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.

Exodus 27:19

all the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard must be made of bronze

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "make all the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard out of bronze"

tent pegs

sharp pieces of wood or metal used to secure the corners of a tent to the ground

Exodus 27:20

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 27:21

tent of meeting

This is another name for the tabernacle.

ark of the covenant decrees

This is the chest that contains the sacred slabs of stone on which Yahweh had written his commandments.

This requirement will be a lasting statute

"I require that the people do this as a lasting statute"

Chapter 28

Exodus 28 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Holy garments

Because Yahweh is holy, only the priests could approach him, and when they did they must be wearing specially made clothing. (See: priest and holy)

Exodus 28:1

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do (Exodus 25:1).

Call to yourself

Here "yourself" refers to Moses.

Exodus 28:2

You must make

Here "you" refers to the people.

garments that are set apart to me

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "garments that you will set apart to me"

Exodus 28:3

General Information:

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Exodus 28:4

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

a coat of woven work

"a coat with a design woven into it"

turban

a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times

sash

a piece of cloth that people wear around their waist or across their chest

Exodus 28:5

General Information:

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Exodus 28:6

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

fine-twined linen

"finely-twisted linen." This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.

skillful craftsman

a person who can make beautiful objects by hand

Exodus 28:7

General Information:

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Exodus 28:8

it must be made of one piece

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they must make it in one piece"

Exodus 28:9

onyx stones

These are valuable stones that have layers of white and black, red or brown. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:7]

Exodus 28:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 28:11

With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engraving on a signet

"In the same way a person engraves on a seal"

engraver

a person who cuts designs into a hard material such as wood, stone, or metal

signet

an engraved stone used to stamp a design into a wax seal

settings

pieces of metal that hold the stone onto the ephod

Exodus 28:12

General Information:

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Exodus 28:13

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

settings

These are pieces of metal that hold each stone onto the ephod. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:11.

Exodus 28:14

two braided chains of pure gold like cords

"two chains of pure gold that are braided like cords"

Exodus 28:15

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

the work of a skillful workman, fashioned like the ephod

"a skillful workman will make it like the ephod"

Exodus 28:16

span

A span is 22 centimeters.

Exodus 28:17

General Information:

Twelve kinds of stone are listed here. Scholars are not sure which kinds of stones the Hebrew words refer to. Some translations list different stones.

precious stones

"valuable gems" or "treasured gems." See how you translated these in [Exodus 25:7]

ruby ... topaz ... garnet

These are precious stones.

Exodus 28:18

emerald ... diamond

These are precious stones.

sapphire

This is a gemstone that is blue in color. See how you translated this in Exodus 24:10.

Exodus 28:19

jacinth ... agate ... amethyst

These are precious stones

Exodus 28:20

beryl ... jasper

These are precious stones.

onyx

This is a valuable stone that has layers of white and black, red or brown. See how you translated these in Exodus 25:7.

They must be mounted in gold settings

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must mount them in gold settings"

Exodus 28:21

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

The stones must be arranged

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must arrange the stones"

signet ring

A signet is an engraved stone used to stamp a design into a wax seal. Here the stone is mounted on a ring. See how you translated "signet" in Exodus 28:11.

Exodus 28:22

chains like cords, braided work of pure gold

"chains that are made of pure gold and are braided like cords." See how you translated similar phrases in Exodus 28:14.

Exodus 28:23

General Information:

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Exodus 28:24

General Information:

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Exodus 28:25

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

braided chains

"chains braided like cords." See how you translated this in Exodus 28:14.

to the two settings

These are two settings that enclose the stones. This can be clearly stated in the translation. Alternate translation: "to the two settings that enclose the stones"

Exodus 28:26

General Information:

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Exodus 28:27

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

finely-woven waistband

This was a cloth belt made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:8.

Exodus 28:28

so that it might be attached

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that they may attach it"

the breastpiece might not become unattached from the ephod

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "the breastpiece might stay attached to the ephod"

Exodus 28:29

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

he must carry the names of the sons of Israel over his heart in the breastpiece

This refers to the names of the tribes engraved on the twelve stones the breastplate as described in Exodus 28:17-21.

over his heart

"over Aaron's heart" or "on his chest"

Exodus 28:30

the Urim and the Thummim ... the means for making decisions

The second phrase appears to refer to the Urim and Thummim and explain their purpose.

the Urim and the Thummim

It not clear what these are. They were objects, possibly stones, that the priest used to determine somehow the will of God.

Exodus 28:31

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 28:32

This must be the work of a weaver

This can be stated as a command. Alternate translation: "A weaver must make this robe"

a weaver

"a person who weaves" or "a person who creates cloth using thread"

Exodus 28:33

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people do.

pomegranates

A pomegranate is a round fruit with a red outer skin.

Exodus 28:34

a golden bell and a pomegranate

This phrase is repeated to show the pattern of the design on the robe.

Exodus 28:35

The robe is to be on Aaron when he serves

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Aaron must wear the robe when he serves"

so that its sound can be heard

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that the bells make a sound"

This is so that he does not die

It is implied that he would die because he did not obey Yahweh. This can be stated. Alternate translation: "As a result, he will not die because of disobeying my instructions"

Exodus 28:36

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

engrave on it, like the engraving on a signet

"write on it in the same way a person engraves on a seal." See how you translated similar words in Exodus 28:11

Exodus 28:37

turban

This was a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

Exodus 28:38

It must be on Aaron's forehead

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Aaron must wear it on his forehead"

The turban must be always on his forehead

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Aaron must always wear the turban on his forehead"

Exodus 28:39

General Information:

God continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

turban

This was a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

sash

A sash is a decorative piece of cloth that a person wears around his waist or across his chest. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

the work of an embroiderer

An embroiderer is a person who sews designs into cloth. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.

Exodus 28:40

General Information:

God continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

sashes

A sash is a decorative piece of cloth that a person wears around his waist or across his chest. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

headbands

A headband is a narrow, decorative strip of cloth that is worn around the head above the eyes.

Exodus 28:41

You must clothe Aaron your brother

Aaron was the older brother of Moses. You can state this clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "Put these clothes on your older brother Aaron"

Exodus 28:42

General Information:

God continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

undergarments

These are underwear, clothing worn under the outer clothes, next to the skin.

naked flesh

This is a euphemism for sexual organs. Your language may have a different polite way to speak of these things.

Exodus 28:43

tent of meeting

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

a permanent law

"a law the will not end"

Chapter 29

Exodus 29 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Consecrating priests

This chapter records the process of consecrating priests. The priests were to be set apart from the rest of Israel because Yahweh is holy. (See: consecrate and priest and holy)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"I will live among the Israelites"

As God, Yahweh is everywhere and cannot be limited to a single space. This phrase indicates that he permanently remains within Israel in a special way while they have the ark.

Exodus 29:1

Now

The word "now" marks a change in topic from garments for priests to consecrating priests.

you must do

Here "you" refers to Moses.

to set them apart

"to set apart Aaron and his sons"

serve me

Here "me" refers to Yahweh.

one young bull

a male cow

Exodus 29:2

Also take wafers without yeast rubbed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Also take wafers without yeast and rub them with oil"

bread ... cakes ... wafers

These are different kinds of food made from flour.

Exodus 29:3

General Information:

Yahweh continues to speak to Moses

You must put them

"You must put the bread, cake, and wafer"

present them with the bull and the two rams

Here "present" means to offer as a sacrifice. The full meaning of this can be translated clearly. Alternate translation: "offer them to me when you sacrifice the bull and the two rams"

Exodus 29:4

tent of meeting

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

Exodus 29:5

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

coat

This was a coat with a design woven into it. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

finely-woven waistband

This was a cloth belt made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:8.

Exodus 29:6

turban

This was a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

holy crown

This crown is described in Exodus 29:6 as being engraved with the words "dedicated to Yahweh" and made of pure gold.

Exodus 29:7

General Information:

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Exodus 29:8

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

bring his sons

"bring Aaron's sons"

tunics

These were coats with a design woven into them. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

Exodus 29:9

sashes

A sash is a decorative piece of cloth that people wear around their waist or across their chest. See how you translated this word in Exodus 28:4.

headbands

A headband is a narrow, decorative strip of cloth that is worn around the head above the eyes. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:40.

The work of the priesthood

"the duty of being priests"

will belong to them

The duty of being priests will also belong to the descendants of Aaron's sons. You can state this clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "will belong to them and their descendants"

permanent law

"a law the will not end." See how you translated this in Exodus 28:43.

Exodus 29:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

tent of meeting

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

Exodus 29:11

You must kill the bull

The bull offering was to be killed by Moses, not the priests, at the doorway, not inside the tent of meeting.

kill the bull

Since the following verses will tell what to do with the blood from the bull, use a term for "kill" that will imply a method similar to "slitting its throat and catch the blood in a bowl."

Exodus 29:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

the horns

These were projections that looked like ox horns attached to the four corners of the altar. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:2.

the rest of the blood

"the remaining blood"

Exodus 29:13

covers the inner parts

"covers the organs"

liver ... kidneys

These are organs in the body.

Exodus 29:14

But as for the bull's flesh, as well as its skin and dung

"But as for the remaining parts of the bull"

Exodus 29:15

General Information:

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Exodus 29:16

You must kill the ram

For these consecration sacrifices for the priests, it was Moses, not Aaron or his sons, who had to kill the animals.

Exodus 29:17

the inner parts

"the organs." See how you translated this in Exodus 29:13.

Exodus 29:18

on the altar

Unlike the bull offering that was burned outside of the tent, the ram was to be burned on the inner altar.

Exodus 29:19

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Exodus 29:20

Then you must kill the ram

The ram was killed by cutting its throat. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "Then kill the ram by slitting its throat" or "Then kill the ram by cutting its throat"

Exodus 29:21

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Aaron will then be set apart for me

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "By doing this, you will dedicate Aaron to me"

Exodus 29:22

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

inner parts ... liver ... kidney

These refer to organs inside the body. See how you translated this in Exodus 29:13.

Exodus 29:23

Take one loaf ... before Yahweh

For 29:23 see how you translated similar words in Exodus 29:2.

that is before Yahweh

"that you have placed before Yahweh"

Exodus 29:24

General Information:

God continues speaking to Moses.

You must put these

Here "these" refers to the parts of the sacrifice mentioned in the previous verses.

Exodus 29:25

it will be an offering made to me by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "burn it as an offering to me"

Exodus 29:26

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

ram of dedication

"ram that you dedicated" or "ram that you killed"

Aaron's ram of dedication

"the ram that you used to dedicate Aaron"

Exodus 29:27

General Information:

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Exodus 29:28

This will be a perpetual share for Aaron and his sons

"This is what Aaron and his sons will always receive from the people"

Exodus 29:29

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

The holy garments of Aaron must also be reserved for his descendants after him

These garments belong to the priesthood and are not just Aaron's personal clothing. Alternate translation: "Aaron must reserve the holy garments for his descendants after him"

They are to be anointed in them and ordained to me in them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They must wear the holy garments when you anoint his descendants and ordain them to me"

Exodus 29:30

tent of meeting

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

Exodus 29:31

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

the ram of consecration

"the ram you killed when you installed the priests"

in a holy place

This is not the same as the holy place outside of the most holy place. This refers to a place within the courtyard. Alternate translation: "at the entrance to the tent of meeting"

Exodus 29:32

tent of meeting

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

Exodus 29:33

that were given

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you sacrificed"

Exodus 29:34

It must not be eaten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one must eat it"

because it has been set apart to me

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because you have set it apart to me"

Exodus 29:35

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

In this way, by following all that I have commanded you to do, you must treat Aaron and his sons

"I have commanded you to treat Aaron and his sons this way"

Exodus 29:36

General Information:

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Exodus 29:37

Then the altar will be completely set apart to me

"Then the altar will be most holy"

will be set apart to Yahweh

"will also be very holy"

Exodus 29:38

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

You must regularly offer on the altar every day

"You must daily offer on the altar"

Exodus 29:39

General Information:

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Exodus 29:40

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

a tenth ... the fourth part

"1/10 ... 1/4"

ephah

An ephah is 22 liters.

hin

A hin is 3.7 liters.

Exodus 29:41

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

it will be an offering made to me by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it will be a burnt offering to me"

Exodus 29:42

throughout your generations

"through all the generations of your descendants." See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.

tent of meeting

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

Exodus 29:43

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

the tent will be set apart for me by my glory

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "My awesome presence will dedicate the tent to me"

Exodus 29:44

General Information:

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Exodus 29:45

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Exodus 29:46

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Chapter 30

Exodus 30 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Atonement

The atonement offered by the priests was very important in the religious life of Israel. In order to offer sacrifices, the priests had to maintain ritual cleanliness by washing themselves. (See: atonement and priest and clean)

Exodus 30:1

General Information:

Yahweh tells Moses how to build the worship equipment.

You must make

Here "you" refers to Moses and the people of Israel.

Exodus 30:2

Its horns must be made

These were projections that looked like ox horns attached to the four corners of the altar. See how you translated "horns" in [Exodus 27:2]

Exodus 30:3

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

the incense altar

"an altar to burn incense"

Exodus 30:4

to be attached to it

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which you will attach to the altar"

Exodus 30:5

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 30:6

ark of the covenant decrees

The ark is the chest that contains the commandments. This can be stated clearly in the translation. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:33]

atonement lid

This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:17.

where I will meet with you

Here "you" refers to Moses.

Exodus 30:7

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 30:8

throughout your generations

"through all the generations of your descendants." See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.

Exodus 30:9

But you must offer

Though the word "you" is addressed to Moses, the instruction is given specifically to Aaron and his descendants as to when and what they are to offer on the altar of incense.

Exodus 30:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

horns

These were projections that looked like ox horns attached to the four corners of the altar. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:2.

throughout your generations

"through all the generations of your descendants." See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.

Exodus 30:11

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Exodus 30:12

When you take

Possible meanings are 1) "you" refers to just Moses or 2) "you" refers to Moses and the leaders of Israel in future generations when they take a census.

a census of the people of Israel

The leaders only counted the males of Israel.

Exodus 30:13

Everyone who is counted

This can be stated in active form. They counted only the men. Alternate translation: "Everyone you count" or "Every man you count"

half a shekel of silver

"1/2 a shekel of silver." Translators may use a unit of measure that people understand and a round number: "5.5 grams of silver" or "six grams of silver"

according to the weight of the shekel of the sanctuary

There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time. This specified which one was to be used.

twenty gerahs

"20 gerahs." A gerah is a unit that people used for measuring how much something very small weighed.

Exodus 30:14

from twenty years old and up

Larger numbers are spoken of as being up or above smaller numbers. Alternate translation: "from twenty years old and more" or "who is twenty years old or older"

Exodus 30:15

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

the people

Only the men made this offering.

the half shekel

Translators may use a unit of measure that people understand and a round number: "the 5.5 grams of silver" or "the 6 grams of silver." See how you translated this in [Exodus 3:13]

Exodus 30:16

It must be a reminder to the people of Israel before me, to make atonement for your lives

Possible meanings are 1) "It will remind the people of Israel to make atonement for their lives" or 2) "It will remind the people of Israel that they have made atonement for their lives."

Exodus 30:17

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Exodus 30:18

You must also make

Here "you" refers to Moses and the people of Israel.

bronze basin

"bronze bowl" or "bronze tub"

a bronze stand

This is what the basin would be put on.

a basin for washing

This phrase explains what the priests were to use the large bronze basin for.

the altar

the altar of sacrifice

Exodus 30:19

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

water in it

"water in the basin"

Exodus 30:20

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Exodus 30:21

for Aaron and his descendants throughout their people's generations

"for Aaron and all the generations of his descendants." See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 12:14.

Exodus 30:22

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 30:23

spices

dried plants that people grind into a powder and put in oil or food to give it a nice smell or flavor. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:6]

five hundred shekels ... 250 shekels

"500 shekels ... two hundred and fifty shekels." A shekel is about 11 grams. Translators may use units that people know and round numbers: "5.7 kilograms ... 11.4 kilograms" or "six kilograms ... three kilograms"

cinnamon ... cane

These are sweet spices.

Exodus 30:24

cassia

This is a sweet spice.

the weight of the shekel of the sanctuary

There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time. This specified which one was to be used. See how you translated this in [Exodus 30:13]

one hin

Translators may use units that people know and round numbers: "3.7 liters" or "four liters"

Exodus 30:25

with these ingredients

"with these items"

the work of a perfumer

Possible meanings are 1) Moses was to have a perfumer do the work or 2) Moses was to do the work himself the way a perfumer would do it.

a perfumer

a person who is skilled in mixing spices and oils

Exodus 30:26

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

You must anoint

Here "you" refers to Moses.

ark of the covenant decrees

The ark is the chest that contains the commandments. This can be stated clearly in the translation. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:33]

Exodus 30:27

General Information:

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Exodus 30:28

the altar for burnt offerings

"the altar on which offering were burnt"

Exodus 30:29

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

set them apart

This refers to the items listed in Exodus 30:26-28.

Exodus 30:30

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Exodus 30:31

throughout your people's generations

"all the generations of your descendants." See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.

Exodus 30:32

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what Moses must tell the people.

It must not be applied to people's skin

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must not put the anointing oil that is dedicated to Yahweh on a person's skin"

with the same formula

"with the same ingredients" or "with the same items"

Exodus 30:33

that person must be cut off from his people

The metaphor "cut off" has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) "I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel" 2) "the people of Israel must send him away" or 3) "the people of Israel must kill him."

Exodus 30:34

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what to do. Yahweh gives the commands only to Moses: all instances of "you" are singular. However, the words "blended by a perfumer" might mean that Moses could have the perfumer take the spices, blend them, grind them, and give them to Moses so Moses could put part of the mixture in front of the ark, as in UDB.

Exodus 30:35

Make it into the form of incense, blended by a perfumer

The phrase with "blended" can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Make it into the form of incense that a perfumer has blended" or "A perfumer must blend it into a kind of incense"

blended by a perfumer

Possible meanings are 1) Moses was to have a perfumer do the work or 2) Moses was to do the work himself the way a perfumer would do it. See how you translated these words in Exodus 30:25.

Exodus 30:36

You will beat it

"You will crush it." Here "you" refers to Moses.

You will regard

Here "you" is plural and refers to Moses and all the people.

Exodus 30:37

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

you must not make any

The word "you" here refers to the people of Israel.

with the same formula

"with the same ingredients" or "with the same items." See how you translated this in Exodus 30:32.

It must be most holy to you

"You must consider it to be most holy"

Exodus 30:38

perfume

This is a pleasant smelling liquid that a person puts on his or her body.

must be cut off from his people

The metaphor "cut off" has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) "I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel" 2) "the people of Israel must send him away" or 3) "the people of Israel must kill him." See how you translated this in [Exodus 30:33]

Chapter 31

Exodus 31 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is the end of Exodus' recording of the law of Moses. (See: lawofmoses)

Special concepts in this chapter

Sabbath

As described in this chapter, the Sabbath is more than just a day of worship or celebration. Its significance extends beyond a way to help people rest. It is a major part of the identity of the Hebrew people. (See: sabbath)

Exodus 31:1

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Exodus 31:2

I have called by name

God speaks of choosing specific people as calling them by name. Alternate translation: "I have chosen"

Bezalel ... Uri ... Hur

These are names of men.

Exodus 31:3

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

I have filled Bezalel with my Spirit

Yahweh speaks of giving Bezalel his Spirit as if Bezalel were a container and God's Spirit were a liquid. Alternate translation: "I have given my Spirit to Bezalel"

for all kinds of craftsmanship

The abstract noun "craftsmanship" can be translated as "making crafts" or "making things." Alternate translation: "for making all kinds of crafts" or "so that he can make all kinds of things"

Exodus 31:4

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Exodus 31:5

General Information:

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Exodus 31:6

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Oholiab ... Ahisamak

These are names of men.

I have put skill into the hearts of all who are wise

God speaks of making people able to make things as if he were putting the ability into their hearts. Alternate translation: "I have given skill to all who are wise" or "I have made all who are wise able to make things well"

Exodus 31:7

tent of meeting

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

ark of the covenant decrees

The ark is the chest that contains the commandments. This can be stated clearly in the translation. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:33]

atonement lid

This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:17.

Exodus 31:8

incense altar

"altar to burn incense." See how you translated this in Exodus 30:3.

Exodus 31:9

altar for burnt offerings

"altar on which offering were burnt." See how you translated this in Exodus 30:28.

Exodus 31:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Exodus 31:11

These craftsmen

"These people who are skilled in making beautiful things"

Exodus 31:12

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Exodus 31:13

You must certainly keep Yahweh's Sabbath days

God speaks of obeying his instructions about the Sabbath as keeping the Sabbath. Alternate translation: "You must certainly obey Yahweh's instructions about the Sabbath"

throughout your people's generations

"through all the generations of your descendants." See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.

who sets you apart for himself

God speaks of choosing people to be his as setting them apart for himself. Alternate translation: "who has chosen you to be his people"

Exodus 31:14

for it must be treated by you as holy

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for you must treat it as holy"

Everyone who defiles it

God speaks of treating the Sabbath with disrespect as defiling it. Alternate translation: "Everyone who treats the Sabbath with disrespect" or "Everyone who does not obey the laws about the Sabbath"

must surely be put to death

"must surely be killed." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must surely kill" or "you must surely execute"

must surely be cut off from his people

The metaphor "cut off" has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) "Yahweh will no longer consider him to be one of his people" 2) "you must surely send him away" or 3) "you must surely kill him."

Exodus 31:15

but the seventh day

"but day 7"

Exodus 31:16

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what he must tell the people of Israel.

must keep the Sabbath

God speaks of obeying his instructions about the Sabbath as keeping the Sabbath. Alternate translation: "must obey Yahweh's instructions about the Sabbath"

They must observe it throughout their people's generations

"They and all the generations of their descendants must observe it." See how you translated "throughout their people's generations" in Exodus 12:42.

lasting covenant

"a covenant that will always exist." See how you translated this in Exodus 28:43.

Exodus 31:17

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Exodus 31:18

written on by his own hand

This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "which Yahweh wrote on with his own hand"

Chapter 32

Exodus 32 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The events of this chapter occur while Moses spoke with God and therefore happen at the same time as the events in chapters 20-31.

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 32:18.

Special concepts in this chapter

Idolatry

The making of the golden calf was considered a form of idolatry.

Exodus 32:1

the people saw

Here understanding something is spoken of as if it were being seen. Alternate translation: "the people realized"

Come, make us an idol

The word "come" strengthens the force of the command following it. The people were demanding that Aaron make an idol for them.

go before us

"lead us" or "be our leader"

Exodus 32:2

bring them to me

The word "them" refers to the golden rings.

Exodus 32:3

All the people

This refers to all the people who rejected Moses as their leader and Moses's God as their God.

Exodus 32:4

fashioned it with an engraving tool, and he made a cast metal figure in the shape of a calf

Aaron melted the gold and poured it into a mold that had the shape of a calf. When the gold became hard, he removed the mold, and the hardened gold had the shape of a calf.

Exodus 32:5

When Aaron saw this

You may need to make explicit what he saw. "When Aaron saw what the people did"

Exodus 32:6

to play

The word "play" here is a general term that might be a euphemism for immoral sexual activity, but it could just as well speak of singing and dancing or even of laughing at and mocking Moses and Yahweh.

Exodus 32:7

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Exodus 32:8

left the way that I commanded them

Here God speaks of the people disobeying what he commanded them as if he had told them to walk on a certain road and they left that road. Alternate translation: "stopped doing what I commanded them to do" or "have stopped obeying what I commanded them to do"

Exodus 32:9

I have seen this people

Here Yahweh compares knowing the people to seeing them. Alternate translation: "I know this people"

a stiff-necked people

Yahweh speaks of the people being stubborn as if they had stiff necks. Alternate translation: "a stubborn people"

Exodus 32:10

Now then

The word "now" is used here to mark a break in what Yahweh was telling Moses. Here Yahweh tells what he will do to the people.

My anger will burn hot against them

Yahweh speaks of his anger as if it were a fire that could burn hot. Alternate translation: "My anger towards them will be terrible" or "I am extremely angry with them"

from you

The word "you" refers to Moses.

Exodus 32:11

why does your anger burn against your people ... a mighty hand?

Moses used this question to to try to persuade Yahweh not to be so angry with his people. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Do not let your anger burn against your people ... a mighty hand." or "Do not be so angry with your people ... a mighty hand."

great power ... mighty hand

These two phrases share similar meanings and are combined for emphasis.

a mighty hand

Here the word "hand" refers to the things Yahweh did. Alternate translation: "and the powerful things you did"

Exodus 32:12

General Information:

Moses continues to reason with God not to destroy Israel.

Why should the Egyptians say, 'He led them out ... to destroy them from the face of the earth?'

Moses used this question to try to persuade God not to destroy his people. This rhetorical question can be translated with a statement. Alternate translation: If you destroy your people, the Egyptians might say, 'He led them out ... to destroy them from the face of the earth.'

face of the earth

"from the surface of the earth" or "from the earth"

Turn from your burning anger

"Stop your burning anger" or "Stop being so angry"

your burning anger

Moses speaks of God's anger as if it were a fire that was burning. Alternate translation: "your terrible anger"

Exodus 32:13

Call to mind Abraham

"Remember Abraham" or "Think about Abraham"

you swore

"you made an oath" or "you solemnly promised"

They will inherit it forever

God speaks about them possessing the land as if they would inherit it. Alternate translation: "They will possess it forever"

Exodus 32:14

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Exodus 32:15

tablets of the covenant decrees

These are the two stone slabs on which God had engraved his commandments.

Exodus 32:16

The tablets were God's own work, and the writing was God's own writing

These two phrases share similar meanings. The second explains how the tablets were "God's own work."

Exodus 32:17

he said to Moses

It is assumed that Joshua met Moses while Moses was going back to the camp.

Exodus 32:18

It is not the sound of a shout of victory, and it is not the sound of a cry of defeat

The abstract nouns "victory" and "defeat" can be expressed as verbs. Alternate translation: "It is not the sound people make when they have won a battle, and not the sound people make when they have lost a battle"

shout ... cry

These words translate the same Hebrew word, which fits well with both "victory" and "defeat." There is no such word in English, but if your language has such a word, you may want to use it here.

Exodus 32:19

the tablets

"the two stone slabs that Yahweh had written on"

Exodus 32:20

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Exodus 32:21

Then Moses said to Aaron, "What did this people ... a great sin on them?"

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "Then Moses asked Aaron what the people do to him, that he have brought such a great sin on them"

you have brought such a great sin on them

Moses spoke of causing people to sin as if sin were an object and Aaron put it on them. Alternate translation: "you have caused them to sin so terribly"

Exodus 32:22

Do not let your anger burn hot

Aaron spoke of Moses's anger as if it were a fire that could burn. "Do not be so angry"

they are set on doing evil

Being determined to do evil is spoken of as being set on evil. Alternate translation: "they are determined to do what is evil"

Exodus 32:23

this Moses

People showed disrespect by putting the word "this" before his name, as if Moses were someone they did not know and could not trust.

Exodus 32:24

So I said to them, 'Whoever has any gold, let him take it off.'

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "So I told them that whoever had any gold should take it off"

I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf

Instead of taking ownership for making the calf, Aaron claims the calf came out of the fire supernaturally.

Exodus 32:25

were running wild

"were behaving wildly" or "were not controlling themselves"

Exodus 32:26

Then Moses stood at the entrance ... "Whoever is on Yahweh's side, come to me."

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "Then Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said that whoever was on Yahweh's side should come to him"

Whoever is on Yahweh's side

Moses speaks of being loyal to Yahweh as being on Yahweh's side. Alternate translation: "Whoever is loyal to Yahweh" or "Whoever serves Yahweh"

Exodus 32:27

go back and forth from entrance to entrance

"go from side of the camp to the other, starting at one entrance to the camp and going to the entrance on the other side of the camp"

Exodus 32:28

three thousand of the people

"3000 of the people"

Exodus 32:29

You have been placed into Yahweh's service

This probably means "You have been chosen to serve Yahweh" or "You have become Yahweh's servants."

for each of you has taken action against his son and his brother

The fact that they did this in obedience to God can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "for you have obeyed Yahweh and killed your sons and your brothers"

Exodus 32:30

You have committed a very great sin

They worshiped an idol.

Perhaps I can make atonement for your sin

Moses spoke of persuading God to forgive the people as if he could make atonement for their sin. Alternate translation: "Perhaps I can persuade Yahweh to forgive you"

Exodus 32:31

Alas

Moses is saying that he is very sad. If your language has a word that expresses deep sadness, you may want to use it here.

Exodus 32:32

blot me out of the book

The word "me" here refers to the name of Moses. Alternate translation: "erase my name from the book"

the book that you have written

What God had written in the book can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the book in which you have written the names of your people"

Exodus 32:33

that person I will blot out of my book

The phrase "that person" represents "that person's name." Alternate translation: "I will erase that person's name from my book"

my book

This refers to the book of Yahweh that Moses spoke of in Exodus 32:32.

Exodus 32:34

But on the day that I punish them, I will punish them

On the day that God decides to punish them, it will be clear that it is God who is judging them.

Exodus 32:35

Yahweh sent a plague on the people

This plague may have been a serious illness. Alternate translation: "Yahweh made the people very sick"

they had made the calf, the one that Aaron made

Even though Aaron made the calf, the people were also guilty because they told Aaron to do it. Alternate translation: "they told Aaron to make the calf"

Chapter 33

Exodus 33 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant

While the covenants Yahweh made may not be conditioned upon the obedience of Israel, it is clear that their conquering of the Promised Land was conditioned on their obedience to Yahweh. (See: covenant and promisedland)

Exodus 33:1

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses of his anger.

Exodus 33:2

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Exodus 33:3

that land, which is flowing with milk and honey

The land was good for raising livestock and growing crops. See how you translated this in [Exodus 3:8]

flowing with

"full of" or "with an abundance of"

milk

Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. Alternate translation: "food from livestock"

honey

Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. Alternate translation: "food from crops"

a stiff-necked people

Stubborn people are spoken of as if they have stiff or hard necks that prevent them from turning their heads. Alternate translation: "stubborn people" or "people who refuse to change"

Exodus 33:4

jewelry

beautiful clothing as well as chains and rings with jewels in them

Exodus 33:5

a stiff-necked people

Stubborn people are spoken of as if they have stiff or hard necks that prevent them from turning their heads. See how you translated this in [Exodus 33:3]

Exodus 33:6

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Exodus 33:7

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Exodus 33:8

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Exodus 33:9

the pillar of cloud

The cloud had the shape of a pillar. See how you translated this in [Exodus 13:22]

would come down

Where it came down from can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "would come down from the sky"

Exodus 33:10

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Exodus 33:11

Yahweh would speak to Moses face to face

Speaking directly rather than through dreams and visions, is spoken of as if Moses and God saw each other's faces while they spoke. Alternate translation: "Yahweh would speak directly to Moses"

young man

Joshua was old enough to be a soldier, but he was much younger than Moses

Exodus 33:12

See

"Look!" or "Listen!" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

I know you by name

To know someone by name is to know them well. Alternate translation: "I know you well"

you have also found favor in my eyes

Here "found favor" is an idiom that means be approved of or that God is pleased with Moses. Here "eyes" are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing God's evaluation. Alternate translation: "I have evaluated you and approve" or "I am pleased with you"

Exodus 33:13

Now if I have found favor in your eyes

Here "found favor" is an idiom that means be approved of or that God is pleased with Moses. Here "eyes" are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing God's evaluation. Alternate translation: "Now If you are pleased with me" or "Now if you approve of me"

show me your ways

Possible meanings: 1) "show me what you are going to do in the future" or 2) "show me how people can do what pleases you."

Exodus 33:14

My own presence will go

God's presence represents himself. Alternate translation: "I will go"

go with you ... give you

The word "you" here refers to Moses. It is singular.

I will give you rest

"I will let you rest"

Exodus 33:15

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Exodus 33:16

For otherwise

"For if your presence does not go with us"

how will it be known

This can be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: how will people know"

how will it be known ... people?

Moses used this question in order to emphasize that if God does not go with them, no one will know that Moses had found favor in God's sight. Alternate translation: "no one will know ... people."

I and your people will be distinct

"everyone will know that I and your people are different." The words "be distinct" translate the same Hebrew word as "set ... apart" in Exodus 8:22, so if your language has one word or phrase for both ideas, you may want to use it there and here.

Will it not only be if

"Will it not only be known if"

Exodus 33:17

General Information:

When Yahweh uses the word "you" in this verse, it is singular and refers to Moses.

you have found favor in my eyes

Here "found favor" is an idiom that means that God is pleased with Moses. Here "eyes" are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. See how you translated this in [Exodus 33:12]

I know you by name

To know someone by name is to know them well. See how you translated this in [Exodus 33:12]

Exodus 33:18

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Exodus 33:19

I will make all my goodness pass before you

God speaks of walking past Moses so that Moses can see his goodness as if only his goodness would go past Moses. Alternate translation: "I will move past you so that you may see my goodness"

Exodus 33:20

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Exodus 33:21

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you."

Exodus 33:22

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Exodus 33:23

you will see my back

This is because Yahweh will be walking away from Moses.

but my face will not be seen

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "but you will not see my face"

Chapter 34

Exodus 34 General Notes

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"He will bring the punishment for the fathers' sin on their children"

This phrase does not mean that a child is necessarily punished for the sins of their parents. Many scholars believe that this passage indicates that a parent's sins will have consequences that will affect their children and grandchildren. (See: sin)

Exodus 34:1

tablets of stone

"flat slabs of stone." See how you translated this in Exodus 31:18

Exodus 34:2

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Exodus 34:3

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Do not let anyone else be seen anywhere on the mountain

Being seen doing something represents doing that. Alternate translation: "Do not let anyone else be anywhere on the mountain"

No flocks or herds are even to graze in front of the mountain

"Even flocks or herds are not allowed to come near the mountain to eat."

Exodus 34:4

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Exodus 34:5

stood with Moses there

"stood with Moses on the mountain"

he pronounced the name "Yahweh."

Possible meanings are 1) "he spoke the name 'Yahweh.'" or 2) "he proclaimed who Yahweh is." For the second meaning, "name" would represent who God is.

Exodus 34:6

Yahweh, Yahweh, the merciful and gracious God

God is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "I, Yahweh, am God, and I am merciful and gracious"

abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness

The abstract nouns "love" and "faithfulness" can be expressed with the verb "love" and the adjective "faithful." Alternate translation: "always loving my people and always being faithful to them"

Exodus 34:7

keeping steadfast love for thousands

The abstract noun "love" can be restated with the verb "loving." See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 20:6]

thousands

"thousands of people." This refers to a great number of people. It may be that "generation" is implied. Alternate translation: "thousands of generations" or "the thousandth generation"

he will by no means clear the guilty

Yahweh is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "I will by no means clear the guilty"

will by no means clear the guilty

"will certainly not clear the guilty" or "will certainly not say that the guilty are innocent" or "will certainly not free guilty people"

He will bring the punishment for the fathers' sin on their children

Punishing people is spoken of as if punishment were an object that someone could bring on people. Alternate translation: "He will punish the children for their fathers' sin"

their children

The word "children" refers to sons and daughters.

Exodus 34:8

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Exodus 34:9

If now I have found favor in your eyes

Here "found favor" is an idiom that means be approved of or that God is pleased with Moses. Here "eyes" are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. See how you translated this in [Exodus 33:12]

our iniquity and our sin

The words "iniquity" and "sin" mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: "all our sins"

take us as your inheritance

Something that someone possesses forever is spoken of as if it were something that they had inherited. Alternate translation: "take us as the people that you possess forever" or "accept us as the people who belong to you forever"

this people is stiff-necked

Stubborn people are spoken of as if they have stiff or hard necks that prevent them from turning their heads. Alternate translation: "this people is stubborn" or "this people refuses to change" See how you translated similar words in Exodus 33:3.

Exodus 34:10

your people

Here "your" refers to Moses.

it is a fearful thing that I am doing with you

A fearful thing is a thing that causes people to be afraid. In this case, people will fear God when they see what he does. Alternate translation: "what I do for you will cause people to fear me"

I am doing with you

Here "you" refers to Moses and the people of Israel.

Exodus 34:11

General Information:

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Exodus 34:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. Here he tells him what Moses and the people must do.

they will become a trap among you

People who tempt others to sin are spoken of as if they were a trap. Alternate translation: "they will tempt you to sin"

Exodus 34:13

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Exodus 34:14

Yahweh, whose name is Jealous

The word "Jealous" here means that God is concerned to keep his honor. If his people worship other gods, he loses honor, because when his people do not honor him, other people also will not honor him. Alternate translation: "I, Yahweh, always guard my honor"

whose name is Jealous,

The word "name" here represents God's character. Alternate translation: "I, Yahweh, who am always jealous" or "I, Yahweh, am always jealous"

Exodus 34:15

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses how his people are to behave towards outsiders.

for they prostitute themselves to their gods

God speaks of people worshiping other gods as if they were prostitutes going to other men. Alternate translation: "for they worship other gods" or "because they worship other gods like prostitutes who go to other men"

you will eat some of his sacrifice

The consequence of eating food that is sacrificed to another god can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "you will eat some of his sacrifice and become guilty of worshiping his gods" or "and you will prostitute yourself to his god by eating some of his sacrifice"

Exodus 34:16

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Exodus 34:17

General Information:

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Exodus 34:18

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

seven days

"7 days"

in the month of Aviv

This is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. See how you translated "Aviv" in [Exodus 13:4]

Exodus 34:19

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 34:20

redeem

Firstborn sons and firstborn donkeys belonged to Yahweh, but Yahweh did not want them sacrificed to him. Instead, the Israelites were to sacrifice a lamb in their place. This allowed the Israelites to redeem or buy back the donkeys and sons from Yahweh.

No one may appear before me empty-handed

God speaks of the offering as if the person was to carry it in his hands. Alternate translation: "No one may come to me without an offering" or "Everyone who comes to me must bring me an offering"

Exodus 34:21

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Even at plowing time and in harvest

"Even when you are preparing the soil or gathering the crops"

Exodus 34:22

Festival of Ingathering

This festival was also known as the Festival of Shelters or the Festival of Booths. The idea came from the practice of the farmers living in temporary booths, or huts, out in the fields to guard the crop as it ripened. The word "Ingathering" means when they harvest their crop.

Exodus 34:23

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 34:24

General Information:

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Exodus 34:25

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

the blood of my sacrifice

The fact that the blood is from an animal can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the blood of an animal that you sacrifice to me"

with any yeast

The fact that any yeast would be in bread can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "with bread that has yeast in it"

Exodus 34:26

General Information:

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Exodus 34:27

General Information:

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Exodus 34:28

Moses was there

"Moses was on the mountain"

forty days

"40 days"

for forty days and nights

"for forty days, both day and night"

He wrote

"Moses wrote"

Exodus 34:29

had become radiant

"had started to shine"

Exodus 34:30

General Information:

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Exodus 34:31

came up to him

"approached him" or "went to him." They did not go up the mountain.

Exodus 34:32

all the commands that Yahweh had given him

Telling commands is spoken of as if the commands were objects that could be given. Alternate translation: "all the commands that Yahweh had told him" or "everything that Yahweh had commanded them"

Exodus 34:33

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Exodus 34:34

he would remove

"Moses would remove"

what he was commanded

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh had commanded him"

Exodus 34:35

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Chapter 35

Exodus 35 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Sacrifice

All of the people offered sacrifices to Yahweh. This was a form of worship and a sign of repentance from making the golden calf idol. (See: worship and repent)

Exodus 35:1

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Exodus 35:2

the seventh day

"day number seven" or "Saturday"

Whoever does any work on that day must be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must kill anyone who does work on that day"

Exodus 35:3

General Information:

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Exodus 35:4

General Information:

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

Exodus 35:5

General Information:

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

Take an offering for Yahweh

"Take up a collection for Yahweh"

all of you who have a willing heart

Here "heart" refers to the person bringing the offering. Alternate translation: "everyone who is willing"

Exodus 35:6

General Information:

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

Exodus 35:7

General Information:

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

ram skins dyed red and fine leather hides

See how you translated similar phrases in Exodus 25:5.

Exodus 35:8

General Information:

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

Exodus 35:9

General Information:

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

Exodus 35:10

General Information:

Moses continues telling the people what God commanded them to do.

Every skilled man

"Every man with a skill"

Exodus 35:11

clasps

The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated these in Exodus 26:6.

bases

These are heavy objects that rest on the ground and keep the object attached to them from moving. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:31.

Exodus 35:12

atonement lid

This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:17.

Exodus 35:13

They brought

"The people of Israel brought"

bread of the presence

This bread represented the presence of God. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:30.

Exodus 35:14

General Information:

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Exodus 35:15

General Information:

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Exodus 35:16

bronze grate

This is a frame of crossed bronze bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated "grate" in Exodus 27:4.

Exodus 35:17

hangings

These were large curtains made of cloth. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.

posts

These were strong pieces of wood set upright and used as supports. See how you translated these in Exodus 27:10.

bases

These were blocks that had a slot in them to keep the board in place. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:19.

Exodus 35:18

tent pegs

sharp pieces of wood or metal used to secure the corners of a tent to the ground. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:19.

Exodus 35:19

finely-woven garments

This was clothing made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:8.

Exodus 35:20

General Information:

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Exodus 35:21

whose heart stirred him up

Here "heart" refers to the person. The heart that responded to God is spoken of as if it were water stirred up by a storm. Alternate translation: "who responded to God"

whom his spirit made willing

Here "spirit" refers to the person. Alternate translation: "who was willing" or "who wanted to"

Exodus 35:22

all who had a willing heart

Here "heart" refers to the person. Alternate translation: "everyone who was willing"

brooches, earrings, rings, and ornaments

These are different kinds of jewelry.

Exodus 35:23

Everyone who had ... brought them

For 35:23 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:4-5.

Exodus 35:24

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Exodus 35:25

blue, purple, or scarlet wool

Possible meanings are 1) "material that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet," probably wool yarn, or 2) "blue, purple and scarlet dye" to dye the linen. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 25:4.

Exodus 35:26

whose hearts stirred them up

Here "hearts" refers to the women. The hearts of the women who responded to God are spoken of as if they were water stirred up by a storm. Alternate translation: "who responded to God"

Exodus 35:27

The leaders brought ... breastpiece

For 35:27 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:7.

Exodus 35:28

they brought spices ... fragrant incense

For 35:28 see how you translated many similar words in Exodus 25:6

Exodus 35:29

whose heart was willing

Here "heart" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "who was willing"

Exodus 35:30

Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, from the tribe of Judah

See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2

Exodus 35:31

He has filled Bezalel with his Spirit

God's Spirit who gave Bezalel the ability to work is spoken of here as if he was something that filled up Bezalel.

filled Bezalel ... craftsmanship

See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 31:3

Exodus 35:32

to make artistic designs ... bronze

See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 31:4

Exodus 35:33

also to cut and set stones ... craftsmanship

See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 31:5

Exodus 35:34

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people.

He has put it in his heart to teach

Here "heart" refers to Bezalel. The ability to teach is spoken of as if it something that could be placed in a heart. Alternate translation: "He gave Bezalel the ability to teach"

Oholiab son of Ahisamak, from the tribe of Dan

"Oholiab" and "Ahisamak" are names of men. See how you translated these names in [Exodus 31:6]

Exodus 35:35

filled them with skill

Skill to create beautiful objects is spoken of as if it was something that could fill up a person. Alternate translation: "made them very skillful"

engravers

a person who cuts designs into a hard material such as wood, stone, or metal

embroiderers

people who sew designs into cloth

craftsmen

people who are skilled in making beautiful objects by hand

weavers

a person who creates cloth using thread

artistic designers

a person who creates beauty with materials

Chapter 36

Exodus 36 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Tent of meeting

The tent of meeting, or tabernacle, mentioned in previous chapters is constructed in this chapter. (See: tabernacle)

Exodus 36:1

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people.

Bezalel

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2]

Oholiab

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:6]

to whom Yahweh has given skill and ability

Here skill and ability are spoken of as if they are something that Yahweh can place inside a person.

according to all that Yahweh has commanded

"just as Yahweh has commanded"

Exodus 36:2

Bezalel

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2]

Oholiab

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:6]

in whose mind Yahweh had given skill

Here "mind" refers to the person who was made skillful by Yahweh. Alternate translation: "to whom Yahweh had given skill"

whose heart stirred within him

Here "heart" refers to the person. The heart that responded to God is spoken of as if it were water stirred up by a storm. Alternate translation: "who responded to God"

Exodus 36:3

General Information:

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Exodus 36:4

General Information:

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Exodus 36:5

The craftsmen told Moses ... commanded us to do."

The can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "The craftsmen told Moses that the people were bringing much more than enough for doing the work that Yahweh has commanded them to do"

The craftsmen told Moses

"The men working on the sanctuary told Moses"

Exodus 36:6

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Exodus 36:7

General Information:

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Exodus 36:8

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:1.

ten curtains made from fine linen

These curtains are sheets of cloth woven and sewed together so that they can hang to form a wall or tent.

Bezalel

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2]

Exodus 36:9

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:2.

Exodus 36:10

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:3.

Exodus 36:11

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:4.

He made

Here "he" refers to Bezalel, but it includes all the men working on the sanctuary.

loops of blue

loops of blue cloth

curtain

These were large, heavy sections of woven cloth that were used to form the covering and dividing walls of the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:1.

Exodus 36:12

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:5.

Exodus 36:13

General Information

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:6.

fifty gold clasps

"50 gold clasps"

Exodus 36:14

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:7.

made eleven

"made 11"

Exodus 36:15

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:8.

thirty cubits

"30 cubits"

Exodus 36:16

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:9.

Exodus 36:17

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:10.

fifty loops

"50 loops"

Exodus 36:18

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:11.

fifty bronze clasps

"50 bronze clasps"

Exodus 36:19

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:14.

Exodus 36:20

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:15.

Exodus 36:21

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:16.

ten cubits ... one and a half cubits

"10 cubits ... 1.5 cubits"

Exodus 36:22

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:17.

two wooden pegs for joining

A wooden peg is a small piece of wood sticking out beyond the end of the board so it can be secured.

Exodus 36:23

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:18.

Exodus 36:24

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:19.

forty silver bases

"40 silver bases"

twenty frames

"20 frames"

Exodus 36:25

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:20.

Exodus 36:26

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:21.

and so on

There will be two bases under each and every frame.

Exodus 36:27

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:22.

on the west

on the side that is on the west

Exodus 36:28

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:23.

for the back corners

for the corners at the rear of the tabernacle

Exodus 36:29

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:24.

Exodus 36:30

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:25.

sixteen bases in all

"16 bases in all"

and so on

There will be two bases under each and every frame.

Exodus 36:31

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:26.

Exodus 36:32

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:27.

to the west

on the west side

Exodus 36:33

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:28.

from end to end

from one side of the tabernacle to the other side

Exodus 36:34

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:29.

Exodus 36:35

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:31.

Exodus 36:36

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:32.

Exodus 36:37

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:36.

He made

Here "he" refers to Bezalel and those working for him. "Bezalel and his men made"

a screen

a curtain

Exodus 36:38

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:37.

Chapter 37

Exodus 37 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The ark of the covenant

The ark, mentioned in previous chapters, is constructed in this chapter. There are other furnishings of the tabernacle that are also produced in this chapter. (See: tabernacle)

Exodus 37:1

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:10.

Bezalel

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2]

two and a half cubits ... one cubit and a half

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2.5 cubits ... 1.5 cubits" or "115 centimeters ... 69 centimeters"

Exodus 37:2

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:11.

Exodus 37:3

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:12.

its four feet

These four pieces of wood that supported the ark are spoken of as if they were human or animal feet.

Exodus 37:4

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:13.

He made

Though "he" refers to Bezalel, "he" may include all of the workers who assisted him.

Exodus 37:5

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:14.

Exodus 37:6

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:17.

two and a half cubits ... one and a half cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2.5 cubits ... 1.5 cubits" or "115 centimeters ... 69 centimeters"

Exodus 37:7

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:18.

Exodus 37:8

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:19.

They were made as one piece

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He made them as one piece"

Exodus 37:9

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:20.

The cherubim spread out their wings upward and overshadowed

Bezalel placed the statues of the cherubim as if they were real cherubim which were spreading their wings and overshadowing the atonement lid. Alternate translation: "They placed the winged creatures so that their wings touched each other and spread out over"

The cherubim faced one another and looked toward

"The faces of the cherubim were towards each other, and they looked toward"

Exodus 37:10

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:23.

two cubits ... one cubit ... one and a half cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2 cubits ... 1 cubit ... 1.5 cubits" or "92 centimeters ... 46 centimeters ... 69 centimeters"

Exodus 37:11

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:24.

Exodus 37:12

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:25.

handbreadth

This was the width of a man's hand with fingers spread out.

Exodus 37:13

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:26.

the four feet

These four pieces of wood that supported the ark are spoken of as if they were human or animal feet.

Exodus 37:14

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:27.

The rings were attached

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Bezalel attached the rings"

Exodus 37:15

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:28.

Exodus 37:16

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:29.

dishes, spoons, the bowls, and pitchers to be used to pour out the offerings

It is only the bowls and pitchers that are used to pour out the offerings. Alternate translation: "plates and cups, and also the jars and bowls which the priests will use for pouring out the offerings"

Exodus 37:17

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:31.

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

Its cups, its leafy bases, and its flowers were all made of one piece with it

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He made the cups, its leafy bases, and its flowers as one piece with the lampstand"

Exodus 37:18

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:32.

Exodus 37:19

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:33.

three cups made like almond blossoms

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he made the 3 cups look like almond blossoms"

almond blossoms

An almond blossom is a white or pink flower with five petals that grows on an almond tree.

Exodus 37:20

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:34.

there were four cups made like almond blossoms

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "there were 4 cups which Bezalel made to look like almond blossoms"

Exodus 37:21

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:35.

made as one piece with it

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which he made as one piece with the lampstand"

Exodus 37:22

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:36.

Exodus 37:23

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:37-38.

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

tongs

This is a tool made from two sticks of wood or metal connected at one end and used for picking up objects.

Exodus 37:24

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:39.

one talent

"33 kilograms"

Exodus 37:25

General Information:

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Exodus 37:26

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:3.

Exodus 37:27

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:4.

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

to be attached to it

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which they attached to the altar"

Exodus 37:28

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:5.

Exodus 37:29

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:25.

fragrant incense

See how you translated this in Exodus 25:6.

the work of a perfumer

A perfumer is skilled in mixing spices and oils.

Chapter 38

Exodus 38 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The altar

The altar is constructed in this chapter. There are other furnishings of the tabernacle that are also produced in this chapter. (See: tabernacle)

Materials

The list of materials being used is intended to give the reader an understanding of the scale of the tabernacle. It should fill the reader with awe concerning the power of Yahweh.

Exodus 38:1

General Information:

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Exodus 38:2

General Information

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:2.

The horns were made of one piece

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He made the horns as one piece"

Exodus 38:3

General Information

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:3.

Exodus 38:4

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:4 and Exodus 27:5.

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

to be placed under the ledge

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which they placed under the ledge"

Exodus 38:5

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:4.

Exodus 38:6

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:6.

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

Exodus 38:7

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:7-8.

planks

a long, flat piece of wood that is thicker than a board

Exodus 38:8

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

large bronze basin with a bronze stand

The stand supported the bronze basin. See how you translated this in Exodus 30:18.

He made the basin out of mirrors

The bronze came from the mirrors. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "The bronze for the basin came from the mirrors"

mirrors

A mirror is a piece of polished metal or glass that reflects an image.

Exodus 38:9

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:9.

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

one hundred

"100"

cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters.

Exodus 38:10

General Information

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:10.

twenty

"20"

Exodus 38:11

General Information

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:11.

one hundred ... twenty

"100 ... 20"

cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters.

Exodus 38:12

General Information

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:12.

fifty ... ten

"50 ... 10"

Exodus 38:13

General Information

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:13.

fifty

"50"

cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters.

Exodus 38:14

General Information

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:14.

fifteen ... three

"15 ... 3"

Exodus 38:15

General Information

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:15.

Exodus 38:16

All the hangings around the courtyard were made of fine linen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Bezalel and the workers made all the hangings around the courtyard with fine linen"

Exodus 38:17

General Information

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:17.

The bases for the posts were made of bronze

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Bezalel and the workers made the bases for the posts out of bronze"

The hooks and rods for the posts were made of silver, and the covering for the tops of the posts was also made of silver

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They made the hooks, the rods for the posts, and the covering for the tops of the posts out of silver"

Exodus 38:18

General Information

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:16.

twenty ... five

"20 ... 5"

cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters.

It was made of

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They made the screen of"

Exodus 38:19

General Information

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:17.

four

"4"

The covering for their tops and its rods were made of silver

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They made the covering for the tops of the posts and their rods out of silver"

Exodus 38:20

General Information

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:19.

All the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard were made of bronze

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They made all of the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard out of bronze"

Exodus 38:21

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

as it was taken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which Moses instructed the Levites to write down"

Ithamar

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in [Exodus 6:23]

Exodus 38:22

Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur

"Bezalel" and "uri" are the name of men. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2]

Yahweh had commanded Moses

"everything that Yahweh told Moses to do"

Exodus 38:23

Oholiab son of Ahisamak

"Oholiab" and "Ahisamak" are names of men. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:6]

an engraver, as a skillful workman, and as an embroiderer

"as a skilled engraver and embroiderer"

Exodus 38:24

All the gold that was used for the project

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "All the gold that the people used for the project"

twenty-nine talents

A talent is about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "29 talents" or "about 960 kilograms"

730 shekels

A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: "seven hundred and thirty shekels" or "about 8 kilograms."

measured by the standard of the sanctuary shekel

There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time. This specified which one was to be used. See how you translated this in [Exodus 30:13]

Exodus 38:25

one hundred talents

A talent is about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "100 talents" or "about 330 kilograms"

1,775 shekels

A shekel is 11 grams. "one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels" or "about 20 kilograms"

The silver given by the community

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The silver which the community gave"

Exodus 38:26

one beka

A beka is 1/2 a shekel.

half a shekel

A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: "1/2 a shekel" or "five and a half grams" or "5 1/2 grams"

This figure was reached on the basis of every person who was counted in the census

Every man who was 20 years old or older was included in the census and was required to give half a shekel.

twenty years old

"20 years old"

Exodus 38:27

One hundred talents of silver were cast

A talent is about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "The workers cast 100 talents of silver" or "The workers cast 3,300 kilograms of silver"

One hundred talents

"100 talents"

Exodus 38:28

1,775 shekels

"one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels"

shekels

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams.

Bezalel

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2]

Exodus 38:29

seventy talents and 2,400 shekels

"70 talents and two thousand four hundred shekels." The shekels were bronze coins. The talents and shekels together would have weighed a total of about 2,500 kilograms. Alternate translation: "2450 kilograms and 2400 bronze coins" or "2,450 kilograms plus 28 kilograms of bronze coins" or "about 2,500 kilograms"

Exodus 38:30

General Information:

Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

grate

This is a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:4.

Exodus 38:31

tent pegs

These are sharp bronze stakes that were used to secure the corners of a tent to the ground. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:19.

Chapter 39

Exodus 39 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The holy clothing

The special, holy clothing mentioned in previous chapters is produced in this chapter to the correct specifications. (See: holy)

Exodus 39:1

General Information:

Bezalel's work crew shifts to making the priestly garments.

they made

The word "they" refers to Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other workmen.

as Yahweh had commanded Moses

"just as Yahweh told Moses to do"

Exodus 39:2

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:6.

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

Bezalel

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2]

Exodus 39:3

General Information:

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Exodus 39:4

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:7.

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

Exodus 39:5

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:8.

it was made of one piece with the ephod, made of fine twined linen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they made it as one piece with the ephod with fine twisted linen"

as Yahweh had commanded Moses

"just as Yahweh told Moses to do." See how you translated this phrase in Exodus 39:1.

Exodus 39:6

General Information:

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Exodus 39:7

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:12.

as Yahweh had commanded Moses

"just as Yahweh told Moses to do." See how you translated this phrase in Exodus 39:1.

Exodus 39:8

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:15.

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

He made

"Bezalel made" or "Bezalel and the workers made"

Exodus 39:9

General Information:

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Exodus 39:10

General Information:

Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

They set in it

"The workers set in the breastpiece"

ruby, a topaz, and a garnet

Some languages may not have words for each of these stones. The important fact is that they were valuable and different from one another. See how you translated these in [Exodus 28:17]

Exodus 39:11

an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond

Some languages may not have words for each of these stones. The important fact is that they were valuable and different from one another. See how you translated these in [Exodus 28:18]

Exodus 39:12

a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst

Some languages may not have words for each of these stones. The important fact is that they were valuable and different from one another. See how you translated these in [Exodus 28:19]

Exodus 39:13

a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper

Some languages may not have words for each of these stones. The important fact is that they were valuable and different from one another. See how you translated these in [Exodus 28:20]

The stones were mounted in gold settings

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They mounted the stones in gold settings"

Exodus 39:14

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:21.

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

Exodus 39:15

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:22.

Exodus 39:16

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:23-24.

Exodus 39:17

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:24.

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

two braided chains

"chains that are made of pure gold and are braided like cords." See how you translated this in Exodus 28:14.

Exodus 39:18

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:25.

Exodus 39:19

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:26.

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

Exodus 39:20

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:27.

finely-woven waistband

This was a cloth belt made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:8.

Exodus 39:21

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:28.

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

so that it might be attached

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so they could attach it"

the breastpiece might not become unattached from the ephod

The double negative can be translated as a positive. Alternate translation: "the breastpiece might stay attached to the ephod"

Exodus 39:22

General Information:

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Exodus 39:23

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:32.

Exodus 39:24

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:33.

Exodus 39:25

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:34-35.

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments as commanded in Exodus 28:34-35.

bells of pure gold

These were tiny bells.

Exodus 39:26

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:34-35.

Exodus 39:27

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:39.

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

Exodus 39:28

turban

This is a head covering worn by men made of a long strip of cloth wound around the head. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

headbands

A headband is a narrow, decorative strip of cloth that is worn around the head above the eyes. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:40.

undergarments

This is clothing worn under the outer clothes, next to the skin. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:42]

Exodus 39:29

sash

This is a long piece of cloth worn over the shoulder or around the waist. See how you translated this word in Exodus 28:4

Exodus 39:30

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:36.

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments..

holy crown

This was an engraved crown made of pure gold. See how you translated this in Exodus 29:6.

Exodus 39:31

General Information:

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:37.

Exodus 39:32

General Information:

The Israelites finish making the things Yahweh commanded in Exodus 35:4-9 and Exodus 35:10-12.

So the work on the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, was finished. The people of Israel did everything

The "tabernacle" and "tent of meeting" are the same thing. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So the people of Israel finished all of the work on the tabernacle"

Exodus 39:33

clasps

The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated these in Exodus 26:6.

bases

These are heavy objects that rest on the ground and keep the object attached to them from moving. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:31.

Exodus 39:34

the covering of ram skins dyed red, the covering of fine leather

See how you translated similar phrases in this in Exodus 25:5.

Exodus 39:35

atonement lid

This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:17.

Exodus 39:36

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to present all that they made to Moses.

bread of the presence

This bread represented the presence of God. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:30.

Exodus 39:37

General Information:

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Exodus 39:38

General Information:

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Exodus 39:39

grate

This is a frame of crossed bars that held wood while burning. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:4.

Exodus 39:40

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to present all that they made to Moses.

They brought

"The people of Israel brought"

the tabernacle, the tent of meeting

These refer to the same place.

Exodus 39:41

General Information:

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Exodus 39:42

Thus the people

"And so the people"

Exodus 39:43

behold

The word "behold" here draws attention to the information that follows.

As Yahweh had commanded, in that way they did it

"They did it in the way that Yahweh had commanded them"

Chapter 40

Exodus 40 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is repetitive and should read as a series of instructions. It is repeated as well to show that Moses was obedient to every detail of Yahweh's command.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"Yahweh's glory filled the tabernacle"

This phrase indicates that Yahweh began to dwell within the tabernacle, among Israel, in a special way. (See: glory and tabernacle)

Exodus 40:1

General Information:

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Exodus 40:2

the first day of the first month of the new year

The new year marks the time when God rescued his people from Egypt. This happens around the middle of March on Western calendars.

Exodus 40:3

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

in it

"in the sacred chest"

shield the ark with the curtain

"put the ark behind the curtain"

Exodus 40:4

General Information:

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Exodus 40:5

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

ark of the covenant decrees

This refers to the "sacred chest."

Exodus 40:6

General Information:

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Exodus 40:7

General Information:

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Exodus 40:8

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 40:9

all its furnishings

"all the things that are a part of it"

Exodus 40:10

General Information:

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Exodus 40:11

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Exodus 40:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

You are to bring

Moses will do these things himself.

Exodus 40:13

that are set apart to me

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you have set apart to me"

Exodus 40:14

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Exodus 40:15

throughout their people's generations

"through all the generations of their descendants." See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 12:14.

Exodus 40:16

General Information:

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Exodus 40:17

So the tabernacle was set up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So the people set up the tabernacle"

the first day of the first month

This refers to exactly one year after God rescued his people from Egypt. This happens around the middle of March on Western calendars. See how you translated this in [Exodus 40:2]

in the second year

This is the second year after Yahweh brought his people out of Egypt.

Exodus 40:18

Moses set up

Moses was the leader. The people helped him set up the tabernacle.

posts

a strong piece of wood set upright and used as a support

Exodus 40:19

General Information:

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Exodus 40:20

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Exodus 40:21

He brought

Moses was the leader. He had workers helping him.

to shield

"in front of"

Exodus 40:22

General Information:

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Exodus 40:23

General Information:

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Exodus 40:24

He put the lampstand into the tent of meeting

Moses instructed his workers to move the lampstand. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "Moses's workmen set the lampstand inside the sacred tent"

Exodus 40:25

General Information:

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Exodus 40:26

in front of the curtain

This curtain separated the holy place from the very holy place. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "in front of the curtain that separated the holy place from the very holy place"

Exodus 40:27

General Information:

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Exodus 40:28

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Exodus 40:29

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Exodus 40:30

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Exodus 40:31

washed their hands and their feet from the basin

They washed with water from the basin. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "washed their hands and their feet with water from the basin"

Exodus 40:32

General Information:

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Exodus 40:33

In this way

"And so"

Exodus 40:34

Yahweh's glory filled

"Yahweh's awesome presence filled"

Exodus 40:35

General Information:

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Exodus 40:36

was taken up from over

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "rose up from"

Exodus 40:37

that it was lifted up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when it rose up"

Exodus 40:38

General Information:

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Book: Leviticus

Chapter 1

Leviticus 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In Hebrew, this chapter begins with the word "and" indicating a connection with the previous book (Exodus). The first five books of the Bible should be seen as a single unit.

Special concepts in this chapter

Atonement

In order to offer a sacrifice for the people, the priest first had to make an atonement for himself, in order to make himself clean. Only then would he be clean and be allowed to perform a sacrifice. These sacrificed animals had to be perfect, the best of all of the animals. A person was not allowed to bring an inferior animal to be sacrificed to Yahweh. These sacrifices also had to be offered in a very specific way. (See: atonement and priest and clean)

Leviticus 1:1

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

Leviticus 1:2

When any man from among you

"When any one of you" or "When any of you"

'When any man

Here Yahweh begins speaking to Moses. The words that begin "from the tent of meeting, saying," can be translated without the quotation within the quotation. "from the tent of meeting and told Moses to say this to the people of Israel: 'When any man"

Leviticus 1:3

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do so that their sacrifices will be acceptable to Yahweh.

If his offering ... he must offer

Here "his" and "he" refer to the person bringing an offering to Yahweh. It can be translated in the second person as it is in [Leviticus 1:2]

so that it may be accepted before Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that Yahweh will accept it"

Leviticus 1:4

lay his hand on the head

This is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself through the animal to Yahweh, so that God will forgive the person's sins when they kill the animal.

then it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for himself

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "then Yahweh will accept it in his place and forgive his sins"

Leviticus 1:5

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Then he must kill the bull

Here "he" refers to the one making the offering. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: "Then you must kill the bull"

before Yahweh

"in the presence of Yahweh"

will present the blood

It is implied that the priests would catch the blood in a bowl as it drained out of the animal. Then they would bring the bowl with the blood in it and present it to Yahweh at the altar.

Leviticus 1:6

Then he must skin the burnt offering and cut it to pieces

As indicated in 1:9, the person must also wash the inner parts and the legs of the animal with water. The person would do this before giving the pieces to the priests so they could place them on the altar. As in the UDB, you can state here the instructions to wash the inner parts and legs.

Then he must skin

Here "he" refers to the one making the offering.

Leviticus 1:7

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do so their offerings will be acceptable to him.

will put fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire

This may mean that the priests placed hot coals on the altar, then placed the wood on the coals. Alternate translation: "will put wood on the altar and light a fire"

Leviticus 1:8

General Information:

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Leviticus 1:9

But its inner parts and its legs he must wash with water

The person would do this before giving the pieces to the priests to place on the altar. You can state this at the end of Leviticus 1:6.

inner parts

This is the stomach and intestines.

he must wash

Here "he" refers to the one making the offering.

It will produce a sweet aroma for me

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper offering the sacrifice is spoken of as if Yahweh were pleased by the aroma of the burning sacrifice.

an offering made to me by fire

Yahweh is telling Moses that the offerings are to be burnt with fire. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a burnt offering to me"

Leviticus 1:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Leviticus 1:11

before Yahweh

"in the presence of Yahweh"

Leviticus 1:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

He is to cut it

Here "he" refers to the person offering the sacrifice. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: "Then you must cut it"

pieces ... head ... fat ... on the wood that is on the fire that is on the altar

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 1:7-9.

Leviticus 1:13

inner parts ... legs he must wash with water ... burnt offering ... sweet aroma ... made ... by fire

See how you translated many of these words in Leviticus 1:9.

Then the priest will offer the whole, and burn it on the altar

"Then the priest will burn everything on the altar"

it will produce a sweet aroma for

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:9]

it will be an offering made to him by fire

Yahweh tells Moses that the priests must burn their offerings with fire. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "it will be a burnt offering to me" or "it will be a burnt offering to Yahweh"

Leviticus 1:14

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Leviticus 1:15

wring off its head

"twist off its head"

Then its blood must be drained out

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then the priest must drain its blood"

Leviticus 1:16

He must

"The priest must"

its crop with its contents

A crop is a pouch in the bird's throat where pre-digested food is stored.

throw it beside the altar

Here "it" refers to the crop and its contents.

Leviticus 1:17

it will produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:9]

it will be an offering made to him by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it will be a burnt offering to me" or "it will be a burnt offering to Yahweh"

Chapter 2

Leviticus 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter gives instructions about how to make a grain offering.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yeast

Yeast is connected to the events of the Passover. Any prohibition of yeast may be connected to the original Passover. (See: passover)

Leviticus 2:1

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

be fine flour

"be the finest flour" or "be the best flour"

flour

a powder made from wheat

Leviticus 2:2

He is to take

"He must take"

take out a handful

"take out what he can hold in his hand"

a representative offering

The handful of the grain offering represents the whole grain offering. This means the whole offering belongs to Yahweh.

It will produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:9]

it will be an offering made to him by fire

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "it will be a burnt offering to him"

Leviticus 2:3

General Information:

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Leviticus 2:4

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people and priests must do so their offerings will be acceptable to him.

that is baked in an oven

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you baked in an oven"

oven

This was probably a hollow object made of clay. A fire was lit under the oven, and the heat would bake the dough inside of the oven.

soft bread of fine flour

It is understood that the soft bread contained no yeast.

which is spread with oil

Translate this phrase to indicate that the oil is to be spread onto the bread. Alternate translation: "with oil on the bread"

Leviticus 2:5

If your grain offering is baked with a flat iron pan

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If you bake your grain offering in a flat iron pan"

a flat iron pan

This is a thick plate made of either clay or metal. The plate was placed over a fire, and the dough cooked on top of the plate.

Leviticus 2:6

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do so their offerings will be acceptable to him.

to divide it

Here "it" refers to the grain offering cooked on a flat iron pan.

Leviticus 2:7

If your grain offering is cooked

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If you cook your grain offering"

in a pan

A pan is a metal plate with rounded edges. The dough was placed in the pan and cooked over a fire.

it must be made

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must make it"

Leviticus 2:8

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do so their offerings will be acceptable to him.

made from these things

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you made from the flour and oil"

it will be presented

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will present it"

Leviticus 2:9

Then the priest ... made by fire

See how you translated many of these words in Leviticus 2:2.

a representative offering

The handful of the grain offering represents the whole grain offering. This means the whole offering belongs to Yahweh. See how you translated this in Leviticus 2:2.

It will be an offering made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It will be a burnt offering"

it will produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:9]

Leviticus 2:10

is ... by fire

See how you translated this in Leviticus 2:3.

from the offerings to Yahweh made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "from the burnt offerings to Yahweh"

Leviticus 2:11

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do so that their offerings will be acceptable to him.

No grain offering that you offer to Yahweh is to be made with yeast

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not use yeast in a grain offering that you offer to Yahweh"

as an offering made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as a burnt offering"

Leviticus 2:12

You will offer them

"You will offer the grain offerings made with leaven or honey"

they will not be used to produce a sweet aroma on the altar

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will not use them to produce a sweet aroma on the altar" or "you will not burn them on the altar"

Leviticus 2:13

the salt of the covenant of your God

It is implied that the salt is a symbol that represents the covenant with God.

Leviticus 2:14

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do so their offerings will be acceptable to him.

that is roasted with fire and then crushed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you have cooked over a fire and then crushed"

Leviticus 2:15

General Information:

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Leviticus 2:16

a representative offering

The handful of the grain offering represents the whole grain offering. This means the whole offering belongs to Yahweh. See how you translated this in Leviticus 2:2.

This is an offering made by fire to Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This is a burnt offering to Yahweh"

Chapter 3

Leviticus 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter gives instructions about how to offer a fellowship offering.

Special concepts in this chapter

Fat

The fat of the animal was considered the best part of the animal to eat. Therefore, this belonged to Yahweh. This is why the Israelites were not allowed to consume it.

Leviticus 3:1

General Information:

Moses continues telling the people what Yahweh wants them to do.

before Yahweh

"in the presence of Yahweh" or "to Yahweh"

Leviticus 3:2

lay his hand on the head

This is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4]

Aaron's sons the priests will sprinkle its blood

It is implied that before they sprinkle the blood, they catch blood in a bowl as the it drains from the animal.

Leviticus 3:3

inner parts

This is the stomach and intestines.

Leviticus 3:4

by the loins

This is the part of the body on the sides of the backbone between the ribs and hipbone.

the lobe of the liver

This is the curved or rounded part of the liver. This is considered the best part of the liver to eat. Alternate translation: "the best part of the liver"

Leviticus 3:5

This will produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:9]

it will be an offering made to him by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it will be a burnt offering to Yahweh"

Leviticus 3:6

General Information:

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Leviticus 3:7

offer it before Yahweh

"offer it in the presence of Yahweh" or "offer it to Yahweh"

Leviticus 3:8

lay his hand on the head

This is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself to Yahweh through the animal.

Aaron's sons will sprinkle its blood

It is implied that before they sprinkle the blood, they catch the blood in a bowl as it drains from the animal.

Leviticus 3:9

as an offering made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as a burnt offering"

inner parts

This is the stomach and intestines.

Leviticus 3:10

and the two kidneys ... the kidneys—he will remove all of this

The words "he will remove all of this" can be placed at the beginning of the sentence in verse 9. "He will remove the fat, the entire fat tail ... the inner parts, and the two kidneys ... with the kidneys"

and the two kidneys

A new sentence can start here. Alternate translation: "He must remove the kidneys"

by the loins

This is the part of the body on the sides of the backbone between the ribs and hipbone.

the lobe of the liver

This is the curved or rounded part of the liver. This is considered the best part of the liver to eat. Alternate translation: "the best part of the liver"

Leviticus 3:11

will burn it all on the altar as a burnt offering of food to Yahweh

Translate this in a way that makes it clear that Yahweh does not actually eat the food. Alternate translation: "will burn those things on the altar as an offering to Yahweh. Those things will come from your food supplies"

Leviticus 3:12

before Yahweh

"in the presence of Yahweh" or "to Yahweh"

Leviticus 3:13

lay his hand on the head

This is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4]

the sons of Aaron will sprinkle its blood

It is implied that before they sprinkle the blood, they catch the blood in a bowl as it drains from the animal.

Leviticus 3:14

will offer his sacrifice made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will offer his sacrifice by fire" or "will burn his sacrifice"

Leviticus 3:15

He will also

Here "He" refers to the person offering the sacrifice.

Leviticus 3:16

will burn all that on the altar as a burnt offering of food

Translate this in a way that it does not seem like Yahweh actually eats the food. Alternate translation: "will burn those things on the altar to be an offering to Yahweh. It will be as though they are food given to Yahweh"

to produce a sweet aroma

Yahweh is pleased with the aroma of burning meat when he is pleased with the worshiper's sincerity. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:9]

Leviticus 3:17

It will be a permanent statute throughout your people's generations

This means that they and their descendants must obey this command forever.

or blood

"or consume blood"

Chapter 4

Leviticus 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter gives instructions on how to offer a sacrifice for unintentional sins. This is known as a sin offering. (See: sin)

Special concepts in this chapter

Unintentional sins

Many scholars have taken special note that all of the sacrifices concern sins that are unintentional and that no provision is offered for sins intentionally committed. Many have suggested that it is only the sacrifice of Jesus's life that can be offered for these sins. Many also believe that this offering parallels the sacrifice of Jesus.

Leviticus 4:1

Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying

"Yahweh said to Moses"

Leviticus 4:2

"Tell the people of Israel, 'When anyone sins

The words beginning with "Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying"

that Yahweh has commanded not to be done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Yahweh has commanded the people not to do"

if he does something that is prohibited

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "if he does something that Yahweh does not allow"

the following must be done

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "he must do the following"

Leviticus 4:3

the anointed priest

This phrase refers to the son of the high priest who will succeed the high priest when the high priest dies.

so as to bring guilt on the people

The abstract noun "guilt" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "so as to cause the people to be guilty"

Leviticus 4:4

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

He must bring the bull

"The high priest must bring the bull"

lay his hand on its head

This is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4]

Leviticus 4:5

The anointed priest will take some of the blood

It is implied that the priest catches the blood in a bowl as it drains from the animal.

The anointed priest

This phrase refers to the son of the high priest who will succeed the high priest when the high priest dies. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:3.

Leviticus 4:6

sprinkle some of it

"drip some of it" or "splatter some of it"

Leviticus 4:7

horns of the altar

This refers to the corners of the altar. They are shaped like the horns of an ox. Alternate translation: "the projections at the corners of the altar"

pour out

"empty out the rest of the blood"

at the base of the altar

"at the bottom of the altar"

Leviticus 4:8

He will cut away

"The priest will cut away"

inner parts

This is the stomach and intestines.

Leviticus 4:9

the two kidneys ... with the kidneys—he will cut away all this

The words "he will cut away all this" can be placed before the words "the fat that covers" in verse 8. "He will cut away the fat that covers the inner parts, all the fat that is attached to the inner parts, the two kidneys ... with the kidneys"

by the loins

This is the part of the body on the sides of the backbone between the ribs and hipbone.

the lobe of the liver

This is the curved or rounded part of the liver. This is considered the best part of the liver to eat. Alternate translation: "the best part of the liver"

Leviticus 4:10

General Information:

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Leviticus 4:11

The skin of the bull ... and its dung

You may want to begin this sentence with words that tell your reader that the sentence is very long. "As for the skin of the bull ... and its dung"

Leviticus 4:12

a place that they have cleansed for me

A place being ritually pure and suitable to use for serving God is spoken of as if it were physically clean.

they have cleansed for me

Here "they" refers to the priests, and "me" refers to Yahweh.

Leviticus 4:13

is unaware

"does not know"

commanded not to be done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "commanded them not to do"

if they are guilty

"they are guilty" or "they deserve for God to punish them"

Leviticus 4:14

when the sin they have committed becomes known

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when they realize that they have sinned"

Leviticus 4:15

will lay their hands on the head

This is a symbolic action that identifies the people with the animal they are offering. In this way the people are offering themselves to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Leviticus 1:4]

the bull will be killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and they will kill the bull"

Leviticus 4:16

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

The anointed priest will bring some of the blood

It is implied that the priest caught the blood in a bowl as the blood drained from the bull.

The anointed priest

This phrase refers to the son of the high priest who will succeed the high priest when the high priest dies. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:3.

Leviticus 4:17

before the curtain

It is implied that this is the curtain before the most holy place.

Leviticus 4:18

He will put

"The priest will put"

horns of the altar

This refers to the corners of the altar. They are shaped like the horns of an ox. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:7.

he will pour out all the blood

"he will pour out the rest of the blood"

Leviticus 4:19

all the fat from it and burn it

"all the fat from the bull and burn the fat"

Leviticus 4:20

he must do

"the priest must do"

the priest will make atonement for the people

The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "the priest will atone for the people's sins"

they will be forgiven

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive them"

Leviticus 4:21

General Information:

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Leviticus 4:22

God has commanded not to be done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has commanded the people not to do"

Leviticus 4:23

then his sin which he has committed is made known to him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "then he realizes that he has sinned"

Leviticus 4:24

He will lay

"The ruler will lay"

lay his hand on the head

This is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4]

where they kill

"where the priests kill"

before Yahweh

"in the presence of Yahweh" or "to Yahweh"

Leviticus 4:25

The priest will take the blood

It is implied that the priest will catch the blood in a bowl as the blood drains from the goat.

horns of the altar

This refers to the corners of the altar. They are shaped like the horns of an ox. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:7.

Leviticus 4:26

He will burn

"The priest will burn"

The priest will make atonement for the ruler

The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "The priest will atone for the ruler"

the ruler will be forgiven

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive the ruler's sins"

Leviticus 4:27

Yahweh has commanded him not to be done

All of the people of Israel were commanded not to sin. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh commanded the people not to do"

Leviticus 4:28

his sin which he has committed is made known to him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he becomes aware of the sin he committed"

Leviticus 4:29

lay his hand on the head

This is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4]

Leviticus 4:30

The priest will take some of the blood

It is implied that the priest will catch the blood in a bowl as the blood drains from the animal.

horns of the altar

This refers to the corners of the altar, which are shaped like the horns of an ox. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:7.

all the rest of the blood

"all the blood remaining in the bowl"

Leviticus 4:31

He will cut away

Here "He" refers to the person offering the sacrifice.

just as the fat is cut away

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "just as a person cuts away the fat"

will burn it

"will burn the fat"

to produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:9]

The priest will make atonement for the man

The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "The priest will atone for the man's sins"

he will be forgiven

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive the man's sins"

Leviticus 4:32

General Information:

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Leviticus 4:33

lay his hand on the head

This is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4]

where they kill

"where the priests kill"

Leviticus 4:34

horns of the altar

This refers to the corners of the altar. They are shaped like the horns of an ox. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:7.

he will pour out all its blood

"he will pour out the rest of its blood"

Leviticus 4:35

He will cut away

Here "He" refers to the person offering the sacrifice.

just as the fat of the lamb is cut away

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "just as a person cuts away the fat of the lamb"

the priest will burn it

"the priest will burn the fat"

offerings of Yahweh made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "burnt offerings for Yahweh"

will make atonement for him for the sin he has committed

The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "will atone for the sin the person committed"

the man will be forgiven

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive the man's sins"

Chapter 5

Leviticus 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter gives instructions about how to offer a specific type of sacrifice.

Special concepts in this chapter

Not testifying

If a person saw a crime, or a wrong being done, they were required to be a witness about what they saw or heard. (See: testimony)

Sacrifices for the poor

This chapter explains that poor people were allowed to offer less expensive sacrifices if they could not afford more costly sacrifices.

Leviticus 5:1

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

the curse

Jewish law and leaders both required the people to testify if they were witnesses to a crime, so this phrase refers to the curse uttered against those who refuse to testify. Alternate translation: "people ask God to punish anyone who refuses to tell what he knows "

Leviticus 5:2

God has designated as unclean

Something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

the carcass

"the dead body"

he has become unclean

A person who is unacceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.

Leviticus 5:3

if he touches the uncleanness of someone, whatever that uncleanness is

The abstract noun "uncleanness" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "if he touches anything that makes a person unclean"

the uncleanness

Something that Yahweh has declared unfit for a person to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

he is unaware of it

"he does not realize it" or "he does not know about it"

Leviticus 5:4

if anyone swears rashly with his lips

Here "lips" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "if anyone swears rashly"

if anyone swears rashly

This means to swear an oath without thinking seriously about it. It implies that after the person swears the oath that he either cannot fulfill it or he does not really want to fulfill it.

Leviticus 5:5

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Leviticus 5:6

the priest will make atonement for him

The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "the priest will atone for him"

Leviticus 5:7

If he cannot afford to buy a lamb

"If he does not have enough money to buy a lamb"

Leviticus 5:8

he will wring off its head from its neck but will not remove it

"he will kill it by twisting its head and breaking its neck, but he will not remove the head"

Leviticus 5:9

General Information:

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Leviticus 5:10

as described in the instructions

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh has instructed"

the priest will make atonement for him for the sin that he has committed

The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "the priest will atone for the sin that the person committed"

the person will be forgiven

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive the person"

Leviticus 5:11

a tenth of an ephah

An ephah is 22 liters. A tenth of an ephah is about two liters.

a tenth

This is one part out of ten equal parts.

Leviticus 5:12

He must bring it

"He must bring the fine flour"

a representative offering

The handful that the priest burns on the altar represents the entire offering. This means the whole offering belongs to Yahweh. See how you translated this in Leviticus 2:2.

on top of the offerings made by fire for Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "on top of the burnt offerings to Yahweh"

Leviticus 5:13

will make atonement

The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "will atone"

that person will be forgiven

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive that person's sins"

Leviticus 5:14

General Information:

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Leviticus 5:15

sins and acts unfaithfully in regard to the things that belong to Yahweh

This means the person sinned by not giving to Yahweh what Yahweh commanded him to give. Alternate translation: "sins by failing to give to Yahweh what belongs to Yahweh"

Leviticus 5:16

he must add one-fifth

This means the person must pay an extra one-fifth of the value of what he owes to Yahweh.

one-fifth

This is one part out of five equal parts.

the priest will make atonement for him

The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "the priest will atone for him"

that person will be forgiven

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive that person"

Leviticus 5:17

has commanded not to be done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "has commanded the people not to do"

must carry his own guilt

A person's guilt is spoken of as if it were a physical object that the person carries. Here the word "guilt" represents the punishment for that guilt. Alternate translation: "he is responsible for his own guilt" or "Yahweh will punish him for his sin"

Leviticus 5:18

worth the current value

This means the person must determine how many shekels the ram is worth by using the official standard of the sacred tent. See [Leviticus 5:15]

he will be forgiven

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive him"

Leviticus 5:19

he is certainly guilty before Yahweh

"Yahweh certainly considers him guilty"

Chapter 6

Leviticus 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter gives instructions on how to offer guilt offerings, burnt offerings, and grain offerings.

Special concepts in this chapter

Eating sacrifices

The Levites were allowed to eat some of the leftover parts of the sacrifice, while they were not allowed to eat other sacrifices. The reasons for this is unknown.

Leviticus 6:1

General Information:

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Leviticus 6:2

acts unfaithfully against Yahweh

"disobeys one of Yahweh's commandments"

deceiving his neighbor regarding something held in trust

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "lying to his neighbor about something the neighbor let him borrow"

his neighbor

Here "neighbor" means any Israelite, not just someone who lives nearby.

Leviticus 6:3

General Information:

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Leviticus 6:4

that which was entrusted to him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "not returning something he borrowed"

Leviticus 6:5

in full

"fully" or "totally"

add one-fifth

This means the person must return what he owes to someone and pay an extra one-fifth of the value. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 5:16]

pay it all to the owner

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "to pay the person he owes"

he is found guilty

The person who stole is to be brought before the judge and be declared guilty. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the judge declares him guilty"

Leviticus 6:6

worth the current value

This means the person must determine how many shekels the ram is worth by using the official standard of the sacred tent. You can make clear the understood information. See how this was translated in [Leviticus 5:15]

Leviticus 6:7

The priest will make atonement for him

The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "The priest will atone for him"

before Yahweh

"in the presence of Yahweh"

he will be forgiven

This means Yahweh will forgive the person, not the priest. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will forgive him"

Leviticus 6:8

General Information:

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Leviticus 6:9

"Command Aaron and his sons, saying, 'This is the law

The sentence that begins "Then Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying"

must be on the hearth of the altar

"must be on top of the altar"

the fire of the altar will be kept burning

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must keep the fire of the altar burning"

Leviticus 6:10

his linen clothes

Linen is a white cloth. Alternate translation: "his white clothes"

He will pick up the ashes

"He will gather the ashes"

after the fire has consumed the burnt offering

The fire completely burning up the offering is spoken of as if it consumed or used up the burnt offering.

Leviticus 6:11

to a place that is clean

A place that is fit to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically clean.

Leviticus 6:12

The fire on the altar will be kept burning

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The priest will keep the fire on the altar burning"

as required on it

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "on it as Yahweh demands"

Leviticus 6:13

General Information:

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Leviticus 6:14

General Information:

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Leviticus 6:15

to produce a sweet aroma

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Leviticus 1:9]

a representative offering

The handful of the grain offering represents the whole grain offering. This means the whole offering belongs to Yahweh. See how you translated this in Leviticus 2:2.

Leviticus 6:16

It must be eaten

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "They must eat it"

Leviticus 6:17

It must not be baked with yeast

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not bake it with yeast"

offerings made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "burnt offerings"

Leviticus 6:18

Whoever touches them will become holy

This is an implied warning that those who are not male descendants of Aaron should not touch this offering. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear.

Leviticus 6:19

General Information:

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Leviticus 6:20

when each son is anointed

It is implied that they will be anointed when they become priests. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when he anoints each son, ordaining them as priests"

a tenth part of an ephah

An ephah is 22 liters. One-tenth of an ephah is about 2 liters.

a tenth

This is one part of ten equal parts.

Leviticus 6:21

It will be made

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You will make it"

in a baking pan

This is a thick plate made of either clay or metal. The plate was placed over a fire, and the dough cooked on top of the plate. See how you translated "flat iron pan" in [Leviticus 2:5]

When it is soaked

"When the flour is completely wet with oil"

you will bring it in

Here "you" refers to the person offering the sacrifice.

to produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:9]

Leviticus 6:22

The anointed priest

This phrase refers to the son of the high priest who will succeed the high priest when the high priest dies. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:3.

As commanded

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "As Yahweh has commanded you"

it must be burned up completely

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he must burn all of it"

Leviticus 6:23

General Information:

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Leviticus 6:24

General Information:

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Leviticus 6:25

"Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, 'This is the law

The sentence that begins "Yahweh spoke to Moses again, saying"

Speak to Aaron and to his sons

Yahweh is speaking to Aaron and his sons, but these regulations apply to all priest who perform these sacrifices. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear.

The sin offering must be killed at ... before Yahweh

It can be made explicit that this refers to the north side of the altar. See Leviticus 1:10-11.

The sin offering must be killed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must kill the sin offering"

where the burnt offering is killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where you kill the animal for the burnt offering"

before Yahweh

"to Yahweh"

Leviticus 6:26

It must be eaten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He must eat it"

Leviticus 6:27

Whatever touches its meat will become holy

This is an implied warning that no one besides the priests should touch the meat of the sin offering. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear.

if the blood is sprinkled on

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "if the blood sprinkles on"

Leviticus 6:28

the clay pot in which it is boiled must be broken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must break the clay pot in which you boiled the meat"

If it is boiled in a bronze pot, it must be scrubbed and rinsed clean in water

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If you boiled the meat in a bronze pot, then you must scrub the pot and rinse it with clean water"

Leviticus 6:29

General Information:

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Leviticus 6:30

But any sin offering ... must not be eaten

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "But no one may eat any sin offering whose blood is brought into the tent of meeting to make atonement in the holy place"

whose blood is brought into the tent of meeting

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "from which the priest takes the blood into the tent of meeting"

It must be burned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The priest must burn it"

with fire

If these words would cause confusion for the reader, you may omit them.

Chapter 7

Leviticus 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter gives instructions on how to offer guilt offerings, peace offerings and freewill offerings.

Special concepts in this chapter

Blood

The people were not allowed to eat or drink the blood of the sacrificed meat because life was considered to be in the blood of the animal. (See: blood and Leviticus 17:11)

Leviticus 7:1

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what he must tell Aaron and his sons.

Leviticus 7:2

in the place for killing it

It can be made explicit that this refers to, the north side of the altar, the place where the animals for the burnt offerings are killed. See [Leviticus 1:10-11]

Leviticus 7:3

All the fat in it will be offered

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The priest must offer all the fat in it"

inner parts

This is the stomach and intestines.

Leviticus 7:4

liver ... kidneys

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:4.

next to the loins

This is the part of the body on the sides of the backbone between the ribs and hipbone. See how you translated this in Leviticus 3:4.

all this must be removed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the priest must remove all this"

Leviticus 7:5

as an offering made with fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as a burnt offering"

Leviticus 7:6

It must be eaten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They must eat it"

Leviticus 7:7

The same law applies to both of them

"The law is the same for both of them"

to the priest who makes atonement with them

The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "to the priest who offers the sacrifice to atone for someone's sins"

Leviticus 7:8

hide

the coat or skin of a herd animal

Leviticus 7:9

that is baked in an oven ... that is cooked in a frying pan

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that someone bakes in an oven ... that someone cooks in a frying pan"

oven

This was probably a hollow object made of clay. A fire was lit under the oven, and the heat would bake the dough inside of the oven. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 2:4]

a frying pan

This is a metal plate with rounded edges. The dough was placed in the pan and cooked over a fire. See how you translated "pan" in [Leviticus 2:7]

a baking pan

This is a thick plate made of either clay or metal. The plate was placed over a fire, and the dough cooked on top of the plate. See how you translated "flat iron pan" in [Leviticus 2:5]

Leviticus 7:10

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Leviticus 7:11

General Information:

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Leviticus 7:12

of cakes made without yeast, but mixed with oil

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "of cakes he made without yeast but mixed with oil"

cakes ... mixed with oil

Here "cakes" refers to a thick bread.

of cakes made without yeast, but spread with oil

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "of thin cakes he made without yeast but spread with oil"

cakes ... spread with oil

Here "cakes" refers to a thin bread.

of cakes made with fine flour that is mixed with oil

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "of cakes he made with fine flour mixed with oil"

cakes made with fine flour

Here "cakes" refers to a thick bread. It is similar to the first type of bread except it is made with the finest flour.

Leviticus 7:13

cakes of bread made with yeast

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "cakes of bread he made with yeast"

cakes

This refers to a thick bread.

Leviticus 7:14

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Leviticus 7:15

The person presenting

"The person who offers"

for the purpose of giving thanks

The abstract noun "thanks" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "for the purpose of thanking Yahweh"

Leviticus 7:16

the meat must be eaten ... it may be eaten

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "he must eat the meat ... he may eat it"

Leviticus 7:17

on the third day

Third is the ordinal number for three. Alternate translation: "after two days"

must be burned

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the person must burn it"

Leviticus 7:18

If any of the meat of the sacrifice of one's peace offering is eaten on the third day

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "If anyone eats the meat of his peace offering sacrifice on the third day"

it will not be accepted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will not accept it"

neither will it be credited to the one who offered it

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "neither will Yahweh honor the sacrifice that the person offered"

will carry the guilt of his sin

A person being responsible for the sin he committed is spoken of as if he had to carry the guilt physically.

Leviticus 7:19

Any meat that touches an unclean thing must not be eaten

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one may eat meat that touches something unclean"

an unclean thing

Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

It must be burned

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must burn it"

with fire

If these words would cause confusion for the reader, you may omit them. See how you translated these words in Leviticus 6:19.

anyone who is clean

A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.

Leviticus 7:20

unclean person

A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.

that person must be cut off from his people

A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that person may no longer live among his people" or "you must separate that person from his people"

Leviticus 7:21

of man

Here "man" means humans in general. Alternate translation: "of a person"

or of some unclean, detestable thing

"or of some unclean thing that disgusts Yahweh"

that person must be cut off from his people

A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 7:20]

Leviticus 7:22

General Information:

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Leviticus 7:23

"Speak to the people of Israel and say, 'You must eat no fat

The sentence that begins "Then Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying"

Leviticus 7:24

died without being a sacrifice

"died but was not a sacrifice"

the fat of an animal torn by wild animals

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the fat of an animal that wild animals killed"

may be used

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you may use"

Leviticus 7:25

sacrifice by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "burnt offering"

that person must be cut off from his people

A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 7:20]

Leviticus 7:26

You must eat no blood

"You must not consume blood"

in any of your houses

"in any of your homes" or "wherever you live"

Leviticus 7:27

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Leviticus 7:28

General Information:

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Leviticus 7:29

"Speak to the people of Israel and say, 'He who offers

The sentence that begins with the words "So Yahweh spoke to Moses and said"

Leviticus 7:30

The offering for Yahweh to be made by fire, his own hands must bring it

The statement "his own hands must bring it" can be placed at the beginning of the sentence. The phrase "to be made by fire" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He himself must bring the offering that he plans to burn as a sacrifice to Yahweh"

his own hands must bring it

Here "hands" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "he must bring it himself"

breast

the front part of the animal's body below the neck

so that the breast may be waved as a wave offering before Yahweh

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that the priest can present it to Yahweh as a wave offering"

may be waved as a wave offering before Yahweh

Raising up the offering is a symbolic gesture that shows that the person is dedicating the sacrifice to Yahweh.

Leviticus 7:31

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Leviticus 7:32

thigh

the upper part of the leg above the knee

Leviticus 7:33

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Leviticus 7:34

For I have taken

Here "I" refers to Yahweh.

that is the contribution

"that is given as an offering"

Leviticus 7:35

the offerings for Yahweh made by fire

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the burnt offerings for Yahweh"

Leviticus 7:36

that Yahweh commanded to be given them from the people of Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Yahweh commanded the people of Israel to give to them"

that he anointed the priests

"that Moses anointed the priests"

throughout all generations

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:17.

Leviticus 7:37

Connecting Statement:

This is the end of a speech started in verse Leviticus 7:29.

Leviticus 7:38

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Chapter 8

Leviticus 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, Moses set apart, or consecrated, the sons of Aaron to be priests. (See: consecrate and priest)

Leviticus 8:1

General Information:

In chapter 8 Moses ordains Aaron and his sons as priests according to the commands of Yahweh that Moses recorded in the book of Exodus.

Leviticus 8:2

the garments

"the priestly garments" or "the clothes that the priests wore"

Leviticus 8:3

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Leviticus 8:4

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Leviticus 8:5

Yahweh has commanded to be done

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh commands us to do"

Leviticus 8:6

washed them with water

This is a symbolic action. It is a ritually cleaning that prepares them to become priests.

Leviticus 8:7

the tunic ... the sash ... the robe ... the ephod ... the finely-woven waistband

These are special garments that Yahweh commanded the people to make for the priests.

sash

a long piece of cloth that is tied around the waist or chest

bound it to him

"tied it around him"

Leviticus 8:8

He placed the breastpiece on him

"Moses placed the breastpiece on Aaron"

the breastpiece

This is a special garment that Yahweh commanded the people to make for the priests.

the Urim and the Thummim

It is not clear what these are. They were objects that the priest somehow used to determine the will of God.

Leviticus 8:9

the turban ... the golden plate, the holy crown

These are special garments that Yahweh commanded the people to make for the priests.

turban

a man's head covering that is a long piece of cloth wrapped around the head

the golden plate, the holy crown

These two phrases refer to the same thing. It was a plate of pure gold attached to the turban.

Leviticus 8:10

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Leviticus 8:11

all its utensils

These are all the pots, pans, shovels, and forks used at the altar.

the washbasin

This is a bronze basin that was located between the altar and the tabernacle.

its base

This is a bronze stand on which the washbasin was placed.

Leviticus 8:12

He poured

"Moses poured"

Leviticus 8:13

sashes

This is the plural form of "sash." See how you translated this in Leviticus 8:7.

Leviticus 8:14

laid their hands on the head

This is a symbolic action that identifies Aaron and his sons with the animal they are offering. In this way they are offering themselves to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4]

Leviticus 8:15

horns of the altar

This refers to the corners of the altar. They are shaped like the horns of an ox. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:7.

set it apart for God

"set the altar apart for God"

in order to make atonement for it

Here "atonement" means to make the altar fit for use in serving God. Alternate translation: "in order to make it a suitable place for burning sacrifices for sin"

Leviticus 8:16

the inner parts

This is the stomach and intestines. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:9.

liver ... kidneys

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:4.

Leviticus 8:17

hide

the coat or skin of a herd animal

Leviticus 8:18

laid their hands on the head

This is a symbolic action that identifies Aaron and his sons with the animal they are offering. In this way they are offering themselves to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4]

Leviticus 8:19

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Leviticus 8:20

He cut the ram

"Moses cut the ram"

Leviticus 8:21

produced a sweet aroma

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Leviticus 1:9]

an offering made by fire to Yahweh

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "an offering he burned to Yahweh"

Leviticus 8:22

the ram of consecration

The word "consecration" is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: "the ram for setting Aaron and his sons apart for service to God"

laid their hands on the head

This is a symbolic action that identifies Aaron and his sons with the animal they are offering. In this way the they are offering themselves to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4]

Leviticus 8:23

Moses took some of its blood

It is implied that Moses caught the blood in a bowl as the blood drained out from the animal. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

Leviticus 8:24

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Leviticus 8:25

inner parts

This is the stomach and intestines. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:9.

liver ... kidneys

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:4.

right thigh

The thigh is the upper part of the leg above the knee. See how you translated this in Leviticus 7:32.

Leviticus 8:26

the basket of bread without yeast that was before Yahweh

This does not refer to the location of the basket of bread. It means this is the bread that Moses had dedicated to Yahweh.

Leviticus 8:27

put it all in the hands of Aaron and in the hands of his sons

Here "hands" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "gave it all to Aaron and his sons"

waved them before Yahweh as a wave offering

It is implied that Aaron and his sons presented the offering. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "they waved them before Yahweh as a wave offering"

waved them

This is a symbolic action that dedicates the offering to Yahweh.

Leviticus 8:28

Moses took them

Here "them" refers to the fat, thigh, and all of the bread.

from off their hands

Here "hands" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "from Aaron and his sons"

They were a consecration offering

"They were an offering for setting Aaron and his sons apart for service to Yahweh"

an offering made by fire to Yahweh

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "a burnt offering to Yahweh"

produced a sweet aroma

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Leviticus 1:9]

Leviticus 8:29

breast

the front part of the animal's body below the neck

ordination

an official ceremony that makes someone a priest

Leviticus 8:30

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Leviticus 8:31

the basket of consecration

This means the basket contains offerings used while consecrating Aaron and his sons. Alternate translation: "the basket"

as I commanded, saying, 'Aaron and his sons will eat it.'

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "as I commanded you to do"

Leviticus 8:32

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Leviticus 8:33

until the days of your ordination are fulfilled

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "until you fulfill the days of your ordination"

ordination

This is an official ceremony that makes someone a priest. See how you translated this in Leviticus 8:29.

Leviticus 8:34

to be done

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "us to do"

to make atonement for you

The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "to atone for your sins"

Leviticus 8:35

this is what I have been commanded

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "this is what he has commanded me"

Leviticus 8:36

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Chapter 9

Leviticus 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Aaron begins to function as the high priest in this chapter. (See: highpriest)

Special concepts in this chapter

Following Yahweh's instructions

Great care is taken to show that Aaron perfectly followed Yahweh's instructions. Moses records every detail to show how Aaron correctly followed Yahweh.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"Fire came out from Yahweh"

Aaron did not create the fire that consumed his sacrifice. Instead, Yahweh miraculously began the fire which consumed the sacrifice. This showed that the sacrifice was acceptable to him. (See: miracle)

Leviticus 9:1

the eighth day

The word "eighth" is the ordinal number for eight.

Leviticus 9:2

before Yahweh

"to Yahweh" or "in the presence of Yahweh"

Leviticus 9:3

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to Aaron.

You must speak ... and say, 'Take a male goat ... burnt offering

Moses continues speaking to Aaron. This is the beginning of a direct quote within a direct quote. You can change this into an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "You must tell the people of Israel to take a male goat ... burnt offering"

a year old

"twelve months of age"

Leviticus 9:4

also take an ox ... will appear to you

Moses continues speaking to Aaron. If you have begun an indirect quotation in verse 8, continue it here. "and to take an ox ... will appear to them"

to sacrifice before Yahweh

"to sacrifice to Yahweh"

Leviticus 9:5

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Leviticus 9:6

commanded you to do

Here "you" refers to the people of Israel.

so that his glory may appear to you

Here "glory" represents the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "so that he may show you the glory of his presence"

Leviticus 9:7

make atonement for yourself and for the people ... offer the sacrifice for the people to make atonement for them

These are two different sacrifices. The first sacrifice is to atone for the sins of the high priest. When the high priest sins it also makes the people guilty (Leviticus 4:3). The second sacrifice is to atone of the sins the people themselves commit.

Leviticus 9:8

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Leviticus 9:9

sons of Aaron presented the blood to him

This implies that they caught the blood in a bowl as the blood drained from the animal. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

horns of the altar

This refers to the corners of the altar. They are shaped like the horns of an ox. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:7.

at the base of the altar

"at the bottom of the altar"

Leviticus 9:10

he burned

"Aaron burned"

kidneys ... liver

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:4.

Leviticus 9:11

the hide

This is the coat or skin of a herd animal. See how you translated this in Leviticus 7:8.

Leviticus 9:12

his sons gave him the blood

It is implied that the sons caught the blood in a bowl as the blood drained from the animal. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

Leviticus 9:13

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Leviticus 9:14

inner parts

This is the stomach and intestines. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:9.

Leviticus 9:15

the first goat

The word "first" is the ordinal number for one. Alternate translation: "the goat for his own offering"

Leviticus 9:16

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Leviticus 9:17

along with the morning's burnt offering

This refers to the first sacrifice of each day. The priests would offer this burnt sacrifice in the morning before any other sacrifice. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

Leviticus 9:18

He killed

"Aaron killed"

Aaron's sons gave him the blood

It is implied that the blood was in a bowl. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit.

Leviticus 9:19

inner parts

This is the stomach and intestines. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:9.

kidneys ... liver

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:4.

Leviticus 9:20

They took the parts

"Aaron's sons took the parts"

put these

The word "these" refers to the fat and inner parts listed previously.

the breasts

This is front part of the animal's body below the neck. See how you translated this in Leviticus 7:30.

Leviticus 9:21

right thigh

This is the upper part of the leg above the knee. See how you translated this in Leviticus 7:32.

before Yahweh

"to Yahweh"

Leviticus 9:22

then he came down

The phrase "came down" is used because the place of the altar was higher than where the people were standing.

Leviticus 9:23

the glory of Yahweh appeared to all the people

Here "glory" represents Yahweh's presence. Alternate translation: "Yahweh showed all the people the glory of his presence"

Leviticus 9:24

Fire came out from Yahweh and consumed

"Yahweh sent a fire that consumed"

consumed the burnt offering

The fire completely burning up the offering is spoken of as if the fire consumed or used up the burnt offering.

lay facedown

"lay with their faces to the ground." This is a sign respect and honor.

Chapter 10

Leviticus 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 10:3.

Special concepts in this chapter

Mourning

Aaron was told that he and his remaining sons should not mourn Aaron's sons who were killed. As priests, they must put priestly work first, before their mourning and personal problems.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"Unapproved fire"

The phrase "unapproved fire " indicates that Aaron's son offered an unacceptable sacrifice. Because of Yahweh's holiness, this was a serious sin. They may have offered a sacrifice at the wrong time or in the wrong way. (See: holy and sin)

Leviticus 10:1

Nadab and Abihu

These are the names of Aaron's sons.

censer

a shallow metal container which priests used to carry hot coals or incense

put fire in it

"put burning coals in it"

Then they offered unapproved fire before Yahweh, which he had not commanded them to offer

"But Yahweh did not approve of their offering because it was not according to what he commanded them to offer"

unapproved fire before Yahweh

"unapproved fire to Yahweh"

Leviticus 10:2

So fire came out from before Yahweh

"So Yahweh sent a fire"

came out from before Yahweh

"came out from Yahweh"

devoured them

The fire completely burning the men up is spoken of as if the fire devoured or completely used them up.

they died before Yahweh

"they died in the presence of Yahweh"

Leviticus 10:3

This is what Yahweh was talking about when he said, 'I will reveal my holiness ... before all the people.'

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "This is what Yahweh was talking about when he said that he would reveal his holiness ... who come near him, and that he will be glorified ... people."

I will reveal my holiness to those who come near me

The phrase "those who come near me" refers to the priests that serve Yahweh. "I will show those that come near to serve me that I am holy" or "Those who come near to serve me must treat me as holy"

I will be glorified before all the people

This second part of Yahweh's statement still concerns the priest, who are the ones who come near to Yahweh. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "They must glorify me before all the people" or "They must honor me in the presence of all the people"

Leviticus 10:4

Mishael ... Elzaphan ... Uzziel

These are names of men.

your brothers

This does not mean they were literal brothers. Here "brothers" means relatives or cousins.

Leviticus 10:5

So they came near

"So Mishael and Elzaphan came near"

carried them, still wearing their priestly tunics

carried the bodies of Nadab and Abihu, which still had on the priestly tunics

Leviticus 10:6

Eleazar ... Ithamar

These are the names of Aaron's sons.

Do not let your hair on your heads hang loosely, and do not tear your clothes

Yahweh is telling Aaron and his sons not to show any outward signs of grief or mourning.

so that you may not die

"so that you will not die"

not be angry with all the assembly

Here "assembly" means the whole congregation of Israel, not just a group of leaders. Alternate translation: "not be angry with all the people of Israel"

the entire house of Israel

Here "house" represents the people. Alternate translation: "all the people of Israel"

for those whom the fire of Yahweh has set ablaze

"for those whom Yahweh killed with his fire"

Leviticus 10:7

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Leviticus 10:8

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Leviticus 10:9

This will be

Here "This" refers back to the command for the priests to not drink wine or strong drink when they enter the tent of meeting.

a permanent statute throughout your people's generations

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:17.

Leviticus 10:10

to distinguish

You can start a new sentence here. "You must do this so that you will be able to distinguish"

between the holy and the profane

The nominal adjectives "the holy" and "the common" can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "between what is holy and what is common" or "between what is dedicated to God and what is ordinary"

between the unclean and the clean

The nominal adjectives "the unclean" and "the clean" can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "between what is unclean and what is clean" or "between what God will not accept and what he will accept"

the unclean

A person or thing that Yahweh has stated is unfit to touch is spoken of as if they were physically unclean.

the clean

A person or thing that Yahweh has stated is fit to touch is spoken of as if they were physically unclean.

Leviticus 10:11

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Leviticus 10:12

the offerings to Yahweh made by fire

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the burnt offerings to Yahweh"

for it is most holy

"for the grain offering is most holy"

Leviticus 10:13

this is what I have been commanded to tell you

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "this is what Yahweh commanded me to tell you"

Leviticus 10:14

for the breast of the wave offering

This refers to the breast of the animals that the Israelites were to bring as offerings to Yahweh and give to the priests, who would wave them before Yahweh.

the thigh of the contribution

This refers to the upper part of the leg above the knee of the animals that the Israelites were to bring as offerings to Yahweh and give to the priests, who would eat them with their families.

in a clean place

A place that is fit to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically clean.

for they are given as your assigned portion

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh has assigned them to you as your portion"

you and your sons and daughters

Here "you" refers to Aaron.

Leviticus 10:15

the breast of the wave offering

This refers to the breast of the animals that the Israelites were to bring as offerings to Yahweh and give to the priests, who would wave them before Yahweh. See how you translated this in Leviticus 10:14.

the thigh of the contribution

This refers to the upper part of the leg above the knee of the animals that the Israelites were to bring as offerings to Yahweh and give to the priests, who would eat them with their families. See how you translated this in Leviticus 10:14.

They will be yours and your sons' with you as a share forever

Translate this so it is understood that the portion belongs to Aaron and his sons. Alternate translation: "This portion will always be for you and your sons"

Leviticus 10:16

it was burned up

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the priests had burned it all"

Eleazar and Ithamar

See how you translated these names in Leviticus 10:6.

Leviticus 10:17

Why have you not eaten ... before him?

Moses uses a question to rebuke Eleazar and Ithamar. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should have eaten ... before him."

since it is most holy

"since the sin offering is most holy"

to take away the iniquity of the assembly

Causing Yahweh to forgive the people of Israel is spoken of as if iniquity were an object that Yahweh takes from the people.

before him

"in his presence"

Leviticus 10:18

its blood was not brought

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you did not bring its blood"

Leviticus 10:19

this thing has happened

Aaron is referring to the death of his two sons.

would it have been pleasing in the sight of Yahweh?

These sacrifices were to be eaten with joy and happiness. Aaron uses a question to emphasize that Yahweh would not be pleased for him to eat the sacrifices since he is sad because of his sons' deaths. This question may be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "certainly, Yahweh would not have been pleased."

Leviticus 10:20

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Chapter 11

Leviticus 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Laws about food

This chapter contains a list of the animals the Israelites were not allowed to eat. Further research may be needed to determine the exact location of different parts of an animal. Many of these foods are not consumed to this day because they cause diseases, but it is unclear why the other foods are prohibited.

Special concepts in this chapter

Eating unclean foods made a person unclean. The process of consuming these types of foods spread the uncleanliness to a person. (See: clean)

Leviticus 11:1

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Leviticus 11:2

among all the animals

"out of all the animals"

Leviticus 11:3

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what he permits the people to eat and what he forbids them to eat.

split hoof

This means a hoof that is split into two parts instead of being one whole.

chews the cud

This means an animal that brings its food up from its stomach and chews it again.

Leviticus 11:4

some animals either chew the cud or have a split hoof

That is, they have one or the other, but not both.

the camel is unclean to you

The camel being unfit for the people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

Leviticus 11:5

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what he permits the people to eat and what he forbids them to eat.

rock badger

a small animal that lives in rocky places

unclean to you

These animals which God declared to be unfit for the people to eat are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.

Leviticus 11:6

rabbit

a small animal with long ears that usually lives in holes in the ground

Leviticus 11:7

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Leviticus 11:8

nor touch their carcasses

"nor touch their dead bodies"

Leviticus 11:9

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what he permits the people to eat and what he forbids them to eat.

fins

the thin, flat part that the fish uses to move through the water

scales

the small plates that cover the body of the fish

Leviticus 11:10

all living creatures that do not have fins and scales in the ocean or rivers

"all creatures that live in the ocean or rivers that do not have fins and scales"

they must be detested by you

Yahweh commands the people to reject and despise eating these creatures. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must detest them" or "you must completely reject them"

Leviticus 11:11

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what he permits the people to eat and what he forbids them to eat.

Since they must be detested

"detest"is to reject and despise an object. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Since you must detest them" or "Since you must completely reject them"

their carcasses must be detested

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must detest their dead bodies" or "you must not touch their dead bodies"

Leviticus 11:12

is detestable to you

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must detest" or "you must completely reject"

Leviticus 11:13

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what he permits the people to eat and what he forbids them to eat.

vulture

These are birds that are either awake at night or feed on rodents and dead animals.

Leviticus 11:14

kite ... falcon

These are birds that are either awake at night or feed on rodents and dead animals.

Leviticus 11:15

raven

These are birds that are either awake at night or feed on rodents and dead animals.

Leviticus 11:16

horned owl ... screech owl ... seagull ... hawk

These are birds that are either awake at night or feed on rodents and dead animals.

Leviticus 11:17

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what he permits the people to eat and what he forbids them to eat.

little owl ... great owl ... the cormorant

These are birds that eat rodents and insects and are awake mainly at night.

the great owl

"the large owl"

Leviticus 11:18

white owl ... barn owl ... osprey

These are birds that eat rodents and insects and are awake mainly at night.

Leviticus 11:19

stork ... heron

These are birds that feed on rodents and lizards.

hoopoe

These are birds that eat rodents and insects and are awake mainly at night.

bat

Although not a bird, the bat is included in this list because it has wings and flies. It has a furry body and is awake mainly at night. It eats insects and rodents.

Leviticus 11:20

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what he permits the people to eat and what he forbids them to eat.

All winged insects that walk on four legs are detestable to you

The word "detestable" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "You will detest all winged insects that walk on four legs"

insects that walk on four legs

Here the phrase "four legs" is an idiom that means to crawl on the ground and sets these insects apart from other flying things, such as birds, that have only two feet. Alternate translation: "insects that crawl on the ground"

Leviticus 11:21

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Leviticus 11:22

locust, katydid, cricket, or grasshopper

These are small insects that eat plants and can jump.

Leviticus 11:23

flying insects that have four feet

"flying insects that have four legs"

Leviticus 11:24

General Information:

Yahweh begins to tell Moses and Aaron which animals the people are to consider unclean.

You will become unclean until evening by these animals if you touch a carcass of one of them

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The dead bodies of these animals will make you unclean if you touch any of them"

You will become unclean

A person who is unacceptable for God's purposes because he has touched one of these dead animals is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.

these animals

This refers to the animals he is about to list in the following verses.

Leviticus 11:25

General Information:

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Leviticus 11:26

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron which animals the people are to consider unclean.

Every animal ... is unclean to you

These animals that God declared to be unfit for the people to eat are spoken of as if they were physically dirty.

split hoof

This means a hoof that is split into two parts instead of being one whole. See how you translated these in Leviticus 11:3.

chew the cud

This means an animal that brings its food up from its stomach and chews it again. See how you translated these in Leviticus 11:3.

Everyone who touches them will be unclean

A person who is unacceptable for God's purposes because he has touched one of these animals is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

Leviticus 11:27

paws

animal feet with claws

until the evening

"until sunset"

Leviticus 11:28

General Information:

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Leviticus 11:29

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron which animals the people are to consider unclean.

these are the animals that will be unclean to you

These animals that God declared to be unfit for people to touch or eat are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.

weasel

a small animal with brown fur that eats birds and small animals

large lizard

These are different kinds of reptiles with four legs.

Leviticus 11:30

the gecko, the monitor lizard, the lizard, the skink, and the chameleon

These are different kinds of reptiles with four legs.

skink

"sand lizard"

Leviticus 11:31

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron which animals the people are to consider unclean.

these are the animals which will be unclean to you

These animals that God declared to be unfit for people to touch or eat are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.

Whoever touches them ... will be unclean

A person who is unacceptable for God's purposes because he has touched one of these dead animals is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

until evening

"until sunset"

Leviticus 11:32

that thing will be unclean

Something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch because one of these dead animals has fallen on it is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. It is spoken of as physically clean after it has been washed.

Then it will be clean

Something that God has declared to be fit for people to touch after it has been washed is spoken of as if it were physically clean.

whatever it is used for, it must be put into water

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "however you use it, you must put it into water"

Leviticus 11:33

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Leviticus 11:34

unclean

Food becomes unacceptable for the people to eat because unclean water has fallen on it is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

Leviticus 11:35

carcasses

dead bodies

must be broken to pieces

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must break it to pieces" or "You must shatter it"

Leviticus 11:36

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron which animals the people are to consider unclean.

A spring or cistern ... remains clean

Water that the people are permitted to drink from a spring or cistern is spoken of as if it were physically clean.

carcass

The dead body of an animal that God has declared to be unfit for the people to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

unclean

A person who is unacceptable for God's purposes because he has touched the carcass of one of these animals is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

Leviticus 11:37

seeds for sowing

"seeds that you intend to plant"

those seeds will still be clean

Seeds that God has permitted the people to plant are spoken of as if they are physically clean, and those that he has not permitted are spoken of as if they were unclean.

Leviticus 11:38

they will be unclean

Seeds that God has permitted the people to plant are spoken of as if they are physically clean, and those that he has not permitted are spoken of as if they were unclean.

But if water is put on the seeds

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "But if you put water on the seeds"

Leviticus 11:39

he who touches the carcass will be unclean until evening

A person who is unacceptable for God's purposes because he touches the body of a dead animal is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

until evening

"until sunset"

Leviticus 11:40

General Information:

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Leviticus 11:41

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron which animals the people are to consider unclean.

it must not be eaten

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must not eat it"

Leviticus 11:42

General Information:

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Leviticus 11:43

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron which animals the people are to consider unclean.

must not make yourselves detestable ... must not make yourselves unclean ... must not be made unclean by them

Yahweh repeats the same idea in three different ways to strengthen the command that they are not to eat any unclean animal.

you must not make yourselves unclean

A person who is unacceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

and you must not be made unclean by them

This can be translated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) this is another command. Alternate translation: "and you must not allow them to make you unclean" or "you must not allow yourselves to become unclean by touching them" Or 2) this refers to the result of disobedience to the two preceding commands. Alternate translation: "or you will be made unclean by them" or "or they will make you unclean" or "you will be unclean because you have touched them"

Leviticus 11:44

General Information:

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Leviticus 11:45

General Information:

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Leviticus 11:46

General Information:

Yahweh finishes telling Moses and Aaron what he permits the people to eat and what he forbids them to eat.

Leviticus 11:47

for which a distinction is to be made between

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "for which you must distinguish between"

between the unclean and the clean

Animals that God declared to be unfit for the people to touch or eat are spoken of as if they were physically unclean, and those which he declared to be acceptable for the people to touch and eat are spoken of as if they were physically clean.

that may be eaten ... that may not be eaten

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you may eat ... that you may not eat"

Chapter 12

Leviticus 12 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Menstruation

A woman was considered to be unclean after she began to bleed from her womb every month and after having a baby. This was because all blood was considered to be unclean. (See: clean and blood)

Leviticus 12:1

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Leviticus 12:2

she will be unclean

A woman whom other people must not touch because she is bleeding from her womb is spoken of as if she were physically unclean.

during the days of her monthly impurity

This refers to the time of the month when a woman bleeds from her womb.

Leviticus 12:3

the flesh of a baby boy's foreskin must be circumcised

Only the priest could perform this action. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "a priest must circumcise the baby boy"

Leviticus 12:4

the mother's purification from her bleeding will continue for thirty-three days

This means that the mother will remain impure for thirty-three days.

thirty-three days

"33 days"

the sanctuary

This is a metonym for the area around the tabernacle. The reader should understand that this is different from the Holy Place, the first chamber in the tabernacle.

Leviticus 12:5

she will be unclean for two weeks

A woman whom other people must not touch because she is bleeding from her womb is spoken of as if she were physically unclean.

for two weeks

"for 14 days"

during her impurity

This refers to the time of the month when a woman bleeds from her womb. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 12:2]

for sixty-six days she will be purified from her bleeding

"it will take sixty-six days for her to be purified from her bleeding"

sixty-six days

"66 days"

Leviticus 12:6

When the days of her purification are finished

"When the days of the mother's purification are finished"

for a son or for a daughter

This refers to the different number of days for purification based on if she gave birth to a son or daughter.

Leviticus 12:7

she will be cleansed from the flow of her blood

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "this will cleanse her from her bleeding occurring during childbirth"

Leviticus 12:8

If she is not able to afford a lamb

Translate this so it clarifies the woman's inability to purchase a sacrificial animal. Alternate translation: "If she does not have enough money to buy a lamb"

then she will be clean

A woman whom other people may touch is spoken of as if she were physically clean.

Chapter 13

Leviticus 13 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Skin disease

This chapter addresses the ways a priest was to decide if a person had a skin disease, which would make a person unclean. This was important because these diseases could have easily spread among the people in the ancient Near East. This is also true concerning things growing on clothing or things that touch a person's skin. (See: priest and clean)

Leviticus 13:1

General Information:

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Leviticus 13:2

then he must be brought

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "then someone must bring him" or "then he must go"

to one of his sons

"to one of Aaron's sons"

Leviticus 13:3

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do.

skin of his body

Here "his" refers to the person with the skin disease.

leprosy

Leprosy was a skin disease. There were different skin diseases called leprosy in the Bible.

he must pronounce him unclean

"the priest must pronounce the man unclean." The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

Leviticus 13:4

for seven days

"for 7 days"

Leviticus 13:5

the priest must examine him

Here "him" refers to the person with the skin disease.

if it has not spread in the skin

This means if the skin disease has not increased in size or moved to other parts of the body.

seventh day

"day 7"

seven days

"7 days"

Leviticus 13:6

the priest will pronounce him clean ... he is clean

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.

rash

This is an area of the skin that is irritated, but the rash will not spread to other people.

Leviticus 13:7

he ... himself

This refers to the person with the skin disease.

Leviticus 13:8

the priest must pronounce him unclean

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

leprosy

See how you translated this in Leviticus 13:3.

Leviticus 13:9

he must be brought to the priest

The priests determined if a disease was spreading. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone must bring him to the priest" or "he must go to the priest"

Leviticus 13:10

if there is raw flesh in the swelling

Here "raw flesh" could refer to open sores on the skin or it could refer to new skin that has grown, but the area around it is still diseased. Either one indicates that the skin disease is not healing properly.

Leviticus 13:11

leprosy

See how you translated this in Leviticus 13:3.

the priest must pronounce him unclean ... he is already unclean

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

Leviticus 13:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.

Leviticus 13:13

the priest must pronounce the person ... he is clean

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean and the man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

Leviticus 13:14

But if ... he will be unclean

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean and the man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

Leviticus 13:15

The priest must ... pronounce him unclean because the raw flesh is unclean

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

pronounce him unclean

Here "him" refers to the person with the skin disease.

raw flesh

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 13:10.

leprosy

See how you translated this in Leviticus 13:3.

Leviticus 13:16

General Information:

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Leviticus 13:17

the priest will pronounce that person to be clean

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.

Leviticus 13:18

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.

a boil

a painful area on the skin that is infected

Leviticus 13:19

then it must be shown to the priest

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "then he must show it to the priest"

Leviticus 13:20

the priest must pronounce him unclean

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

Leviticus 13:21

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.

examines it

Here "it" refers to the white swelling or bright spot on the skin.

Leviticus 13:22

the priest must pronounce him unclean

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

Leviticus 13:23

the priest must pronounce him clean

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.

Leviticus 13:24

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.

Leviticus 13:25

leprosy

See how you translated this in Leviticus 13:3.

the priest must pronounce him unclean

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

Leviticus 13:26

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.

examines it

Here "it" refers to the burn on the person's skin.

Leviticus 13:27

the priest must pronounce him unclean

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

leprosy

See how you translated this in Leviticus 13:3.

Leviticus 13:28

the priest must pronounce him clean

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.

Leviticus 13:29

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.

Leviticus 13:30

the priest must pronounce him unclean

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

Leviticus 13:31

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.

Leviticus 13:32

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.

Leviticus 13:33

then he must be shaved, but the diseased area must not be shaved

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the person must shave the hair near the sore but not the hair on the sore"

Leviticus 13:34

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease."

the disease

Here "the disease" refers to the disease on the person's head or chin.

the priest must pronounce him clean ... he will be clean

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.

Leviticus 13:35

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.

after the priest said he was clean

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.

Leviticus 13:36

The person is unclean

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

Leviticus 13:37

He is clean ... him clean

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.

Leviticus 13:38

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.

Leviticus 13:39

a dull white

"a faded white"

rash

See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:6.

He is clean

Here "He" refers to both men and women in general. Alternate translation: "That person is clean"

He is clean

The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.

Leviticus 13:40

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.

he is clean

The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.

Leviticus 13:41

General Information:

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Leviticus 13:42

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.

leprosy

See how you translated this in Leviticus 13:3.

Leviticus 13:43

General Information:

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Leviticus 13:44

he ... is unclean ... pronounce him unclean

The person whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

Leviticus 13:45

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.

Unclean, unclean

The person whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

Leviticus 13:46

outside the camp

The camp is the area where the majority of Israelites lived. The unclean person was not permitted to live among them because his disease may spread to others.

Leviticus 13:47

A garment that is contaminated with leprosy

"A garment that has leprosy on it" or "A garment that mildews"

leprosy

Here this probably refers to mildew.

is contaminated

has become impure because something harmful has been added to it

Leviticus 13:48

or anything woven or knitted

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "or anything that someone has woven or knitted"

Leviticus 13:49

if there is a greenish or reddish contamination in the garment

"if there is greenish or reddish mildew in the garment"

it must be shown to the priest

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the owner must show it to a priest"

Leviticus 13:50

seven days

"7 days"

Leviticus 13:51

seventh day

"Seventh" is the ordinal number for 7. Alternate translation: "day 7"

anything in which leather is used

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "anything in which a person uses leather"

the item is unclean

Something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

Leviticus 13:52

anything in which the leprosy is found

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "anything on which he found the leprosy"

leprosy

Here this probably refers to mildew. See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:47.

it can lead to disease

The leprosy could cause disease in a person who comes in contact with the item.

The item must be completely burned up

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "He must burn the item completely"

Leviticus 13:53

General Information:

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Leviticus 13:54

then he will command them

"then the priest will command the owners" Here the priest is telling the people what to do with household items that were possibly infected.

in which the leprosy was found

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "in which they found the leprosy"

leprosy

Here this probably refers to mildew. See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:47.

Leviticus 13:55

after the item where there was leprosy was washed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "after they washed the item where there was leprosy"

leprosy

Here this probably refers to mildew. See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:47.

it is unclean

Something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

You must burn the item

Here "you" does not refer to the priest specifically. It just means someone must burn the object.

Leviticus 13:56

after it was washed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "after the owner washed it"

Leviticus 13:57

You must burn

Here "you" does not refer to the priest specifically. It just means someone must burn the item.

Leviticus 13:58

if you wash the item

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "if the owner washes it"

then the item must be washed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "then the owner must wash it"

it will be clean

Something that God has declared to be fit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically clean.

Leviticus 13:59

leprosy in a garment ... made with leather

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 13:47-48.

leprosy

Here this probably refers to mildew. See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:47.

so that you may pronounce it

"so that a priest may declare it"

clean or unclean

Something that God has declared to be fit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically clean and something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

Chapter 14

Leviticus 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a continuation of the material in the previous chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Skin disease and mildew

This chapter addresses the ways a priest was to decide if a person had a skin disease, which would make a person unclean. This was important because these diseases could have easily spread among the people in the ancient Near East. This was also true for the things which could have touched a person's skin. This chapter explains how the priest was to treat the person suffering with a skin disease. (See: priest and clean)

Leviticus 14:1

General Information:

Yahweh tells Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone is cleansed of a skin disease.

Leviticus 14:2

the day of his cleansing

This refers to the day on which the priest declares the person to be ritually clean.

He must be brought to the priest

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone must bring him to the priest" or "He must go to the priest"

Leviticus 14:3

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone is cleansed of a skin disease.

leprosy

See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:3.

Leviticus 14:4

the one to be cleansed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the person he is cleansing"

clean birds

Birds that God allowed the people to eat and offer as sacrifices are spoken of as if they were physically clean.

scarlet yarn

"red yarn"

hyssop

an herb with a pleasant smell that was used for medicine

Leviticus 14:5

General Information:

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Leviticus 14:6

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone is cleansed of a skin disease.

the bird that was killed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the bird that the person killed"

Leviticus 14:7

the person who is to be cleansed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the person he is cleansing"

the priest will pronounce him to be clean

The person whom other people may touch and who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if he were physically clean.

Leviticus 14:8

General Information:

Yahweh tells Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone is cleansed of a skin disease.

The person who is being cleansed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The person whom the priest is cleansing"

then he will be clean

The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.

Leviticus 14:9

General Information:

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Leviticus 14:10

he must take

Here "he" refers to the man who was cleansed.

ephah

One ephah is 22 liters.

log

One log is 0.31 liters.

Leviticus 14:11

will stand the person ... along with those things, before Yahweh

The priest would tell the person to stand before the Yahweh and he would set all those things before Yahweh. Alternate translation: "will present the person ... along with those things to Yahweh"

the person who is to be cleansed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the person he is cleansing"

Leviticus 14:12

log

One log is 0.31 liters.

Leviticus 14:13

in the area of the tabernacle

This phrase clarifies the previous phrase and further defines where the priest was to kill the lamb.

Leviticus 14:14

the person who is to be cleansed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the person he is cleansing"

Leviticus 14:15

log

One log is 0.31 liters.

Leviticus 14:16

sprinkle some of the oil ... before Yahweh

"sprinkle some of the oil ... in Yahweh's presence." There is no indication of what the priest sprinkled the oil on.

Leviticus 14:17

the rest of the oil in his hand

"the rest of the oil that is in his hand"

the person to be cleansed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the person whom he is cleansing"

Leviticus 14:18

before Yahweh

"in Yahweh's presence"

Leviticus 14:19

him who is to be cleansed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the person he is cleansing"

Leviticus 14:20

he will be clean

The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.

Leviticus 14:21

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone is cleansed of a skin disease.

cannot afford

"does not have enough money to buy"

to be waved ... for himself

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the priest will wave ... for him"

one-tenth of an ephah

One-tenth of an ephah is 22 liters.

log

One log is 0.31 liters.

Leviticus 14:22

General Information:

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Leviticus 14:23

General Information:

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Leviticus 14:24

log

One log is 0.31 liters.

Leviticus 14:25

the one who is to be cleansed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one he is cleansing"

Leviticus 14:26

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone is cleansed of a skin disease.

Leviticus 14:27

sprinkle ... some of the oil ... before Yahweh

"sprinkle ... some of the oil ... in Yahweh's presence." There is no indication of what the priest sprinkled the oil on.

Leviticus 14:28

the one who is to be cleansed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one he is cleansing"

Leviticus 14:29

General Information:

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Leviticus 14:30

He must offer

"The priest must offer"

Leviticus 14:31

the one who is to be cleansed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one he is cleansing"

Leviticus 14:32

leprosy

See how you translated this in Leviticus 13:3.

who is not able to afford

Translate this so it is clear that the person does not have enough money to purchase a standard offering. Alternate translation: "who does not have enough money to buy"

Leviticus 14:33

General Information:

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Leviticus 14:34

When you have come

Here "you" refers to the people of Israel.

leprosy

Here this probably refers to mildew. See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:47.

in the land of your possession

The word "possession" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "in the land that you possess"

Leviticus 14:35

General Information:

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Leviticus 14:36

so that nothing in the house will be made unclean

Once the priest declared the house to be unclean, everything in the house became unclean, as well. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that he does not need to declare anything left in the house to be unclean"

the house will be made unclean

The house that Yahweh has stated is unfit for people to touch or live in is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

Leviticus 14:37

in the depressions in the wall's surface

This means the priest is to determine whether mildew has gone deeper that just the surface of the walls.

Leviticus 14:38

General Information:

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Leviticus 14:39

General Information:

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Leviticus 14:40

in which the leprosy has been found

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "in which they found the leprosy"

leprosy

Here this probably refers to mildew. See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:47.

an unclean place

A place that is unfit for people to occupy or to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

Leviticus 14:41

He will require

Here "He" refers to the priest.

all the inside walls of the house to be scraped

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the owner scrapes all the inside walls"

the contaminated material that is scraped off

This refers to the material with mildew on it. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the contaminated material that they scraped off"

the unclean place

A place that is unfit for people to occupy or to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

Leviticus 14:42

the stones that were removed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the stones that they removed"

they must use new clay to plaster the house

"they must cover the stones with new clay"

Leviticus 14:43

in the house ... then replastered

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "in the house after the owner takes away the stones, scrapes the walls, and covers the new stones with clay"

Leviticus 14:44

the house is unclean

A house that is unfit for people to occupy is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

Leviticus 14:45

The house must be torn down

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "They must tear the house down"

The stones, timber, and all the plaster in the house must be carried away

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "They must carry away the stones, timber, and all the plaster in the house"

Leviticus 14:46

whoever goes into the house ... will be unclean

A person whom other people may not touch and who is not acceptable for God's purposes because he has entered the house is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.

until evening

"until sunset"

Leviticus 14:47

General Information:

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Leviticus 14:48

the house was plastered

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the owner put new clay on the stones"

he will pronounce the house clean

A place that is fit for people to occupy is spoken of as if it were physically clean.

Leviticus 14:49

cedar wood, and scarlet yarn, and hyssop

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 14:4.

Leviticus 14:50

General Information:

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Leviticus 14:51

the blood of the killed bird

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the blood of the bird that he killed"

Leviticus 14:52

He will cleanse the house

"The priest will make the house ritually clean"

Leviticus 14:53

it will be clean

A house that is fit for people to occupy is spoken of as if it were physically clean.

Leviticus 14:54

leprosy

See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:3.

Leviticus 14:55

leprosy

Here this probably refers to mildew. See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:47.

Leviticus 14:56

rash

See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:6.

Leviticus 14:57

unclean or ... clean

People and items that other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean, and those which people may touch are spoken of as if they were physically clean.

Chapter 15

Leviticus 15 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Bodily fluid

This chapter discusses fluids that come out of the body. These fluids caused a person to be unclean because of their potential to cause diseases. (See: clean)

Cleanliness

While these rules about cleanliness are intended to benefit the Israelites and promote their health, they also were about making Israel into a separate and holy nation, different from the rest of the world. (See: holy)

Leviticus 15:1

General Information:

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Leviticus 15:2

comes out of his body

This refers to the man's private parts.

he becomes unclean

The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

Leviticus 15:3

it is unclean

"his body is unclean" or "he is unclean"

Leviticus 15:4

unclean

The bed or anything that the man sits on that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.

Leviticus 15:5

Whoever touches his bed ... be unclean

The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

until evening

"until sunset"

Leviticus 15:6

he will be unclean

The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

until evening

"until sunset"

Leviticus 15:7

who touches the body

"who touches any part of the body"

Leviticus 15:8

someone who is clean

The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.

he will be unclean

The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

Leviticus 15:9

saddle

A saddle is a leather seat that a person puts on the back of a horse in order to ride it.

Any saddle ... will be unclean

Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to touch is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

Leviticus 15:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do to avoid infection.

that person

This refers to the person with the infected fluid.

will be unclean

The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

until evening

"until sunset"

Leviticus 15:11

Anyone the man with the discharge touches

"Anyone the person with the infected flow touches"

Leviticus 15:12

Any clay pot that the one with such a flow of fluid touches must be broken

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone must break any clay pot that the one with such a flow of fluid touches"

every container of wood must be rinsed in water

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone must rinse every wooden container in water"

Leviticus 15:13

is cleansed from his flow

The man recovering from his sickness is spoken of as if he becomes physically clean. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "recovers from his flow"

Then he will be clean

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.

Leviticus 15:14

General Information:

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Leviticus 15:15

General Information:

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Leviticus 15:16

unclean until evening

People and objects that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.

until evening

"until sunset"

Leviticus 15:17

Every garment ... must be washed with water

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone must wash with water every garment or leather on which there is semen"

Leviticus 15:18

man lies with a woman

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "man has sexual relations with a woman"

Leviticus 15:19

has a flow of blood

This word refers to the time when blood flows from a woman's womb.

her impurity will continue

"she will continue to be impure"

will be unclean

People and objects that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.

Leviticus 15:20

her period

These words refer to the time when blood flows from a woman's womb.

Leviticus 15:21

her bed

This refers to the woman who is menstruating.

that person will be unclean

The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.

until evening

"until sunset"

Leviticus 15:22

General Information:

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Leviticus 15:23

General Information:

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Leviticus 15:24

If any man lies with her

This is a polite way of speaking of sexual relations. You may have to use other words in your translation. Alternate translation: "If any man has sexual relations with her"

her impure flow

"her unclean flow" or "the blood from her womb"

will be unclean

People and objects that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.

Leviticus 15:25

she will be as if she were in the days of her impurity

This means that if the woman bleeds from her womb at any time other than her regular menstruation time, she is still unclean just as she is during her menstruation.

She is unclean

People whom other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.

Leviticus 15:26

everything on which she sits will be unclean

Objects that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.

Leviticus 15:27

Whoever touches ... will be unclean

People whom other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.

Leviticus 15:28

But if she

The word "she" refers to the woman who is menstruating.

is cleansed from her flow of blood

The woman recovering from her bleeding is spoken of as if she becomes physically clean. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "recovers from her flow of blood"

she will be clean

The woman whom other people may touch is spoken of as if she were physically clean.

Leviticus 15:29

she will take to her

"she will take for herself"

Leviticus 15:30

her unclean flow of blood

"her flow of blood that makes her unclean"

Leviticus 15:31

This is how you must separate the people of Israel from their uncleanness

Yahweh speaks of preventing the people from becoming unclean as if it were keeping the people at a safe distance from uncleanness. The abstract noun "uncleanness" can be stated as "unclean." Alternate translation: "This is how you must prevent the people of Israel from becoming unclean"

their uncleanness

People whom other people may not touch and who are not acceptable for God's purposes are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.

Leviticus 15:32

This is the law

"These are the things that must be done"

makes him unclean

People whom other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.

Leviticus 15:33

an unclean woman

People whom other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.

who has a menstrual period

"who is menstruating" or "who is bleeding from her womb"

who lies with

This is a polite way of speaking of sexual relations. You may have to use other words in your translation. Alternate translation: "who has sexual relations with"

Chapter 16

Leviticus 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Holiness

Because Yahweh is holy, he can only be approached in a certain way. This could only happen on a specific day, by a specific person, and only after they offered the proper sacrifice to make themselves clean. (See: holy and clean)

Day of Atonement

This chapter gives rules for what the high priest had to do on the Day of Atonement. This was the most important day in Judaism. This is when he interceded for the sins of the people of Israel. (See: highpriest and atonement and sin)

Leviticus 16:1

Aaron's two sons

This refers to Nadab and Abihu. They died because they brought fire to Yahweh that he did not approve (Leviticus 10:1-2).

Leviticus 16:2

General Information:

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Leviticus 16:3

So here is how

"This is how"

Leviticus 16:4

undergarments

clothing worn next to the skin under the outer clothes

sash

a piece of cloth that ties around the waist or chest

turban

head covering made from wrapped strips of cloth

Leviticus 16:5

from the assembly

"from the congregation"

Leviticus 16:6

the sin offering, which will be for himself

"the sin offering for himself"

Leviticus 16:7

General Information:

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Leviticus 16:8

the scapegoat

"the goat that is sent away." Aaron was to have someone set the goat free in the wilderness.

Leviticus 16:9

on which the lot fell

"which the lot designated"

Leviticus 16:10

But the goat ... must be brought alive before Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But Aaron must bring the goat ... alive before Yahweh"

Leviticus 16:11

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what Aaron must do on the Day of Atonement.

he must kill the bull

Aaron would catch the blood of the bull in a bowl so he could later sprinkle it on the atonement lid. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

Leviticus 16:12

censer

a container for fire and incense, used by the priests

sweet incense

"sweet-smelling incense." This refers to the smell and not to the taste of the incense.

Leviticus 16:13

General Information:

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Leviticus 16:14

the blood of the bull

This is the blood Aaron caught with a bowl in Leviticus 16:11.

sprinkle it with his finger

He used his finger to splash the blood.

on the front of the atonement lid

He put the blood on the top part of the lid. He also put it on the side of the lid that was towards him as he entered the most holy place.

before the atonement lid

Possible meanings are 1) "below the atonement lid onto the chest" or 2) "onto the ground in front of the atonement lid."

Leviticus 16:15

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what Aaron must do on the Day of Atonement.

He must sprinkle it on the atonement lid and then before the atonement lid

Aaron sprinkled the blood in the same manner that he did with the bull's blood. See how you translated the previous instructions in Leviticus 16:14.

Leviticus 16:16

He must make atonement for the holy place because of the unclean actions of the people of Israel

The sins of the people of Israel made the holy place unclean.

unclean actions ... rebellion ... sins

These words mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that the people have committed all kinds of sins.

unclean actions

Sinful actions which make people unacceptable to Yahweh are spoken of as if they were physically unclean actions.

in the presence of their unclean actions

The phrase "their unclean actions" represents the people who commit sinful actions. Alternate translation: "in the presence of people who commit sinful actions"

Leviticus 16:17

General Information:

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Leviticus 16:18

He must go out to the altar that is before Yahweh

This is the altar of sacrifice just inside the courtyard of the tabernacle.

make atonement for it

Like the holy place and tent of meeting, the altar is unclean because of the sins of the people.

horns of the altar

"the projections at the corners of the altar." This refers to the corners of the altar. They are shaped like the horns of an ox. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:7.

Leviticus 16:19

to cleanse it

The altar being fit to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically clean.

set it apart to Yahweh, away from the unclean actions of the people of Israel

The altar being dedicated to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were physically separated from the sins of the people.

the unclean actions

Sinful actions which make people unacceptable to Yahweh are spoken of as if they were physically unclean actions.

Leviticus 16:20

he must present the live goat

This goat is called the scapegoat in verse Leviticus 16:10.

Leviticus 16:21

confess over him

"confess over the goat"

he must put that sinfulness on the head of the goat

Aaron's actions here were a symbolic transfer of the people's sin to the goat as a sign that the goat would bear the punishment for their guilt.

evil deeds ... rebellion ... sins

These all mean basically the same thing. Aaron is confessing every kind of sin that the people committed.

Leviticus 16:22

General Information:

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Leviticus 16:23

take off the linen garments

These were the special garments Aaron wore only when he entered the most holy place.

Leviticus 16:24

He must bathe his body in water in a holy place

Here "holy place" does not refer to the tent of meeting. This was a different place set aside for him to bathe himself.

put on his normal garments

These are the clothes that Aaron wore for his ordinary duties.

Leviticus 16:25

He must burn

"Aaron must burn"

Leviticus 16:26

The man who let the scapegoat go free must wash his clothes and bathe his body in water

The man was unclean because of his contact with the scapegoat, which carried the sin of the people.

scapegoat

"the goat that is sent away." See how you translated this in Leviticus 16:8.

Leviticus 16:27

whose blood was brought

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "whose blood Aaron brought"

must be carried

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone must carry"

their hides

"their skins." Here "their" refers to the bull and the goat.

Leviticus 16:28

General Information:

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Leviticus 16:29

for you

The word "you" is plural and refers to the people of Israel.

in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the end of September on the western calendar.

Leviticus 16:30

atonement will be made for you

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Aaron will make atonement for you"

to cleanse you ... so you will be clean

People who are acceptable for God's purposes are spoken of as if they were physically clean.

Leviticus 16:31

It is a solemn Sabbath of rest for you

This is not the same as the Sabbath they observed every week on the seventh day. This was a special Sabbath on the Day of Atonement.

Leviticus 16:32

the one who will be anointed and ordained

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one they will anoint and ordain"

in his father's place

When the high priest died, one of his sons would replace him.

the holy garments

These are special clothes the high priest must wear when he enters the most holy place.

Leviticus 16:33

for all the people of the assembly

"for all the people of Israel"

Leviticus 16:34

General Information:

Yahweh finishes telling Moses what the people must do on the Day of Atonement.

This was done as Yahweh commanded Moses

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "And Moses did as Yahweh commanded" or "And Aaron did as Yahweh commanded Moses"

Chapter 17

Leviticus 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Sacrifices

Sacrifices could only be offered by the priests at the temple. Any other sacrifice was strictly prohibited. This was probably intended to ensure that the people were only offering sacrifices to Yahweh and not to another god. (See: priest and falsegod)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"The life of each creature is its blood"

It is unclear why the life is described as being in the blood. It is possible that diseases were more common in the blood and this is why it was prohibited. Blood is also necessary for life to continue in a creature. (See: life and blood)

Leviticus 17:1

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Leviticus 17:2

General Information:

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Leviticus 17:3

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Leviticus 17:4

before his tabernacle

"before Yahweh's tabernacle"

that man must be cut off from among his people

A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 7:20]

Leviticus 17:5

to the priest, to be sacrificed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "to the priest, so he may sacrifice them"

instead of offering sacrifices in an open field

The people had been offering their sacrifices in the open field. God wanted them to stop doing that.

Leviticus 17:6

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Leviticus 17:7

for which they act as prostitutes

The people being unfaithful to Yahweh by worshiping false gods is spoken of as if they were acting like a man who betrays his wife by committing adultery. Alternate translation: "for which they are unfaithful to Yahweh"

a permanent statute for them throughout their people's generations

See how you translated this phrase in Leviticus 3:17.

Leviticus 17:8

General Information:

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Leviticus 17:9

that man must be cut off from his people

A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 7:20]

Leviticus 17:10

I will set my face against that person

This idiom means he "firmly decided." Alternate translation: "I have made up my mind to oppose that person"

will set my face against

"will stare angrily at"

I will cut him off from among his people

A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: "I will not permit that person to live among his people any longer" or "I will separate that person from his people"

Leviticus 17:11

For the life of an animal is in its blood ... that atones for the life

This means God uses the blood to atone for the sins of the people because the blood is life. The people should not consume the blood because it has this special purpose.

Leviticus 17:12

I said

Here "I" refers to Yahweh.

no one among you must eat blood

"no one among you may eat meat with blood in it"

Leviticus 17:13

that may be eaten

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I have said they may eat"

cover the blood with earth

"cover the blood with dirt"

Leviticus 17:14

the life of each creature is its blood

This means that the blood is enables the creature to be alive. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "each creature is able to live because of its blood"

Whoever eats it must be cut off

A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Whoever eats blood may no longer live among his people" or "You must separate from his people anyone who eats blood"

Leviticus 17:15

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking.

that has been torn by wild animals

An animal being killed by wild animals is spoken of as if the wild animals tore the animal to pieces. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that wild animals have killed"

is native born

"is an Israelite"

he will be unclean ... Then he will be clean

The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean and the person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.

until the evening

"until sunset"

Leviticus 17:16

then he must carry his guilt

A person's guilt is spoken of as if it were a physical object that the person carries. Here the word "guilt" represents the punishment for that guilt. Alternate translation: "then he is responsible for his own guilt" or "then I will punish him for his sin"

Chapter 18

Leviticus 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Uncovering nakedness

To uncover someone’s nakedness is an idiom that has two related meanings. If a man uncovers a woman’s nakedness, it means that he has sexual relations with her. If a man uncovers another man’s nakedness, it means that he shames that man by having sexual relations with that man’s wife.

Leviticus 18:1

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Leviticus 18:2

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Leviticus 18:3

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Leviticus 18:4

My laws are what you must do, and my commandments are what you must keep

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the people must obey everything that Yahweh has commanded them to do. You can translate this parallelism into one statement. Alternate translation: "You must obey all of my laws and commandments"

so that you walk in them

Obeying Yahweh's commandments is spoken of as if the commandments were a path on which the person walks. Alternate translation: "so that you conduct your behavior according to them"

Leviticus 18:5

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Leviticus 18:6

uncover nakedness

Here the idiom "uncover nakedness" means "have sexual relations"

Leviticus 18:7

Do not uncover the nakedness of your father

Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" means "disgrace." Alternate translation: "Do not disgrace your father" or "Do not shame shame your father"

by uncovering the nakedness of your mother ... you must not uncover her nakedness

Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in Leviticus 18:6. Alternate translation: "by having sexual relations with your mother ... you must not have sexual relations with her"

Leviticus 18:8

Do not uncover the nakedness of your father's wives

Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]

your father's wives

Sometimes men had more than one wife. God did not allow a son to have sexual intercourse with any woman married to his father.

it is your father's nakedness

"you disgrace your father" or "you shame your father"

Leviticus 18:9

Do not uncover the nakedness of

Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]

whether she is the daughter of your father or the daughter of your mother

This means a man cannot have sexual intercourse with his sister if they have the same parents or even if she has a different mother or father.

whether she was born in your home or distant from you

Another possible meaning is, "whether she grew up at your home or far away from you."

Leviticus 18:10

Do not uncover the nakedness of

Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]

their nakedness is your own nakedness

"you will disgrace both them and yourself" or "you will shame both them and yourself"

Leviticus 18:11

Do not uncover the nakedness of

Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]

your father's wife's daughter

Possible meanings are 1) "your half-sister" or 2) "your stepsister." Here the man does not have the same father or mother as the woman. They became brother and sister when their parents married.

Leviticus 18:12

Do not uncover the nakedness of

Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]

Leviticus 18:13

Do not uncover the nakedness of

Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]

Leviticus 18:14

Do not uncover the nakedness of your father's brother

Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" means "disgrace." Alternate translation: "Do not disgrace your father's brother" or "Do not shame shame your father's brother"

you must not approach his wife

You may have to make explicit the purpose of the approach. Alternate translation: "do not go to his wife in order to have sexual intercourse with her"

Leviticus 18:15

Do not uncover the nakedness of ... you must not uncover her nakedness

Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]

Leviticus 18:16

Do not uncover the nakedness of

Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]

that is your brother's nakedness

"if you do that, you will shame your brother"

Leviticus 18:17

Do not uncover the nakedness of ... to uncover her nakedness

Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]

Leviticus 18:18

uncover her nakedness

Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]

Leviticus 18:19

to uncover her nakedness

Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]

the impurity of her uncleanness

This is the time every month when a woman bleeds from her womb. The words "impurity" and "uncleanness" both occur to emphasize how disgusting a man is to consider her nakedness at that time.

Leviticus 18:20

your neighbor's wife

"any man's wife"

Leviticus 18:21

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must not do that would defile them.

You must not give any of your children to put them into the fire

The phrase "to pass through the fire" means to burn something with fire as a sacrifice. Alternate translation: "You must not burn your children alive"

you must not profane the name of your God

Here the word "profane" means to dishonor. The word "name" represents God himself. Alternate translation: "you must not dishonor your God"

Leviticus 18:22

Do not lie with

This is a polite way of speaking of sexual relations. You may have to use other words in your translation. Alternate translation: "Do not have sexual relations with"

that is detestable

Here "detestable" refers to a violation of the natural order of things as Yahweh intended them to be.

Leviticus 18:23

to lie with it

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "to have sexual relations with it"

Leviticus 18:24

the nations are defiled

This refers to the people groups already living in Canaan. Translate this so the term "nations" is clarified as people. Alternate translation: "the people of the nations defiled themselves"

Leviticus 18:25

The land became defiled

"The people defiled the land"

the land vomited out its inhabitants

Yahweh forcibly removing the people from the land is spoken of as if the land were a person who vomited the people out. Alternate translation: "I forcibly removed the people from the land, like a person vomits up food"

Leviticus 18:26

any of these detestable things

"any of these disgusting things"

Leviticus 18:27

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Leviticus 18:28

Therefore be careful

"Therefore be careful to obey me"

so that the land does not vomit you up ... as it vomited out the people

Yahweh forcibly removing the people from the land is spoken of as if the land were a person who vomited the people out. See how you translated this metaphor in [Leviticus 18:25]

Leviticus 18:29

General Information:

Yahweh finishes telling Moses what the people must not do.

the persons ... will be cut off from among their people

People being excluded from the community is spoken of as if they had been cut off from their people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the persons ... may no longer live among their people" or "you must separate the persons ... from their people"

Leviticus 18:30

which were practiced here before you

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "which the people did here before you came"

by them

Here "them" refers to the detestable customs.

Chapter 19

Leviticus 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Obeying Yahweh

Being holy meant obeying Yahweh in all matters of a person's life. It is not limited to offering correct sacrifices. The law helped to establish righteousness in a person's life, as well as justice in Israel. In Israel, these concepts are closely related. (See: holy and righteous and justice)

Leviticus 19:1

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Leviticus 19:2

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Leviticus 19:3

keep my Sabbaths

"observe my Sabbaths" or "respect my day of rest"

Leviticus 19:4

Do not turn to worthless idols

Worshiping idols is spoken of as if it were physically turning towards them. Alternate translation: "Do not begin to worship worthless idols"

Leviticus 19:5

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

you must offer it that you may be accepted

This can be translated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh will accept the person offering the sacrifice. Alternate translation: "you must offer it properly so that I will accept you" or 2) Yahweh will accept the sacrifice from the person. Alternate translation: "you must offer it properly so that I will accept your sacrifice"

Leviticus 19:6

It must be eaten

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must eat it"

it must be burned

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must burn it"

Leviticus 19:7

If it is eaten at all

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "If you eat any of it"

it must not be accepted

To eat the offering after the designated time is against God and increases the guilt the offering was to cover. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You may not accept it for eating"

Leviticus 19:8

everyone ... must carry his own guilt

A person's guilt is spoken of as if it were a physical object that the person carries. Here the word "guilt" represents the punishment for that guilt. Alternate translation: "everyone ... is responsible for his own guilt" or "Yahweh will punish everyone ... for his sin"

that person must be cut off from his people

A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 7:20]

Leviticus 19:9

When you reap the harvest of your land, you must not completely reap the corners of your field

"When you gather your crops, do not gather all the way to the edges of your fields"

neither will you gather all the gleanings of your harvest

This refers to the practice of going back over the fields a second time to gather any produce that remained after the first time. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "and do not go back and pick up all that you left behind"

Leviticus 19:10

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Leviticus 19:11

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Leviticus 19:12

Do not swear by my name falsely

"Do not use my name to swear about something that is not true"

Leviticus 19:13

Do not oppress your neighbor or rob him

Here "neighbor" means "anyone." The meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Do not hurt or rob anyone"

The wages of a hired servant must not stay with you all night until the morning

Yahweh commands the employer to pay his servant promptly when his work is done that day. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear.

Leviticus 19:14

or put a stumbling block before the blind

"and do not put something in front of a blind person to make him trip over it"

Leviticus 19:15

Do not cause judgment to be false

"Do not judge falsely" or "Do not just unjustly"

You must not exalt the poor nor favor the great

The words "poor" and "great" are two extremes, which together mean "anyone." You can translate this to clarify the terms. Alternate translation: "You must not show favoritism to anyone based on how much money they have"

judge your neighbor justly

"judge everyone according to what is right"

Leviticus 19:16

slander

untrue, hurtful messages about other people

Leviticus 19:17

Do not hate your brother in your heart

Continually hating a person is spoken of as if it were hating a person in the heart. Alternate translation: "Do not continually hate your brother"

You should rebuke your neighbor frankly

"You must correct a person who is sinning"

Leviticus 19:18

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Leviticus 19:19

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

clothing made of two kinds of material mixed together

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "clothing that someone made from two kinds of material"

Leviticus 19:20

lies with

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "has sexual relations with"

who is promised to a husband

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "who is engaged to marry another man"

but who has not been ransomed or given her freedom

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "but whom her future husband has not ransomed or given her freedom"

must be punished

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must punish them"

They must not be put to death

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must not kill them"

Leviticus 19:21

A man must bring his guilt offering to Yahweh to the entrance to the tent of meeting—a ram as a guilt offering

"A man must bring a ram as a guilt offering to Yahweh to the entrance of the tent of meeting"

Leviticus 19:22

the sin which he has committed will be forgiven

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive the sin which he has committed"

Leviticus 19:23

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

then you must regard the fruit they produce as forbidden to be eaten ... It must not be eaten

Yahweh repeats the prohibition in order to emphasize it and to clarify that it is in force for the first three years that the tree bears fruit. Translate this to clarify the period of time the trees must be left alone. Alternate translation: "then you must not eat the fruit of the trees for the first three years"

you must regard the fruit they produce as forbidden to be eaten

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must regard the fruit they produce as something that I have forbidden you to eat"

The fruit must be forbidden to you

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I have forbidden the fruit to you"

It must not be eaten

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must not eat it"

Leviticus 19:24

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Leviticus 19:25

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Leviticus 19:26

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Leviticus 19:27

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Leviticus 19:28

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Leviticus 19:29

the nation will fall to prostitution and the land will become full of wickedness

Here the words "nation" and "land" represent the people who live there. Many people practicing prostitution and other wicked deeds is spoken of as if the they have fallen into or become full of those things. Alternate translation: "the people will begin to practice prostitution and many wicked things"

Leviticus 19:30

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Leviticus 19:31

sorcerers or spiritists

"anyone who communicates with the world of the dead"

Do not seek them out, or they will defile you

"Do not seek those people out. If you do, they will defile you"

Leviticus 19:32

You must rise

Standing up in front of someone is a sign of respect.

the gray-headed person

This refers to a person whose hair has turned gray from age, or "an old person."

Leviticus 19:33

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Leviticus 19:34

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Leviticus 19:35

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Leviticus 19:36

ephah

This was a measurement for grain.

hin

This was a measurement for liquids.

Leviticus 19:37

must obey ... and do them

These phrases mean the same thing and emphasize the command for obedience.

Chapter 20

Leviticus 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Punishments for serious sins

This chapter compiles a list of serious sins. The most serious sins are punished by death. (See: sin and death)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

See each other's nakedness

For a man and a woman to see each other's nakedness means for them have sexual relations together.

Carry guilt

The phrase "you must carry your own guilt" is a metaphor. It is unknown what this means, but it is possible it indicates a penalty of death.

Leviticus 20:1

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Leviticus 20:2

gives any of his children to Molech

Those who worshiped Molech sacrificed their children to him by means of fire. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "kills any of his children as a sacrifice to Molech"

must certainly be put to death. The people in the land must stone him with stones

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people in the land must stone him to death"

Leviticus 20:3

I also will set my face against that man

This idiom means he "firmly decided." Alternate translation: "I have made up my mind to oppose that man"

will set my face against

"will stare angrily at"

he has given his child

"he has sacrificed his child"

so as to defile my holy place and profane my holy name

"and by doing that, he has defiled my holy place and profaned my holy name"

profane my holy name

God's name represents God and his reputation. Alternate translation: "dishonor my reputation" or "dishonor me"

Leviticus 20:4

close their eyes to

The phrase "to close their eyes" implies they "cannot see." This speaks of ignoring something as not seeing. Alternate translation: "disregard" or "ignore"

Leviticus 20:5

who acts like a prostitute as he did in order to act like a prostitute with Molech

This phrase compares those who are unfaithful to Yahweh to prostitutes. Alternate translation: "who is unfaithful to Yahweh as he was in order to commit faithless acts with Molech"

Leviticus 20:6

so as to prostitute themselves with them

This phrase compares the unfaithful people to prostitutes. Alternate translation: "by doing that, they seek advice from the spirits rather than from me"

I will set my face against that person

This idiom means he "firmly decided." Alternate translation: "I have made up my mind that I will oppose that person"

will set my face against

"will stare angrily at"

Leviticus 20:7

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Leviticus 20:8

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

You must keep my commands and carry them out

The words "keep" and "carry out" mean basically the same thing. They are used together in order to emphasize that the people must obey God.

Leviticus 20:9

must surely be put to death

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must surely put to death"

his blood is upon him

The word "blood" here is a metonym for the guilt of putting someone to a violent death. Alternate translation: "the guilt for his violent death is his alone"

Leviticus 20:10

certainly be put to death

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must certainly put both of them to death"

Leviticus 20:11

lies with his father's wife

This is a polite way of saying that he has sexual relations with his father's wife. Alternate translation: "has sexual relations with his father's wife"

he uncovers his father's nakedness

Here the idiom "uncovers ... nakedness" means "disgraces." See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:7]

Their blood is upon them

The word "blood" here is a metonym for the guilt of putting someone to a violent death. See how you translated similar words in [Leviticus 19:9]

Leviticus 20:12

lies with

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "has sexual relations with"

They have committed perversion

Here God calls a man having sex with his son's wife a "perversion", a serious sin. See how you translated "perversion" in Leviticus 18:23.

Their blood is upon them

The word "blood" here is a metonym for the guilt of putting someone to a violent death. See how you translated similar words in [Leviticus 19:9]

Leviticus 20:13

lies with

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "had sexual relations with"

as with a woman

The way he treats the man is the same way he would treat a woman. Alternate translation: "just like he would with a woman"

what is detestable

"something detestable" or "something detestable"

They must surely be put to death

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must surely put them to death"

Their blood is upon them

The word "blood" here is a metonym for the guilt of putting someone to a violent death. See how you translated similar words in [Leviticus 19:9]

Leviticus 20:14

They must be burned, both he and the women

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must burn to death both the man and the women"

Leviticus 20:15

lies with

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "has sexual relations with"

he must surely be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must surely put him to death"

Leviticus 20:16

lies with it

This is a polite way of speaking of sexual relations. You may have to use other words in your translation. Alternate translation: "has sexual relations with it"

you must kill the woman and the animal. They must certainly be put to death

Both clauses mean the same thing. They emphasize that the woman and animal must die.

They must certainly be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must certainly put them to death"

Their blood is upon them

The word "blood" here is a metonym for the guilt of putting someone to a violent death. See how you translated similar words in [Leviticus 19:9]

Leviticus 20:17

takes

Possible meanings are 1) this is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "has sexual relations with" or 2) it simply means "to marry."

a daughter of his father or a daughter of his mother

This means a man cannot have sexual intercourse with his sister, even if she has a different mother or father. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "whether it is his full sister or half-sister"

he sees her nakedness, and she sees his nakedness

Here the idiom "sees nakedness" means "have sexual relations." Alternate translation: "they have sexual relations"

has uncovered the nakedness of his sister

Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in Leviticus 18:6. Alternate translation: "has had sexual relations with his sister"

he must carry his guilt

This phrase means the man is responsibile for his sin. Alternate translation: "He is responsible for his sin" or "You must punish him"

Leviticus 20:18

must be cut off from

A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this idea in [Leviticus 7:20]

menstrual period

the time every month when a woman bleeds from her womb

he has uncovered her flow, the fountain of her blood

This phrase compares having sex with a woman during her menstrual period to removing the cover off of something that should remain hidden. The fact that this was a shameful thing to do can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "he has done a shameful thing by uncovering the flow of her blood"

a man lies with a woman

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "a man has sexual relations with a woman"

Both the man and woman must be cut off

It can be stated clearly why this must be done. Alternate translation: "Because they have done this shameful thing, both the man and woman must be cut off"

Leviticus 20:19

You must not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister

Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]

You must carry your own guilt

The idiom "carry your own guilt" means "you are responsible for your own sin." Alternate translation: "You are responsible for your sin" or "I will punish you"

Leviticus 20:20

a man lies with his aunt

This is a polite way of speaking of sexual relations. You may have to use other words in your translation. Alternate translation: "a man has sexual relations with his aunt"

he has uncovered his uncle's nakedness

Here the idiom "uncovers ... nakedness" means "disgraces." See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:7]

Leviticus 20:21

marries his brother’s wife

Some interpret this to apply only when the brother is still alive or has become the father of male children by the woman.

He has uncovered his brother's nakedness

Here the idiom "uncovered ... nakedness" means "disgraced." See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:7]

Leviticus 20:22

the land into which I am bringing you to live will not vomit you up

This phrase describes the land as a vomiting person who needs to reject bad food. Instead of rejecting bad food, the land rejects the people and removes them. See how you translated this metaphor in [Leviticus 18:25]

Leviticus 20:23

You must not walk in

Doing the actions of idol worshipers is spoken of as walking in their ways. Alternate translation: "you must not follow"

the statutes

or "the customs"

drive out

"remove"

Leviticus 20:24

a land flowing with milk and honey

The phrase "flowing with milk and honey" means "that is rich and productive with enough food for everyone." Alternate translation: "a land that is excellent for cattle and farming" or "a productive land"

Leviticus 20:25

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Leviticus 20:26

I have separated you

"I have distinguished you" or "I have set you apart"

Leviticus 20:27

must certainly be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they must certainly put to death"

Their blood is upon them

The word "blood" here is a metonym for the guilt of putting someone to a violent death. See how you translated similar words in [Leviticus 19:9]

Chapter 21

Leviticus 21 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Priests must be holy

Priests must be separate from the rest of the world. Priests should not do anything that would be unclean. They also cannot be unclean because of a birth defect, and they must not marry an unclean woman. (See: priest and holy and clean)

Leviticus 21:1

make himself unclean

A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.

among his people

"among the Israelites"

Leviticus 21:2

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Leviticus 21:3

virgin

This can also be translated as "young woman"

Leviticus 21:4

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Leviticus 21:5

shave off the corners of their beards

It is impossible to be certain what the writer intended here. Possible meanings are 1) shave off certain parts of their beards or 2) cut or shave any part of their beards.

Leviticus 21:6

They must be holy

"They must be set apart"

not disgrace the name of their God

This word "name" is used to represent Yahweh's character. Alternate translation: "not disgrace God's reputation" or "not disgrace their God"

the bread of their God

Here "bread" represents food in general. Yahweh does not actually eat these offerings. It is the sincerity of those offering the food that pleases God.

Leviticus 21:7

They must not

"The priests must not"

he is holy

The understood subject is any priest. Alternate translation: "they are holy" or "all priests are holy"

Leviticus 21:8

You will set him apart

"You people must treat the priest as holy"

for he is the one who offers bread to your God

Here "bread" represents food in general. Yahweh does not actually eat these offerings. Translate this in a way that makes it clear that Yahweh does not actually eat the food.

He must be holy to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must regard him as holy"

Leviticus 21:9

She must be burned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must burn her to death"

Leviticus 21:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the priests must do.

anointing oil

This is a reference to the anointing oil used in the ceremony consecrating a new the high priest. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

on whose head the anointing oil has been poured, and who has been consecrated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "on whose head they poured anointing oil and consecrated him"

must not wear his hair loose or tear his clothes

Loose hair and torn clothes were signs of mourning. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

Leviticus 21:11

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Leviticus 21:12

must not leave the sanctuary area

This does not mean the high priest could never leave. God did not allow him to leave in order to grieve over someone who died.

Leviticus 21:13

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Leviticus 21:14

from his own people

"from among his own tribe, the tribe of Levi"

Leviticus 21:15

he will not defile his children among his people

By marrying an unholy or ungodly woman, the priest would have children unworthy to be priest. Alternate translation: "that he will not have unworthy children by marrying an ungodly woman"

Leviticus 21:16

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Leviticus 21:17

he must not approach to offer the food to his God

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "he must not come to burn the burnt offering of food on God's altar"

Leviticus 21:18

must not approach Yahweh

A priest had to meet specific physical standards in order to approach Yahweh. This does not imply that physical defects were the result of immorality or that all people with physical defects are unable to approach Yahweh.

one who is disfigured or deformed

"one whose body or face is deformed"

Leviticus 21:19

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Leviticus 21:20

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Leviticus 21:21

to offer the bread of his God

Here "bread" represents food in general. Alternate translation: "to make burnt offering of food on God's altar"

Leviticus 21:22

He may

Here "he" refers to the priest with the bodily defect.

eat the food of his God

"eat the food offering of his God." Parts of the sacrifices belonged to the priests and could be eaten.

some of the most holy or some of the holy

This also refers to the food that was sacrificed. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "some of the sacrifices offered in the most holy place or some of the sacrifices offered in the holy place"

Leviticus 21:23

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Leviticus 21:24

to his sons

"to Aaron's sons"

Chapter 22

Leviticus 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Holy things

Priests who are unclean must not touch any holy thing. The things in the temple and involved in sacrifices must remain clean. An unclean priest would cause anything he touched to become unclean. (See: priest and clean and holy)

Leviticus 22:1

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Leviticus 22:2

tell them to keep away from the holy things

"tell them when they should keep away from the holy things." Yahweh is about to describe situations where a priest is unclean and not allowed to touch holy things.

profane my holy name

The word "profane" here means to dishonor. The word "name" represents Yahweh's character. Alternate translation: "dishonor my reputation" or "dishonor me"

Leviticus 22:3

throughout your generations

"from now on"

while he is unclean

A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.

that person must be cut off from before me

A priest no longer being able to serve Yahweh is spoken of as if that person had been cut off from Yahweh's presence, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that person will no longer be able to serve as a priest"

Leviticus 22:4

an infection flowing from his body

"a bodily discharge"

from his body

This is a polite way of referring to a man's private parts. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Leviticus 15:1]

until he is clean

A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.

Whoever touches anything unclean

Something that Yahweh has said is unfit to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

through contact with the dead

"by touching a dead body"

the sacrifices made to Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the sacrifices that someone has offered to Yahweh"

Leviticus 22:5

or whoever touches any creeping animal that makes him unclean, or any person who makes him unclean

This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "or whoever is unclean from touching a creeping animal or from touching another unclean person"

Leviticus 22:6

the priest ... will be unclean

A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.

until evening

"until sunset"

Leviticus 22:7

he will then be clean

"the priest will then be considered clean." A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.

Leviticus 22:8

found dead or killed by wild animals

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that someone found dead or that a wild animal has killed"

Leviticus 22:9

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Leviticus 22:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what Aaron and his sons must do.

Leviticus 22:11

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Leviticus 22:12

the holy contribution offerings

The word "contribution" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "the holy offerings which people have contributed"

Leviticus 22:13

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Leviticus 22:14

he must repay the priest for it; he must add one-fifth to it

Possible meanings are 1) that the person had to replace the food that he had eaten with the same kind of food or 2) that the person had to pay money to the priest for the food that he had eaten.

one-fifth

This is one part out of five equal parts.

Leviticus 22:15

that they have raised high and presented

The phrase "raised high" refers to a symbolic gesture of respect that represents offering something to Yahweh. It means basically the same thing as "presented." Alternate translation: "that they have offered"

Leviticus 22:16

cause themselves to carry the sin that would make them guilty

Sin is spoken of as if it were an object that people can carry. Possible meanings are 1) they would be responsible for the sin and so become guilty. Alternate translation: "they would be guilty for the sin that they committed" or 2) the word "sin" is a metonym for punishment for the sin that they committed. Alternate translation: "they would receive the punishment because they are guilty"

Leviticus 22:17

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Leviticus 22:18

an alien

"a foreigner"

Leviticus 22:19

if it is to be accepted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if Yahweh is to accept it" or "if I, Yahweh, am to accept it"

Leviticus 22:20

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Leviticus 22:21

to be accepted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for me to accept it" or "for Yahweh to accept it"

Leviticus 22:22

disabled, or maimed

These words refer to defects caused by accidents.

warts, sores, or scabs

These refer to types of skin diseases.

Leviticus 22:23

will not be accepted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will not accept" or "Yahweh will not accept"

deformed or small

These words refer to defects the animal has from birth.

Leviticus 22:24

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Leviticus 22:25

must not present the bread of your God

Here "bread" represents food in general. God did not actually eat the sacrifices. Priests would offer the sacrifice on God's altar, and they would eat some of the meat. Alternate translation: "must not present an animal as a food offering to your God"

from the hand of a foreigner

The word "hand" represents the whole person. It is implied that Israelites could not use animals as a sacrifice to God if they bought it from a foreigner, because foreigners castrated their animals making them unacceptable to God. Alternate translation: "that a foreigner has given you, because they castrate their animals"

they will not be accepted for you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will not accept them from you"

Leviticus 22:26

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Leviticus 22:27

it may be accepted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you may accept it"

for an offering made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for a burnt offering"

Leviticus 22:28

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Leviticus 22:29

General Information:

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Leviticus 22:30

It must be eaten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must eat it"

that it is sacrificed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you sacrificed it"

Leviticus 22:31

keep my commandments and carry them out

The words "keep" and "carry out" mean the same thing. They emphasize that the people must obey God's commands. Alternate translation: "obey my commandments"

Leviticus 22:32

You must not profane my holy name

Here the word "name" represents Yahweh himself and his reputation and "profane" means to remove the honor that belongs to God as Creator and Lord of the universe. Alternate translation: "You must not dishonor me, for I am holy" or "You must not dishonor my holy reputation"

I must be acknowledged as holy by the people of Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The people of Israel must acknowledge me as holy"

Leviticus 22:33

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Chapter 23

Leviticus 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The feasts

The people should celebrate the Sabbath, the Passover, the Feast of First Fruits, the Feast of Weeks, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Booths. These feasts were important for the religious life of Israel. They were a part of proper worship of Yahweh and the identity of Israel. (See: sabbath, passover and firstfruit and atonement)

Leviticus 23:1

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Leviticus 23:2

the appointed festivals for Yahweh

These were festivals that the Lord had appointed times for. The people were to worship him at these festivals. Alternate translation: "the festivals for Yahweh" or "Yahweh's festivals"

Leviticus 23:3

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do on special days and times.

the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest

This is something the people must do habitually. After every six days in which they can work, they must rest on the seventh day.

a holy assembly

The requirement that people assemble to worship God on that day is spoken of as if that day were the assembly. Alternate translation: "a holy day, when you must assemble together to worship me"

Leviticus 23:4

at their appointed times

"at their proper times"

Leviticus 23:5

first month, on the fourteenth day of the month

The first month of the Hebrew calendar marks when Yahweh brought the Israelites out of Egypt. The fourteenth day is around the beginning of April on the Western calendar.

at twilight

"at sunset"

Leviticus 23:6

the fifteenth day of the same month

The "same month" is the first month of the Hebrew calendar

Leviticus 23:7

The first day you must set apart to gather together

"You must set apart the first day to gather together" or "You must treat the first day as different and gather together"

Leviticus 23:8

will present a food offering

They would present it to Yahweh by burning it on the altar.

The seventh day is an assembly set apart to Yahweh

The requirement that people assemble on that day is spoken of as if that day were the assembly. Being set apart to Yahweh means that when they assemble, they must worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: "The seventh day is a day when you must assemble together to worship Yahweh"

Leviticus 23:9

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Leviticus 23:10

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Leviticus 23:11

for it to be accepted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh to accept it" or "and I will accept it"

Leviticus 23:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Leviticus 23:13

two-tenths of an ephah

An ephah is 22 liters. Alternate translation: "four and a half liters"

a fourth of a hin

A hin is 3.7 liters. Alternate translation: "one liter"

Leviticus 23:14

nor roasted or fresh grain

"nor cooked or uncooked grain"

This will be a permanent statute throughout your people's generations

This means that they and their descendants must obey this command forever. See how you translated this in Leviticus 3:17.

Leviticus 23:15

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Leviticus 23:16

fifty days

"50 days"

seventh

This is the ordinal for number seven. See:

Leviticus 23:17

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

made from two-tenths of an ephah. They must be made from fine flour and baked with yeast

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you have made from two-tenths of an ephah of flour and then baked with yeast"

two-tenths of an ephah

This is approximately 4.5 liters. Alternate translation: "four and a half liters"

Leviticus 23:18

producing a sweet aroma for Yahweh

The Lord's pleasure with the aroma represents his pleasure with the person who burns the offering. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will be pleased with you" or "that pleases the Yahweh"

Leviticus 23:19

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Leviticus 23:20

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Leviticus 23:21

General Information:

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Leviticus 23:22

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

When you reap the harvest of your land, you must not completely reap the corners of your fields

"When you gather your crops, do not gather them all the way to the edges of your fields"

Leviticus 23:23

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Leviticus 23:24

the seventh month, the first day of that month

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of September on Western calendars.

a solemn rest

a period of time that was only for worship and not for work

Leviticus 23:25

you must offer a sacrifice made by fire to Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must offer a sacrifice that you make by fire to Yahweh" or "you must burn an offering on the altar to Yahweh"

Leviticus 23:26

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Leviticus 23:27

tenth day of this seventh month

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the end of September on Western calendars.

the Day of Atonement

On this day each year the high priest made a sacrifice to Yahweh so that Yahweh would forgive all the sins of the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the Day of Sacrifice for Forgiveness"

Leviticus 23:28

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do every year.

Leviticus 23:29

must be cut off from his people

Being excluded is spoken of as being cut off. See how you translated this idea in [Leviticus 7:20]

Leviticus 23:30

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do every year.

on that day

"on the Day of Atonement"

Leviticus 23:31

This will be a permanent statute throughout your people's generations

This means that they and their descendants must obey this command forever. See how you translated a similar phrase in Leviticus 3:17.

Leviticus 23:32

a Sabbath of solemn rest

This is not the same as the Sabbath they observed every week on the seventh day. This was a special Sabbath on the Day of Atonement.

you must humble yourselves

In this case humbling themselves implies that they would not eat any food. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "you must humble yourselves and eat nothing"

the ninth day of the month

This refers to the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The ninth day is near the end of September on Western calendars. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "the ninth day of the seventh month"

From evening to evening

"From sunset to sunset on the next day"

Leviticus 23:33

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Leviticus 23:34

fifteenth day of the seventh month

This is near the beginning of October on Western calendars.

Festival of Shelters

This is a celebration during which the people of Israel lived in temporary shelters for seven days as a way to remember the time they spent living in the wilderness after they left Egypt.

Leviticus 23:35

General Information:

Yahweh is giving instructions for the Festival of Shelters.

Leviticus 23:36

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Leviticus 23:37

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do every year.

These are the appointed festivals

This refers to the festivals mentioned in 23:1-36.

Leviticus 23:38

General Information:

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Leviticus 23:39

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do every year.

Festival of Shelters

This is a celebration during which the people of Israel lived in temporary shelters for seven days as a way to remember the time they spent living in the wilderness after they left Egypt. See how you translated it in Leviticus 23:34.

fifteenth day of the seventh month

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifteenth day is near the beginning of October on Western calendars.

when you have gathered in the fruits

The word "fruits" here represents various kinds of crops. Alternate translation: "after you have gathered the crops"

Leviticus 23:40

General Information:

Yahweh continues his instructions for the Festival of Shelters.

branches of palm trees ... willows from streams

Possible uses for these branches are 1) to make temporary shelters or 2) to wave them as part of their joyous celebration. Some translations state their use clearly; other translations leave it implicit.

willows

trees with long, narrow leaves, which grow near water

Leviticus 23:41

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Leviticus 23:42

General Information:

Yahweh continues his instructions for the Festival of Shelters.

Leviticus 23:43

your descendants, generation after generation, may learn

"Generation after generation" here is an idiom that refers to each generation that lives after another. Alternate translation: "your descendants belonging to all future generations may learn" or "all your descendants may learn forever"

Leviticus 23:44

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Chapter 24

Leviticus 24 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Cursing God

The punishment for someone who curses God is to have stones thrown at him until he is dead. This was acceptable in ancient Israel, but it is no longer considered acceptable. (See: curse)

Leviticus 24:1

General Information:

God gives Moses instructions about the things in the tent of meeting.

Leviticus 24:2

pure oil beaten from olives

"pure olive oil"

the lamp

This refers to the lamp or lamps in Yahweh's sacred tent. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the lamp in the tent of meeting"

Leviticus 24:3

Connecting Statement:

God continues giving Moses instructions about the things in the tent of meeting.

Outside the curtain before the covenant decrees

The phrase "covenant decrees" represents either the tablets that the decrees were written on or the box that the tablets were put in. These were kept in the very holy place, which was the room behind the curtain in the tent of meeting. Alternate translation: "Outside the curtain that is in front of the tablets of the covenant decrees" or "Outside the curtain that is in front of the box of the covenant"

curtain

This was a thick fabric hung as a wall. It was not like a light window curtain.

from evening to morning

"from sunset to sunrise" or "all night"

This will be a permanent statute throughout your people's generations

This means that they and their descendants must obey this command forever. See how you translated a similar phrase in Leviticus 3:17.

Leviticus 24:4

General Information:

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Leviticus 24:5

Connecting Statement:

God continues giving Moses instructions about the things in the tent of meeting.

two-tenths of an ephah

This is about 4.5 liters. Alternate translation: "four and a half liters"

Leviticus 24:6

the table of pure gold before Yahweh

This table is in the holy place, which is before the most holy place.

Leviticus 24:7

Connecting Statement:

God continues giving Moses instructions about the things in the tent of meeting.

You must put pure incense along each row of loaves

The incense was probably next to the loaves rather than directly on the loaves. Alternate translation: "You must put pure incense next to the loaves in each row"

as a representative offering

What the incense would represent can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "to represent the loaves as an offering" or "to be an offering that represents the loaves"

This incense will be an offering made by fire for Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You will burn this incense as an offering for Yahweh"

Leviticus 24:8

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Leviticus 24:9

This offering

"This bread that is offered"

for it is a portion from the offerings

"for they took it from the offerings"

the offerings to Yahweh made by fire

"the burnt offerings to Yahweh" or "the offerings that you burn to Yahweh"

Leviticus 24:10

Now it happened

This phrase marks a new section of the book.

Leviticus 24:11

blasphemed the name of Yahweh and cursed God

Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "blasphemed Yahweh by cursing him" or "said terrible things about Yahweh"

Shelomith

This is the name of a woman.

Dibri

This is the name of a man.

Leviticus 24:12

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Leviticus 24:13

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Leviticus 24:14

All who heard him must lay their hands on his head

They were to put their hands on his head to show that he was the guilty one.

Leviticus 24:15

Connecting Statement:

God continues telling Moses what they must do to the man who cursed God.

must carry his own sin

A person suffering because he is guilty of sin is spoken of as if the guilt were a physical object that he is carrying. Alternate translation: "must suffer for his sin" or "must be punished

Leviticus 24:16

must surely be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people must surely put him to death" or "the people must surely kill him"

Leviticus 24:17

Connecting Statement:

God continues telling Moses what the people must do when someone does something bad.

he must certainly be put to death.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must certainly put to death anyone who kills another person"

Leviticus 24:18

must pay it back

How he would pay it back can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "must pay it back by giving him a live animal"

life for life

This is an idiom that means that one life would replace the other. Alternate translation: "one life to replace the other life" or "to replace the one that he killed"

Leviticus 24:19

Connecting Statement:

God continues telling Moses what the people must do when someone does something bad.

it must be done to him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must do to him"

Leviticus 24:20

fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth

These phrases emphasize that a person should receive the same harm he did to someone else.

fracture for fracture

This refers to broken bones. Alternate translation: "broken bone for broken bone" or "If he breaks someone's bone, one of his bones must be broken" or "If he breaks someone's bone, they will break one of his bones"

eye for eye

This refers to eyes being seriously injured or gouged out. Alternate translation: "If he destroys someone's eye, one of his bones must be destroyed" or "If he destroys someone's eye, they will destroy his eye"

tooth for tooth

This refers to teeth being knocked out of the mouth. Alternate translation: "If he knocks out someone's tooth, one of his teeth must be knocked out" or "If he knocks out someone's tooth, they will knock out one of his teeth"

Leviticus 24:21

anyone who kills a person must be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they must put to death anyone who kills a person"

Leviticus 24:22

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Leviticus 24:23

carried out the command

"obeyed the command"

Chapter 25

Leviticus 25 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Over-farming

There is a provision made in this chapter to prevent over-farming of the land. If a land is farmed every year with the same crops, it will quickly become unable to grow anything.

Sabbath and Jubilee Years

Every seventh year, the land should not be planted. Every fiftieth year Israelite slaves must be freed and all land that has been bought returned to its original owners. This prevented people from getting trapped by their poverty.

Leviticus 25:1

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Leviticus 25:2

the land must be made to keep a Sabbath for Yahweh

The land is spoken of as if it were a person that could obey the Sabbath by resting. Just as the people had to rest every seventh day, people were to honor God by not farming the land every seventh year. Alternate translation: "you must obey the Sabbath law by letting the land rest every seventh year for Yahweh" or "you must obey Yahweh's Sabbath by not farming the land every seventh year"

Leviticus 25:3

prune your vineyard

To prune a vineyard is to cut the branches and vines to help the fruit grow better.

Leviticus 25:4

a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land must be observed

Not farming the land is spoken of as letting the land rest. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must observe a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land" or "you must obey the Sabbath law by not farming the land every seventh year"

Leviticus 25:5

You must not conduct ... for the land

Yahweh will not allow the owner of a field to organize his workers and harvest the land as he does the other six years. However, Yahweh will allow individuals to go through the fields to pick and eat the fruit they find.

your unpruned vines

This means that no one has taken care of the vines and cut them as they do during the other six years. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "your vines that you do not prune"

Leviticus 25:6

Whatever the unworked land ... who live with you may gather food

Yahweh will not allow the owner of a field to organize his workers and harvest the land as he does the other six years. However, Yahweh will allow individuals to go through the fields to pick and eat the fruit they find.

Whatever the unworked land grows

"whatever grows on the unworked land"

the unworked land

This means that no one has taken care of the gardens or farms as they do during the other six years. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "your gardens that you do not tend"

Leviticus 25:7

whatever the land produces

"whatever grows on the land"

Leviticus 25:8

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

there will be seven Sabbaths of years

"they will be seven sets of seven years"

forty-nine years

"49 years"

Leviticus 25:9

the tenth day of the seventh month

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the end of September on Western calendars.

the Day of Atonement

On this day each year the high priest would make a sacrifice to Yahweh so that Yahweh would forgive all the sins of the people of Israel. See how you translated this in Leviticus 23:27.

Leviticus 25:10

fiftieth year

This is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: "year 50"

a Jubilee for you

The Jubilee was a year when the Jews had to return land to its' original owners and set slaves free. Alternate translation: "a year of restoration for you" or "a year for you to return land and free slaves"

property and slaves must be returned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must return property and slaves"

Leviticus 25:11

a Jubilee for you

"a year of restoration" or "a year for you to return the land." It can be stated clearly who they were returning the land to. Alternate translation: "a year for you to return the land to me"

Leviticus 25:12

You must eat the produce that grows by itself out of the fields

Yahweh did not allow the land owner to organize his workers and harvest the land as he did the other six years. However, he did allow individuals to go through the fields and eat what they find.

Leviticus 25:13

this year of Jubilee

"this year of restoration" or "this year to return land and free slaves"

Leviticus 25:14

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Leviticus 25:15

General Information:

God continues telling Moses what the people must do.

that can be harvested

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you can harvest"

the next Jubilee

"the next year of restoration" or "the next year to return land"

Leviticus 25:16

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Leviticus 25:17

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Leviticus 25:18

obey my decrees, keep my laws, and carry them out

All of these phrases mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that the people must obey everything Yahweh says.

Leviticus 25:19

you will eat your fill

This means that they would eat enough until their stomach was full. Alternate translation: "you will eat till you are full" or "you will eat plenty"

Leviticus 25:20

You might say

Here "You" refers to the people of Israel.

Leviticus 25:21

I will command my blessing to come upon you

God speaks of his blessing as if it were a person that could obey him. Alternate translation: "I will send my blessing on you" or "I will bless you"

Leviticus 25:22

from the provisions stored

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "from the food you store"

Leviticus 25:23

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking.

The land must not be sold to a new permanent owner

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must not sell your land permanently to another person"

Leviticus 25:24

You must observe the right of redemption

The noun "redemption" can be expressed with the verbs "redeem" or "buy back." Alternate translation: "You must remember that the original owner has the right to redeem the land whenever he wants"

you must allow the land to be bought back by the family from whom you bought it

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must allow the family from whom you bought the land to buy it back"

Leviticus 25:25

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Leviticus 25:26

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Leviticus 25:27

the land was sold

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he sold the land"

repay the balance to the man to whom he sold it

This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "repay to the purchaser who bought it the money the purchaser would have made"

Leviticus 25:28

the year of Jubilee

"the year of restoration" or "the year to return land." See how you translated it in Leviticus 25:10.

the land will be returned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one who had bought it will return the land"

will return to his property

"will go back to his land"

Leviticus 25:29

after it was sold

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after he sold it"

the right of redemption

The noun "redemption" can be expressed with the verbs "redeem" or "buy back." Alternate translation: "the right to redeem it"

Leviticus 25:30

If the house is not redeemed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If he or his family does not redeem the house"

the buyer throughout his generations

"the buyer and his descendants"

It is not to be returned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The man who bought that house will not have to return it"

the year of Jubilee

"the year of restoration" or "the year to return land and free slaves"

Leviticus 25:31

But the houses of the villages that have no wall

Some villages did not have a wall around them.

They may be redeemed, and they must be returned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You may buy back those houses, and those who bought them must return them"

the year of Jubilee

"the year of restoration" or "the year to return land and free slaves"

Leviticus 25:32

the houses owned by the Levites in the cities they possess

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the houses that the Levites own in their cities"

may be redeemed at any time

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Levites may redeem them at any time"

Leviticus 25:33

the house that was sold in the city where it is located must be returned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one who bought the house in the city where it is located must return it"

the year of Jubilee

"the year of restoration" or "the year to return land and free slaves"

their property among the people of Israel

The land of Canaan was divided up among the people of Israel, but of that land, the Levites were only given 48 cities with the fields around them. Alternate translation: "their part of the land that the Israelites possessed" or "their property in the land of Israel"

Leviticus 25:34

But the fields around their cities may not be sold

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But the Levites must not sell the fields around their cities"

Leviticus 25:35

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Leviticus 25:36

Do not take from him interest or usury

The words "interest" and "usury" both refer to a lender requiring more from the borrower than he originally lent. Alternate translation: "Do not require him to pay back any more than you lent him"

Leviticus 25:37

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Leviticus 25:38

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Leviticus 25:39

you must not make him work like a slave

The owner was to treat the Israelite with more respect than he would treat a slave.

Leviticus 25:40

Treat him as a hired servant

The owner was to treat the Israelite with more respect than he would treat a slave.

the year of Jubilee

"the year of restoration" or "the year to return land and free slaves"

Leviticus 25:41

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Leviticus 25:42

Connecting Statement:

God continues telling Moses what he must tell the people.

they are my servants

"your fellow countrymen are my servants"

They will not be sold as slaves

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must not sell them as slaves"

Leviticus 25:43

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Leviticus 25:44

you may buy slaves from them

"you may buy slaves from those nations"

Leviticus 25:45

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Leviticus 25:46

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Leviticus 25:47

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Leviticus 25:48

after your fellow Israelite has been bought, he may be bought back. Someone in his family may redeem him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after the foreigner buys your fellow Israelite, someone in the Israelite's family may buy him back"

Leviticus 25:49

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Leviticus 25:50

until the year of Jubilee

An Israelite could be a slave only until the year of Jubilee. These instructions are for when an Israelite wanted to buy back his freedom before the year of Jubilee.

the year of Jubilee

"the year of restoration" or "the year to return land and to free slaves"

The price of his redemption must be figured

The verb "figured" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They must figure the price of his redemption" or "They must figure how much to pay for the foreigner to set the Israelite free"

in keeping with the rate paid to a hired servant

If the Israelite bought back his freedom, the foreigner would have to hire a servant to do the work that the Israelite would have done but will not. The verbs "paid" and "hired" can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "according to the rate a person would pay to hire a servant"

for the number of years he might continue to work

"for the number of years until the jubilee that the Israelite would have continued to work but will not"

Leviticus 25:51

he must pay back

"the Israelite slave must pay back"

Leviticus 25:52

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Leviticus 25:53

rule over him severely

"rule over him in a way that harms him" or "treat him badly"

Leviticus 25:54

If he is not redeemed by these means

This can be stated in active form, and who he is to be redeemed from can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "If no one redeems him by these means from the one who bought him as a slave"

by these means

"in this way"

he must serve until the year of Jubilee, he and his children with him

The Israelite slave and his children would serve the foreigner until the year of Jubilee, and then the foreigner would have to set the Israelite and his children free.

Leviticus 25:55

To me the people of Israel are servants

"For it is to me that the people of Israel are servants." This is the reason that God wanted the Israelites to be set free in the year of jubilee. They were his servants. They were not permitted to be anyone else's permanent slave.

Chapter 26

Leviticus 26 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Worship only Yahweh

If people obey God and worship only him, he will bless and protect them. If people disobey his law and if they worship other gods, then he will severely punish them to help them to repent and begin obeying him. This takes the form of a promise. (See: lawofmoses and repent and promise)

Leviticus 26:1

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Leviticus 26:2

keep my Sabbaths

"obey the rules for my Sabbaths"

Leviticus 26:3

walk in my laws and keep my commandments and obey them

These are three ways of saying the same thing. They emphasize that the people must obey everything that God commands them to do. Alternate translation: "If you carefully obey my laws and commands"

walk in my laws

Behaving according to the laws is spoken of as if they were to walk in the laws. Alternate translation: "If you behave according to my laws" or "if you live according to my laws"

Leviticus 26:4

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Leviticus 26:5

will eat your bread to the full

Here bread represents food. "To the full" means until their stomachs were full of food. Alternate translation: "will eat food until you are full" or "will have plenty of food to eat"

Leviticus 26:6

I will give peace in the land

"I will cause there to be peace in the land"

the sword will not pass through your land

Here the word "sword" represents enemy armies or enemy attacks. Alternate translation: "no armies will attack you"

Leviticus 26:7

they will fall before you by the sword

Here "falling" represents dying, and "the sword" represents either attacking people with a sword or battle in general. Alternate translation: "they will die when you attack them with the sword" or "you will kill them in battle"

Leviticus 26:8

Five of you will chase away a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand

This means the Israelites will have victory against larger armies.

Five ... hundred ... ten thousand

"5 ... 100 ... 10,000"

Leviticus 26:9

I will look at you with favor

"I will show you favor" or "I will bless you"

make you fruitful and multiply you

These two phrases refer to God causing them to have many descendants so they become a large group.

make you fruitful

God speaks of them having many children as if they were trees that bear a lot of fruit. Alternate translation: "cause you to have many children"

Leviticus 26:10

You will eat food stored a long time

"You will have enough food stored to eat for a long time" or "you will have enough food to store and eat it for a long time"

Leviticus 26:11

I will place my tabernacle among you

"I will put my dwelling place among you"

I will not detest you

"I will accept you"

Leviticus 26:12

I will walk among you

Walking among them represents living with them. Alternate translation: "I will live with you"

Leviticus 26:13

I have broken the bars of your yoke

God speaks of their slavery as if they had to wear a yoke that animals wear in order to do hard work. Breaking the bars of the yoke represents setting them free. Alternate translation: "I have set you free from the hard labor they made you do"

Leviticus 26:14

General Information:

Yahweh is telling Moses what will happen if the people do not obey his commands.

Leviticus 26:15

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Leviticus 26:16

if you do these things

The phrase "these things" refers to the things listed in Leviticus 26:14-15.

I will inflict terror on you

Here "terror" represents the things that will cause them to be terrified. Alternate translation: "I will send disasters that will terrify you"

will drain away your life

"will slowly take away your life" or "will slowly make you die." It is the diseases and the fever that will do this.

You will plant your seeds in vain

The phrase "in vain" means that they would get nothing from their work. Alternate translation: "You will plant your seeds, but you will not get anything from them"

Leviticus 26:17

I will set my face against you

This idiom means he "firmly decided." Alternate translation: "I have made up my mind to oppose you"

you will be overpowered by your enemies

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "your enemies will defeat you"

Leviticus 26:18

seven times

Here "seven times" is not literal. It means Yahweh will increase the severity of his punishment.

Leviticus 26:19

I will break your pride in your power

Using force to cause them not to be proud is spoken of as if he were to break their pride. Alternate translation: "I will punish you and so end the pride that you feel about your power" or "I will punish you so that you will no longer be proud of your power"

I will make the sky over you like iron and your land like bronze

This means God will stop the rain from falling from the sky. This will make the ground hard so that people cannot plant seed or grow crops.

Leviticus 26:20

Your strength will be used up in vain

Working very hard is spoken of as if they were to use all their strength until they had no more strength. The phrase "in vain" means that they would get nothing from working so hard. Alternate translation: "You will work very hard in vain" or "You will work very hard, but you will not receive anything good from working so hard"

Leviticus 26:21

walk against me

Walking represents behavior. Walking against God represents opposing him or rebelling against him. Alternate translation: "rebel against me"

I will bring seven times more blows on you

The abstract noun "blows" can be stated as the verb "hit." Alternate translation: "I will hit you seven times as much"

I will bring seven times more blows on you

Yahweh causing disasters to happen to the Israelites is spoken of as if he would strike them with blows or hit them. Alternate translation: "I will cause seven times as many disasters to come against you" or "I will punish you seven times more severely"

seven times

Here "seven times" is not literal. It means Yahweh will increase the severity of his punishment.

in proportion to your sins

The noun "sins" can be expressed with the verb "sin." Alternate translation: "according to how much you have sinned"

Leviticus 26:22

which will rob you of your children

Stealing is a euphemism or metaphor for killing. Alternate translation: "which will kill your children"

your roads will be desolate

"no one will travel on your roads"

Leviticus 26:23

If in spite of these things

"If when I punish you like this" or "If I discipline you like this and"

you still do not accept my correction

Accepting his correction represents responding rightly to it. In this case responding rightly to it is choosing to obey him. Alternate translation: "you still do not listen to my correction" or "you still do not obey me"

walk in opposition to me

Walking represents behavior. Walking in opposition to him means opposing him or fighting against him. Alternate translation: "oppose me" or "fight against me"

Leviticus 26:24

I will also walk in opposition to you

Walking represents behavior. Walking in opposition to them means opposing them or fighting against them. Alternate translation: "I also will oppose you" or "I also will fight against you"

I myself will punish you seven times

The number 7 represents completeness. Alternate translation: "I will personally punish you many times" or "I myself will punish you most severely"

because of your sins

The noun "sins" can be expressed with the verb "sin." Alternate translation: "because you continue to sin against me"

Leviticus 26:25

I will bring a sword on you

Here the word "sword" represents an army or an attack from an army. Alternate translation: "I will bring an enemy army against you" or "I will cause an enemy army to attack you"

that will execute vengeance

"that will punish you"

for breaking the covenant

"for disobeying the covenant" or "because you disobey the covenant"

You will be gathered together

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You will gather together" or "You will hide"

you will be delivered into the hand of your enemy

Here "into the hand" means "into the control" and refers to defeat by their enemy. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will deliver you into the hand of your enemy" or "I will allow your enemy to control you"

Leviticus 26:26

When I cut off your staff of food

The word "staff" here refers to the staff a weak person leans on as he walks and is a metaphor for something that people rely on for life. Breaking this staff is a metaphor for destroying the food supply, either by destroying the crops in the fields or stopping the people from trading. Alternate translation: "When I stop you from being able to get food" or "When I make it impossible for you to get the food you depend on"

ten women will be able to bake your bread in one oven

This implies that there will be so little flour that one small oven will be able to hold all the bread that many women can put into it.

they will distribute your bread by weight

This means there will be so little food that they will have to measure how much each person gets.

Leviticus 26:27

If you do not listen to me

Listening represents obeying what he has said. Alternate translation: "If you do not obey me"

to walk against me

Walking represents behavior. Walking against someone represents opposing him or fighting against him. Alternate translation: "to oppose me" or "to fight against me"

Leviticus 26:28

I will walk against you

Walking represents behavior. Walking against someone represents opposing him or fighting against him. Alternate translation: "I will oppose you"

I will punish you even seven more times as much

Here "seven more times" is not literal. It means Yahweh will increase the severity of his punishment.

Leviticus 26:29

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Leviticus 26:30

I will destroy ... cut down ... throw your corpses

Because God would send an army to do these things, he speaks as if he would do them. Alternate translation: "I will send an enemy army to destroy ... cut down ... throw your corpses"

your corpses

"your dead bodies"

the corpses of your idols

God speaks of idols not being alive as if they had been alive and then died. Alternate translation: "your lifeless idols"

Leviticus 26:31

I will turn your cities into ruins and destroy your sacred places

Because God would send armies to do these things, he speaks as if he would do them. Alternate translation: "I will send enemy armies to turn your cities into ruins and destroy your sacred places"

your sacred places

These were places where people worshiped idols instead of God.

I will not be pleased with the aroma of your offerings

Normally the Lord's pleasure with the aroma represents his pleasure with those who burn the offering. But in this case, people would burn offerings, but God would not be pleased with them. Alternate translation: "You will burn offerings, but I will not be pleased with you"

Leviticus 26:32

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Leviticus 26:33

I will draw out my sword and follow you

This represents sending armies to attack them. Alternate translation: "I will send enemy armies to attack you" or "I will send enemy armies to attack you with their swords"

Your land will be devastated, and your cities will be ruined

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Your enemies will devastate your land and destroy your cities"

Leviticus 26:34

Then the land will enjoy its Sabbaths

The people were supposed to obey the Sabbath law by not farming the land every seventh year. God speaks about this as if the land were a person that would obey the Sabbath law and rest. Alternate translation: "Then the land will rest according to the Sabbath law" or "Then, as required by the Sabbath law, the land will not be farmed"

Leviticus 26:35

it will have rest

God speaks about the land not being farmed as if it were a person that would rest. Alternate translation: "it will not be farmed"

Leviticus 26:36

I will send fear into your hearts

Sending fear into their hearts represents making them afraid. Alternate translation: "I will make you terribly afraid"

as though you were fleeing from the sword

The sword represents either someone who is ready to kill using a sword or an attack from an enemy army. Alternate translation: "as though you were fleeing from someone who was chasing you with a sword" or "as though you were fleeing from an enemy army"

Leviticus 26:37

General Information:

Yahweh continues describing what will happen to the Israelites when they are forced to go to their enemies' countries.

as though you were running from the sword

The sword represents either someone who is ready to kill using a sword or an attack from an enemy army. Alternate translation: "as though you were running away from someone who was chasing you with a sword" or "as though you were running away from an enemy army"

to stand before your enemies

Standing before the enemies represents not falling when the enemies attack and fighting against them. Alternate translation: "to resist your enemies when they attack you" or "to fight back against your enemies"

Leviticus 26:38

your enemies' land will itself devour you

Yahweh speaks about the enemies' land as if it were a wild animal that would eat the Israelites. The word "devour" emphasizes that most of the Israelites will die there. Alternate translation: "you will die in your enemies' land"

Leviticus 26:39

Those who are left among you

"Those of you who do not die"

waste away in their iniquity

Wasting away in their sins represents wasting away because of their sins.

their fathers' iniquities

Here "their fathers" represents their ancestors.

Leviticus 26:40

their fathers' iniquity

The word "fathers" represents their ancestors.

Leviticus 26:41

to turn against them

This represents opposing them. Alternate translation: "to oppose them"

if their uncircumcised hearts become humbled

Here the term "uncircumcised hearts" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "if they will be humble instead of stubbornly disobedient"

Leviticus 26:42

then will I call to mind my covenant with Jacob, my covenant with Isaac, and my covenant with Abraham

"Call to mind" here is an idiom meaning "intentionally remember." Here it represents fulfilling his covenant. Alternate translation: "then I will fulfill the covenant I made with Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham"

I will call the land to mind

"Call to mind" here is an idiom meaning "intentionally remember." Here it represents fulfilling his promise concerning the land. Alternate translation: "I will fulfill my promise about the land"

Leviticus 26:43

The land will be abandoned by them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The people of Israel will abandon their land"

so it will be pleased with its Sabbaths

Yahweh speaks about the land as if it were a person who is happy about resting, because no one will be planting seed or growing crops on it. This will allow the land to become more fertile. Alternate translation: "so it will benefit from the Sabbaths"

Leviticus 26:44

General Information:

This concludes Yahweh's message to Moses at Mount Sinai regarding the blessings for obedience and the punishments for disobedience.

Leviticus 26:45

I will call to mind the covenant with their ancestors

"Call to mind" here is an idiom meaning "intentionally remember." Here it represents fulfilling his covenant. Alternate translation: "I will fulfill the covenant with their ancestors"

in the sight of the nations

This represents the knowledge of the nations. Alternate translation: "in the knowledge of the nations" or "and the nations knew about it"

the nations

This represents the people of the nations. Alternate translation: "the people of the nations"

Leviticus 26:46

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Chapter 27

Leviticus 27 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Dedicated to Yahweh

This chapter records the manner in which people make vows of dedication to Yahweh. There are many reasons why a person would dedicate something to Yahweh. (See: vow)

Leviticus 27:1

General Information:

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Leviticus 27:2

If anyone makes a special vow to Yahweh

In this case the vow would involve giving oneself or another person to God. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "If anyone vows to give someone to Yahweh"

use the following valuations

Instead of giving the person, he would give the Lord a certain amount of silver. Alternate translation: "use the following values as your gift to the Lord in place of the person" or "give the Lord the following amounts of silver instead of the person"

Leviticus 27:3

Your standard value

"The amount to pay" or "You must pay"

twenty ... sixty ... fifty

"20 ... 60 ... 50"

fifty shekels of silver

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: "fifty pieces of silver, each of which weighs ten grams" or "five hundred grams of silver"

after the shekel of the sanctuary

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. It weighed about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "Use the kind of shekel that is used in the sanctuary" or "When you weigh the silver, use the weight that is used in the sanctuary"

Leviticus 27:4

thirty shekels

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: "thirty pieces of silver, each of which weighs ten grams" or "three hundred grams of silver"

thirty

"30"

Leviticus 27:5

five ... twenty ... ten

"3"

your standard value

"the amount to pay" or "you must pay"

twenty shekels

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: "twenty pieces of silver" or "two hundred grams of silver"

for the female ten shekels

The phrases "of that age" and "your standard value must be" are left out, but are meant to be understood. Alternate translation: "for the female of that age your standard value must be ten shekels"

ten shekels

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: "ten pieces of silver" or "one hundred grams of silver"

Leviticus 27:6

five shekels of silver

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: "five pieces of silver" or "fifty grams of silver"

five ... three

"5 ... 3"

three shekels

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: "three pieces of silver" or "thirty grams of silver"

Leviticus 27:7

sixty years old and up

"sixty years old and older"

sixty ... fifteen ... ten

"60 ... 15 ... 10"

fifteen shekels

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: "fifteen pieces of silver" or "150 grams of silver"

for a female ten shekels

The phrases "of that age" and "your standard value must be" are left out, but are meant to be understood. Alternate translation: "for a female of that age your standard value must be ten shekels"

Leviticus 27:8

the person being given must be presented to the priest

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he must present to the priest the person he is giving"

Leviticus 27:9

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

any part of that animal that is given to Yahweh becomes holy

"you must set apart to Yahweh any part of that animal that that person has given to Yahweh"

Leviticus 27:10

both it and the substitute

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "both it and the one he exchanges it for" or "both animals"

Leviticus 27:11

is an unclean animal that people cannot give as an offering to Yahweh

If Yahweh will not accept a certain animal as an offering, the animal is spoken of as if it were physically dirty. It may be unclean because it is a certain kind of animal or because it has a defect. Alternate translation: "is in fact one that Yahweh will not accept because it is unclean"

Leviticus 27:12

market value

This is the value the animal is normally worth when someone buys or sells it.

Leviticus 27:13

wishes to redeem it

"wishes to buy it back"

Leviticus 27:14

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Leviticus 27:15

he must add a fifth of its value to its redemption price

A "fifth" is a part of something that is divided into five equal parts. Alternate translation: "he must divide the value of the house into five equal parts, add the amount equal to one of those parts, and pay all of it"

Leviticus 27:16

a homer of barley will be valued at

Here "a homer of barley" represents a piece of land that would need one homer of barley in order to plant on all of it. Alternate translation: "a piece of land that requires one homer of barley in order to plant all of it will be valued at" or 'the value of land that requires one homer of barley will be"

homer

A homer is 220 liters.

fifty shekels of silver

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two way of doing it. Alternate translation: "fifty pieces of silver, each of which weighs ten grams" or "five hundred grams of silver"

Leviticus 27:17

the year of Jubilee

This occurs every 50 years. See how you translated "Jubilee" in Leviticus 25:10.

the valuation of it will stand

"Stand" represents "remain" or "remain the same." Alternate translation: "its value will remain the same" or "its value will be the full amount"

Leviticus 27:18

the valuation of it must be reduced

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he must reduce the estimated value"

Leviticus 27:19

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Leviticus 27:20

If he does not redeem the field

The time for redeeming the field can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: If he does not redeem the field before the year of Jubilee"

it cannot be redeemed any more

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he can no longer buy it back"

Leviticus 27:21

in the year of Jubilee

"in the year of restoration" or "the year for you to return land and free slaves." This was a year when the Jews had to return land to its original owners and set slaves free. See how you translated it in Leviticus 25:13

that has been completely given to Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that someone has completely given to Yahweh"

Leviticus 27:22

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Leviticus 27:23

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Leviticus 27:24

the man from whom it was bought ... the one whose property the land is

These two phases refer to the same person. Normally the land would be bought from its owner.

the man from whom it was bought

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the man who sold it"

Leviticus 27:25

All the valuations must be set

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The priests must determine the estimated values"

by the weight of the sanctuary shekel

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent.

Twenty gerahs must be the equivalent of one shekel

The purpose of this sentence is to tell how much the sanctuary shekel weighs. The gerah was the smallest unit of weight that the Israelites used. Alternate translation: "One shekel must equal twenty gerahs"

Twenty gerahs must be the equivalent of one shekel

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here is a way to do it. Alternate translation: "One shekel must weigh ten grams"

Leviticus 27:26

No one may set apart

"No one may set apart to Yahweh"

Leviticus 27:27

a fifth must be added to that value

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he must add a fifth to that value"

If the animal is not redeemed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If the person does not buy back the animal"

it is to be sold at the set value

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the priest must sell it at the set value"

Leviticus 27:28

nothing that a man devotes to Yahweh, from all that he has, whether man or animal, or his family land, may be sold or redeemed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one may sell or redeem anything a man has devoted to Yahweh, from all that he has, whether it is a human, an animal, or his family land" or "if a man devotes to Yahweh anything he has, whether human or animal, or his family land, no one may sell or redeem it"

Everything that is devoted is very holy to Yahweh

"Everything that anyone devotes to Yahweh is very holy to Yahweh"

Leviticus 27:29

No ransom may be paid

This can be stated in active form. "No one may pay a ransom"

for the person who is devoted for destruction

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for any person whom Yahweh has devoted to destruction"

for the person who is devoted for destruction

Why a person would be devoted to destruction can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "for any person whom Yahweh has determined should die because of his sin"

That person must be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must put that person to death" or "you must kill that person"

Leviticus 27:30

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Leviticus 27:31

If a man redeems any of his tithe

"If a man wants to buy back any of his tithe"

Leviticus 27:32

whatever passes under the shepherd's rod

This refers to the way they would count their animals. Alternate translation: "when you count your animals by raising your shepherd rod and having them walk under it to the other side" or "when you count the animals"

one-tenth must be set apart to Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must set apart one-tenth to Yahweh"

one-tenth

"every tenth animal"

Leviticus 27:33

then both it and that for which it is changed

"then both animals"

It cannot be redeemed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He cannot redeem it" or "He cannot buy it back"

Leviticus 27:34

These are the commandments

This is a summary statement. It refers to the commandments that were given in the past chapters.

Book: Numbers

Chapter 1

Numbers 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines in 1:5-15 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are long lists.

Census

They counted how many men of military age were in each tribe of Israel. These men would also become the heads of families. It is possible the numbers in this chapter are rounded to the nearest 100.

Numbers 1:1

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

the first day of the second month

This is the second month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of April on Western calendars.

the second year

"year 2"

Numbers 1:2

males man by man

"males, one by one" or "males, head by head" or "males, each one"

Numbers 1:3

twenty years old

"20 years old"

record the number of men in their armed groups

This refers to assigning the men to their military divisions.

Numbers 1:4

a clan head

"a leader of a clan"

serve with you

"help you"

Numbers 1:5

Elizur ... Shedeur

These are names of men.

Numbers 1:6

Shelumiel ... Zurishaddai

These are names of men.

Numbers 1:7

General Information:

Yahweh continues to list the leaders of the tribes to Moses.

Numbers 1:8

General Information:

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Numbers 1:9

General Information:

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Numbers 1:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues to list the leaders of the tribes to Moses.

Numbers 1:11

General Information:

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Numbers 1:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues to list the leaders of the tribes to Moses.

Numbers 1:13

General Information:

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Numbers 1:14

General Information:

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Numbers 1:15

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Numbers 1:16

the men appointed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the men whom Yahweh appointed"

Numbers 1:17

took these men

"gathered these men together"

who were recorded by name

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whose names they had recorded"

Numbers 1:18

the first day of the second month

This is the second month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of April on Western calendars. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:1]

man by man

"one by one" or "head by head"

Numbers 1:19

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Numbers 1:20

the names of all the men twenty years old or older, able to go to war, were counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they counted by name all the men twenty years old or older, able to go to war"

older, able to go to war, were

"older—men who were able to go to war—were"

counted man by man

"counted one by one" or "counted head by head"

Numbers 1:21

46,500 men

"forty-six thousand five hundred men"

Numbers 1:22

the names of all the mustered men twenty years old or older, able to go to war, were counted

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]

mustered men

"men they had called to fight"

counted man by man

"counted one by one" or "counted head by head"

Numbers 1:23

59,300 men

"fifty-nine thousand three hundred men"

Numbers 1:24

the names of all the men twenty years old or older, able to go to war, were counted

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]

Numbers 1:25

45,650 men

"forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty men"

Numbers 1:26

the names of all the men twenty years old or older, able to go to war, were counted

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]

Numbers 1:27

74,600 men

"seventy-four thousand six hundred men"

Numbers 1:28

the names of all the men twenty years old or older, able to go to war, were counted

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]

Numbers 1:29

54,400 men

"fifty-four thousand four hundred men"

Numbers 1:30

the names of all the men twenty years old or older, able to go to war, were counted

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]

older, able to go to war, were

"older—men who were able to go to war—were." See how you translated this in Numbers 1:20.

Numbers 1:31

57,400 men

"fifty-seven thousand four hundred men"

Numbers 1:32

the names of all the men twenty years old or older, able to go to war, were counted

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]

Numbers 1:33

40,500 men

"forty thousand five hundred men"

Numbers 1:34

the names of all the men twenty years old or older, able to go to war, were counted

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]

Numbers 1:35

32,200 men

"thirty-two thousand two hundred men"

Numbers 1:36

the names of all the men twenty years old or older, able to go to war, were counted

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]

Numbers 1:37

35,400 men

"thirty-five thousand four hundred men"

Numbers 1:38

the names of all the men twenty years old or older, able to go to war, were counted

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]

Numbers 1:39

They counted 62,700

"They counted sixty-two thousand seven hundred"

Numbers 1:40

the names of all the men twenty years old or older, able to go to war, were counted

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]

older, able to go to war, were

"older—men who were able to go to war—were." See how you translated this in Numbers 1:20.

Numbers 1:41

They counted 41,500

"They counted forty-one thousand five hundred"

Numbers 1:42

the names of all the men twenty years old or older, able to go to war, were counted

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]

Numbers 1:43

They counted 53,400

"They counted fifty-three thousand four hundred"

Numbers 1:44

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Numbers 1:45

So all the men of Israel ... were counted in each of their ancestral households

The phrase "were counted" can be stated in active form. This long phrase is repeated multiple times in the census. See how you translated it in [Numbers 1:20]

Numbers 1:46

603,550 men

"six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty men"

Numbers 1:47

the Levites were not counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses and Aaron did not count the Levites"

Numbers 1:48

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Numbers 1:49

must not count the tribe of Levi

Here the "tribe of Levi" refers to all of the men in the tribe of Levi. Alternate translation: "must not count the men of the tribe of Levi"

Numbers 1:50

the tabernacle of the covenant decrees

The tabernacle was also called by this longer name because the ark with the law of God was placed inside it.

everything in it

Here "it" refers to the tabernacle.

The Levites must carry the tabernacle

It was their job to carry the tabernacle when they traveled. Alternate translation: "When you travel, the Levites must carry the tabernacle"

make their camp around it

This means that they were to set up their tents around the tabernacle. Alternate translation: "set up their tents around it"

Numbers 1:51

When the tabernacle is to be set up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When it is time to set up the tabernacle"

Any stranger ... must be killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Any stranger ... must die" or "You must kill any stranger who comes near the tabernacle"

Numbers 1:52

the banner

a large flag

his armed group

"his military division"

Numbers 1:53

the tabernacle of the covenant decrees

The tabernacle was also called by this longer name because the ark with the law of God was placed inside it. See how you translated this in Numbers 1:50.

so that my anger does not come upon the people of Israel

Here Yahweh speaks of not punishing the Israelites as his anger not coming upon them. The phrase "come upon" refers to his anger being applied to them. Alternate translation: "so that in my anger I do not punish the people of Israel"

perform the duties of the tabernacle

"do all the work connected to the tabernacle" or "take care of everything connected to the tabernacle" or "keeping watch over the tabernacle"

Numbers 1:54

Yahweh commanded through Moses

Yahweh had commanded Moses everything that the Israelites were to do, and then Moses had commanded the Israelites.

Chapter 2

Numbers 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Camping

Moses told each tribe where to camp. They were each given a specific area in which to stay.

Numbers 2:1

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Numbers 2:2

around his standard

The "standards" were four larger groups that the tribes were divided into. Each standard was commanded to camp together. The standards was represented by a banner.

with the banners of their fathers' houses

Each extended family also had a banner under with the camp, which was within the area designated for their standard.

banners

A banner is a large flag.

Numbers 2:3

under their standard

The "standards" were four larger groups that the tribes were divided into. Each standard was commanded to camp together, and was represented by a banner. See how you translated "standards" in Numbers 2:2.

Nahshon son of Amminadab

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:7.

Numbers 2:4

74,600

"seventy-four thousand six hundred"

Numbers 2:5

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.

Nethanel son of Zuar

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:8.

Numbers 2:6

host

"division." This is a military term for a large group of soldiers.

54,400 men

"fifty-four thousand four hundred men"

Numbers 2:7

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.

Eliab son of Helon

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:9.

Numbers 2:8

57,400

"fifty-seven thousand four hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "57,400 men"

Numbers 2:9

All the number ... is 186,400

"All the number ... is one hundred and eighty-six thousand four hundred." This number includes all of the men in the tribes that camped under the standard of Judah. Alternate translation: "The number of the men camped under the standard of Judah is 186,400"

the camp of Judah

This refers to the three tribes that camp east of the tent of meeting: the tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

They will set out first

This means that when the Israelite camp moves, the camp of Judah will start walking out before the other tribes do. Alternate translation: "When travelling, the camp of Judah will start walking first" or "When the Israelites leave, those tribes will leave first"

Numbers 2:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.

under their standard

The "standards" were four larger groups that the tribes were divided into. Each standard was commanded to camp together. The standards were represented by a banner. See how you translated "standards" in Numbers 2:2.

Elizur son of Shedeur

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:5.

Numbers 2:11

46,500

"forty-six thousand five hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "46,500 men"

Numbers 2:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.

Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:6.

Numbers 2:13

59,300

"Fifty-nine thousand three hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "59,300 men"

Numbers 2:14

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.

Eliasaph son of Deuel

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:14.

Numbers 2:15

45,650

"forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "45,650 men"

Numbers 2:16

The number of all the men ... is 151,450

"The number of all the men ... is one hundred and fifty-one thousand four hundred and fifty." This number includes all of the men in the tribes that camped under the standard of Reuben. Alternate translation: "The number of all the men camped under the standard of Reuben, according to their divisions, is 151,450"

They will set out second

This means that when the Israelite camp moves, the camp of Reuben will start walking out after the camp of Judah goes out. Alternate translation: "When travelling, the camp of Reuben will start walking second" or "When the Israelites leave, those tribes will leave next"

Numbers 2:17

the tent of meeting must go out ... in the middle of all the camps

This means that the tent of meeting must be carried by the Levites in the middle of the tribes as they travel.

They must go out

"They" refers to the twelve tribes.

by his banner

Each man does not have his own personal banner; rather, this refers to the banner belonging to his tribe. Alternate translation: "by his tribe's banner"

Numbers 2:18

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.

under their standard

The "standards" were four larger groups that the tribes were divided into. Each standard was commanded to camp together. The standards were represented by a banner. See how you translated "standards" in Numbers 2:2.

Numbers 2:19

40,500

"Forty thousand five hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "40,500 men"

Numbers 2:20

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.

Next to them

This means that the tribe of Manasseh will set out next, after the tribe of Ephraim.

Numbers 2:21

32,200

"Thirty-two thousand two hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "32,200 men"

Numbers 2:22

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.

Abidan son of Gideoni

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:11.

Numbers 2:23

35,400

"Thirty-five thousand four hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "35,400 men"

Numbers 2:24

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.

All those numbered ... 108,100

"All those numbered ... one hundred and eight thousand one hundred." This number includes all of the men in the tribes that camped under the standard of Ephraim. Alternate translation: "The number of the men camped under the standard of Ephraim is 108,100"

They will set out third

This means that when the Israelite camp moves, the camp of Ephraim will start walking out after the camp of Judah and the camp of Reuben go out. Alternate translation: "When travelling, the camp of Ephraim will start walking third" or "When the Israelites leave, those tribes will leave next"

Numbers 2:25

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.

the divisions of the camp of Dan

The this refers to the divisions of Dan, Asher, and Naphthali that are under the standard of Dan. Alternate translation: "the divisions that camp under the standard of Dan"

Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:12.

Numbers 2:26

62,700

"Sixty-two thousand seven hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "62,700 men"

Numbers 2:27

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.

Pagiel son of Okran

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:13.

Numbers 2:28

41,500

"forty-one thousand five hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "41,500 men"

Numbers 2:29

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.

Ahira son of Enan

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:15.

Numbers 2:30

53,400

"fifty-three thousand four hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "53,400 men"

Numbers 2:31

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.

All those numbered ... 157,600

"All those numbered ... one hundred and fifty-seven thousand six hundred." This number includes all of the men in the tribes that camped under the standard of Dan. Alternate translation: "The number of the men camped under the standard of Dan is 157,600"

Numbers 2:32

All those counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses and Aaron counted them all"

by their divisions

Here "their" refers to the people of Israel.

are 603,550

"are six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty"

Numbers 2:33

General Information:

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Numbers 2:34

They went out from the camp

This refers to when they would travel to another place. Alternate translation: "When they traveled, they went out from the camp"

Chapter 3

Numbers 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The tribe of Levi

The Levites were given a special function in Israel. They belonged to or were specially dedicated to serve Yahweh. They were to be priests, and because of this they were held to a higher standard than the rest of Israel. Only two of Aaron's sons survived because his other two sons offered improper sacrifices. This tribe had a lot of responsibility during this time. (See: priest)

Numbers 3:1

Now

Here the author uses the word "now" to shift to telling a new historical account.

Numbers 3:2

Nadab the firstborn

"Nadab, who was the firstborn"

Nadab ... Abihu ... Ithamar

These are names of men.

Numbers 3:3

the priests who were anointed and who were ordained

This can be stated in active form Alternate translation: "the priests whom Moses anointed and ordained"

Numbers 3:4

Nadab ... Abihu ... Ithamar

See how you translated these men's names in Numbers 3:2.

fell dead before Yahweh

The phrase "fell dead" means to suddenly die. Alternate translation: "suddenly died before Yahweh"

before Yahweh

This refers to Yahweh's presence, meaning that Yahweh saw everything that happened. Alternate translation: "in Yahweh's presence"

they offered to him unacceptable fire

Here the word "fire" is used to refer to "burning incense." Alternate translation: "they burned an incense offering in a way that Yahweh did not approve of"

Numbers 3:5

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Numbers 3:6

Bring the tribe of Levi

Here the word "tribe" refers to the men in the tribe. Alternate translation: "Bring the men of the tribe of Levi"

Numbers 3:7

on behalf of

"for." This means to do something for someone else, as a representative for them.

Numbers 3:8

help the tribes of Israel

Here the "tribes of Israel" refer to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "help the people of Israel"

they must help the tribes of Israel to carry out the tabernacle service

The phrase "carry out" means to "serve." Alternate translation: "they must help the tribes of Israel by serving in the tabernacle"

tabernacle service

"work of the tabernacle"

Numbers 3:9

You must give

"You" refers to Moses.

They are wholly given

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I have given them entirely"

Numbers 3:10

any foreigner who comes near must be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must kill any foreigner who comes near" or "any foreigner who comes near must die"

but any foreigner who comes near

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "but any foreigner who comes near the tabernacle"

Numbers 3:11

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Numbers 3:12

Look

"Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

I have taken the Levites

"I have chosen the Levites"

each firstborn, who opens the womb

The phrase "opens the womb" is a way of talking about the first baby being born. Alternate translation: "every firstborn son, the first to come from the womb"

Numbers 3:13

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Numbers 3:14

General Information:

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Numbers 3:15

Count the descendants

Yahweh was commanding Moses to only count the male descendants. Alternate translation: "Count the male descendants"

Numbers 3:16

following the word of Yahweh, just as he was commanded to do

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are used together to emphasize that he obeyed Yahweh.

Numbers 3:17

General Information:

This is a list of the descendants of Levi.

Numbers 3:18

General Information:

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Numbers 3:19

General Information:

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Numbers 3:20

General Information:

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Numbers 3:21

come from Gershon

Here the author speaks of "descending" as if it were "coming." Alternate translation: "descend from Gershon"

Libnites ... Shimeites ... Gershonites

"Libnites" and "Shimeites" are the name of clans, named after the head of their family. The "Gershonites" is the name of people who descended from Gershon.

Numbers 3:22

All the males from a month old and older were counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses counted all the males from a month old and older"

7,500

"seventy-five hundred" or "seven thousand five hundred"

Numbers 3:23

General Information:

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Numbers 3:24

Eliasaph ... Lael

These are the names of men.

Numbers 3:25

General Information:

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Numbers 3:26

the courtyard hangings

"the curtains in the courtyard"

the courtyard that surrounds the sanctuary and the altar

"that is, the courtyard that surrounds the sanctuary and the altar"

Numbers 3:27

General Information:

This is a list of clans that descended from Kohath.

Kohath

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.

Numbers 3:28

8,600 males have been counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses counted 8,600 males"

8,600 males

"eight thousand six hundred males"

aged one month old and older

"from a month old and older"

perform the duties of the sanctuary

"do all the work connected to the sanctuary" or "take care of everything connected to the sanctuary" or "keeping watch over the sanctuary" See how you translated this in Numbers 1:53.

Numbers 3:29

General Information:

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Numbers 3:30

General Information:

These verses give us information about the clans that descended from Kohath.

Numbers 3:31

the holy things that are used in their service

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the holy things which the priests use for service"

Numbers 3:32

perform the duties of the holy place

"do all the work connected to the holy place" or "take care of everything connected to the holy place" or "keeping watch over the holy place" See how you translated similar words in Numbers 1:53.

Numbers 3:33

General Information:

This is a list of clans that descended from Merari.

Numbers 3:34

6,200 males have been counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses counted 6,200 males"

6,200 males

"six thousand two hundred males"

Numbers 3:35

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Numbers 3:36

the framing

This to the panels that they made by joining together smaller pieces of wood.

crossbars

These are support beams that give stability to the structure.

posts

A post is a strong piece of wood set upright and used as a support.

bases

The bases held the posts in place.

hardware

This means everything used to join the crossbars, posts, and bases together.

Numbers 3:37

with their sockets

Here "their" refers to the "pillars and posts."

sockets, pegs, and ropes

These are all items used secure the pillars and posts into place.

Numbers 3:38

his sons

Here "his" refers to Aaron

toward the sunrise

This is the east side of the tabernacle. Alternate translation: "on the east side, where the sun rises"

performing the duties of the sanctuary

"doing all the work connected to the sanctuary" or "taking care of everything connected to the sanctuary" or "keeping watch over the sanctuary" See how you translated similar words in Numbers 1:53.

Any foreigner who approaches the sanctuary must be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must kill any foreigner who approaches the sanctuary" or "Any foreigner who approaches the sanctuary must die"

Numbers 3:39

twenty-two thousand men

"22,000 men" or "22,000 males"

Numbers 3:40

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Numbers 3:41

the livestock of the Levites

This refers to all the Levites' livestock. Alternate translation: "you must take all the Levites' livestock"

Numbers 3:42

all the firstborn people

"all the firstborn sons"

Numbers 3:43

22,273 men

"twenty-two thousand two hundred and seventy-three men"

Numbers 3:44

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Numbers 3:45

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Numbers 3:46

For the redemption of

The noun "redemption" can be translated with the verb "redeem." Alternate translation: "to redeem"

273 firstborn

"two hundred and seventy-three firstborn"

sons of Israel

Only the firstborn males were counted.

who exceed the number of the Levites

This means that there are 273 more firstborn males among the other tribes of the Israelites than there are total number of Levite males.

Numbers 3:47

five shekels

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 55 grams of silver"

You must use the shekel of the sanctuary as your standard weight

This means that the shekel must weight the same as those in the sanctuary. Alternate translation: "You must use the weight of the shekels in the sanctuary as your stand weight"

twenty gerahs

"20 gerahs." A gerah is a unit of weight equal to about .57 kilograms.

Numbers 3:48

the redemption money that you paid

"the money that you collected for their redemption." This refers to the shekels that Moses collected.

Numbers 3:49

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Numbers 3:50

1,365 shekels

"one thousand three hundred and sixty-five shekels." A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 15 kilograms of silver"

Numbers 3:51

the redemption money

This refers to the money that Moses collected.

to his sons

Here "his" refers to Aaron

he was told to do by Yahweh's word, as Yahweh had commanded him

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.

he was told to do by Yahweh's word

Here "Yahweh's word" refers to Yahweh who spoke to Moses. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Yahweh had told him to do"

Chapter 4

Numbers 4 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Counting the Levites by clans

Moses gave special instructions for each of the families of the tribes of Levi. Each family was given a special role in the ministry of the tabernacle. (See: tabernacle)

Numbers 4:1

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Numbers 4:2

Kohath

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.

Numbers 4:3

thirty to fifty years old

"30 to 50 years old"

join the company

The word "company" refers to the rest of the people working in the tent of meeting.

Numbers 4:4

reserved for me

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I have specially selected for myself"

Numbers 4:5

When the camp prepares

Here "camp" refers to all of the people in the camp. Alternate translation: "When the people prepare"

to move forward

This refers to the people moving to another location. Alternate translation: "to move to another location"

the screening curtain

This refers to the curtain that kept people from being able to see into the most holy place.

cover the ark of the testimony with it

The word "it" refers to the curtain that separated the most holy place from the holy place.

Numbers 4:6

insert the poles

The poles were inserted into rings on the sides of the ark so that the poles could be used to carry the ark. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "insert the poles into the rings on the ark's sides"

Numbers 4:7

the bread of the presence

This bread represents the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "the bread of Yahweh's presence"

On it they must put

Here "it" refers to the blue cloth.

Bread must always continue to be

There must always be bread"

Numbers 4:8

They are to spread over them

Here the word "them" refers to "the dishes, spoons, bowls, and jars" (verse 7).

scarlet cloth

"red cloth"

insert poles

The poles were inserted into rings on the corners of the table so that the poles could be used to carry the table. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "insert poles into the rings at the corners of the table"

Numbers 4:9

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Numbers 4:10

They must put ... into a covering of fine leather

"They must cover ... with fine leather"

they must put it on a carrying frame

"they must place all of these things on a frame for carrying them"

Numbers 4:11

insert the carrying poles

The poles were inserted into rings on the sides of the altar so theys could be used to carry it. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "insert the carrying poles into the rings one the sides of the altar"

Numbers 4:12

the carrying frame

a wooden rectangle made with poles used to carry things

for the ministry

The word "ministry" is an abstract noun that can be expressed with the verb "serving." Alternate translation: "used when serving Yahweh in the holy place"

Numbers 4:13

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Numbers 4:14

in the work of the altar

The word "work" is an abstract noun that can be expressed with the verb "serving." Alternate translation: "when serving at the altar"

insert the carrying poles

The poles were inserted into rings on the sides of the altar so they could be used to carry it. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "insert the carrying poles into the rings on the sides of the altar"

Numbers 4:15

to carry the holy place

Here the holy place refers to all the items that make up the holy place that Aaron and his sons covered in cloth and skins. Alternate translation: "to carry all of the items of the holy place"

when the camp moves forward

Here the word "camp" refers to all of the people in the camp. Alternate translation: "when the people move forward"

Kohath

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.

the holy instruments

"the holy equipment"

Numbers 4:16

the oil for the light

Here the word "light" is used to refer to the "lamps." Alternate translation: "the oil for the lamps"

the care of

Here the abstract noun "care" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "those who care for"

Numbers 4:17

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Numbers 4:18

to be cut off from among the Levites

This phrase refers to the death of the Kohathites. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to do anything that will cause me to completely remove them from among the Levites"

Numbers 4:19

So do this for them

This phrase refers to what Yahweh says next. Moses will protect the Kohathites by not allowing them to go in and see the holy place.

his work ... his responsibility

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.

Numbers 4:20

Kohathites

This refers to the descendants of Kohath. See how you translated this in Numbers 3:27.

Numbers 4:21

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Numbers 4:22

of the descendants of Gershon

This refers only to men. Alternate translation: "of the male descendants of Gershon"

Gershon

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.

Numbers 4:23

thirty years old to fifty years old

"30 years old to 50 years old"

join the company to serve in the tent of meeting

The word "company" refers to the rest of the people working in the tent of meeting. See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 4:3.

Numbers 4:24

This is the work of the clans ... when they serve and what they carry

This sentence is a description that tells us what the following verses are about.

Gershonites

This refers to the descendants of Gershon. See how you translated this in Numbers 3:21.

Numbers 4:25

the covering of fine leather hides that is on it

This is an outer covering that is placed on top of the tent of meeting's covering. Alternate translation: "the covering of fine leather hides that is placed on top of that" or "the outer covering made of fine leather hides"

Numbers 4:26

Whatever should be done with these things

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Whatever work that these things require"

Numbers 4:27

must direct all the service of the descendants of the Gershonites

"must tell the descendants of the Gershonites how they are to serve Yahweh in the tent of meeting"

Numbers 4:28

This is the service of the clans of the descendants of the Gershonites for the tent of meeting

Here the word "service" is an abstract noun that can be expressed by a verb. Here the word "This" refers to what Yahweh just said. Alternate translation: "This is how the clans of the descendants of the Gershonites will serve in the tent of meeting"

Ithamar

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:2.

Numbers 4:29

the descendants of Merari

This refers only to men. Alternate translation: "the male descendants of Merari"

Merari

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.

order them

"list them"

Numbers 4:30

thirty years old ... fifty years old

"30 years old ... 50 years old"

join the company and serve in the tent of meeting

The word "company" refers to the rest of the people working in the tent of meeting. See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 4:3.

Numbers 4:31

This is their responsibility

"This" refers to what Yahweh says next.

crossbars, posts, and sockets

These are all parts of the framing of the tabernacle. See how you translated all of these parts in Numbers 3:36-37.

Numbers 4:32

their sockets, pegs, and their ropes, with all their hardware

Here "their" refers to the posts of the court.

sockets, pegs, and their ropes

These are all parts of the framing of the tabernacle. See how you translated all of these parts in Numbers 3:36-37.

List by name the articles they must carry

"List by each man's name the articles he must carry"

Numbers 4:33

under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest

The word "direction" is an abstract noun that is expressed by a verb. Alternate translation: "as Ithamar son of Aaron the priest directs them"

Ithamar

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:2.

Numbers 4:34

the descendants of the Kohathites

The refers to men. Alternate translation: "the male descendants of the Kohathites"

Kohathites

This refers to the descendants of Kohath. See how you translated this in Numbers 3:27.

Numbers 4:35

thirty years old ... fifty years old

"30 years old ... 50 years old"

everyone who would join the company

Here the word "would" does not mean that the men "chose" to join the company but rather that they were "assigned" to the company. Alternate translation: "everyone who was assigned to join the company"

join the company to serve in the tent of meeting

The word "company" refers to the rest of the people working in the tent of meeting. See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 4:3.

Numbers 4:36

2,750 men

"two thousand seven hundred and fifty men"

Numbers 4:37

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Numbers 4:38

The descendants of Gershon

This refers to the men. Alternate translation: "The male descendants of Gershon"

The descendants of Gershon were counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses and Aaron counted the descendants of Gershon"

Numbers 4:39

from thirty to fifty years old

"from 30 to 50 years old"

everyone who would join the company

Here the word "would" does not mean that the men "chose" to join the company but rather that they were "assigned" to the company. Alternate translation: "everyone who was assigned to join the company"

join the company to serve in the tent of meeting

The word "company" refers to the rest of the people working in the tent of meeting. See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 4:3.

Numbers 4:40

counted by their clans

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Moses and Aaron counted by their clans"

2,630

"two thousand six hundred and thirty." This refers to 2,630 men.

Numbers 4:41

they obeyed

The word "they" refers to Moses and Aaron.

Numbers 4:42

The descendants of Merari were counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses and Aaron counted the descendants of Merari"

Numbers 4:43

from thirty to fifty years old

"from 30 to 50 years old"

everyone who would join the company

Here the word "would" does not mean that the men "chose" to join the company but rather that they were "assigned" to the company. Alternate translation: "everyone who was assigned to join the company"

join the company to serve in the tent of meeting

The word "company" refers to the rest of the people working in the tent of meeting. See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 4:3.

Numbers 4:44

counted by their clans

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Moses and Aaron counted by their clans"

numbered 3,200

"numbered three thousand two hundred"

Numbers 4:45

to Yahweh's command that came by the hand of Moses

These words are a metaphor for the authority that God had given Moses. Alternate translation: "to the command Moses received from Yahweh and gave to Aaron"

Numbers 4:46

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Numbers 4:47

from thirty to fifty

This refers to men. Alternate translation: "men from thirty to fifty"

from thirty to fifty

"from 30 to 50"

Numbers 4:48

8,580 men

"eight thousand five hundred and eighty men"

Numbers 4:49

At Yahweh's command

"As Yahweh commanded"

keeping count of each by the type ... He counted each man by the kind of responsibility he would bear

These two phrase have similar meaning and are used together to emphasize how Moses counted all the men.

by the type of work he was assigned to do

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "by his type of work assignment" or "by the type of work he had assigned each man to do"

he would bear

"he would have"

they obeyed what Yahweh had commanded them

Here "they" and "them" refer to Moses and Aaron.

Chapter 5

Numbers 5 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel's camp

Israel's entire camp was to be a "clean" place. This meant that people who could not be made acceptable to God were not allowed inside the camp. (See: clean)

Vengeance

There are several laws in this chapter regarding restitution. These laws were meant to limit the ways in which people who had been wronged could seek to be compensated. These laws were intended to make it difficult for such people to avenge a wrong when they were angry. (See: avenge and jealous)

Numbers 5:1

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Numbers 5:2

oozing sore

This refers to an open cut that has been leaking fluids for a long time.

whoever is unclean through touching a dead body

If a person touched a dead body they were considered unclean. A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.

Numbers 5:3

you must send

Here "you" is plural and refers to the people of Israel.

Numbers 5:4

The people of Israel did so

This means that they sent the unclean people away. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "The people of Israel sent those who were unclean out of the camp"

Numbers 5:5

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Numbers 5:6

any sin such as people do to one another

"any sin that people usually commit against one another"

is unfaithful to me

If someone sins against another person, it means that they have also sinned against Yahweh and Yahweh considers that person as unfaithful to him. Alternate translation: "they have also wronged me"

Numbers 5:7

the price of his guilt

Here the person's "sin" is referred to as his "guilt." Alternate translation: "what is considered a suitable amount of money for the wrong that he has done"

add to the price one-fifth more

This means the person must pay an extra one-fifth of the price that he owes.

one-fifth

This is one part out of five equal parts.

Numbers 5:8

But if the wronged person has no close relative to receive the payment

Usually the wronged person would receive the payment but if that person has died the payment goes to the closest relative. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "But if the wronged person has died and has no close relative to receive the payment"

if the wronged person

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if the person whom the guilty person has wronged"

he must pay the price for his guilt to me through a priest

If a person made a payment to a priest to pay for his guilt it was the same as if the person had made the payment to Yahweh.

to atone for himself

The atonement is made for the man's sin. Here Yahweh refers to the man's sin as the man who committed it. Alternate translation: "to atone for his sin"

Numbers 5:9

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Numbers 5:10

The offerings of every person will be for the priest; if anyone gives anything to the priest, it will belong to him

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and may be combined to state that the offerings that someone gives belong to the priest to whom they have been given.

Numbers 5:11

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Numbers 5:12

Connecting Statement:

The words "Suppose that a man's wife turns away" begin a long description of a possible situation, something that has not happened but might happen. Yahweh tells Moses what to do if it does happen.

a man's wife turns away

This means that she goes away from him and is unfaithful to him. Alternate translation: "a man's wife is unfaithful"

is unfaithful to her husband

This means that she is unfaithful to her husband and and sins against him by having sexual relations with another man. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "sins against her husband by having sexual relations with another man"

Numbers 5:13

Connecting Statement:

Moses continues to describe the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12.

If a man lies with her

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "If a man has sexual relations with her"

her

the woman who turns away and sins against her husband (Numbers 5:12)

in the act

This refers to the act of adultery. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "in the act of adultery" or "sleeping with him"

Numbers 5:14

his wife is defiled ... his wife is not defiled

These phrases can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his wife has defiled herself ... his wife has not defiled herself"

a spirit of jealousy might still inform the husband

Here the word "spirit" refers to a person's attitude and emotions. His "jealously" is spoken of as if it were a person who spoke to him. Alternate translation: "the husband might feel jealous and become suspicious"

a spirit of jealousy might falsely come on a man

Here the word "spirit" refers to a person's attitude and emotions. The idea of the spirit "coming on him" means that he began to have these jealous feelings. Alternate translation: "a man might feel jealous for no reason"

Numbers 5:15

Connecting Statement:

Moses begins to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.

a tenth

This is one part out of ten equal parts.

a tenth of an ephah

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "a tenth of an ephah

a grain offering of jealousy

"a grain offering for jealousy"

a reminder of the iniquity

A "reminder" is something that shows evidence that something had occurred that required justice. In this case, he made the offering to determine whether his wife had committed adultery or not.

Numbers 5:16

Connecting Statement:

Moses continues to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.

near and place her before Yahweh

"in the presence of Yahweh." The priest would bring her near the altar. Alternate translation: "near the altar and place her in the presence of Yahweh"

Numbers 5:17

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Numbers 5:18

Connecting Statement:

Moses continues to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.

before Yahweh

"in the presence of Yahweh"

grain offering of jealousy

See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 5:15.

Numbers 5:19

no other man has lain with you

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "no other man has had sexual relations with you"

if you have not gone astray

The words "gone astray" is an idiom that means "to be unfaithful." Alternate translation: "if you have not been unfaithful to your husband"

and committed uncleanness

"by committing uncleanness." This phrase refers to committing adultery.

you will be free from this bitter water

The phrase to "be free" from something means to not be harmed by it. Alternate translation: "this bitter water will not harm you, though it is able to"

this bitter water that can bring a curse

Here the bitter water is described as being able to bring a curse. This means that when the woman drinks the water it cause her to be unable to bear children, if she is guilty. Alternate translation: "this bitter water can be a curse to you"

Numbers 5:20

Connecting Statement:

Moses continues to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.

have gone astray

The words "gone astray" is an idiom that means "to be unfaithful." Alternate translation: "have been unfaithful to your husband"

Numbers 5:21

that can bring down a curse on her

The phrase "bring down a curse" is an idiom meaning for a curse to come upon her. Alternate translation: "that can cause a curse to come upon her"

Yahweh will make you into a curse ... your people to be such

Here the author speaks about the woman bearing the curse that Yahweh gives her, which causes other people to curse her. This is spoken of as if the woman herself becomes a curse. Alternate translation: "Because Yahweh curses you, other people will curse you as well, and Yahweh will show people that you are truly cursed"

that will be shown to your people to be such

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that he will show to your people as a curse"

your thigh to waste away and your abdomen to swell

Here the word "thigh" is a polite way of referring to the woman's womb or her private parts. Possible meanings are 1) that the woman will become unable to have children or 2) that the woman's pregnancy will end too early and the baby will die. Alternate translation: "your womb to be useless and your abdomen to swell"

Numbers 5:22

Amen. Amen.

"Yes, let that happen if I am guilty" or "Yes, that is exactly what should happen if I am guilty"

Numbers 5:23

Connecting Statement:

Moses continues to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.

he must wash away the written curses

This means that he is to wash the ink off of the scroll.

the written curses

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the curses he has written"

Numbers 5:24

General Information:

Verse 24 explains in a general way what the priest must do and what is expected to happen when the woman drinks the water. Verse 25 and 26 explains in detail how the priest is to do this work. The priest gives the water to the woman and she drinks it only once.

Connecting Statement:

Moses continues to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.

Numbers 5:25

grain offering of jealousy

"a grain offering for jealousy." See how you translated this in Numbers 5:15.

Numbers 5:26

a representative offering

The handful of the grain offering represents the whole grain offering. This means the whole offering belongs to Yahweh.

Numbers 5:27

Connecting Statement:

Moses continues to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.

if she is defiled because she has committed

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "if she has defined herself by committing"

committed a sin

Here the "sin" refers specifically to committing adultery. The meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "committed adultery"

Her abdomen will swell and her thigh will waste away

Possible meanings are 1) that the woman will become unable to have children or 2) that the woman's pregnancy will end too early and the baby will die. Here the word "thigh" is a polite way of referring to the woman's womb or her private parts. See how you translated these concepts in Numbers 5:21.

The woman will be cursed among her people

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Her people will curse her"

Numbers 5:28

is not defiled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "has not defiled herself"

if she is clean

Here "being innocent" is spoken of as "being clean."

then she must be free

Possible meanings are 1) "then she will not be cursed" or 2) "then she is free from guilt."

conceive children

"become pregnant"

Numbers 5:29

Connecting Statement:

Moses continues to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.

the law of jealousy

"the law for dealing with jealousy"

who goes astray from her husband

The words "goes astray from" is an idiom that means "is unfaithful to." Alternate translation: "who is unfaithful to her husband"

is defiled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "defiles herself"

Numbers 5:30

a spirit of jealousy

This phrase refers to the man's attitude and emotions of jealousy. See how you translated this in [Numbers 5:14]

when he is jealous of his wife

This is an idiom that means that he suspects that his wife has been unfaithful to him by sleeping with another man. Alternate translation: "and suspects that his wife has been unfaithful to him" or "and suspects that his wife has slept with another man"

before Yahweh

"in the presence of Yahweh"

Numbers 5:31

Connecting Statement:

Moses continues to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.

will be free from guilt for bringing his wife to the priest

"will not be guilty of doing something wrong by bringing his wife to the priest"

must bear

"must endure"

Chapter 6

Numbers 6 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Nazirite vow

The Nazirite vow was a special type of vow between a person and Yahweh. This chapter gives the rules for people to be consecrated to God as Nazirites. (See: vow and consecrate)

Numbers 6:1

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Numbers 6:2

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Numbers 6:3

he must abstain from

"he must not consume"

vinegar made from wine

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "vinegar that people make from wine"

vinegar

a drink produced when wine and other strong drinks ferment too long and become sour

raisins

dried grapes

Numbers 6:4

the days of his consecration

"the days in which he has consecrated himself to me"

nothing that is made from the grape vine

The word "grape vine" is a metonym for the grapes that grow on the vine. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "nothing that people make from grapes"

from the seeds to the skins

These two extremes are given to emphasize the entire grape may not be eaten. Alternate translation: "from any part of a grape"

Numbers 6:5

vow of consecration

"vow of dedication"

no razor is to be used on his head

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one is to use a razor on his head"

the days of his consecration to Yahweh

The word "consecration" is an abstract noun that can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "the days that he has separated himself to Yahweh" or "the days that he has dedicated himself to Yahweh"

to Yahweh are fulfilled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to Yahweh are complete"

He must be set apart to Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He must set himself apart to Yahweh"

Numbers 6:6

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Numbers 6:7

consecrated

"dedicated"

unclean

A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.

he is consecrated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he has consecrated himself"

Numbers 6:8

of his consecration

The abstract noun "consecration" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "that he has consecration himself" )

reserved for Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he has reserved himself for Yahweh" or "set apart for Yahweh"

Numbers 6:9

defiles his consecrated head

Here "head" represents the Nazirite man's hair, which symbolizes his vow. Alternate translation: "defiles his long hair which shows everyone he is separated to God" or "he becomes defiled"

the seventh day

"day 7"

Numbers 6:10

the eighth day

"day 8"

Numbers 6:11

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Numbers 6:12

for the days of his consecration

"during the time he is being set apart again"

He must bring a male lamb ... as a guilt offering

The man is to bring the lamb to the priest so that it can be sacrificed. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "He must bring a male lamb one year old to the priest as a guilt offering"

The days before he defiled himself must not be counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He must not count the days before he defiled himself"

his consecration was defiled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he defiled himself" or "he made himself unacceptable"

Numbers 6:13

of his consecration

The abstract noun "consecration" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "for which he has consecrated himself"

He must be brought

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone must bring him" or "He must go"

Numbers 6:14

He must present his offering to Yahweh

He must bring his offering to the priest to be sacrificed to Yahweh. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "He must present his offering to Yahweh by bringing it to the priest to be sacrificed" or "He must present his offering to Yahweh by bringing it to the priest who will sacrifice it"

Numbers 6:15

bread made without yeast

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "bread he made without yeast"

fine flour mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he mixed with oil"

wafers without yeast rubbed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "wafers without yeast which he rubbed with oil"

wafers without yeast

small pieces of flat bread

together with their grain offering and drink offerings

The word "their" refers to the other offerings that the Nazirite man was told to bring. Often grain offerings and drink offerings were required to accompany other types of sacrifices. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "together with the grain offering and drink offering that Yahweh required to accompany the other offerings"

Numbers 6:16

He must offer his sin offering

"He" refers to the priest and "his" refers to the man who took a vow.

Numbers 6:17

the fellowship offering

"as the fellowship offering"

The priest must present also ... drink offering

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "The priest must present also ... the drink offering to Yahweh"

Numbers 6:18

his consecrated head

"his head, on which he had grown out his hair to show that he had consecrated himself to Yahweh"

Numbers 6:19

the boiled shoulder of the ram

This means that he had boiled the ram's shoulder. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the shoulder of the ram that he boiled"

his consecrated hair

"the hair he grew out to show that he had consecrated himself to Yahweh"

Numbers 6:20

The priest must wave them

After handing the items to the Nazirite, the priest takes them back to offer them to Yahweh. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Then the priest must take them back and wave them"

together with

"as well as"

that was waved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the priest waved"

Numbers 6:21

his consecration

Also, the abstract noun "consecration" may be written as a verb. Alternate translation: "for which he has consecrated himself to Yahweh"

Whatever else he may give

This refers to the Nazirite deciding to give other offering beyond what he has been commanded to give. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "If he decides to give any additional offerings"

he must keep the obligations of the vow he has taken

"he must still obey the requirements of the vow he has taken"

he must keep the obligations ... he promise indicated by the law of his consecration

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize that he must obey the obligations of his vow.

he promise indicated by the law of his consecration

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the promise that the law for his consecration indicates"

Numbers 6:22

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Numbers 6:23

You must bless the people of Israel

"You" is plural.

Numbers 6:24

May Yahweh bless you and keep you

Here "you" is singular.

keep you

This is an idiom. Here "keep" means to "protect."

Numbers 6:25

make his face shine on you

This is an idiom which means to have kind intentions towards someone. It can also be expressed by smiling. Alternate translation: "smile at you" or "look at you with kindness"

on you ... to you

Here "you" is singular.

Numbers 6:26

look on you with favor

Here the phrase "look on" means to show a certain attitude towards that person. Alternate translation: "show you favor"

on you ... give you

Here "you" is singular.

Numbers 6:27

they must give my name

Here Yahweh speaks about claiming the Israelites as his own by saying that he is giving them "his name." Alternate translation: "they must let the people of Israel know that they are mine"

Chapter 7

Numbers 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Consecrating the altar

When the tabernacle was completed, they consecrated the altar. Each tribe brought an offering to consecrate the altar. (See: tabernacle and consecrate)

Numbers 7:1

Moses completed the tabernacle

"Moses finished setting up the tabernacle"

Numbers 7:2

the leaders of Israel ... the heads of their ancestor's families

These two phrases describe the same group of people two different ways. Alternate translation: "the leaders of Israel who are also the heads of their ancestors families"

the heads of their ancestor's families

Here the leaders of the families are referred to as "heads." Alternate translation: "the leaders of their ancestor's families"

had overseen the counting of the men

The abstract noun "counting" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "had helped Aaron and Moses to count the men"

Numbers 7:3

They brought their offerings before Yahweh ... They presented these things in front of the tabernacle

This means that they gave their offerings to Yahweh and brought them to the tabernacle. These phrases may be combined to add clarity. Alternate translation: "They brought their offerings to Yahweh and presented them to him in front of the tabernacle"

six covered carts and twelve oxen

"6 covered carts and 12 oxen"

Numbers 7:4

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Numbers 7:5

to each one as his work needs them

"to each man as he needs them for his work"

Numbers 7:6

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Numbers 7:7

Gershon

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.

because of what their work needed

"because it was what they needed to do their work"

Numbers 7:8

Merari

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.

in the care of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest

"under the supervision of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest" or "Ithamar son of Aaron the priest oversaw their work"

Ithamar

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:2.

He did this because

The word "he" refers to Moses.

because of what their work required

"because it was what they needed to do their work"

Numbers 7:9

none of those things

This refers to the carts and oxen.

Kohath

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.

theirs would be the work

"their work would be"

the things that belong to Yahweh

You can make explicit the implicit meaning of what belongs to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "the things that Yahweh reserved for the tabernacle"

Numbers 7:10

offered their goods

"offered gifts"

Numbers 7:11

Each leader must offer on his own day his sacrifice

"Each day, one leader must offer his sacrifice"

Numbers 7:12

the first day

"day 1" or "day number 1"

Nahshon son of Amminadab

These are the names of men. See how you translated these names in Numbers 1:7

Numbers 7:13

weighing 130 shekels

"weighing one hundred and thirty shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "weighing nearly one and a half kilograms" or "weighing one kilogram and 430 grams"

one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels

"one silver bowl weighing 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "one silver bowl weighing nearly eight tenths of a kilogram" or "one silver bowl weighting 770 grams"

by the standard weight of the sanctuary shekel

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. If you are converting the weights to modern measures, here is another way to translate this phrase. Alternate translation: "measured by the standard weights used in the sanctuary"

fine flour mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"

Numbers 7:14

one gold dish that weighed ten shekels

If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "one gold dish that weighed one tenth of a kilogram" or "one gold dish that weighed 110 grams"

Numbers 7:15

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Numbers 7:16

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Numbers 7:17

that were a year old

"that were each one year old"

This was the sacrifice of Nahshon son of Amminadab

"This was what Nahshon son of Amminadab presented"

Nahshon son of Amminadab

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:7.

Numbers 7:18

the second day

"day 2" or "day number 2"

Nethanel son of Zuar

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:8.

Numbers 7:19

one silver platter weighing 130 shekels

If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels

"one silver bowl weighing 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

by the standard weight of the sanctuary shekel

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. See how you translated this phrase in [Numbers 7:13]

fine flour mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"

Numbers 7:20

one gold dish weighing ten shekels

If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]

Numbers 7:21

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Numbers 7:22

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Numbers 7:23

that were a year old

"that were each one year old"

This was the sacrifice of Nethanel son of Zuar

"This was what Nethanel son of Zuar presented"

Nethanel son of Zuar

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:8.

Numbers 7:24

the third day

"day 3" or "day number 3"

Eliab son of Helon

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:9.

Numbers 7:25

one silver platter weighing 130 shekels

If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels

"one silver bowl weighing 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

by the standard weight of the sanctuary shekel

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. See how you translated this phrase in [Numbers 7:13]

fine flour mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"

Numbers 7:26

one gold dish weighing ten shekels

If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]

Numbers 7:27

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Numbers 7:28

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Numbers 7:29

that were a year old

"that were each one year old"

This was the sacrifice of Eliab son of Helon

"This was what Eliab son of Helon gave as a sacrifice"

Eliab son of Helon

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:9.

Numbers 7:30

the fourth day

"day 4" or "day number 4"

Elizur son of Shedeur

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:5.

Numbers 7:31

one silver platter weighing 130 shekels

If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels

"one silver bowl weighing 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

by the standard weight of the sanctuary shekel

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. See how you translated this phrase in [Numbers 7:13]

fine flour mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"

Numbers 7:32

one gold dish weighing ten shekels

If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]

Numbers 7:33

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Numbers 7:34

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Numbers 7:35

that were a year old

"that were each one year old"

This was the sacrifice of Elizur son of Shedeur

"This was what Elizur son of Shedeur gave as a sacrifice"

Elizur son of Shedeur

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:5.

Numbers 7:36

the fifth day

"day 5" or "day number 5"

Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:6.

Numbers 7:37

one silver platter weighing 130 shekels

If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels

"one silver bowl weighing 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

by the standard weight of the sanctuary shekel

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. See how you translated this phrase in [Numbers 7:13]

fine flour mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"

Numbers 7:38

one gold dish weighing ten shekels

If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]

Numbers 7:39

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Numbers 7:40

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Numbers 7:41

that were a year old

"that were each one year old"

This was the sacrifice of Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai

"This was what Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai gave as a sacrifice." "Shelumiel" and "Zurishaddai" are names of men.

Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:6.

Numbers 7:42

the sixth day

"day 6" or "day number 6"

Eliasaph son of Deuel

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:14.

Numbers 7:43

one silver platter weighing 130 shekels

If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels

"one silver bowl weighing 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

by the standard weight of the sanctuary shekel

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. See how you translated this phrase in [Numbers 7:13]

fine flour mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"

Numbers 7:44

one gold dish weighing ten shekels

If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]

Numbers 7:45

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Numbers 7:46

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Numbers 7:47

that were a year old

"that were each one year old"

This was the sacrifice of Eliasaph son of Deuel

"This was what Eliasaph son of Deuel gave as a sacrifice"

Eliasaph son of Deuel

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:14.

Numbers 7:48

the seventh day

"day 7" or "day number 7"

Elishama son of Ammihud

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:10.

Numbers 7:49

one silver platter weighing 130 shekels

If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels

"one silver bowl weighing 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

by the standard weight of the sanctuary shekel

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. See how you translated this phrase in [Numbers 7:13]

fine flour mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"

Numbers 7:50

one gold dish weighing ten shekels

If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]

Numbers 7:51

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Numbers 7:52

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Numbers 7:53

that were a year old

"that were each one year old"

This was the sacrifice of Elishama son of Ammihud

"This was what Elishama son of Ammihud presented"

Elishama son of Ammihud

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:10.

Numbers 7:54

the eighth day

"day 8" or "day number 8"

Gamaliel son of Pedahzur

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:10.

Numbers 7:55

one silver platter weighing 130 shekels

If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels

"one silver bowl weighing 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

by the standard weight of the sanctuary shekel

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. See how you translated this phrase in [Numbers 7:13]

fine flour mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"

Numbers 7:56

one gold dish weighing ten shekels

If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]

Numbers 7:57

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Numbers 7:58

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Numbers 7:59

that were a year old

"that were each one year old"

This was the sacrifice of Gamaliel son of Pedahzur

"This was what Gamaliel son of Pedahzur gave as a sacrifice"

Gamaliel son of Pedahzur

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:10.

Numbers 7:60

the ninth day

"day 9" or "day number 9"

Abidan son of Gideoni

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:11.

Numbers 7:61

one silver platter weighing 130 shekels

If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels

"one silver bowl weighing 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

by the standard weight of the sanctuary shekel

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. See how you translated this phrase in [Numbers 7:13]

fine flour mingled with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"

Numbers 7:62

one gold dish weighing ten shekels

If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]

Numbers 7:63

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Numbers 7:64

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Numbers 7:65

that were a year old

"that were each one year old"

This was the sacrifice of Abidan son of Gideoni

"This was what Abidan son of Gideoni gave as a sacrifice"

Abidan son of Gideoni

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:11.

Numbers 7:66

the tenth day

"day 10" or "day number 10"

Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:12.

Numbers 7:67

one silver platter weighing 130 shekels

If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels

"one silver bowl weighing 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

by the standard weight of the sanctuary shekel

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. See how you translated this phrase in [Numbers 7:13]

fine flour mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"

Numbers 7:68

one gold dish weighing ten shekels

If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]

Numbers 7:69

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Numbers 7:70

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Numbers 7:71

that were a year old

"that were each one year old"

This was the sacrifice of Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai

"This was what Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai gave as a sacrifice"

Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:12.

Numbers 7:72

the eleventh day

"day 11" or "day number 11"

Pagiel son of Okran

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:13.

Numbers 7:73

one silver platter weighing 130 shekels

If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels

"one silver bowl weighing 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

by the standard weight of the sanctuary shekel

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. See how you translated this phrase in [Numbers 7:13]

fine flour mingled with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"

Numbers 7:74

one gold dish weighing ten shekels

If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]

Numbers 7:75

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Numbers 7:76

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Numbers 7:77

that were a year old

"that were each one year old"

This was the sacrifice of Pagiel son of Okran

"This was what Pagiel son of Okran gave as a sacrifice." "Pagiel" and "Okran" were names of men. See how you translated their names in [Numbers 1:13]

Numbers 7:78

the twelfth day

"day 12" or "day number 12)

Ahira son of Enan

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:15.

Numbers 7:79

one silver platter weighing 130 shekels

If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels

"one silver bowl weighing 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]

by the standard weight of the sanctuary shekel

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. See how you translated this phrase in [Numbers 7:13]

fine flour mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"

Numbers 7:80

one gold dish weighing ten shekels

If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]

Numbers 7:81

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Numbers 7:82

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Numbers 7:83

that were a year old

"that were each one year old"

This was the sacrifice of Ahira son of Enan

"This was what Ahira son of Enan gave as a sacrifice"

Ahira son of Enan

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:15.

Numbers 7:84

set apart

The phrase "set apart" means to be dedicated to a specific purpose. In this case, the offerings were dedicated to Yahweh.

on the day that it was anointed

Here the word "day" refers to a general period of time. The leaders of Israel dedicated these things over the course of 12 days. You may need to translate this in active form. Alternate translation: "when Moses anointed the altar" )

Numbers 7:85

Each silver platter weighed 130 shekels

If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated this same weight in [Numbers 7:13]

each bowl weighed seventy shekels

"each bowl weighted 70 shekels." If necessary, these weight can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated this same weight in [Numbers 7:13]

2,400 shekels

"two thousand four hundred shekels" or "twenty-four hundred shekels"

by the standard weight of the sanctuary shekel

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. See how you translated this phrase in [Numbers 7:13]

All the silver vessels weighed

"All the silver vessels together weighed"

the silver vessels

This refers to all of the offerings that were made of silver, both the platters and the bowls.

Numbers 7:86

All the gold dishes weighed

"All the gold dishes together weighed"

Each of the twelve gold dishes ... weighed ten shekels

"Each of the 12 gold dishes ... weighed 10 shekels." If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]

120 shekels

"one hundred and twenty shekels"

Numbers 7:87

twelve

"12." This number may be written with a numeral instead of with a word.

Numbers 7:88

twenty-four ... sixty

"24 ... 60." These numbers may be written with numerals instead of with words.

a year old

"that were one year old"

after it was anointed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after Moses had anointed it"

Numbers 7:89

he heard his voice speaking to him

Here "his voice" refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "he heard Yahweh speaking to him"

from above the atonement lid ... from between the two cherubim

These two phrases describe the same location.

ark of the testimony

See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 4:5.

He spoke to him

"Yahweh spoke to Moses"

Chapter 8

Numbers 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The consecration of the tabernacle continues in this chapter. The people obeyed Yahweh's exact instructions. (See: consecrate and tabernacle)

Numbers 8:1

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Numbers 8:2

must give light in front

"must shine towards the front"

Numbers 8:3

to give light

"to shine"

Numbers 8:4

The lampstand was made

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They had made the lampstand"

with hammered cups like blossoms

They were commanded to form the hammered cups so that they resembled flower blossoms. Alternate translation: "with hammered cups that resemble flower blossoms"

Numbers 8:5

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Numbers 8:6

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Numbers 8:7

to purify them

Here "them" refers to the Levites.

Sprinkle the water of atonement on them

Moses sprinkling water on them was symbolic of their atonement. Alternate translation: "Sprinkle on their the water that symbolizes atonement"

Make them shave their entire body, wash their clothes, and purify themselves

Possible meanings are 1) Moses was to have the Levites shave, wash, and purify, or 2) Moses was to have the Levites purify themselves by shaving and washing, "Make them shave their entire body and wash their clothes; in this way they will purify themselves."

Numbers 8:8

a young bull and its grain offering

When offering a young bull, a grain offering was usually required to accompany it.

of fine flour mingled with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "of fine flour that they have mingled with oil"

Numbers 8:9

assemble the whole community

"gather the whole community"

Numbers 8:10

before Yahweh

Here Yahweh refers to himself by his own name.

the people of Israel must lay their hands on the Levites

The action "laying on hands" on someone was often done to dedicate them to Yahweh's work or service. Alternate translation: "The people Israel must lay their hands on the Levites, dedicating them to me"

Numbers 8:11

as a wave offering

Aaron was to present the Levites to Yahweh with the same amount of dedication as if they were a sacrifice given to him. Alternate translation: "if they were a wave offering"

Numbers 8:12

The Levites must place their hands on the heads of the bulls

This is a symbolic action that identifies the Levites with the animals being offered. In this way the person is offering himself through the animal to Yahweh.

Numbers 8:13

lift them up as a wave offering to me

Aaron was to present the Levites to Yahweh as if he were lifting up an offering to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "dedicate them to me, as if you were lifting them up a wave offering to me"

Numbers 8:14

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Numbers 8:15

You must purify them. You must offer them as a wave offering

Yahweh repeats these things to emphasize their importance. This must happen before the Levites go to serve at the tent of meeting. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "But first, you must purify them. You must offer them as a wave offering"

You must offer them as a wave offering

Aaron was to present the Levites to Yahweh as if they were a wave offering to him. Alternate translation: "You must dedicate them to me, as if you were presenting a wave offering to me"

Numbers 8:16

firstborn, the first issue of the womb

The phrase "first issue of the womb" is another way of saying "firstborn."

Numbers 8:17

I took the lives

This is a polite way of referring to when a person kills someone. Alternate translation: "I killed"

I set them apart

Here "them" refers to "the firstborn from among the people of Israel."

Numbers 8:18

I have taken the Levites from among the people of Israel instead of all the firstborn

"I have taken the Levites instead of all the firstborn from among the people of Israel"

Numbers 8:19

I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons

Yahweh appointing the Levites to help Aaron and his sons is spoken of as if they were a gift that Yahweh were giving to Aaron and his sons.

I have taken them ... I have given them

Here "them" refers to the Levites.

when they come near

Here "they" refers to the people of Israel.

Numbers 8:20

Moses, Aaron, and the whole community of the people of Israel ... The people of Israel did this with them

Here there are three parallel sentences that give the same information. It is repeated to emphasize that the people did to the Levites as Yahweh had commanded. Alternate translation: "Moses, Aaron, and the whole community of the people of Israel did with the Levites everything that Yahweh had commanded Moses concerning the Levites"

Numbers 8:21

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Numbers 8:22

to do their service

The word "service," an abstract noun, can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "to serve"

before Aaron and before Aaron's sons

"in the presence of Aaron and his sons"

This was

"What they did was"

They treated all the Levites in this way

"They did to the Levites what Yahweh commanded." The word "They" refers to the people of Israel.

Numbers 8:23

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Numbers 8:24

All of this is for the Levites

"All of these commandments are for the Levites"

twenty-five years old

"25 years old"

must join the company to serve in the tent of meeting

The word "company" refers to the rest of the people working in the tent of meeting. See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 4:3.

Numbers 8:25

at the age of fifty years

"at 50 years old" or "when they become 50 years old"

Numbers 8:26

deal with the Levites in all their responsibilities

"make sure the Levites do their duty"

Chapter 9

Numbers 9 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

==Passover ==

This chapter records the celebration of the Passover for the first time since it began. The people kept the Passover as directed by the Lord. (See: passover)

Numbers 9:1

in the first month of the second year after they came out from the land of Egypt

This means that they had come out of Egypt a year earlier. They were beginning their second year in the wilderness.

in the first month

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It marks when God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt.

after they came out from the land of Egypt

Here "they" refers to the people of Israel. The phrase "came out" means to leave. Alternate translation: "after they left the land of Egypt"

Numbers 9:2

Let the people ... at its fixed time of year

The word "fixed" means "previously set." This means that this is when the observe it every year. Alternate translation: "Let the people ... at the time of year they currently observe it"

Numbers 9:3

On the fourteenth day ... at its fixed time of year

This is the set time of year that they celebrate the Passover. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "On the fourteenth day ... and observe it, for this is the time you do celebrate it every year"

the fourteenth day

"day 14"

follow all the regulations, and obey all the decrees

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize that they needed to obey the commands.

You must keep it

Here the phrase "keep it" is an idiom which means to observe it. Alternate translation: "You must observe it" or "You must celebrate it"

Numbers 9:4

keep the Festival of the Passover

Here the word "keep" means to observe. Alternate translation: "observe the Festival of the Passover" or "celebrate the Festival of the Passover"

Numbers 9:5

in the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month

"on day 14 of the first month." This refers to time in the Jewish calendar.

Numbers 9:6

became unclean by the body of a dead man

This implies that they touched the dead man, which made them unclean. You can make clear the full meaning of this statement. Alternate translation: "became unclean because they touched the body of a dead man"

unclean

A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.

keep the Passover

Here the word "keep" means to observe. Alternate translation: "observe the Passover" or "celebrate the Passover"

Numbers 9:7

because of the dead body of a man

This means that they had touched a dead man's body. You can make the full meaning of this statement clear. Alternate translation: "because we have touched the body of a dead man"

Why do you keep us from offering the sacrifice ... among the people of Israel?

The men ask this question in order to complain that they are not allowed to participate in celebrating the Passover. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is not fair that you keep us away from offering the sacrifice ... among the people of Israel."

fixed

set or predetermined

Numbers 9:8

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Numbers 9:9

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Numbers 9:10

unclean

A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.

because of a dead body

This refers to someone touching a dead body. Alternate translation: "because you have touched a dead body"

keep the Passover

Here the word "keep" means to observe. Alternate translation: "observe the Passover" or "celebrate the Passover"

Numbers 9:11

eat the Passover

Here the word "eat" means to observe. Alternate translation: "observe the Passover" or "celebrate the Passover"

the second month on the fourteenth day

"day 14 of month 2." This refers to time in the Jewish calendar.

at evening

"at sunset"

with bread that is made without yeast

"with bread that contains no yeast"

bitter herbs

These are small plants that have a strong and usually bad taste.

Numbers 9:12

or break any of its bones

"and they must not break any of its bones"

Numbers 9:13

any person who is clean

A person who God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.

keep the Passover

Here the word "keep" means to observe. Alternate translation: "observe the Passover" or "celebrate the Passover"

that person must be cut off

Here the phrase "cut off" means to be disowned and sent away. Alternate translation: "that person must be sent away" or "you must send that person away"

fixed

set or predetermined

That man must carry his sin

Here the concept of the man having to bear the consequences of his sin is spoken of as if his sin were a heavy object object that he had to carry. Alternate translation: "That man must bear the punishment for his sin"

Numbers 9:14

lives among you

Here "you" is plural and refers to the people of Israel.

he must keep it according to the statute of the Passover and according to its rule

"that stranger must keep it and do all that Yahweh has commanded concerning the Passover." The words "statute" and "rule" mean basically the same thing and are used together to emphasize that the stranger must obey all of the rules about the Passover.

in the land

"in the land of Israel"

Numbers 9:15

the tabernacle was set up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Levites set up the tabernacle"

the tent of the covenant decrees

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated the phrase "the tabernacle of the covenant decrees" in Numbers 1:50.

It appeared like fire until morning

This refers to the cloud's appearance during the night. Here the cloud is compared to looking like a fire. Alternate translation: "During the night the cloud looked like a huge fire until morning"

Numbers 9:16

It continued that way

It may be helpful to explain that this refers to the cloud being over the tabernacle. Alternate translation: "The cloud remained this way over the tabernacle"

appeared like fire at night

The cloud's appearance is compared to a huge fire. Alternate translation: "it looked like a huge fire at night"

Numbers 9:17

the cloud was taken up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "moved" or "Yahweh took up the cloud"

the cloud stopped

"the cloud stopped moving"

Numbers 9:18

At Yahweh's command

The word "command" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "When Yahweh commanded"

Numbers 9:19

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Numbers 9:20

on the tabernacle

"over the tabernacle"

make camp

Here the word "make" means to "set up." Alternate translation: "set up their camp"

Numbers 9:21

from evening until morning

This means that the cloud only stayed over the tabernacle for one night. You make make clear the full meaning of this statement. Alternate translation: "only from evening until morning" or "over the tabernacle for only one night"

If it continued

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. "If the cloud stayed over the tabernacle"

only when the cloud lifted would they journey on

"then after the cloud moved they would travel"

Numbers 9:22

the cloud was taken up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the cloud rose up" or "Yahweh took up the cloud"

Numbers 9:23

at Yahweh's command

The word "command" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh commanded"

Yahweh's command given through Moses

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the command that Yahweh had given through Moses"

Chapter 10

Numbers 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Trumpets

In the ancient Near East, trumpets were used for many purposes. They were used to call people together. They were also used to lead people into battle.

Israel starts to move

Each tribe had its place in line as did the tabernacle. Their movements through the desert were very deliberate and ordered. (See: tabernacle)

Numbers 10:1

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Numbers 10:2

Make two silver trumpets

This means that Yahweh commanded Moses to have someone make the trumpet. He did not make them himself. Alternate translation: "Tell someone to make two silver trumpets"

You must use the trumpets

Moses will not blow the trumpets himself, but he will command the priests to blow them.

Numbers 10:3

in front of you

"while you are present." This means that Moses was to be there with the priest when he blew the trumpets.

Numbers 10:4

the leaders, the heads of the clans of Israel

These two phrases refer to the same group of people. Here the second phrase is used to describe the first phrase. Alternate translation: "the leaders, who are the heads of the clans of Israel"

Numbers 10:5

When you blow a loud signal

Here the word "you" is plural. Yahweh is speaking to Moses, but he his referring to the priests. The priests will blow the trumpets, Moses will not. Alternate translation: "When they blow a loud signal"

Numbers 10:6

When you blow a loud signal

Here the word "you" is plural. Yahweh is speaking to Moses, but he is referring to the priests. The priests will blow the trumpets, Moses will not. Alternate translation: "When they blow a loud signal"

the second time

"time number 2" or "again"

They must blow a loud signal for their journeys

"They" refers to the priests and the word "their" refers to the people of Israel.

Numbers 10:7

When the community gathers together

"To gather the community together"

Numbers 10:8

be an ordinance for you

"be a rule for you." Here "you" is plural and refers to the people of Israel.

Numbers 10:9

When you go to war ... oppresses you

Yahweh is speaking to Moses and uses the word "you," but he is actually referring the people of Israel going to war. Alternate translation: "When the people of Israel to war ... oppresses Israel"

then you must sound an alarm with the trumpets

Here Yahweh again speaks to Moses using the word "you" but actually wants Moses to have the priests blow the trumpets. Alternate translation: "then you must command the priests to sound an alarm with the trumpets"

call you to mind

This phrase "call to mind" means to remember. Alternate translation: "remember you"

Numbers 10:10

of celebration

The noun "celebration" can be expressed with the verb "celebrate." Alternate translation: "when you celebrate"

you must blow the trumpets

Here Yahweh again speaks to Moses using the word "you," but actually wants him to have the priests blow the trumpets. Alternate translation: "you must command the priests to blow the trumpets" ,

at the beginnings of the months

There are 12 months on the Hebrew calendar. The beginning phase of the moon with its sliver of light marked the beginning of each month in the lunar calendar.

your burnt offerings ... your fellowship offerings ... you to me

In these phrases the words "your" and "you" are plural and refer to the people of Israel.

over the sacrifices

"in honor of the sacrifices"

will act as a reminder of you to me

"will act as a memorial for you of me." The word "reminder" can be expressed with the verb "remind." Alternate translation: "will always remind you of me"

These will act

The word "these" refers to the trumpets and the sacrifices.

Numbers 10:11

In the second year

"In year 2." This refers to the second year after Yahweh brought the Israelites out of Egypt.

in the second month, on the twentieth day of the month

"on day 20 of month 2." This is the second month of the Hebrew calendar.

the cloud was lifted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the cloud rose up" or "Yahweh lifted the cloud"

the tabernacle of the covenant decrees

The tabernacle was also called by this longer name because the ark with the law of God was placed inside it. See how you translated this in Numbers 1:50.

Numbers 10:12

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Numbers 10:13

Yahweh's command given through Moses

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the commands that Yahweh had given through Moses"

Numbers 10:14

The camp under the banner of Judah's descendants

This camp includes the three tribes under the division of Judah: Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

went out first

They packed up their camp and they left that place before all the others left.

Nahshon son of Amminadab

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:7.

Numbers 10:15

Nethanel son of Zuar

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:8.

Numbers 10:16

Eliab son of Helon

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:9.

Numbers 10:17

Gershon ... Merari

See how you translated these men's names in Numbers 3:17.

Numbers 10:18

the armies under the banner of Reuben's camp

This refers to the armies of the tribes under the division of Reuben: Reuben, Simeon, and Gad.

Elizur son of Shedeur

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:5.

Numbers 10:19

Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai

See how you translated this man's name Numbers 1:6.

Numbers 10:20

Eliasaph son of Deuel

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:14.

Numbers 10:21

Kohathites

This refers to the descendants of Kohath. See how you translated this in Numbers 3:27.

Numbers 10:22

The armies under the banner of Ephraim's descendants

This refers to the armies of the tribes under the division of Ephraim: Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin.

Elishama son of Ammihud

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:10.

Numbers 10:23

Gamaliel son of Pedahzur

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:10.

Numbers 10:24

Abidan son of Gideoni

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:11.

Numbers 10:25

The armies that camped under the banner of Dan's descendants

This refers to the armies of the tribes under the division of Dan: Dan, Asher, and Naphtali.

Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:12.

Numbers 10:26

Pagiel son of Okran

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:13.

Numbers 10:27

Ahira son of Enan

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:15.

Numbers 10:28

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Numbers 10:29

Hobab son of Reuel

This is the name of a man.

that Yahweh described

"that Yahweh described to us"

we will do you good

"we will treat you well"

Numbers 10:30

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Numbers 10:31

You must watch out for us

The phrase "watch out" means to guide and to take care of. Alternate translation: "You can guide us and show us how to live in the desert"

Numbers 10:32

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Numbers 10:33

They journeyed

"They" refers to the people of Israel.

the mountain of Yahweh

This refers to Mount Sinai. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Mount Sinai, the mountain of Yahweh"

The ark of the covenant of Yahweh went before them

The group of Levites carrying the ark of the covenant went before the people of Israel as the traveled. Alternate translation: "Men carried the ark of the covenant of Yahweh before them as they traveled"

Numbers 10:34

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Numbers 10:35

Whenever the ark set out

Here the ark is spoken of as if were a person traveling. The ark was really being carried by men. Alternate translation: "Whenever the people carrying the ark set out"

Rise up, Yahweh

Here the phrase "rise up" is a request for Yahweh to act, in this case Moses is asking him to scatter their enemies.

Make those who hate you run from you

Here Moses speaks about Yahweh causing their enemies to flee from the people of Israel as if they were fleeing from Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "Make those who hate you run away from your ark and your people"

Numbers 10:36

Whenever the ark stopped

Here the ark is spoken of as if were a person traveling. The ark was really being carried by men. Alternate translation: "Whenever the people carrying the ark stopped"

many tens of thousands

This refers to people. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "many tens of thousands of people"

Chapter 11

Numbers 11 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Complaining

Moses complained about having too much responsibility. Therefore, God gave seventy men the spirit of prophecy to help Moses. The people complained about food, even though Yahweh was miraculously providing them with their food. The people complained because they did not have meat or fish to eat. God sent them quail. He punished some of the people, but it does not say why God did this. (See: spirit and prophet)

Numbers 11:1

Fire from Yahweh burned

"Yahweh sent fire that burned"

Numbers 11:2

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Numbers 11:3

That place was named

This can be stated in the active form. Alternate translation: "They named that place"

Numbers 11:4

Who will give us meat to eat?

The Israelites ask this question in order to complain and to express their desire for something other than manna to eat. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "We wish that we had meat to eat."

Numbers 11:5

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Numbers 11:6

our appetite is gone

"we do not want to eat" or "we cannot eat"

Numbers 11:7

coriander seed

Coriander is also known as cilantro. This seed serves as a spice when dried.

resin

This is a sticky substance with a pale yellow color.

Numbers 11:8

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Numbers 11:9

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Numbers 11:10

in Moses' eyes

he eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "in Moses' opinion" or "in Moses' judgement"

Numbers 11:11

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Moses complains to Yahweh using several rhetorical questions.

Why have you treated your servant so badly? Why are you not pleased with me?

Moses used these questions to complain about the way God was treating him. They can be expressed as statements. Moses speaks of himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "You should not treat me, your servant, so badly. You should not be angry with me!" or "I, your servant, have done nothing wrong for you to treat me so badly!"

You make me carry the load of all these people

Moses complains and speaks of leading the people and providing for them as if he were carrying a heavy load. Alternate translation: "You make me responsible for all these people, but it's too hard for me"

Numbers 11:12

Did I conceive all these people?

Moses used this question to remind God that Moses was not their father. Alternate translation: "I am not the father of all these people."

Have I given them birth so that you should say to me, 'Carry ... baby?'

Moses wants God to remember that God told him to take care of the Israelites even though Moses was not their father. Alternate translation: "I have not given them birth, so you have no right to say to me, 'Carry ... baby'!"

Carry them closely to your chest

To take care of the Israelites is spoken of as if it were to carry a helpless newborn baby.

Should I carry them ... to give them?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not expect me to carry them ... to give them!" or "I am not able to carry them ... to give them!"

Numbers 11:13

Where can I find meat to give to all this people?

Moses used this question to complain that it was impossible for him to give meat to all the people. Alternate translation: "I cannot possibly find enough meat to give to all these people."

Numbers 11:14

I cannot bear all these people alone

Moses speaks of leading and providing for the people as if he were carrying them. Alternate translation: "I cannot provide for all these people alone"

They are too much for me

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "This responsibility is too difficult for me"

Numbers 11:15

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Numbers 11:16

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Numbers 11:17

some of the Spirit that is on you

The "Spirit" here represents the power that God's Spirit had given to Moses so that Moses could do what God told him to do. Alternate translation: "some of the power that the Spirit has given you"

They will bear the burden of the people with you

God speaks of the responsibility of leading and providing for the people as if it were a burden that Moses and the leaders would carry. Alternate translation: "They will help you care for the people"

You will not have to bear it alone

God speaks of the responsibility of leading and providing for the people as if it were a burden that Moses and the leaders would carry. Alternate translation: "You will not care for them alone"

Numbers 11:18

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Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Who will give us meat to eat?

The Israelites had asked this question in order to complain and to express their desire for something other than manna to eat. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "We wish that we had meat to eat."

Numbers 11:19

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Numbers 11:20

until it comes out of your nostrils

Possible meanings are 1) God speaks of vomiting as if the food would come out through their nostrils. Alternate translation: "until you are sick and vomit" or 2) they would eat so much meat that it would be as if it would come out of their nostrils. Alternate translation: "until it feels like it would have to come out of your nostrils"

Why did we leave Egypt?

The people had used this question to express regret and to complain. Alternate translation: "We never should have left Egypt."

Numbers 11:21

600,000 footmen

"six hundred thousand footmen"

Numbers 11:22

Should we kill flocks and herds to satisfy them? Should we catch all the fish in the sea to satisfy them?

Moses uses these questions to express his doubt that there could be enough meat to feed all of the people. Alternate translation: "We would have to kill entire flocks and herds and catch all the fish in the sea to satisfy them!"

flocks and herds

These two words mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize a great number of animals.

all the fish in the sea

The word "all" is an exaggeration to show how impossible it was to provide food for all the people of Israel.

to satisfy them

"to satisfy their hunger"

Numbers 11:23

Is my hand short?

Here the word "hand" represents God's power. God uses this question to rebuke Moses for thinking that God did not have the power to provide enough meat for the people. Alternate translation: "Do you think that I am not powerful enough to do this?" or "You should know I am more than strong enough to do this."

Numbers 11:24

Yahweh's words

"what Yahweh had said"

Numbers 11:25

some of the Spirit that was on Moses

The "Spirit" here represents the power that God's Spirit had given to Moses. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Numbers 11:17]

put it on the seventy elders

Giving power to the elders is spoken of as putting the Spirit on them. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Numbers 11:17]

When the Spirit rested on them

Having power from the Spirit is spoken of as if the Spirit rested on them. Alternate translation: "When they had power from the Spirit"

Numbers 11:26

The Spirit also rested on them

The Spirit giving them power is spoken of as if the Spirit rested on them. Alternate translation: "The Spirit also gave them power"

Their names were written on the list

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses had written their names on the list"

Numbers 11:27

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Numbers 11:28

stop them

"tell them to stop prophesying"

Numbers 11:29

Are you jealous for my sake?

Moses uses this question to rebuke Joshua. It can be translated as a statement, if necessary. Alternate translation: "You should not be jealous for my sake."

Are you jealous for my sake?

What Joshua might have been jealous about can be stated clearly if needed. Alternate translation: "Are you concerned that they might be taking away something that belongs to me?" or "Are you concerned that people will not respect my authority?"

that he would put his Spirit on them all

Moses speaks of God's Spirit giving people power as if God were to put his Spirit on them. Alternate translation: "that God's Spirit would give them all power"

Numbers 11:30

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Numbers 11:31

quail

a small bird

about a day's journey on one side and a day's journey on the other side

"in each direction for as far as a person could walk in one day"

about two cubits

A cubit is a unit of measurement equal to about 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 92 centimeters" or "about 1 meter"

Numbers 11:32

No one gathered less than ten homers of quail

"Everyone gathered at least ten homers of quail"

ten homers

A homer is a unit of volume equal to about 220 liters. Alternate translation: "2,200 liters"

Numbers 11:33

While the meat was still between their teeth, while they were chewing it

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize that God punished them immediately, even while they were eating the meat. Alternate translation: "While they were still eating the meat"

the anger of Yahweh was kindled at them

This metaphor speaks of Yahweh's anger as if it were a fire that Yahweh was kindling. Alternate translation: "Yahweh became very angry with them"

Numbers 11:34

That place was named Kibroth Hattaavah

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They named that place Kibroth Hattaavah"

Numbers 11:35

Hazeroth

This is the name of a place in the desert.

Chapter 12

Numbers 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 12:6-8.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

God used the idiom "mouth to mouth" meaning "speaking directly with both people present." This indicated that Moses was more than just a prophet and greater than other prophets. (See: and prophet)

Numbers 12:1

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Numbers 12:2

Has Yahweh spoken only with Moses? Has he not spoken also with us?

Miriam and Aaron use these questions to complain that Moses had so much authority and they did not. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has not spoken only with Moses. He has also spoken with us."

Now Yahweh heard

The word "Now" hear draws attention to the important point that follows.

Numbers 12:3

Now the man Moses

"Now" is used here to mark a pause in the story. The narrator tells background information about Moses's character.

Numbers 12:4

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Numbers 12:5

a pillar of cloud

The shape of the cloud is spoken of as if it were a pillar. Alternate translation: "a cloud shaped like a pillar" or "a tall cloud"

Numbers 12:6

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Numbers 12:7

My servant Moses is not like that

"I do not speak to Moses like that"

He is faithful in all my house

Here "my house" represents the nation of Israel. Being faithful in God's house represents being faithful in leading Israel. Alternate translation: "Moses leads my people faithfully" or "Moses is the one whom I trust to lead my people Israel"

Numbers 12:8

So why are you unafraid to speak against my servant, against Moses?

Yahweh asks this question to rebuke Miriam and Aaron. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should be afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses."

against my servant, against Moses

The phrase "against Moses" clarifies that he is the "servant" of whom Yahweh speaks. Alternate translation: "against my servant, Moses"

Numbers 12:9

Yahweh's anger burned against them

Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire. Alternate translation: "Yahweh became very angry with them"

Numbers 12:10

was as white as snow

Leprosy turned Miriam's skin white. Alternate translation: "became very white"

Numbers 12:11

do not hold this sin against us

To hold people's sin against them is to say that they are guilty for their sin. Here it represents punishing them for their sin.

Numbers 12:12

Please do not let her be like a dead newborn whose flesh is half consumed

Miriam's leprosy would cause her body to decay until she died. The flesh being decayed is spoken of as if it were eaten. Alternate translation: "Please do not let her be like a dead newborn baby whose flesh is half decayed"

Numbers 12:13

Please heal her, God, please

Here "please" is repeated for emphasis.

Numbers 12:14

If her father had spit in her face

This describes a situation that could have happened but did not. Spitting in someone's face was a terrible insult.

Numbers 12:15

Miriam was shut outside the camp

Being sent out of the camp and not being allowed to go back in is spoken of as if there were a door that was closed behind her. Alternate translation: "Miriam was sent outside the camp" or "Miriam was kept outside the camp"

Miriam was shut outside the camp

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses shut Miriam outside the camp" or "Moses sent Miriam outside the camp"

Numbers 12:16

Hazeroth

This is the name of a place in the desert. See how you translated it in Numbers 11:35.

Chapter 13

Numbers 13 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Spies

Leaders from each of the tribes went to spy on the Promised Land in Canaan. Yahweh was not concerned with how many people were there, because he could defeat them. It appears that he is testing the faith of the people. The people were supposed to be excited to enter this wonderful land, instead they were afraid. (See: promisedland and test and faith)

Numbers 13:1

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Numbers 13:2

which I have given

God had decided that the land of Canaan would belong to the people of Israel, but they had not yet moved into it. Alternate translation: "which I have decided to give" or "which I will soon give"

Each man must be a leader among them

"Each man whom you send must be a leader among his tribe"

Numbers 13:3

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Numbers 13:4

Shammua son of Zakkur

These are men's names.

Numbers 13:5

Shaphat ... Hori

These are men's names.

Numbers 13:6

Jephunneh

A man's name.

Numbers 13:7

Igal

A man's name.

Numbers 13:8

Nun

A man's name.

Numbers 13:9

Palti ... Raphu

These are men's names.

Numbers 13:10

Gaddiel ... Sodi

These are men's names.

Numbers 13:11

Gaddi ... Susi

These are men's names.

from the tribe of Joseph (that is to say, from the tribe Manasseh)

The relationship between between Joseph and Manasseh can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "from the tribe of Joseph's son Manasseh"

Numbers 13:12

Ammiel ... Gemalli

These are men's names.

Numbers 13:13

Sethur ... Michael

These are men's names.

Numbers 13:14

Nahbi ... Vophsi

These are men's names.

Numbers 13:15

Geuel ... Maki

These are men's names.

Numbers 13:16

Hoshea son of Nun

See how you translated these men's names in Numbers 13:8.

Numbers 13:17

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Numbers 13:18

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Numbers 13:19

Is it good or bad? What cities are there? Are they like camps, or are they fortified cities?

Moses asks these questions to explain the kind of information that the men were to report back to him. These can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "See if the land is good or bad, what kind of cities are there, and whether those cities are only camps, or whether they have defensive walls around them."

Are they like camps, or are they fortified cities

Fortified cities had strong walls around them to protect them from enemy armies. Camps did not have these walls.

Numbers 13:20

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Numbers 13:21

Zin ... Rehob

These are names of places.

the wilderness of Zin

The word "Zin" here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness.

Numbers 13:22

Zoan

This is the name of a place.

Hebron had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Canaanites had built Hebron 7 years before the Egyptians built Zoan"

Ahiman ... Sheshai ... Talmai

These are names of clans that were named after their ancestors.

Anak

This is the name of a man.

Numbers 13:23

Eshkol

This is the name of a place.

between two of their group

"between two men of their group"

Numbers 13:24

That place was named

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They named that place"

Numbers 13:25

After forty days

"After 40 days"

Numbers 13:26

They brought back word

Here "word" refers to a report. Alternate translation: "They brought back their report" or "They reported what they had seen"

Numbers 13:27

It certainly flows with milk and honey

"Milk and honey certainly flow there." They spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. Alternate translation: "It is certainly excellent for raising livestock and growing crops" or "It is certainly very fertile land"

milk

Since milk comes from cows and goats, it represents livestock and the food produced from the livestock. Alternate translation: "food from livestock"

honey

Since honey is produced from flowers, it represents crops and the food produced from the crops. Alternate translation: "food from crops"

Numbers 13:28

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Numbers 13:29

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Numbers 13:30

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Numbers 13:31

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Numbers 13:32

they spread around ... They said

Here "they" refers to all of the men who examined the land except for Caleb and Joshua.

the land that they had examined

Here "they" refers to all of the men who examined the land including Caleb and Joshua.

a land that eats up its inhabitants

The men speak of the land, or the people of the land, being very dangerous as if the land ate up people. Alternate translation: "a very dangerous land" or "a land where the people will kill us"

Numbers 13:33

the Nephilim

These seem to have been giants, very tall, large people.

Anak

This is the name of a man.

In our own sight ... in their sight

Here sight represents evaluation and judgement. Alternate translation: "In our own opinion ... in their opinion" or "In our own judgement ... in their judgement"

we were like grasshoppers in comparison with them

The men speak of grasshoppers to show how very small they thought themselves to be compared to the people of the land. Alternate translation: "we are as small as grasshoppers in comparison with them"

Chapter 14

Numbers 14 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

The author uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. These questions indicate that people did not have faith in Yahweh. Yahweh also uses rhetorical questions to show the people's lack of faith. (See: and faith)

Numbers 14:1

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Numbers 14:2

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Numbers 14:3

Why did Yahweh bring us to this land to die by the sword?

The people use this question in order to complain and accuse Yahweh of treating them unfairly. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Yahweh should not have brought us to this land only to die by the sword."

to die by the sword

Here "the sword" represents either being killed by the sword or being killed in battle. Alternate translation: "to die when people attack us with swords" or "to die in battle" or

Is it not better for us to return to Egypt?

The people use this question to encourage people to agree with them that it would be better to return to Egypt. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "It would be better for us to return to Egypt than to try to conquer Canaan."

Numbers 14:4

They said to each another

This refers to the people of Israel.

Numbers 14:5

lay facedown

"lay down with their faces touching the ground." Moses and Aaron did this to show that they were humbling themselves before God. They feared that God might punish the people for rebelling against him. Alternate translation: "lay facedown in humility to God" or "lay facedown to pray to God"

Numbers 14:6

Nun ... Jephunneh

These are names of men.

who were some of those sent

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who were some of those whom Moses sent"

tore their clothes

Tearing one's clothes was a gesture indicating the person is very troubled and is mourning.

Numbers 14:7

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Numbers 14:8

The land flows with milk and honey

They spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants flowed through it. See how you translated this in [Numbers 13:27]

Numbers 14:9

Connecting Statement:

Joshua and Caleb continue speaking to the people of Israel.

for they are bread to us

Joshua and Caleb speak of destroying their enemies as easily as if they were eating bread. Alternate translation: "We will destroy them as easily as we can eat food"

Their protection will be removed from them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will remove their protection from them"

Their protection

The abstract noun "protection" can be stated as "protect." Alternate translation: "Anyone that might protect them"

Numbers 14:10

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Numbers 14:11

How long must this people despise me? How long must they fail to trust me, despite all the signs ... them?

Yahweh uses these questions to show that he was angry and had lost patience with the people. They can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "This people has despised me for too long. They have failed to trust me for too long, despite all the signs ... them."

Numbers 14:12

disinherit them

"reject them from being my people." This may imply that he would destroy them, and some versions translate it that way.

make from your own clan

Here "your" is singular and refers to Moses.

Numbers 14:13

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Numbers 14:14

you are seen face to face

Possible meanings are 1) Moses speaks of God showing himself to his people as if God had allowed them to actually see his face. Alternate translation: "they have seen you" or 2) Moses speaks of the intimate relationship between him and God as if Moses could see God's face when God spoke to him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you speak directly to me"

Numbers 14:15

as one man

Killing them all at the same time is spoken of as killing them as one person. Alternate translation: "all at one time"

Numbers 14:16

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Numbers 14:17

my Lord

Some ancient manuscripts and modern translations read, "Yahweh."

Numbers 14:18

abounding in steadfast love

The abstract noun "love" can be stated with the verb "love." Alternate translation: "always showing that he loves his people"

He will by no means clear the guilty

"he will certainly not clear guilty people." Clearing away people's sin is a metaphor for refusing to punish them. God would not clear away the sin of guilty people. Alternate translation: "He will always punish the guilty"

when he brings the punishment of the ancestors' sin on their descendants

Punishing people is spoken of as if punishment were an object that could be brought and put on people. Alternate translation: "when he punishes the guilty people's descendants for the guilty people's sins"

Numbers 14:19

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Numbers 14:20

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Numbers 14:21

all the earth will be filled with my glory

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "my glory will fill all the earth"

Numbers 14:22

they have still tested me

"they have continued to test me"

these ten times

Here the number 10 represents too many times. Alternate translation: "too many times"

have not listened to my voice

Here "listened" represents obedience, and God's voice represents what he said. Alternate translation: "have not obeyed what I have said"

Numbers 14:23

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Numbers 14:24

because he has a different spirit

Here "spirit" represents his attitude. Caleb's attitude was different from the attitude of those who despised God. Alternate translation: "because he has a different attitude" or "because he is different"

and follows me wholeheartedly

Following God is a metaphor for obeying God. Alternate translation: "and obeys me wholeheartedly"

Numbers 14:25

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Numbers 14:26

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Numbers 14:27

How long must I tolerate this evil community that criticizes me?

Yahweh asks this question because he has lost patience with the people. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I have tolerated this evil community who has criticized me long enough."

I have heard the complaining of the people of Israel

The word "complaining," an abstract noun, can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "I have heard the people of Israel complain"

Numbers 14:28

as you have spoken in my hearing

"as I have heard you say"

Numbers 14:29

Your dead bodies will fall

Their dead bodies falling represents them dying. Alternate translation: "You will die"

you who were counted in the census

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you whom Moses counted in the census"

from twenty years old and upward

"twenty years old and older"

Numbers 14:30

You will certainly not go into the land ... home, except Caleb ... Joshua ... Nun

This double negative emphasizes that Caleb and Joshua are the only ones who will go into the land. Alternate translation: "The only ones of you who will go into the land ... home are Caleb ... Joshua ... Nun"

Numbers 14:31

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Numbers 14:32

your dead bodies will fall

Their dead bodies falling represents them dying. Alternate translation: "you will die"

Numbers 14:33

Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness

Some modern versions choose to translate, "Your children will wander in the wilderness." This is because in ancient times, shepherds usually wandered from place to place so their flocks and herds could find pasture.

They must bear the punishment for your acts

"They must have me punish them for your acts" or "They must suffer because of what you have done"

until the end of your corpses

A corpse is a dead body. The end of their corpses represents the last of the them dying. Alternate translation: "until the last one of you dies" or "until all of you die"

Numbers 14:34

you will bear ... you will know

This is a statement of obligation, not a prediction. Some modern translations read, "you must bear ... you must know" or "you will have to bear ... you will have to know."

bear the punishment for your sins

"have me punish you for your sins" or "suffer because of your sins"

my opposition

The abstract noun "opposition" can be translated using the verb "oppose." Alternate translation: "what it is like when I oppose you"

Numbers 14:35

They will be completely cut off

This probably means that they will no longer exist. Alternate translation: "they will come to an end" or "they will all be destroyed"

Numbers 14:36

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Numbers 14:37

these men who had brought out a bad report about the land were struck down, and they died of a plague before Yahweh

The phrase "plague before Yahweh" shows that Yahweh struck them down. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh struck down these men who had brought out a bad report about the land, and they died"

Numbers 14:38

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Numbers 14:39

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Numbers 14:40

Look, we are here

They use these words to emphasize that they have changed their minds and now want to do what they should have done the day before. Your language may have a different way of showing this.

Numbers 14:41

Why are you now violating Yahweh's command?

Moses asks this question to rebuke the people of Israel. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not be violating Yahweh's command again."

Numbers 14:42

Yahweh is not with you

Helping them is spoken of as being with them. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will not help you"

to prevent you from being defeated by your enemies

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to prevent your enemies from defeating you" or "to give you victory over your enemies"

Numbers 14:43

you will die by the sword

Here "the sword" refers to battle. Alternate translation: "you will die in battle" or "they will kill you when you fight against them"

you turned back from following Yahweh

Obeying Yahweh is spoken of as following him, and stopping doing that is spoken of as turning away from him. Alternate translation: "you stopped obeying Yahweh" or "you have decided not to obey Yahweh"

he will not be with you

Helping them is spoken of as being with them. Alternate translation: "he will not help you"

Numbers 14:44

they arrogantly went up into the hill country

"they dared to go up into the hill country even though God did not approve"

into the hill country

Much of the land of Israel is elevated. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River valley to attack the Canaanites, there were hills that they had to climb in order to go farther into the land of Canaan.

Numbers 14:45

beat them down

This metaphor speaks of the Amalekites defeating the Israelites as if the Israelites were a small object that the Amalekites had crushed by beating it. Alternate translation: "defeated them" or "crushed them"

Chapter 15

Numbers 15 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Purifying the people

As the people travel through the wilderness, Yahweh is purifying them. He is doing this so that they are able to enter into the Promised Land. (See: purify and promisedland)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Prostitution

The imagery of prostitution is commonly used in Scripture to indicate that Yahweh alone is to be worshiped. The people are compared to the prostitute because a husband is to only have a sexual relationship with his wife. Both the prostitute and the worship of other gods are violations of this exclusive relationship. Many cultures will struggle with this imagery because of a desire to use euphemisms.

Numbers 15:1

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Numbers 15:1-32 tells what God told Moses to tell the people of Israel.

Numbers 15:2

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Numbers 15:3

to produce a pleasing aroma for Yahweh from the herd or the flock

"to produce from the herd or flock a smell that pleases Yahweh." The Lord's pleasure with the aroma represents his pleasure with the person who burns the offering. Alternate translation: "to please Yahweh by burning a sacrifice from the herd or the flock"

Numbers 15:4

a burnt offering

This refers to the offerings spoken of in Numbers 15:3.

a tenth of an ephah

An ephah is a unit of volume equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: "about 2 liters" or "two liters"

one-fourth of a hin

A hin is a unit of volume equal to about 3.7 liters. Alternate translation: "about 1 liter" or "one liter"

Numbers 15:5

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Numbers 15:6

two-tenths of an ephah

An ephah is a unit of volume equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: "4 liters" or "four and a half liters"

a third of a hin

A hin is a unit of volume equal to about 3.7 liters. Alternate translation: "one liter"

Numbers 15:7

It will produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh

"It will produce a smell that pleases Yahweh." The Lord's pleasure with the aroma represents his pleasure with the person who burns the offering. Alternate translation: "You will please Yahweh by offering it"

Numbers 15:8

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Numbers 15:9

three-tenths of an ephah

You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "six and one half liters"

half a hin

You may convert this to a modern measure Alternate translation: "two liters"

Numbers 15:10

made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you burn on the altar"

to produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh

"to produce a smell that pleases Yahweh." The Lord being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offers the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. Alternate translation: "to please Yahweh by offering it"

Numbers 15:11

It must be done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must do it"

Numbers 15:12

must be done as described

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must do as I have described"

Numbers 15:13

made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that they burn on the altar"

to produce an aroma that is pleasing to Yahweh

"to produce a smell that pleases Yahweh." Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offers the sacrifice is spoken of as if Yahweh were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. Alternate translation: "to please Yahweh by offering it"

Numbers 15:14

he must make an offering made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he must burn an offering on the altar"

to produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh

"to produce a smell that pleases Yahweh." The Lord being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offers the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. Alternate translation: "to please Yahweh by offering it"

Numbers 15:15

As you are, so also must be the sojourner

Possible meanings are 1) "You and the sojourner staying with you are alike before Yahweh" or 2) "The same law applies to both you and the sojourner"

He must act as you act before Yahweh

"He must act as you act in Yahweh's presence." Because it says that they must act as the Israelites in Yahweh's presence, it is implied that they must obey all of Yahweh's commands. Alternate translation: "he must act as you act and obey all of Yahweh's commands"

Numbers 15:16

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Numbers 15:17

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Numbers 15:18

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Numbers 15:19

the food produced in the land

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the food that the land produces" or "the food that you produce in the land"

Numbers 15:20

the first of your dough

Possible meanings are that this refers to 1) the first grain that they would gather during the harvest or 2) the dough that they would make from the first of their grain.

a loaf

Calling it a loaf implies that they would cooked the dough first.

to lift it up as a contribution

This idiom "lift it up" refers to offering it as a gift. Alternate translation: "to offer it as a gift"

a contribution from the threshing floor

The offering is spoken of as being from the threshing floor because this is where they would separate the grain from the other parts of the plant.

Numbers 15:21

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Numbers 15:22

General Information:

The word "you" here refers to Israelite people.

Connecting Statement:

God continues telling Moses what he must tell the people.

Numbers 15:23

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Numbers 15:24

to produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh

"to produce a smell that pleases Yahweh." The Lord being pleased with the sincere worshipers who offer the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. Alternate translation: "to please Yahweh by burning it"

must be made a grain offering and drink offering

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must make a grain offering and drink offering"

as commanded by the decree

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as the decree commands" or "as I commanded when I made the decree"

Numbers 15:25

They will be forgiven

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will forgive them"

made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that they made by fire" or "that they burned on the altar"

Numbers 15:26

all the community of the people of Israel will be forgiven

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will forgive all the community of the people of Israel"

Numbers 15:27

a female goat a year old

"a 1-year-old female goat"

Numbers 15:28

That person will be forgiven when atonement has been made

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will forgive that person when the priest has made atonement"

Numbers 15:29

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Numbers 15:30

with a high hand

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "defiantly" or "knowing it is a sin and not caring"

That person must be cut off from among his people

The metaphor "cut off" has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) "his people must send him away" or 2) "I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel" or 3) "his people must kill him."

Numbers 15:31

has broken my commandment

Not obeying a commandment is spoken of as breaking it. Alternate translation: "has disobeyed my commandment" or "has not obeyed what I commanded"

His iniquity will be on him

Here "iniquity" represents either 1) punishment for sin or 2) guilt of sin. Sin being on him is a metaphor for either 1) being punished or 2) being guilty. Alternate translation: 1) "I will punish him because of his sin" or 2) "I will consider him guilty"

Numbers 15:32

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Numbers 15:33

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Numbers 15:34

it had not been declared what should be done with him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh had not declared what they should do with him"

Numbers 15:35

The man must surely be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must surely put the man to death" or "The man must surely die"

Numbers 15:36

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Numbers 15:37

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Numbers 15:38

the descendants of Israel

"the people of Israel"

Numbers 15:39

to carry them out

"to obey them"

so that you do not look to your own heart and your own eyes

"Look to" here is a metaphor for think about. The heart represents what a person wants, and the eyes represent what a person sees and wants. Alternate translation: "so that you do not think about whatever you want"

prostitute yourselves to them

Being unfaithful to God by choosing to do whatever they want is spoken of as if they were women who were unfaithful to their husband by choosing to have sinful relationships with other men. It can be stated clearly that this was a shameful thing to do. Alternate translation: "be shamefully unfaithful to me" or "do those things instead of obeying me"

Numbers 15:40

Connecting Statement:

God continues telling Moses what to tell the people of Israel. The word "you" refers to the people.

call to mind

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "remember"

Numbers 15:41

I am Yahweh your God

This clause is repeated for emphasis.

Chapter 16

Numbers 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Rebellion and punishment

A certain Levite and a few men from the tribe of Reuben claimed that they were just as good as Moses and Aaron, and they also could do the work of sacrificing animals at the sacred tent. So Moses told them to come to the sacred tent and burn incense to Yahweh. God then made the earth open and swallow up these leaders and their families. He also sent fire to destroy 250 other men who had joined with those leaders. These actions showed that only the Levites, those whom Yahweh appointed, could be priests. Also, it taught the people that to rebel against Yahweh's anointed was to rebel against Yahweh. (See: appoint and priest and anoint)

Numbers 16:1

Kohath

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.

Numbers 16:2

rose up against Moses

Rebelling or criticizing someone in authority is spoken of as if they were standing up to fight. Alternate translation: "rebelled against Moses"

men of reputation in the community

"famous members of the community" or "important men in the community"

Numbers 16:3

You have gone too far

This represents doing more than one should. Alternate translation: "You have done more than you should" or "You assume to have more authority than you should"

Why do you lift up yourselves above the rest of Yahweh's community?

The men ask this question to rebuke Moses and Aaron. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are wrong to lift up yourselves above the rest of Yahweh's community."

lift up yourselves above the rest

Considering someone to be important is spoken of as lifting it up. Alternate translation: "consider yourselves more important than the rest"

Numbers 16:4

he lay facedown

This indicates that Moses was humbling himself before God. He was afraid that God would punish the people for rebelling against God and his chosen leaders.

Numbers 16:5

who is set apart to him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Yahweh has set apart for himself"

Numbers 16:6

Connecting Statement:

Moses continues speaking to Korah and the men who were with Korah.

censers

containers in which to burn incense

Numbers 16:7

before Yahweh

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "in Yahweh's presence"

that man will be set apart to Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will set apart that man for himself"

You have gone too far

This represents doing more than one should. Alternate translation: "You have done more than you should" or "You assume to have more authority than you should"

Numbers 16:8

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Numbers 16:9

is it a small thing for you ... to serve them?

Moses uses this question to rebuke Korah and the men with him. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You behave as though it it is a small thing for you ... to serve them!" or "You should not consider it a small thing ... to serve them!"

a small thing for you

"not enough for you" or "unimportant to you"

Numbers 16:10

you are seeking the priesthood also

Wanting to have the priesthood is spoken of as if they were looking for it. Alternate translation: "you want to have the priesthood too" or "you want to be priests also"

Numbers 16:11

Who is Aaron that you grumble against him?

Moses uses this question to show them that when they complain about what Aaron does, they are really complaining against Yahweh, because Aaron was doing what Yahweh told him to do. Alternate translation: "You are not really complaining about Aaron, but about Yahweh, whom Aaron obeys!"

Numbers 16:12

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Numbers 16:13

Is it a small thing that you have brought us ... to kill us in the wilderness?

Dathan and Abiram use this question to rebuke Moses. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You behave as though it was a small thing for you to bring us ... and kill us in the wilderness."

a small thing

"not enough" or "unimportant"

a land flowing with milk and honey

They spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. See how you translated this in [Numbers 14:8]

to kill us

The people exaggerate because they will hold Moses responsible if any of them die. Alternate translation: "to have us die"

Numbers 16:14

as an inheritance

They spoke of what God would give them to be theirs forever as if it were an inheritance.

Now do you want to blind us with empty promises?

The people used this question to accuse Moses. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Now you want to blind us with empty promises."

to blind us

Deceiving people is spoken of as making them blind. Alternate translation: "to deceive us"

with empty promises

They speak of promises that are not kept as if they are empty containers. Alternate translation: "with promises that you do not keep" or "by promising to do things that you do not do"

Numbers 16:15

I have not taken one donkey from them

One donkey here represents anything that a person my take from someone else. Alternate translation: "I have not taken anything from them, not even one donkey"

Numbers 16:16

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Numbers 16:17

censer

a container in which to burn incense

Numbers 16:18

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Numbers 16:19

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Numbers 16:20

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Numbers 16:21

that I may consume them

Destroying them is spoken of as if God were to eat them. Alternate translation: "that I may destroy them" or "and I will destroy them"

Numbers 16:22

lay facedown

This shows that Moses and Aaron were humbling themselves before God.

the God of the spirits of all humanity

Here "spirits" represents the ability to live. Alternate translation: "the God who gives life to all humanity"

if one man sins, must you be angry with all the community?

Moses and Aaron use this question to plead with God for the people. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "please do not be angry with all the community because one man sins"

Numbers 16:23

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Numbers 16:24

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Numbers 16:25

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Numbers 16:26

you will be consumed

Being destroyed is spoken of as if they would be eaten. Alternate translation: "you will be destroyed"

you will be consumed by all their sins

Being destroyed because of their sins is spoken of as if the sins would destroy them. Alternate translation: "you will be destroyed because of all their sins"

you will be consumed by all their sins

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all their sins will destroy you" or "Yahweh will destroy you because of all their sins"

Numbers 16:27

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Numbers 16:28

By this you will know

Here "this" refers to what Moses will say next.

Numbers 16:29

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Numbers 16:30

the earth opens its mouth and swallows them

Moses speaks as if the earth were alive and the opening in the ground into which these people would fall were a large mouth that would eat them. Alternate translation: "and they fall into it and are buried underneath the ground"

Numbers 16:31

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Numbers 16:32

The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them

Moses speaks of the earth as if it were alive, and the hole that the people fell into as if it were the earth's mouth. Alternate translation: "The earth opened up like a large mouth, and they fell into it and were buried in it" or "There was a giant hole in the ground, and they fell into it and were buried in it"

Numbers 16:33

went down alive into Sheol

A similar phrase occurs in Numbers 16:30. See how you translated it there.

Numbers 16:34

They exclaimed

"They" refers to "All Israel."

The earth may swallow us up also

The people speak of the earth as if it were alive. Alternate translation: "The earth might open up and we too will fall into it" or "If the earth opens up again, we too will fall into it and be buried"

Numbers 16:35

fire flashed out from Yahweh and devoured the 250 men

Being destroyed by fire is spoken of as if they were eaten by the fire. Alternate translation: "fire flashed out from Yahweh and destroyed the 250 men"

250 men

"two hundred and fifty men"

Numbers 16:36

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Numbers 16:37

out of the flames

This refers to the flames that burned the 250 men.

Numbers 16:38

those who lost their lives

Losing their lives represents dying. Alternate translation: "those who died"

Let them be made

Here "them" refers to the censers. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let Eleazar make them"

they are set apart ... They will be a sign

Here "they" and "They" refer to the censers.

Numbers 16:39

that had been used by the men who were burned up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the men whom the fire had burned up had used"

Numbers 16:40

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Numbers 16:41

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Numbers 16:42

Then it happened

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

had assembled against Moses and Aaron

"had assembled to complain against Moses and Aaron"

behold, the cloud

"suddenly, the cloud." Here "behold" shows that the people were surprised by what they saw.

Numbers 16:43

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Numbers 16:44

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Numbers 16:45

so that I may consume them

God speaks of destroying them as if he would eat them. Alternate translation: "so that I may destroy them" or "and I will destroy them"

lay down with their faces to the ground

This indicates that Moses and Aaron are humbling themselves before God.

Numbers 16:46

anger is coming from Yahweh

Anger coming from God represents God showing his anger. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is showing us his anger" or "Yahweh is very angry and is acting according to his anger"

Numbers 16:47

he put in the incense

Putting the incense in the censer here represents burning it. Alternate translation: "he burned the incense"

Numbers 16:48

the plague was stopped

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the plague stopped spreading"

Numbers 16:49

14,700 in number

"fourteen thousand seven hundred in number"

Numbers 16:50

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Chapter 17

Numbers 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Which tribe should be special workers for God?

God told Moses that each tribe should bring one wooden staff and leave it overnight at the temple. The next day Aaron's staff representing the tribe of Levi bloomed and produced ripe almond nuts. This showed that the tribe of Levi was still the tribe chosen to be Yahweh's priests. (See: elect and priest)

Numbers 17:1

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Numbers 17:2

twelve

"12"

Numbers 17:3

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Levi's staff

The name Levi here refers to the tribe of Levi.

for each leader from his ancestors' tribe

Here "his" refers to "each leader."

Numbers 17:4

the covenant decrees

The phrase "the covenant decrees" refers to the box that held the tablets that the covenant decrees were written on. Alternate translation: "the ark of the covenant" or "the box that holds the covenant decrees"

Numbers 17:5

the staff of the man whom I choose will bud

"buds will start to grow on the staff of the man whom I choose"

cause the complaints from the people of Israel to stop, which they are speaking against you

Here "complaints" is an abstract noun that can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "make the people of Israel stop complaining against you"

Numbers 17:6

selected from each of the ancestral tribes

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Moses selected from each of the ancestor's tribes"

Numbers 17:7

the tent of the covenant decrees

The phrase "the covenant decrees" refers to the box that held the tablets that the covenant decrees were written on. Alternate translation: "the tent of the covenant box" or "the tent that the covenant decrees are in"

Numbers 17:8

behold

The word "behold" here shows that something especially important has happened. You might have a similar word in your language.

Numbers 17:9

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Numbers 17:10

the covenant decrees

The phrase "the covenant decrees" refers to the box that held the tablets that the covenant decrees were written on. Alternate translation: "the ark of the covenant" or "the box that holds the covenant decrees"

so that you may end complaints against me

The word "complaints" is an abstract noun that can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "so that you may stop them from complaining against me"

or they will die

This is what would happen if the people were to continue complaining. God wanted to prevent this. Alternate translation: "so that they will not die"

Numbers 17:11

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Numbers 17:12

We will die here. We will all perish!

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.

Numbers 17:13

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Chapter 18

Numbers 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Tithes and offerings

The tribes of Israel were required to bring a tithe to the Levites in order to free them to serve Yahweh as priests. There is a detailed description of what belonged to Yahweh in this chapter. (See: priest)

Numbers 18:1

all sins committed against the sanctuary

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all sins that anyone commits against the sanctuary"

all sins committed by anyone in the priesthood

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all sins that anyone in the priesthood commits"

anyone in the priesthood

"any priest"

Numbers 18:2

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Numbers 18:3

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues speaking to Aaron.

They must perform your duties

"They" refers to members of the tribe of Levi; the word "you" is singular and refers to Aaron.

perform your duties and the duties of the whole tent

"do the work I have commanded you to do and all the work connected with the whole tent." See how you translated similar words in Numbers 1:53.

or they and also you will die

Here "they" refers to any member of the tribe of Levi who comes "near to anything in the sanctuary;" the word "you" is plural and refers to both Aaron and the rest of the Levites who are serving in approved roles.

Numbers 18:4

They must join you

"They" refers to members of the tribe of Levi; the word "you" is singular and refers to Aaron.

perform the duties

"do all the work"

not come near you

Here "you" is plural and refers to both Aaron and the rest of the Levites.

Numbers 18:5

You must perform the duties

Here "you" is plural and refers to both Aaron and the rest of the Levites.

perform the duties for the holy place

"do all the work connected to the holy place" or "take care of everything connected to the holy place" or "keeping watch over the holy place" See how you translated similar words in Numbers 1:53.

so that my anger does not come on the people of Israel again

Possible meanings are 1) this represents God being extremely angry with his people. Alternate translation: "so that I do not become very angry with the people of Israel again" or 2) this represents God punishing them because of his anger. Alternate translation: "so that I do not punish the people of Israel again"

Numbers 18:6

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues speaking to Aaron.

They are a gift to you

Yahweh appointing the Levites to help Aaron is spoken of as if they were a gift that Yahweh were giving to Aaron. Alternate translation: "They are like a gift to you"

given to me

Here "given" to God represents being set apart to serve God. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which I have set apart for myself" or "and I have set them apart for myself"

Numbers 18:7

only you and your sons

Here "you" and "your" are singular and refer to Aaron. Other occurrences of "you" and "your" are plural and refer to Aaron and his sons.

exercise the priesthood

"do the work of priests"

everything inside the curtain

Being inside the curtain represents being inside the room behind the curtain. Alternate translation: "everything in the room behind the curtain"

Any foreigner who approaches must be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Any foreigner who approaches must die" or "You must put to death any foreigner who approaches"

who approaches

What they should not approach can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "who approaches the sacred things"

Numbers 18:8

the contributions lifted up to me

Here "lifted up to me" represents giving or offering something to God. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the offerings that people give to me"

I have given these offerings to you

God speaks as if he had already done this because it is a decision that he had already made. Alternate translation: "I give these offerings to you"

as your assigned portion for all time

A share is a portion of something that someone receives. Alternate translation: "as the portion that you will continually receive"

Numbers 18:9

kept from the fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you do not completely burn on the altar"

Numbers 18:10

Connecting Statement:

God continues speaking to Aaron.

Numbers 18:11

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Numbers 18:12

Connecting Statement:

God continues speaking to Aaron.

the firstfruits

This refers to the first of the best oil, wine, and grain that they harvest.

Numbers 18:13

Everyone who is clean in your family

Being acceptable to God is spoken of as if they were clean. Alternate translation: "Everyone in your family who is acceptable to me"

Numbers 18:14

Connecting Statement:

God continues speaking to Aaron.

Numbers 18:15

Every first issue of the womb, all the firstborn

The word "firstborn" means the same thing and explains the phrase "first issue of the womb."

Numbers 18:16

Those that are to be redeemed by the people must be redeemed after becoming one month old

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The people must buy them back when they become one month old"

Those that are to be redeemed

Most likely this refers only to firstborn humans that must be redeemed and not to firstborn unclean animals.

five shekels ... which equals twenty gerahs

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: "five pieces of silver ... each of which equals ten grams" or "fifty grams of silver, using the standard weights that are used in the sanctuary"

five shekels

A shekel is a unit of weight. What was weighed can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "five shekels of silver"

sanctuary shekel

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. It weighed twenty gerahs, which was about 11 grams.

Numbers 18:17

Connecting Statement:

God continues speaking to Aaron.

You must sprinkle their blood

That he must kill the animals first can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "You must kill them and sprinkle their blood"

made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you make by fire" or "that you burn with fire on the altar"

an aroma pleasing to Yahweh

The Lord's pleasure with the aroma represents his pleasure with the person who burns the offering. Alternate translation: "and Yahweh will be pleased with you"

Numbers 18:18

the breast and the right thigh that are lifted as an offering

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the breast and the right thigh that you lift up as a gift to me"

Numbers 18:19

Connecting Statement:

God continues speaking to Aaron.

I have given to you

God speaks as if he had already done this because it is a decision that he had already made. Alternate translation: "I give to you"

as a continual share

A share is a portion of something that someone receives. Alternate translation: "as the portion that you will continually receive"

an everlasting covenant of salt ... a binding covenant forever

The two phrases refer to the same thing. Together they emphasize that the covenant will endure forever. Alternate translation: "an agreement forever"

an everlasting covenant of salt

"a covenant made with salt." Salt represented permanence and was used in offerings and covenant meals. Alternate translation: "a permanent covenant" or "an everlasting covenant"

Numbers 18:20

You will have no inheritance in the people's land

God speaks of the land that the other people will possess as if they will inherit it. Alternate translation: "You will not possess any of the people's land" or "You will not receive any of the land that the Israelites will possess"

I am your share and inheritance

God speaks of the great honor that Aaron and his descendants will have by serving him as priests as if God were something that they will inherit. Alternate translation: "Instead, I am what you will have" or "Instead, I will allow you to serve me and I will provide for you through that service"

Numbers 18:21

Connecting Statement:

God continues speaking to Aaron.

look, I have given

The word "look" here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: "indeed, I have given"

as their inheritance

God speaks of what Aaron and his descendants will receive as if they will inherit it. Alternate translation: "as their portion of what I give to all Israel"

Numbers 18:22

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Numbers 18:23

Connecting Statement:

God continues speaking to Aaron.

Among the people of Israel they must have no inheritance

God speaks of the land that the other people of Israel will possess as if they will inherit it. The Levites would not receive any of the land. Alternate translation: "they must not have any of the land that the other people of Israel receive"

Numbers 18:24

as their inheritance

God speaks of what Aaron and his descendants will receive as if they will inherit it. Alternate translation: "as their portion of what I give to all Israel"

Numbers 18:25

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Numbers 18:26

When you receive from the people of Israel the tenth that I have given to you from them

The people of Israel would offer Yahweh a tenth of their crops and animals, and Yahweh would give that to the Levites.

for your inheritance

God speaks of what Aaron and his descendants will receive as if they will inherit it. Alternate translation: "as your portion of what I give to all Israel"

Numbers 18:27

Your contribution must be considered by you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must consider your contribution"

Numbers 18:28

Connecting Statement:

God continues tell Moses what he must tell the Levites.

you must give his contribution to Aaron the priest

Here "his" refers to Yahweh. It was Yahweh's contribution in the sense that they had to give it to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "you must give Aaron the priest the contribution that you owe Yahweh"

Numbers 18:29

that have been given to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the people of Israel give to you"

Numbers 18:30

Connecting Statement:

God continues speaking to Moses.

the best of it

"the best of what you have received from the people of Israel"

Numbers 18:31

the rest of your gifts

The "gifts" are the offerings that the Israelites give to God and that the Levites receive from them.

Numbers 18:32

You will not bear any sin by eating and drinking it

The word "sin" here is a metonym for the guilt that comes from committing sin. Alternate translation: "You will not be guilty when you eat and drink it"

Chapter 19

Numbers 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Ritually clean

This chapter talks about being clean. Some of these rituals were required to make a priest clean in order to set them apart to serve Yahweh. Other rituals were required because they prevented people from getting sick. (See: clean)

Numbers 19:1

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Numbers 19:2

a statute, a law

These two words share similar meanings. Alternate translation: "a statute of the law" or "a legal statute"

Yahweh is commanding

Yahweh calls himself by name to emphasize how great he is. Alternate translation: "I, Yahweh, am commanding" or "I am commanding"

bring to you

Here "you" is singular and refers to Moses.

flaw or blemish

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that this animal is to have no imperfections.

Numbers 19:3

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Numbers 19:4

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Numbers 19:5

in his sight

"in his view" or "so he could see it"

Numbers 19:6

priest must take cedarwood

"The priest" refers to Eleazar.

scarlet wool

"red wool"

Numbers 19:7

Then he must wash his clothes

Here "he" refers to Eleazar the priest.

he will remain unclean

Being unacceptable to God or unfit to do any sacred work is spoken of as not being clean.

Numbers 19:8

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Numbers 19:9

A man who is clean

Being acceptable to God and fit to do sacred work is spoken of as being clean.

These ashes must be kept

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must keep these ashes"

in a clean place

Being acceptable to God is spoken of as being clean.

Numbers 19:10

He will remain unclean

Being unacceptable to God or unfit to do any sacred work is spoken of as not being clean.

Numbers 19:11

General Information:

The ideas of "clean" and "purify" represent being acceptable to God. The ideas of "unclean," "defile," "impurity," and "uncleanness" represent not being acceptable to God.

the dead body of any man

"the dead body of any person"

Numbers 19:12

purify himself

The person would ask someone who is clean to purify him by sprinkling on him some water mixed with the cows ashes. Asking someone to purify him is spoken of as if he were to purify himself. Alternate translation: "ask someone to purify him"

if he does not purify himself the third day, then he will not be clean on the seventh day

This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "he will be clean on the seventh day only if he purifies himself the third day"

Numbers 19:13

That person must be cut off

Here the phrase "be cut off" means to be disowned and sent away. See how you translated this in [Numbers 9:13]

the water for impurity was not sprinkled on him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one sprinkled the water for impurity on him"

the water for impurity

"the water that is sprinkled on impure things to make them pure" or "the water for making things pure"

He will remain unclean; his uncleanness will remain on him

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.

Numbers 19:14

General Information:

The idea of "unclean" represents not being acceptable to God or fit for use.

Numbers 19:15

Every open container with no cover becomes unclean

This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "Open containers will remain clean only if they have covers"

Numbers 19:16

someone who has been killed with a sword

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone whom someone else has killed with a sword"

Numbers 19:17

General Information:

The idea of "unclean" represents not being acceptable to God or fit for use. The ideas of "clean" and "purify" here represent being acceptable to God.

Numbers 19:18

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Numbers 19:19

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Numbers 19:20

General Information:

The ideas of "clean" and "purify" represent being acceptable to God and making something acceptable to God. The ideas of "unclean," "defile," and "impurity," represent not being acceptable to God, making something unacceptable to God, and the state of being unacceptable to God.

that person will be cut off

Here the phrase "be cut off" means to be disowned and sent away. See how you translated this in [Numbers 9:13]

The water for impurity has not been sprinkled on him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one has sprinkled the water for impurity on him"

Numbers 19:21

the water for impurity

"the water that is sprinkled on impure things to make them pure" or "the water for making things pure." See how you translated this in Numbers 19:13

Numbers 19:22

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Chapter 20

Numbers 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Moses's sin

God told Moses to command water to come out of a rock for the people who were complaining that they had no water. Moses became angry with the people and hit the rock twice. God told him that he and Aaron would not be allowed to go into Canaan because he disobeyed by hitting the rock instead of just speaking to it. (See: sin)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

"It would have been better if we had died when our fellow Israelites died in front of Yahweh"

It is possible that this statement should be taken as hyperbole, but it does not have to be taken this way. The translator should probably avoid treating this as hyperbole.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Wilderness of Sin

Sin is the name of a place in this chapter. It is not a place that is known for its sin. The name is not related to the meaning of the word "sin." (See: sin)

Numbers 20:1

the wilderness of Zin

The word "Zin" here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness.

the first month

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It marks when God rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians. The first month is during the last part of March and the first part of April on the Western calendar.

was buried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried her"

Numbers 20:2

they assembled

Here "they" refers to the community.

assembled together

"came as a mob"

Numbers 20:3

in front of Yahweh

This represents being in front of Yahweh's tent.

Numbers 20:4

Connecting Statement:

The people of Israel continue to complain to Moses and Aaron.

Why have you brought Yahweh's community into this wilderness to die here, we and our animals?

The people use this question in order to complain against Moses and Aaron. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not have brought Yahweh's community into this wilderness to die here, we and our animals."

Numbers 20:5

Why did you make us come up out of Egypt to bring us to this horrible place?

The people use this question in order to complain against Moses and Aaron. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not have made us leave Egypt to bring us to this horrible place."

Numbers 20:6

lay facedown

This indicates that Moses and Aaron are humbling themselves before God.

Numbers 20:7

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Numbers 20:8

before their eyes

Here the people are represented by their "eyes" to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: "while they watch you"

Numbers 20:9

from before Yahweh

This represents Yahweh's tent. Alternate translation: "from Yahweh's tent"

Numbers 20:10

Must we bring water out of this rock for you?

Moses asks this question out of frustration to rebuke the people for complaining. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You complain that there is no water. Well, we will make water come out of this rock." or "You would not be happy even if we caused water to come out of this rock. But I will do it anyway."

Must we bring

Here "we" refers to Moses and Aaron and may include Yahweh, but does not include the people.

Numbers 20:11

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Numbers 20:12

Because you did not trust me or honor me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel

How Moses showed that he did not trust and honor God can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Because you did not trust me or honor me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, but struck the rock instead of speaking to it as I told you"

in the eyes of the people of Israel

Here the people are represented by their "eyes" to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: "while the people of Israel were watching you"

Numbers 20:13

This place was called

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People called this place"

Numbers 20:14

Your brother Israel

Moses uses this phrase to emphasize that the Israelites and the Edomites are related because their ancestors, Jacob and Esau, were brothers.

Numbers 20:15

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Numbers 20:16

When we called out to Yahweh

"When we prayed to Yahweh begging him to help us"

he heard our voice

Here "voice" represents their crying or what they said to him. Alternate translation: "he heard our cry" or "he heard what we asked for"

Look

The word "look" here shows that they have stopped speaking about the past and are now speaking about their present situation.

Numbers 20:17

Connecting Statement:

The messengers continue speaking to the king of Edom.

We will not turn aside to the right hand or to the left

Here "turn aside" represents leaving the road. Alternate translation: "We will not leave the road in any direction"

the king's highway

This is the main road that connects Damascus in the north to the Gulf of Aqabah in the south.

Numbers 20:18

You may not pass ... to attack you

Here "you" is singular and refers to Moses, who represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "Your people may not pass ... to attack them"

I will come with the sword

Here the sword represents the king's army. Alternate translation: "I will send my army"

Numbers 20:19

the people of Israel

This phrase refers to the Israelite messengers.

walk through on foot

This idiom means that they would simply travel through the area by walking. They would not come in chariots to attack the people of Edom.

Numbers 20:20

the king of Edom came against Israel with a strong hand with many soldiers

Here the hand represents the king's powerful army. Alternate translation: "the king of Edom sent a strong army of many soldiers to attack Israel"

Numbers 20:21

cross over their border

Here "their" refers to the Edomites.

Numbers 20:22

The people of Israel, the whole community

The phrase "the whole community" emphasizes that every person who was a part of "the people of Israel" was present, without exception.

Numbers 20:23

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Numbers 20:24

Aaron must be gathered to his people

This is a gentle way to say that Aaron must die. It means that it is time for Aaron to die and for his spirit to go to the place where his ancestors are. Alternate translation: "Aaron must die"

rebelled against my word

"refused to do what I said"

Numbers 20:25

Connecting Statement:

God continues speaking to Moses.

Numbers 20:26

must die and be gathered to his people

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. They mean that it is time for Aaron to die and for his spirit to go to the place where his ancestors are.

Numbers 20:27

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Numbers 20:28

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Numbers 20:29

thirty days

"30 days"

Chapter 21

Numbers 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 21:14-15, 17-18, 27-30.

Special concepts in this chapter

Ungrateful

The Israelites said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread, no water, and we hate this miserable food." After all Yahweh had done, they were very ungrateful. This showed their lack of faith and trust in Yahweh. (See: faith and trust)

Numbers 21:1

he fought against Israel

Here "he fought" means that his army fought. Alternate translation: "his army fought against Israel"

Numbers 21:2

Israel vowed

This refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "The people of Israel vowed" or "The Israelites made a vow"

Numbers 21:3

listened to Israel's voice

Here "listen" means that Yahweh did as they asked. Alternate translation: "did what Israel asked"

Israel's voice

Here "voice" is a metonym that refers to their request. Alternate translation: "what Israel asked"

They completely destroyed them and their cities

"The people of Israel completely destroyed the Canaanite army and their cities"

That place was named Hormah

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They named that place Hormah"

Numbers 21:4

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Numbers 21:5

Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?

The people used this question in order to rebuke Moses. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not made us leave Egypt to die in the wilderness!"

Numbers 21:6

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Numbers 21:7

we have spoken against Yahweh and you

"we have said bad things about Yahweh and you"

we have spoken ... from us

The words "we" and "us" here refer to the people but not to Moses.

Numbers 21:8

Make a snake

Since it is impossible for Moses to make a real snake, it is implied that he was to make a model of a snake. This implied information can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Make a model of a snake"

everyone who is bitten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everyone whom a snake bites"

Numbers 21:9

a bronze snake

"a snake out of bronze"

if he looked at the bronze snake, he survived

Here "he" refers to "any person" who was bitten by a snake.

Numbers 21:10

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Numbers 21:11

that faces Moab

Here "faces" is an idiom that means "is across from" or "is next to." Alternate translation: "that is next to Moab"

Numbers 21:12

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Numbers 21:13

forms the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites

This means that the two peoples lived on different sides of the river, which was a boundary between them. The Moabite people lived south of the river and the Amorites lived on the north.

Numbers 21:14

Zahab in Suphah

These are both names of places.

Numbers 21:15

the slope of the valleys that lead toward the town of Ar and lie along the border of Moab

"the valleys that go downhill to the town of Ar and lie along the border of Moab"

Numbers 21:16

to Beer, the well

This can be stated as two sentences. Alternate translation: "to Beer. There was a well there"

where Yahweh said to Moses, "Gather the people together for me to give them water."

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "where Yahweh told Moses to gather the people together for him to give them water"

Numbers 21:17

Spring up, well

Here "well" represents the water in the well. The Israelites are speaking to the water as if it were a person who could hear them, and they are asking for it to fill the well. Alternate translation: "Water, fill up the well"

Numbers 21:18

the well that our leaders dug, the well the nobles of the people dug

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the role of the leaders in digging the well.

with the scepter and their staffs

A scepter was carried by those with authority, and the staff was carried by everyone. Neither of these are digging tools. These two items emphasize that they were not too proud to use any means available. Alternate translation: "using even their scepter and staffs"

Numbers 21:19

Nahaliel ... Bamoth

These are the names of places.

Numbers 21:20

Mount Pisgah

This is the name of a mountain.

looks down on the wilderness

This is an idiom. It is a way of saying that the mountain is high, and speaks of the mountain as if it were a person who looks down to see the wilderness below him. Alternate translation: "rises above the wilderness"

Numbers 21:21

Then Israel

Here "Israel" refers to the people of Israel, and especially to their leaders. Alternate translation: "Then the Israelites"

Numbers 21:22

We will not turn into any field or vineyard

"We will not go into any of your fields or vineyards"

the king's highway

This is the main road that connects Damascus in the north to the Gulf of Aqabah in the south. See how you translated this in Numbers 20:17.

Numbers 21:23

to pass through his border

"to cross over his border" or "to cross over into his land"

Jahaz

This is the name of a place.

he fought against Israel

Here "he" refers to King Sihon who represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: "they fought against the Israelites"

Numbers 21:24

Israel attacked

Here "Israel" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "The Israelites attacked"

with the edge of the sword

"with the sharp part of the sword." The "edge of the sword" is associated with death and complete destruction. Alternate translation: "and completely defeated them"

took their land

"conquered the land of the Amorites." Here the word "their" refers to the Amorites.

was fortified

"was strongly defended." The Israelites did not attack the Ammonites.

Numbers 21:25

Heshbon and all of its villages

Here "its" is possessive to show that a relationship existed between the city of Heshbon and these nearby villages. Alternate translation: "Heshbon and the nearby villages that it controlled"

Numbers 21:26

Sihon had taken all his land

Here "his" refers to the king of Moab.

Numbers 21:27

Heshbon ... city of Sihon

These are two names that refer to the same city.

Let the city of Sihon be rebuilt and established again

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let someone rebuild and establish again the city of Sihon"

rebuilt and established

These two terms are very similar and emphasize that the city will be fully rebuilt. Alternate translation: "completely rebuilt"

Numbers 21:28

A fire blazed from Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that destruction will begin at Heshbon. The fire refers to a destroying army. Alternate translation: "King Sihon led a strong army from the city of Heshbon"

devoured Ar of Moab

The army of Sihon is spoken of as if it was an animal that ate up the city of Ar. Alternate translation: "destroyed the town of Ar in the land of Moab"

Numbers 21:29

Moab ... people of Chemosh

These two phrases refer to the same people.

people of Chemosh

"Chemosh" was the name of the false god whom the Moabites worshiped. Alternate translation: "the people who worship Chemosh"

He has made his sons

"He" and "his" refer to Chemosh.

Numbers 21:30

we have conquered

Here "we" refers to the Israelites who defeated Sihon.

Heshbon is devastated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We have devastated Heshbon"

Heshbon ... all the way to Dibon ... all the way to Nophah ... to Medeba

These are all places in Sihon's kingdom. This means the Israelites destroyed Sihon's entire nation.

Numbers 21:31

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Numbers 21:32

drove out

"chased away"

Numbers 21:33

went out against them

"attacked them"

Numbers 21:34

Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites

The Israelites had completely destroyed Sihon. Alternate translation: "Destroy him like you destroyed Sihon king of the Amorites"

Numbers 21:35

So they killed him

"So the army of Israel killed Og"

none of his people were left alive

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all of his people were dead"

they took over his land

"they took control of his land"

Chapter 22

Numbers 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The chapter begins a section on Balaam. The king of Moab wanted the prophet Balaam to come and curse Israel. God told him not to go but he wanted to go; so God told him to say only what God wanted him to say. Yahweh was able to use Balaam, even though he was not a prophet of Yahweh. (See: prophet and curse)

Numbers 22:1

on the other side of the Jordan River from the city

The Israelites were camped on the east side of the Jordan River. Jericho was on the west side of the river.

Numbers 22:2

Balak son of Zippor

Balak was king of Moab.

Zippor

Zippor is the father of Balak.

Numbers 22:3

Moab was very afraid of the people ... Moab was in terror of the people of Israel

These two phrases mean the same thing, and emphasize how afraid Moab was.

Moab was very afraid

Here "Moab" refers to the people of Moab. Alternate translation: "All of the Moabites were very afraid"

because they were many

"because there were many of them"

Numbers 22:4

The king of Moab said to the elders of Midian

The Moabites and the Midianites were two different groups of people, but the Midianites were living in the land of Moab at that time.

This multitude will eat up all that is around us as an ox eats up the grass in a field

The way the Israelites will destroy their enemies is spoken of as if they were an ox eating up the grass in a field.

Now Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time

This changes from the main story to background information about Balak.

Numbers 22:5

He sent messengers

"Balak sent messengers"

Beor

This is the name of Balaam's father.

Pethor

This is the name of a city.

of his nation and his people

"of Balaam's nation and people"

He called him

"Balak called Balaam." Balak did not speak to Balaam directly, but did so through the messengers he sent.

They cover the face of the earth

This is an exaggeration to emphasize how many of them there were. Alternate translation: "They are extremely numerous"

the face of the earth

This refers to the surface of the earth.

Numbers 22:6

drive them

"chase them"

I know that those you bless will be blessed, and that those you curse will be cursed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I know you have the power to bless or to curse people"

Numbers 22:7

payment for divination

The abstract noun "divination" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "money to pay Balaam to curse Israel"

They came to Balaam

You may prefer to say "They went to Balaam"

spoke to him Balak's words

"told him the message from Balak"

Balak

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.

Numbers 22:8

I will bring you

Balaam's report is spoken of as if it were something that he would carry to the messengers. Alternate translation: "I will tell you"

Numbers 22:9

God came to Balaam

"God appeared to Balaam"

Who are these men who came to you?

Yahweh uses a question to introduce a new topic of conversation. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Tell me about these men who came to you."

Numbers 22:10

Balak ... Zippor

These are the names of men. See how you translated these in Numbers 22:2.

Numbers 22:11

Look ... drive them out

Balaam restates the message that Balak sent to him. See how you translated these phrases in Numbers 22:5-6.

drive them out

"chase them away"

Numbers 22:12

because they have been blessed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because I have blessed them"

Numbers 22:13

Balak

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.

Numbers 22:14

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Numbers 22:15

Balak

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.

Numbers 22:16

They came to Balaam

You may prefer to say "They went to Balaam"

Numbers 22:17

this people

The singular noun refers to the Israelites as a group. Alternate translation: "this group of people"

Numbers 22:18

Balak's servants

These were probably soldiers, not household servants.

Balak

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.

Even if Balak would give me his palace full of silver and gold

Balaam is describing something that would never happen. He is emphasizing that there is nothing that could make him disobey Yahweh.

I cannot go beyond the word of Yahweh ... and do less or more than what he tells me

This means Balaam cannot disobey Yahweh in any way.

Numbers 22:19

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Numbers 22:20

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Numbers 22:21

saddled his donkey

A saddle is a seat put on the back of an animal in order to ride it.

Numbers 22:22

God's anger was kindled

The increase in God's anger is spoken of as if it was a fire starting to burn. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God became very angry"

as someone hostile to Balaam

"as an enemy to Balaam" or "in order to stop Balaam"

Numbers 22:23

with his drawn sword

A sword is drawn from its sheath in order to be ready to use. Alternate translation: "with his sword ready to attack"

The donkey turned off the road and went into a field

The donkey did this to avoid the angel of Yahweh.

to turn her back

Sometimes animals are referred to as "her" or "she." Alternate translation: "to turn it back"

Numbers 22:24

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Numbers 22:25

She went against the wall

This was an attempt to escape from the angel of Yahweh in the road.

She went

Sometimes animals are referred to as "her" or "she." Alternate translation: "It went"

pinned Balaam's foot against it

"pushed Balaam's foot against it" or "hurt Balaam's foot against it"

Numbers 22:26

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Numbers 22:27

Balaam's anger was kindled

The increase in Balaam's anger is spoken of as if it was a fire starting to burn. This can be stated in active form. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Numbers 22:22]

Numbers 22:28

Then Yahweh opened the donkey's mouth so she could talk

Opening the mouth is associated with the ability to speak. Alternate translation: "Then Yahweh gave the donkey the ability to speak like a human would speak"

She said to Balaam

"The donkey said to Balaam"

Numbers 22:29

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Numbers 22:30

Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden all your life long to this present day?

This rhetorical question was used to convict Balaam that his judgment of the donkey was unfair. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am your donkey on which you have ridden all your life, right up to the present moment."

Have I ever been in the habit of doing such things to you before?

This rhetorical question was used to further convict Balaam that his judgment of the donkey was unfair. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I have never been in the habit of doing such things to you!"

Numbers 22:31

Then Yahweh opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of Yahweh

To "open one's eyes" is associated with being able to see. Alternate translation: "Then Yahweh gave Balaam the ability to see the angel of Yahweh"

with his drawn sword

A sword is drawn from its sheath in order to be ready to use. See how you translated this in [Numbers 22:23]

Balaam bowed down and lay facedown

This indicates that Balaam is humbling himself before the angel.

Numbers 22:32

Why have you struck your donkey these three times?

This rhetorical question is used to accuse Balaam of doing wrong. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not have struck your donkey these three times."

as someone hostile to you

"as an enemy to you" or "to oppose you"

Numbers 22:33

If she had not turned ... killed you and spared her life

This statement indicates what could have happened but did not. The donkey's actions saved Balaam.

Numbers 22:34

So now, if it is displeasing to you

"So if you do not want me to continue going"

Numbers 22:35

with the leaders of Balak

"with the leaders whom Balak had sent." See how you translated "Balak" in Numbers 22:2.

Numbers 22:36

Arnon

This is the name of a river. See how you translated it in Numbers 21:13.

Numbers 22:37

Did I not send men to you to summon you?

This rhetorical question is used to rebuke Balaam for delaying to come. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Surely I sent men to summon you."

Why did you not come to me?

This rhetorical question is used to rebuke Balaam for delaying to come. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should have come to me!"

Am I not able to honor you?

This rhetorical question is used to rebuke Balaam for delaying to come. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Surely you know that I am able to pay you money for coming to me."

Numbers 22:38

Do I now have any power to say anything?

Balaam uses this rhetorical question to tell Balak that he will not be able to do everything that Balak asks him to do. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "But I have no power to say anything I want"

the words that God puts into my mouth

The message is spoken of as if it is something that God put into his mouth. Alternate translation: "the message that God wants me to say"

Numbers 22:39

Kiriath Huzoth

This is the name of a town.

Numbers 22:40

some meat

"some of the meat from the sacrifices"

Numbers 22:41

the high place of Baal

These words could refer to 1) the same place as Bamoth in Numbers 21:19; the word Bamoth means "the high place." Or 2) another high place where people sacrificed to Baal.

Chapter 23

Numbers 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Balaam continues in this chapter.

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 23:7-10, 18-24.

Special concepts in this chapter

Cursing God's people

God does not allow others to curse his people. Balaam blessed Israel twice when he was supposed to curse them. This may be taken as humor or an ironic situation. (See: curse and peopleofgod)

Numbers 23:1

Balak

This is the king of Moab. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.

prepare seven bulls and seven rams

"kill seven bulls and seven rams as a sacrifice"

Numbers 23:2

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Numbers 23:3

Stand at your burnt offering and I will go

"Stay here with your burnt offering and I will go a distance away"

Numbers 23:4

I have offered up a bull and a ram

It has already been stated that he killed these animals as a burnt offering. Alternate translation: "I have killed a bull and a ram and burnt them as an offering"

Numbers 23:5

Yahweh put a message in Balaam's mouth

Here Yahweh giving Balaam a message to speak is spoken of as if Yahweh placed it in his mouth. Alternate translation: "Yahweh told Balaam what he wanted him to say to Balak"

Numbers 23:6

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Numbers 23:7

his proverb

This is probably a metonym for a prophecy. Alternate translation: "his prophecy"

Balak has brought me from Aram ... the king of Moab from the eastern mountains

These phrases mean the same thing.

denounce Israel

To "denounce" here means to judge someone harshly, to consider Israel guilty of great evil.

Numbers 23:8

How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom Yahweh does not denounce?

These rhetorical questions emphasize Balaam's refusal to disobey God. They can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "But I cannot curse those whom God has not cursed. I cannot denounce those whom Yahweh does not denounce!"

denounce ... denounce

To "denounce" here means to judge someone harshly, to consider Israel guilty of great evil. See how you translated this word in Numbers 23:7.

Numbers 23:9

from the top of the rocks I see him ... from the hills I look at him

These two phrases mean the same thing. Balaam viewed Israel from the top of a hill.

I see him ... I look at him

Here "him" is a metonym that refers to the people of Israel.

there is a people

"there is a group of people"

do not consider themselves as just an ordinary nation

This negative statement is used to stress that the opposite is true. Alternate translation: "they consider themselves to be a special nation"

Numbers 23:10

Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even only one-fourth of Israel?

Here "dust of Jacob" is a metaphor that speaks of the number of Israelites as if they were as numerous as the specks of dust. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "There are too many Israelites to count. No one could count even a fourth of them because there are so many."

the death of a righteous person

It is understood that this will be a peaceful death. This can be stated. Alternate translation: "the peaceful death of a righteous person"

a righteous person ... like his

These are metonymies that refer to the people of Israel as a single person.

Numbers 23:11

Balak

This is the king of Moab. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.

What have you done to me?

Balak uses this question to scold Balaam. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I cannot believe you did this to me!"

but look

This emphasizes the shocking action that follows.

Numbers 23:12

Should I not be careful to say only what Yahweh puts in my mouth?

Balaam uses this rhetorical question to defend his actions. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I must be very careful to say only what Yahweh tells me to say."

to say only what Yahweh puts in my mouth

The message is spoken of as if it is something that God put into his mouth. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Numbers 22:38]

Numbers 23:13

There you will curse them for me

"There you will curse the Israelites for me"

Numbers 23:14

field of Zophim

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The word 'Zophim' means 'to watch' or 'to spy.'"

Mount Pisgah

This is the name of a mountain. See how you translated this in Numbers 21:20.

Numbers 23:15

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Numbers 23:16

put a message in his mouth

The message is spoken of as if it is something that God put into his mouth. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Numbers 22:38]

He said

"Then Yahweh said"

Numbers 23:17

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Numbers 23:18

Balak, and hear ... Listen to me, you son of Zippor

These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated to emphasize how important it was for Balak to pay attention.

Balak ... son of Zippor

See how you translated these names in Numbers 22:2.

Numbers 23:19

Has he promised anything without doing it? Has he said he would do something without carrying it out?

Both of these questions mean the same thing and emphasize that God does what he says he will. These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "He has never promised a thing without fulfilling what he promised. He has always done exactly what he said he would do."

Numbers 23:20

I have been commanded to bless

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has commanded me to bless the Israelites"

Numbers 23:21

disaster in Jacob ... trouble in Israel

These two phrases mean the same thing. Possible meanings are 1) God has given Israel only good things or 2) there is no sin in Israel that would cause him to judge them.

the shout of the king is among them

"they shout with joy because Yahweh is their king"

Numbers 23:22

with strength like that of a wild ox

This simile says that Yahweh's great strength is equal to an ox.

Numbers 23:23

it must be said

This can be stated in active form. "people must say"

Look what God has done!

It is implied that what God did for them was good. Alternate translation: "Look at the good things God has done for them!"

Numbers 23:24

the people rise like a lioness ... he has killed

This verse is a long metaphor that speaks of Israel defeating her enemies as if Israel was a lion devouring its prey.

Numbers 23:25

Balak

This is the king of Moab. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.

Numbers 23:26

Did I not tell you that I must say all that Yahweh tells me to say?

Balaam uses this rhetorical question to remind Balak that Balaam refused to disobey God even before he came to Balak. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I told you before that I must say all that Yahweh tells me to say."

Numbers 23:27

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Numbers 23:28

which looks down on the wilderness

It is understood that this wilderness was where Israel was camped. Alternate translation: "which looks down on the wilderness where Israel was"

Numbers 23:29

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Numbers 23:30

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Chapter 24

Numbers 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Balaam continues in this chapter.

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 24:3-9, 15-24.

Special concepts in this chapter

Cursing God's people

God does not allow others to curse his people. Balaam blesses Israel again and the king is angry and sends him home. This may be taken as humor or an ironic situation. (See: curse and peopleofgod)

Numbers 24:1

as at the other times

"like he did the previous times"

Numbers 24:2

Balaam raised his eyes

Here "raised his eyes" is an idiom that means to look up. Alternate translation: "He looked up"

Spirit of God came on him

This mean's God's Spirit took control of him to prophesy.

Numbers 24:3

He received this prophecy

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God gave him this prophecy"

Balaam son of Beor

Beor was Balaam's father. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:5.

whose eyes are wide open

This idiom means he sees and understands clearly.

Numbers 24:4

General Information:

Balaam continues to prophesy under the control of the Spirit of God.

who sees ... who bows

Here Balaam refers to himself as "He."

who bows down

This is an act of humility.

with his eyes open

Here "eyes open" is an idiom that means Balaam has received the ability to know what God wants to say.

Numbers 24:5

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Numbers 24:6

General Information:

Balaam continues to prophesy under the control of the Spirit of God.

Like valleys they spread out

Balaam speaks of the Israelies as if they were numerous enough to cover entire valleys.

like gardens by the riverside

Balaam speaks of the Israelies as if they were well-watered gardens that produce an abundant harvest.

aloes planted by Yahweh

Aloes are plants with a pleasant smell that grow well even in dry conditions. Balaam speaks of the Israelies as if they would thrive and be pleasant like aloe plants. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "aloes which Yahweh has planted"

like cedars beside the waters

Cedar trees were the largest trees in Israel. Balaam speaks of the Israelies as if they grew as large as well-watered cedar trees.

Numbers 24:7

General Information:

Balaam continues to prophesy under the control of the Spirit of God.

Water will flow from their buckets, and their seed will have abundant water

Abundant water is associated with God's blessing on the crops of the land. Alternate translation: "God will bless Israel with plenty of water for their crops"

their seed will have abundant water

Well-watered seed refers to God's blessing on his people so that they will have abundant crops. Alternate translation: "they will have plenty of water for their seed to grow healthy crops"

Their king will be greater ... their kingdom will be honored

These two phrases have similar meaning, emphasizing how much God will bless them compared to other nations.

will be greater

will have more honor and will be more powerful

their kingdom will be honored

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "other people will give honor to their kingdom"

Numbers 24:8

General Information:

Balaam continues to prophesy under the control of the Spirit of God.

God will bring him

"God will bring the Israelites"

He will have strength like a wild ox

This simile emphasizes that the Israelites have great strength. The ox was the strongest animal the Israelites owned.

He will eat up the nations

Balaam speaks of the Israelites as if they are wild animals that eat their enemies. This means they will destroy their enemies.

Numbers 24:9

General Information:

Balaam finishes the prophecy under the control of the Spirit of God.

He crouches down like a lion, like a lioness

In this simile, Balaam compares the Israelites to both male and female lions. This means they are dangerous and always ready to attack.

Who dares disturb him?

Balaam uses a question to warn all the people to not provoke the Israelites. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one dares to disturb him!"

May everyone who blesses him be blessed; may everyone who curses him be cursed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May God bless those who bless the Israelites; may he curse those who curse the Israelites"

Numbers 24:10

Balak's anger was kindled

The increase in Balak's anger is spoken of as if it was a fire starting to burn. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Balak became very angry"

struck his hands together in anger

This was a sign of great frustration and anger.

Numbers 24:11

flee home now

Balak is very angry and wants Balaam to leave quickly, as if Balak were going to kill him.

Numbers 24:12

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Numbers 24:13

Even if Balak gave me his palace full of silver and gold

Balaam is describing something that would never happen. This statement emphasizes that there is nothing that would make Balaam disobey God.

Did I not say this to them?

Balaam uses a question to remind Balak about what he said earlier. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. "Alternate translation: I said this to them."

Numbers 24:14

this people

"the Israelites"

Numbers 24:15

Balaam son of Beor

Beor was Balaam's father. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:5.

whose eyes are wide open

This idiom means he sees and understands clearly. See how you translated this in [Numbers 24:3]

Numbers 24:16

who has knowledge from the Most High

The abstract term "knowledge" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "who knows things that God Most High has revealed to him"

bows down

This is a sign of submission to God.

Numbers 24:17

General Information:

Balaam continues the first of his four prophecies.

I see him, but he is not here now. I look at him, but he is not near

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Balaam is having a vision of a future event. The word "him" refers to a future leader of Israel.

A star will come out of Jacob

Here "star" refers to an Israelite king that will rise in power.

out of Jacob

Here "Jacob" refers to the descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: "from among the descendants of Jacob"

a scepter will rise out of Israel

This means the same thing as the first part of the sentence. Here "scepter" refers to a powerful king.

out of Israel

Here "Israel" refers to future Israelites. Alternate translation: "from among the Israelites in the future"

shatter Moab's leaders

Possible meanings are 1) he will break the heads of the leaders of Moab or 2) he will destroy the leaders of Moab.

all the descendants of Seth

This also refers to the Moabites, who were descendants of Seth.

Numbers 24:18

General Information:

Balaam finishes the first of his four prophecies.

Edom will become a possession of Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Israelites will occupy Edom"

Seir will also become their possession

Here "Seir" refers to the people who lived near Mount Seir. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Israel will also conquer the people of Seir"

Numbers 24:19

Out of Jacob a king will come

Jacob was the ancestor of the Israelites. "Jacob" is a metonym that refers to the whole people group.

of their city

This refers to the city of Ar where Balak met Balaam.

Numbers 24:20

Balaam looked at Amalek

Here "Amalek" is a metonym that refers to the people of Amalek. This continues Balaam's vision while turning to look in the direction of the Amalek nation, and then he prophecies about the Amalekites.

his end

A singular pronoun is used because the Amalekites are spoken of as a single person.

Numbers 24:21

the Kenites

This is the name of a people group who descended from Kain.

The place where you live is strong

"The place were you live is well defended"

your nest is in the rocks

This is a metaphor that means that they live in a secure place. Alternate translation: "your location is as secure as a nest high in the rocks"

Numbers 24:22

Nevertheless you Kenites will be consumed by fire when Assyria carries you away captive

Here the destruction of the Kenites is spoken of as if they were burned up in a fire. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Nevertheless the Assyrians will destroy you Kenites like a fire, and take you away as captives"

Numbers 24:23

Who will survive when God does this?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one will survive when God does this!"

Numbers 24:24

Cyprus

This is the name of an island in the Mediterranean Sea.

they, too, will end in destruction

The abstract noun "destruction" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "God will destroy them also"

Numbers 24:25

Balak

This is the king of Moab. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.

Chapter 25

Numbers 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Balaam concludes in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Foreign women

Balaam told the young women from Moab to act friendly to the Israelite men and invite them to feasts in honor of their god Baal. The men went to the feasts and worshiped Baal. God was angry and killed 24,000 Israelite men. Foreign women are often the source of problems in Israel. They caused the men to worship their false gods. (See: falsegod)

Numbers 25:1

Shittim

This is the name of a place in Moab.

Numbers 25:2

bowed down

This was an act of worship.

Numbers 25:3

Peor

Peor was the name of a mountain. See how you translated this in Numbers 23:28.

Yahweh's anger was kindled

The increase in Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it was a fire starting to burn. This can be stated in active form. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Numbers 21:20]

Numbers 25:4

all the leaders of the people

It is implied that this refers to the leaders who were guilty of idolatry. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "all the leaders of the people who are guilty of idolatry"

to expose them in the daylight

This means that the leaders of Israel will kill these people and leave their dead bodies out where all the people can see them.

Numbers 25:5

to the judges of Israel

"to the judges of Israel who were not guilty of idolatry"

Peor

Peor was the name of a mountain. See how you translated this in Numbers 23:28.

Numbers 25:6

brought among his family members a Midianite woman

It is implied that he brought her among his camp to have sex with her. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "brought a Midianite woman to the Israelite camp to sleep with her"

in the sight of Moses and all the community of the people of Israel

Here "in the sight of" is an idiom that means they heard about it, or found out about it.

Numbers 25:7

Eleazar

This is the name of Aaron's son. See how you translated it in Numbers 3:2.

Numbers 25:8

He followed

"Phinehas followed"

Numbers 25:9

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Numbers 25:10

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Numbers 25:11

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh begins to speak to Moses.

turned my rage away from the people of Israel

God's rage is spoken of as if it were something that could be physically pushed aside in order to stop it. Alternate translation: "caused me to no longer be angry with the people of Israel"

I have not consumed the people of Israel in my jealousy

God is spoken of as if he were a fierce animal that could have eaten up the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "I have not destroyed the people of Israel in my terrible anger"

Numbers 25:12

Connecting Statement:

This continues Yahweh's speech from verse 11.

Numbers 25:13

Connecting Statement:

This is the end of Yahweh's speech that begins in verse 11.

For him ... of Israel."'"

This is the end of Yahweh's speech from [Numbers 25:11]

Numbers 25:14

Now

The word "Now" is used here to mark a pause in the story, where the author tells background information about Zimri and Kozbi.

who was killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Phinehas killed"

Zimri ... Salu

These are names of men.

Numbers 25:15

Zur

This is the name of a man.

Kozbi

This is the name of a woman.

Numbers 25:16

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Numbers 25:17

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Numbers 25:18

with their deceitfulness

The abstract noun "deceitfulness" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "by deceiving you"

They led you into evil

"They persuaded you to do this evil thing"

in the case of Peor ... in the matter of Peor

Both of these phrases mean that these things happened at Mount Peor.

Peor

Peor was the name of a mountain. See how you translated this in Numbers 23:28.

who was killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Phinehas killed"

Chapter 26

Numbers 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines in 26:12-17, 20-26, 29-32, 35, 38-39, 44-45, 48-49, 57-58 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are long lists.

The people are counted in preparation for entering into the Promised Land. (See: promisedland)

Special concepts in this chapter

A new generation

None of the adults who came out of Egypt with Moses were still alive except the two faithful spies, Joshua and Caleb. (See: faithful)

Numbers 26:1

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Numbers 26:2

Count all the community

They were only to count the men, not the women. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Count all the men of the community"

twenty years old and up

"20 years old and older"

Numbers 26:3

spoke to them

"spoke to the Israelite leaders"

plains

A plain is a large flat area of land.

Numbers 26:4

twenty years old and up

"20 years old and older"

Numbers 26:5

General Information:

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.

was the firstborn of Israel

Here "Israel" refers to the man also known as Jacob.

From his son

The word "his" refers to Rueben.

Numbers 26:6

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Numbers 26:7

43,730 men

"forty-three thousand seven hundred and thirty men"

Numbers 26:8

General Information:

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.

Eliab

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 16:1.

Numbers 26:9

Eliab ... Dathan ... Abiram

See how you translated these men's names in Numbers 16:1.

Numbers 26:10

The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up

Here the earth is spoken of as if it were a person opening its mouth and eating something. Alternate translation: "Yahweh caused the earth to split open, and the men fell in the hole"

fire devoured 250 men

Here the fire is spoken of as if it were a large animal devouring something. Alternate translation: "Yahweh caused a fire that killed 250 men"

250 men

"two hundred and fifty men"

Numbers 26:11

Korah's line

"all of Korah's family"

die out

"end"

Numbers 26:12

General Information:

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.

Numbers 26:13

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Numbers 26:14

22,200 men

"twenty-two thousand two hundred men"

Numbers 26:15

General Information:

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.

Numbers 26:16

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Numbers 26:17

General Information:

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Numbers 26:18

40,500 men

"forty thousand five hundred men"

Numbers 26:19

General Information:

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.

Numbers 26:20

General Information:

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Numbers 26:21

General Information:

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Numbers 26:22

76,500 men

"seventy-six thousand five hundred men"

Numbers 26:23

General Information:

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.

Numbers 26:24

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Numbers 26:25

64,300 men

"sixty-four thousand three hundred men"

Numbers 26:26

General Information:

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.

Numbers 26:27

60,500 men

"sixty thousand five hundred men"

Numbers 26:28

General Information:

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.

Numbers 26:29

General Information:

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Numbers 26:30

General Information:

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.

Numbers 26:31

General Information:

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Numbers 26:32

General Information:

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Numbers 26:33

General Information:

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.

Numbers 26:34

52,700 men

"fifty-two thousand seven hundred men"

Numbers 26:35

General Information:

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.

Numbers 26:36

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Numbers 26:37

32,500 men

"thirty-two thousand five hundred men"

These were Joseph's descendants, counted

The word "these" refers to all of the men descended from Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "These were Joseph's descendants, descended from his sons Manasseh and Ephraim, counted"

counted in each of their clans

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they counted them in each of their clans"

Numbers 26:38

General Information:

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.

Numbers 26:39

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Numbers 26:40

General Information:

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Numbers 26:41

45,600 men

"forty-five thousand six hundred men"

Numbers 26:42

General Information:

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.

Numbers 26:43

64,400 men

"sixty-four thousand four hundred men"

Numbers 26:44

General Information:

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.

Numbers 26:45

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Numbers 26:46

General Information:

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Numbers 26:47

53,400 men

"fifty-three thousand four hundred men"

Numbers 26:48

General Information:

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.

Numbers 26:49

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Numbers 26:50

45,400 men

"forty-five thousand four hundred men"

Numbers 26:51

the complete count

"the total number"

601,730

"six-hundred and one thousand, seven hundred and thirty"

Numbers 26:52

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Numbers 26:53

The land must be divided

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must divide the land"

these men

This refers to all of the men that were counted in their clans, beginning in Numbers 26:5.

according to the number of their names

"by the number of people in each clan"

Numbers 26:54

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

give more inheritance

In this passage, the word "inheritance" refers to land inherited. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "give more land as an inheritance"

who were counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the leaders of Israel counted"

Numbers 26:55

the land must be divided

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must divide the land"

by random lots

"by casting lots"

Numbers 26:56

distributed to them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and you must distribute the land to them"

Numbers 26:57

General Information:

This is a list of the Levite clans. Moses counts the Levites separately from the other tribes because they did not receive any land.

counted clan by clan

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the leaders also counted clan by clan"

Gershon ... Kohath ... Merari

See how you translated these men's names in Numbers 3:17.

Numbers 26:58

Amram's

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:19.

Numbers 26:59

Amram

See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:19.

She bore to Amram their children

"She and Amram had children"

Numbers 26:60

Nadab ... Abihu ... Ithamar

See how you translated these men's names in Numbers 3:2.

Numbers 26:61

they offered before Yahweh unacceptable fire

Here the word "fire" is used to refer to "burning incense." See how you translated a similar phrase in [Numbers 3:4]

Numbers 26:62

who were counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the leaders counted"

twenty-three thousand

"23,000"

one month old and up

"one month old and older"

they were not counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but the leaders did not count them"

because no inheritance was given to them

This can be stated in active form. Here "inheritance" refers to land inherited. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "because Yahweh said they would not receive any land as an inheritance"

Numbers 26:63

who were counted by Moses and Eleazar the priest

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Moses and Eleazar the priest counted"

Numbers 26:64

there was no man

"there were no men"

who had been counted by Moses and Aaron the priest

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Moses and Aaron the priest had counted"

when the descendants of Israel were counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when they counted the descendants of Israel"

Numbers 26:65

There was not a man left among them, except

The word "them" refers to all of the people who were counted in the wilderness of Sinai. "The only ones who were still alive were"

son of Jephunneh

Jephunneh was Caleb's father. See how you translated this in Numbers 13:6.

son of Nun

Nun was Joshua's father. See how you translated this in Numbers 11:28.

Chapter 27

Numbers 27 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Daughters

A man named Zelophehad died without any sons. The five daughters of Zelophehad went to Moses and requested to receive the land that Zelophehad's sons would have received. Yahweh told Moses that it is right to give a man's inheritance to his daughter if he has no son.

The new leader is Joshua

God told Moses to appoint Joshua as the new leader. Joshua became Yahweh's anointed leader. (See: appoint and anoint)

Numbers 27:1

Then to Moses came the daughters of Zelophehad ... son of Joseph

"Then the daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher son of Gilead son of Machir son of Manasseh, of the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph came to Moses." This tells us the genealogy of Zelophehad.

Zelophehad son of Hepher ... Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah, and Tirzah

See how you translated these men's names in Numbers 26:33.

Gilead ... Makir

See how you translated these men's names in Numbers 26:29.

Numbers 27:2

They stood

"The daughters of Zelophehad stood"

Numbers 27:3

among the company that gathered themselves together to oppose Yahweh, in the company of Korah

The words "the company of Korah" further identify the words "the company that gathered themselves together to oppose Yahweh."

gathered themselves

"made a plan"

for his own sin

"because of his own sin"

Numbers 27:4

Why should our father's name be taken away from among his clan members because he had no son?

At that time, only sons received land as an inheritance. The daughters use this question to suggest that they should receive the inheritance and continue the family clan. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not remove our father's name from the clan members just because he did not have a son."

Give us a possession among our father's relatives

This means that they are asking to inherit land near where their father's relatives are inheriting land. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Give us land where our father's relatives live"

Numbers 27:5

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Numbers 27:6

General Information:

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Numbers 27:7

a possession

Yahweh is speaking of land. This meaning can be made clear. See how you translated this in Numbers 27:7.

Alternate translation: "land"

among their father's relatives

This means that they will be inherit land where their father's relatives are inheriting land. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "where their father's relatives live"

Numbers 27:8

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Numbers 27:9

General Information:

This continues God's law about who will receive land if a man does not have any sons.

Numbers 27:10

General Information:

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Numbers 27:11

be a law established by decree for the people of Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "be a law that all the people of Israel must obey"

has commanded me

Here "me" refers to Moses.

Numbers 27:12

this mountain of Abarim

"this mountain in the Abarim range" Abarim was a range or line of mountains in Moab.

that I have given to the people of Israel

Here Yahweh speaks about the land that his is giving the Israel as if he has already given it to them. He speaks this way to emphasize that his committed to give it to them. Alternate translation: "that I will give to the people of Israel"

Numbers 27:13

you, too, must be gathered to your people

This is a euphemism that means Moses will die and his spirit will go to the place where his ancestors are. Alternate translation: "you must die"

like Aaron your brother

You can make clear the understood information that Aaron died. Alternate translation: "and you must die like your older brother Aaron died"

Numbers 27:14

you two rebelled

This refers to Moses and Aaron.

wilderness of Zin

See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 13:21.

the strife of the congregation

"when the people of Israel were rebelling against me"

when the water flowed from the rock, in your anger

This refers to an event when Yahweh made water miraculously flow out of a rock. God told Moses to speak to the rock. Instead, Moses hit the rock because he was angry with the people.

you failed to honor me as holy

"you did not treat me as holy"

before the eyes of the whole community

Here the people of the people are represented by their "eyes" to emphasize what they saw. Alternate translation: "in front of the whole community"

waters of Meribah

See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 20:13.

Numbers 27:15

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Numbers 27:16

the God of the spirits of all humanity

Possible meaning are 1) here "spirits" refers to all people." Alternate translation: "the God over all of humanity" or 2) the reference to "spirits" refers to God having given life and breath to all people. Alternate translation: "the God who gives breath to all people" or "the God who give life to all humanity"

a man over the community

To be "over" a group of people means to have authority to lead them. Alternate translation: "a man to lead the community"

Numbers 27:17

a man who may go out and come in before them and lead them out and bring them in

This is an idiom that means a person who will lead all the people and also lead the army into battle.

so that your community is not like sheep that have no shepherd

This is a simile that means without a leader the people will wander and be helpless.

Numbers 27:18

Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom my Spirit lives

Yahweh's Spirit is in Joshua, meaning that Joshua obeys Yahweh and follows his commands.

lay your hand on him

This is a sign of dedicating someone to God's service. Alternate translation: "lay your hand on him to appoint him"

Numbers 27:19

command him before their eyes to lead them

Here the people are represented by their "eyes" to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: "in front of all of them command Joshua to lead the people of Israel"

Numbers 27:20

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses about Joshua.

You must put some of your authority on him

Here Yahweh speaks of Moses giving some of his authority to Joshua as if it were an article of clothing that he could put on him. Alternate translation: "You should give him some of your authority" or "Let him decide what the people should do"

Numbers 27:21

Urim

This was a sacred stone that the High Priest wore on his chest plate. He used it to determine God's will.

It will be at his command that the people will go out and come in

This means that Joshua will have authority to command the movements of the community of Israel. "Going out" and "coming in" are two opposite commands used to emphasize that he will have full command over their movements. Alternate translation: "He will command the community's movements"

both he and all the people of Israel with him, the whole community

Both of these phrases mean the same thing, and they are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: "both he and the entire nation of Israel"

Numbers 27:22

placed him before

"told him to stand in front of"

Numbers 27:23

laid his hands on him and commanded him to lead

Here "him" refers to Joshua.

laid his hands on him

The laying on of hands was a way of setting a person apart to do a special task for God.

to lead

You can make clear the understood information to lead the people. Alternate translation: "to lead the people" or "to be the leader of the Israelites"

as Yahweh had commanded him to do

Here "him" refers to Moses.

Chapter 28

Numbers 28 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Offerings for special days

God commanded the Israelites to make special offerings for Sabbaths, new months, Passover and firstfruits. On each of these occasions, specific sacrifices were required. (See: sabbath and passover and firstfruit)

Numbers 28:1

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Numbers 28:2

at the appointed times

"at the times that I haven chosen"

the food of my offerings made by fire to produce

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the food offerings that you will burn on the altar produce"

a sweet aroma for me

"a smell I enjoy"

Numbers 28:3

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

the offering made by fire

This can be stated in active form. "the burnt offering" or "the offering you have burned by fire on the altar"

Numbers 28:4

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Numbers 28:5

mixed with

This can be stated in active form. "which you have mixed with"

a tenth of an ephah

"A tenth" means one part out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "2 liters" or "a tenth of an ephah

one-fourth of a hin

"One-fourth" means one part out of four equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "a liter" or "one-fourth of a hin

beaten oil

"pressed oil" or "pure olive oil." This refers to oil that has been pressed out of olives.

Numbers 28:6

that was commanded at Mount Sinai

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Yahweh commanded at Mount Sinai"

made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you burned on the altar"

Numbers 28:7

one-fourth of a hin

"One-fourth" means one part out of four equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "a liter" or "one-fourth of a hin

You must pour out in the holy place a drink offering of strong drink to Yahweh

This sentence describes the drink offering that is to accompany the lamb. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "It must be a drink offering of strong drink and you must pour it out in the holy place to Yahweh"

Numbers 28:8

like the one offered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "like the one you offered"

Numbers 28:9

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

two-tenths of an ephah

"Two-tenths" means two parts out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "four and a half liters" or "two tenths of an ephah

mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which you have mixed with oil"

the drink offering with it

Many offerings had a drink offering that was required to be offered with them. The full meaning of the can be made clear. Alternate translation: "the drink offering that accompanies it"

Numbers 28:10

General Information:

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Numbers 28:11

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Numbers 28:12

three-tenths of an ephah

"Three-tenths" means three parts out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "six liters" or "three-tenths of an ephah

mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which you have mixed with oil"

two-tenths of fine flour

The words "of an ephah" are understood and may stated clearly. "Two-tenths" means two parts out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "four and a half liters of fine flour" or "two-tenths of an ephah

Numbers 28:13

a tenth of an ephah

"A tenth" means one part out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "2 liters" or "a tenth of an ephah

made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you burned on the altar"

Numbers 28:14

half a hin

"Half" means one part out of two equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "two liters" or "half a hin

a third of a hin

"One third of a hin." "A third" means one part out of three equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "1.2 liters" or "One and one-fifth liters" or "half a hin

one-fourth of a hin

"One-fourth" means one part out of four equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "a liter" or "one-fourth of a hin

Numbers 28:15

One male goat as a sin offering to Yahweh must be offered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must offer one male goat to Yahweh as a sin offering"

Numbers 28:16

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month

"During the first month, on day 14 of the month." This refers to the first month of the Hebrew calendar.

comes Yahweh's Passover

"you must celebrate Yahweh's Passover"

Numbers 28:17

On the fifteenth day of this month

"On day 15 day of this month." This refers to the first month of the Hebrew calendar.

a feast is to be held

This can be stated in active form. "you must have a feast"

bread without yeast must be eaten

This can be stated in active form. "you must eat bread without yeast"

Numbers 28:18

On the first day

This refers to the first day of the feast. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "On day 1 of the feast"

there must be a holy assembly to honor Yahweh

"you must gather together to worship and honor Yahweh." The phrase "a holy assembly" means the people gather together to worship Yahweh. Worshiping Yahweh is a holy event.

Numbers 28:19

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

you must offer a sacrifice made by fire, a burnt offering

The idea of "burnt" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must burn an offering on the altar"

Numbers 28:20

three-tenths of an ephah

"Three-tenths" means three parts out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "six liters" or "three-tenths of an ephah

mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which you have mixed with oil"

two-tenths

The words "of an ephah of fine flour" are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated. "Two-tenths" means two parts out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "four and a half liters of fine flour" or "two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour

Numbers 28:21

a tenth of an ephah

"A tenth" means one part out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "2 liters" or "a tenth of an ephah

Numbers 28:22

to make atonement

The phrase "make atonement" can be expressed with the verb "atone." Alternate translation: "to atone"

Numbers 28:23

required each morning

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which Yahweh requires each morning"

Numbers 28:24

As described here

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "As I, Yahweh, have described here"

the food of the offering made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must burn the food offering on the altar"

a sweet aroma for Yahweh

"as a sweet aroma for Yahweh"

It must be offered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must offer it"

Numbers 28:25

have a holy assembly to honor Yahweh

"gather together to worship and honor Yahweh." The phrase "a holy assembly" means the people gather together to worship Yahweh. Worshiping Yahweh is a holy event.

Numbers 28:26

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

the day of the firstfruits

"the day of the firstfruits, that is the day." This refers to the day during the Festival of Weeks when they offer the grain offering to Yahweh.

have a holy assembly to honor Yahweh

"gather together to worship and honor Yahweh." The phrase "a holy assembly" means the people gather together to worship Yahweh. Worshiping Yahweh is a holy event.

Numbers 28:27

General Information:

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Numbers 28:28

mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which you have mixed with oil"

three-tenths of an ephah

"Three tenths" means three parts out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "six liters" or "three-tenths of an ephah

three-tenths of an ephah

"Three tenths" means three parts out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "six liters" or "three-tenths of an ephah

two-tenths

The words "of an ephah of fine flour" are understood from the previous phrase and can be repeated. "Two-tenths" means two parts out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "four and a half liters of fine flour" or "two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour

Numbers 28:29

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

a tenth of an ephah

"A tenth" means one part out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "2 liters" or "a tenth of an ephah

fine flour mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour which you mix with oil"

Numbers 28:30

to make atonement

The word "atonement" can be expressed with the verb "atone." Alternate translation: "to atone"

Numbers 28:31

their drink offerings

This refers to the drink offerings that are required to accompany each of the animals when they are sacrificed. Alternate translation: "the drink offerings that are offered with them" or "the drink offerings that accompany them"

Chapter 29

Numbers 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the material from the previous chapter about offerings on specific days.

Numbers 29:1

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

In the seventh month, on the first day of the month

This refers to the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. Alternate translation: "On day 1 of month 7"

have a holy assembly to honor Yahweh

"gather together to worship and honor Yahweh." The phrase "a holy assembly" means the people gather together to worship Yahweh. Worshiping Yahweh is a holy event.

It will be a day when you blow trumpets

The word "you" refers to the people of Israel who here represent the priests. The priests blew the trumpet to begin a worship service or to gather the community together. Alternate translation: "It will be a day when the priests blow trumpets"

Numbers 29:2

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Numbers 29:3

their grain offering

This refers to the grain offerings that are required to accompany each of the animals when they are sacrificed. Alternate translation: "the grain offerings that are offered with them" or "the grain offerings that accompany them"

mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which you have mixed with oil"

three-tenths of an ephah

The phrase "of fine flour mixed with oil" is understood from the previous phrase and can be repeated. "Three-tenths" means three parts out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "six liters of fine flour mixed with oil" or "three-tenths of an ephah

two-tenths

The phrase "of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil" is understood from earlier in the sentence. "Two tenths" means two parts out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "four and a half liters of fine flour mixed with oil" or "two-tenths of an ephah

Numbers 29:4

one-tenth

The phrase "of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil" is understood from earlier in the sentence. "One-tenth" means one part out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "2 liters of fine flour mixed with oil" or "a tenth of an ephah

Numbers 29:5

to make atonement

The word "atonement" can be expressed with the verb "atone." Alternate translation: "to atone"

Numbers 29:6

in the seventh month ... the first of each month

"in month 7 ... day 1 of each month." The word "month" refers to a month of the Hebrew calendar.

of each month: the special burnt offering ... with it

"of each month—the special burnt offering ... with it." This is the offering that is made on the first day of each month.

the regular burnt offering, its grain offering, and its drink offerings

This refers to the offerings the priests were to give every day. The grain offering and drink offering were to be offered with the regular burnt offering. Alternate translation: "the regular burnt offering, with the grain offering and drink offerings that accompany it"

you will obey what has been decreed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will obey Yahweh's decree" or "you will obey what Yahweh had decreed"

an offering made by fire to Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "an offering you burnt on the altar to Yahweh"

Numbers 29:7

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

the tenth day of the seventh month

"day 10 of month 7" The word "month" refers to those in the Hebrew calendar.

have a holy assembly to honor Yahweh

"gather together to worship and honor Yahweh." The phrase "a holy assembly" means the people gather together to worship Yahweh. Worshiping Yahweh is a holy event.

Numbers 29:8

General Information:

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Numbers 29:9

fine flour mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour which you have mixed with oil"

three-tenths of an ephah

"Three-tenths" means three parts out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "six liters" or "three-tenths of an ephah

two-tenths

The words "of an ephah" are understood from earlier in the verse. They can be repeated here. "Two-tenths" means two parts out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "four and a half liters" or "two-tenths of an ephah

Numbers 29:10

a tenth of an ephah

"A tenth" means one part out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "2 liters" or "a tenth of an ephah

Numbers 29:11

of atonement

The word "atonement" can be expressed with the verb "atone." Alternate translation: "that atones for you"

its grain offering, and their drink offerings

The grain offering was to be offered with the burnt offering. The drink offerings were to be offered with both the sin offering and the burnt offering. Alternate translation: "along with the grain offering and the drink offerings that accompany them"

Numbers 29:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

the fifteenth day of the seventh month

"day 15 of month 7." The word "month" refer to those in the Hebrew calendar.

have a holy assembly to honor Yahweh

"gather together to worship and honor Yahweh." The phrase "a holy assembly" means the people gather together to worship Yahweh. Worshiping Yahweh is a holy event.

you must celebrate the festival for him

"you must celebrate the festival for Yahweh"

Numbers 29:13

a sacrifice made by fire

This can be stated in active form. "you must burn it on the altar"

thirteen young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs

"13 young bulls, 2 rams, and 14 male lambs"

Numbers 29:14

fine flour mixed with oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour which you have mixed with oil"

three-tenths of an ephah

The phrase "of fine flour mixed with oil" is understood from earlier in the sentence and can be repeated. "Three-tenths" means three parts out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "six liters of fine flour mixed with oil" or "three-tenths of an ephah

thirteen bulls

"13 bulls"

two-tenths

The phrase "of an ephah of fine flour" is understood from earlier in the sentence. "Two-tenths" means two parts out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "four and a half liters of fine flour" or "two-tenths of an ephah

Numbers 29:15

fourteen lambs

"14 lambs"

a tenth of an ephah

The phrase "of fine flour" is understood from earlier in the sentence. "A tenth" means one part out of ten equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "2 liters of fine flour" or "a tenth of an ephah

Numbers 29:16

its grain offering, and the drink offering with it

The grain offering and drink offering accompany the regular burnt offering.

Numbers 29:17

On the second day of the assembly

"On day 2 of the festival." Here the word "assembly" refers to the Festival of Weeks.

twelve young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs

"12 young bulls, 2 rams, and 14 male lambs"

Numbers 29:18

as were commanded

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"

Numbers 29:19

its grain offering, and their drink offerings

The grain offering was to be offered with the burnt offering. Drink offerings were to be offered with both the sin offering and the burnt offering. Alternate translation: "along with the grain offering and the drink offerings that accompany them"

Numbers 29:20

the third day of the assembly

"day 3 of the festival." Here the word "assembly" refers to the Festival of Weeks.

eleven bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs

"11 bulls, 2 rams, and 14 male lambs"

Numbers 29:21

as were commanded

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"

Numbers 29:22

its grain offering, and their drink offerings

The grain offering was to be offered with the burnt offering. The drink offerings were to be offered with both the sin offering and the burnt offering. Alternate translation: "along with the grain offering and the drink offerings that accompany them"

Numbers 29:23

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do during the festival in the seventh month.

the fourth day of the assembly

"day 4 of the festival." Here the word "assembly" refers to the Festival of Weeks.

fourteen male lambs

"14 male lambs"

Numbers 29:24

as were commanded

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"

Numbers 29:25

its grain offering, and their drink offerings

The grain offering was to be offered with the burnt offering. The drink offerings were to be offered with both the sin offering and the burnt offering. Alternate translation: "along with the grain offering and the drink offerings that accompany them"

Numbers 29:26

the fifth day of the assembly

"day 5 of the festival." Here the word "assembly" refers to the Festival of Weeks.

fourteen male lambs

"14 male lambs"

Numbers 29:27

as were commanded

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"

Numbers 29:28

its grain offering, and their drink offerings

The grain offering was to be offered with the burnt offering. The drink offerings were to be offered with both the sin offering and the burnt offering. Alternate translation: "along with the grain offering and the drink offerings that accompany them"

Numbers 29:29

the sixth day of the assembly

"day 6 of the festival." Here the word "assembly" refers to the Festival of Weeks.

fourteen male lambs

"14 male lambs"

Numbers 29:30

as were commanded

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"

Numbers 29:31

its grain offering, and their drink offerings

The grain offering was to be offered with the burnt offering. The drink offerings were to be offered with both the sin offering and the burnt offering. Alternate translation: "along with the grain offering and the drink offerings that accompany them"

Numbers 29:32

the seventh day of the assembly

"day 7 of the festival." Here the word "assembly" refers to the Festival of Weeks.

fourteen male lambs

"14 male lambs"

Numbers 29:33

as were commanded

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"

Numbers 29:34

its grain offering, and their drink offerings

The grain offering was to be offered with the burnt offering. The drink offerings were to be offered with both the sin offering and the burnt offering. Alternate translation: "along with the grain offering and the drink offerings that accompany them"

Numbers 29:35

General Information:

Yahweh tells Moses what the people must do after the seven-day festival in the seventh month.

eighth day

This "eighth" is the ordinal number for eight.

have another solemn assembly

"gather together again to worship Yahweh." This is another assembly similar to the one on the first day of the festival.

Numbers 29:36

an offering made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must burn it on the altar"

Numbers 29:37

their grain offering and their drink offerings

These offerings were to be offered with the bull, the ram, and the lambs. Alternate translation: "the grain offerings and the drink offerings"

as were commanded

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"

Numbers 29:38

its grain offering, and their drink offerings

The grain offering was to be offered with the burnt offering. The drink offerings were to be offered with both the sin offering and the burnt offering. Alternate translation: "along with the grain offering and the drink offerings that accompany them"

Numbers 29:39

These are what you must offer

"These offerings are what you must offer"

fixed festivals

"planned festivals." These are festivals that occurred at regularly scheduled times. The word "fixed" means "set" or "predetermined."

Numbers 29:40

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Chapter 30

Numbers 30 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Vows

Because a vow is a type of promise, men must do what they have vowed to do. A father or a husband has one day in which to cancel a woman's vow. Otherwise, she must do what she vowed she would do. (See: vow and promise)

Numbers 30:1

General Information:

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Numbers 30:2

a man makes a vow

The words "a man" refer to any man, not one particular man. It refers only to men and does not include women. Alternate translation: "any man"

to bind himself with a binding promise

Here Moses speaks of a person promising to do something as if his promise were a physical object that he ties to himself. Alternate translation: "committing to fulfill a promise" or "promising to do something"

he must not break his word. He must keep his promise to do everything that comes out of his mouth

These two sentences have similar meanings and are combined to emphasize that he must fulfill his promises. Here "word" is a metonym that refers to what he said.

he must not break his word

The phrase "his word" refers to a man's oaths and vows. Here Moses speaks of not fulfilling these as if they were physical objects that the man could break. Alternate translation: "he must fulfill his promises"

everything that comes out of his mouth

Here the word "mouth" is a metonym for the things that the man says. Alternate translation: "to do everything that he says he will do"

Numbers 30:3

binds herself with a promise

Here Moses speaks of a woman promising to do something as if her promise were a physical object that she ties to herself. Alternate translation: "commits herself to fulfilling a promise" or "promises to do something"

Numbers 30:4

the vow and the promise

These two phrases have very similar meanings. They emphasize what she has promised to do. Alternate translation: "the vow"

by which she has bound herself

Here Moses speaks of how a woman has committed herself to fulfilling a promise as if her promise were a physical object that she had bound to her body. Alternate translation: "that she has committed herself to fulfill"

he says nothing to reverse her

"he does not cancel what she has said"

will stand

This is an idiom. It means that her vows will remain in effect and that she will be required to fulfill them. Alternate translation: "she will be obligated to fulfill"

Numbers 30:5

her vows or the pledges

These two phrases have very similar meanings. They emphasize what she has promised to do. Alternate translation: "her vows"

will stand

This is an idiom. It means that her vows will remain in effect and she will be required to fulfill them. See how you translated this phrase in [Numbers 30:4]

Yahweh will forgive her

This refers to Yahweh forgiving her for not fulfilling her vows. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive her for not fulfilling her vows"

Numbers 30:6

rash

something done without thinking

by which she has bound herself

Here Moses speaks of how a woman has committed herself to fulfilling a promise as if her promise were a physical object that she had bound to her body. Alternate translation: "which she has committed herself to fulfill"

Numbers 30:7

says nothing to her

You may need to specify that he says nothing to her about her vow. Alternate translation: "says nothing to her about her vow" or "does not tell her to have Yahweh release her from the vow"

by which she bound herself

Here Moses speaks of how a woman has committed herself to fulfilling a promise as if her promise were a physical object that she had bound to her body. Alternate translation: "that she has committed herself to fulfill" See how this is translated in [Numbers 30:4]

will stand

This is an idiom. It means that her vows will remain in effect and that she will be required to fulfill them. Alternate translation: "she will be obligated to fulfill" See how this is translated in [Numbers 30:4]

Numbers 30:8

the vow that she has made ... the rash talk of her lips

"the vow that she has made ... that is, the rash talk of her lips." These two phrases refer to the same thing. The second phrase describes the vow that the woman made.

the rash talk of her lips

The phrase "the rash talk" refers to the rash promise that she made. Here "her lips" means the woman herself. She is referred to as "her lips" because lips are related to what she says. Alternate translation: "the rash things she has said" or "her rash promise"

with which she has bound herself

Here Moses speaks of how a woman has committed herself to fulfilling a promise as if her promise were a physical object that she had bound to her body. Alternate translation: "that she has committed herself to fulfill" See how this is translated in [Numbers 30:4]

Yahweh will forgive her

Here Moses speaks about Yahweh forgiving the woman for not fulfilling her vow as if he were releasing her from something that bound her. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. See how you translated this in [Numbers 30:5]

Numbers 30:9

General Information:

Moses continues telling the leaders of the tribes what Yahweh has commanded.

a divorced woman

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a woman whom a man has divorced"

will stand against her

This is an idiom. It means that her vows will remain in effect and she will be required to fulfill them. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Numbers 30:4]

Numbers 30:10

If a woman made a vow in her husband's house

This refers to a married woman. You can make the meaning of this statement clear. Alternate translation: "If a married woman makes a vow"

Numbers 30:11

then all her vows will stand

This is an idiom. The phrase "will stand" means that her vows will remain in effect and she will be required to fulfill them. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Numbers 30:4]

Numbers 30:12

then whatever came out of her lips

Here what the woman said is referred to as something that came out of her lips. Alternate translation: "then whatever she said"

will not stand

This is an idiom. It means that her vows will not remain in effect and she will be not required to fulfill them. See how you translated this phrase in [Numbers 30:4]

Yahweh will forgive her

The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. See how you translated this in [Numbers 30:5]

Numbers 30:13

binding oath to afflict her

an oath by which the woman says that unless she fulfills the oath, God or other poeple have the right to afflict her

Numbers 30:14

binding promises

Moses describes a woman's promises as if they were something that she is physically bound by. Alternate translation: "obligations" or "promises"

will stand

This is an idiom. It means that her vows will remain in effect and that she will be required to fulfill them. Alternate translation: "she will be obligated to fulfill" See how this is translated in [Numbers 30:4]

because he has said nothing to her

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "because he has said nothing to her about them"

Numbers 30:15

then he will be responsible for her guilt

This means that he will be guilty of her sin instead of her if she does not fulfill her vow. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "if she does not fulfill her vow, she will not be guilty of her sin, and he will be guilty instead of her"

Numbers 30:16

General Information:

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Chapter 31

Numbers 31 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Midianites

Israel killed the Midianites, including Balaam, for tempting them to worship Baal. This battle was at Yahweh's command. Yahweh would bring justice. (See: justice)

Numbers 31:1

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Numbers 31:2

Take vengeance on the Midianites for what they did to the people of Israel

Yahweh was punishing the Midianites for convincing the people of Israel to worship idols.

you will die and be gathered to your people

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. This is a polite way to emphasize that it is time for Moses to die and for his spirit to go to the place where his ancestors are.

Numbers 31:3

Arm some of your men for war

"Give weapons to some of your men"

go against Midian and carry out Yahweh's vengeance on it

"go fight a war against the Midianites and punish them for what they did to us"

Numbers 31:4

a thousand

"1,000"

Numbers 31:5

twelve thousand

"12,000"

Israel's thousands of men

"the thousands of Israel's men"

one thousand from each tribe were provided

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "every tribe sent 1,000 men to war"

twelve thousand men armed for war

All 12 tribes sent men, including the tribe of Levi. Each tribe sent 1,000 men into battle.

Numbers 31:6

the trumpets in his possession

The phrase "in his possession" means that he was in charge of the trumpets. Alternate Translation: "the trumpets that he was in charge of"

Numbers 31:7

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Numbers 31:8

Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba

These are names of kings of Midian.

Balaam son of Beor

Beor was Balaam's father. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:5.

Numbers 31:9

They took these as plunder

"They took the Midianites' possessions as their own"

Numbers 31:10

They burned all their cities where they lived and all their camps

"Israel's army burned all the Midianites' cities where the Midianites lived and all the Midianites' camps"

Numbers 31:11

They took

"The army of Israel took"

plunder

This refers to the material goods they recovered from killing the Midianite men.

Numbers 31:12

plains

a large area of flat land

Numbers 31:13

General Information:

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Numbers 31:14

the commanders of thousands and the captains of hundreds

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders and captains led. Alternate translation: "the commanders of 1,000 soldiers and the captains of 100 soldiers" or 2) the words translated as "thousands" and "hundreds" do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: "the commanders of large military divisions and the captains of smaller military divisions"

Numbers 31:15

Have you let all the women live?

The law was explicit on who would be permitted to live. The army violated the law by allowing all the women and children to live. This was a rebuke to the army leaders.

Numbers 31:16

Look

This word is used here to draw the audience's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"

Numbers 31:17

has known a man by lying with him

"has had sexual relations with a man"

Numbers 31:18

General Information:

Moses speaks to the commanders of the Israelite army about becoming clean before God.

keep alive for yourselves

You may need to make explicit the idea omitted by the ellipsis. Alternate translation: "you may keep alive and take as wives for yourselves"

who have not known a man by lying with him

"who have not had sexual relations with any man." This refers to girls who were virgins.

Numbers 31:19

All of you

Moses is referring to anyone who fought in battle, not just the commanders.

you must purify yourselves

They must become spiritually clean again before entering the camp.

Numbers 31:20

everything made of animal hide and goats' hair, and everything made of wood

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everything that someone has made of animal hide, goats' hair, or wood"

Numbers 31:21

General Information:

Eleazar teaches the soldiers the customs of becoming ceremonially clean before Yahweh after going to war.

Numbers 31:22

gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead

metals that were used during that time period

Numbers 31:23

that resists fire

"that will not burn"

put it through the fire

"put it into the fire"

water of cleansing

This refers to water that someone has mixed with ashes from a sin offering. See: Numbers 19:17-19.

Numbers 31:24

then you will become clean

These are the customs of becoming ceremonially clean before Yahweh.

Numbers 31:25

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Numbers 31:26

count all the plundered things that were captured

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "count all of the possessions that the soldiers captured"

the heads of the community's ancestral clans

"the leaders of each clan in the community"

Numbers 31:27

General Information:

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Numbers 31:28

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. The word "me" refers to Yahweh.

Then levy a tax to be given to me from the soldiers who went out to battle

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Collect a tax from the soldiers' plunder and give it to me"

every five hundred

"every 500"

Numbers 31:29

from their half

"from the soldiers' half"

for a contribution to Yahweh

Yahweh speaks of himself in third person. Alternate translation: "for a contribution to me" )

Numbers 31:30

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Also from the people of Israel's half

"Also from the people of Israel's half of the plunder"

perform the duties of my tabernacle

"do all the work connected to my tabernacle" or "take care of everything connected to my tabernacle" or "keeping watch over my tabernacle" See how you translated this in Numbers 1:53.

Numbers 31:31

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Numbers 31:32

Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Here Moses begins listing the amount of plunder and how much went to the soldiers, to the people, and to Yahweh.

675,000 sheep

"six hundred and seventy-five thousand sheep"

Numbers 31:33

seventy-two thousand cattle

"72,000 cattle"

Numbers 31:34

sixty-one thousand donkeys

"61,000 donkeys"

Numbers 31:35

thirty-two thousand women

"32,000 women"

women who had not known a man by lying with him

"women who had no had sexual relations with a man." This refers to women who are virgins.

Numbers 31:36

General Information:

Moses is listing the plunder that goes to the soldiers and the tax that goes to Yahweh.

The half that was kept for the soldiers

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The soldiers' part of the sheep"

337,000 sheep

"three hundred and thirty-seven thousand sheep"

Numbers 31:37

the tax for Yahweh of the sheep was 675

"the tax they were to give to Yahweh was 675 sheep"

was 675

"was six hundred and seventy-five"

Numbers 31:38

thirty-six thousand

36,000

seventy-two

72

Numbers 31:39

General Information:

Moses is listing the plunder that goes to the soldiers and the tax that goes to Yahweh.

were 30,500

"were thirty thousand five hundred"

sixty-one

61

Numbers 31:40

sixteen thousand

16,000

thirty-two

32

Numbers 31:41

to be a contribution presented to Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to be an contribution to Yahweh"

Numbers 31:42

General Information:

Moses is listing the plunder that goes to the people and the tax that goes to Yahweh.

Numbers 31:43

337,500 sheep

"three hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep"

Numbers 31:44

thirty-six thousand oxen

36,000 oxen

Numbers 31:45

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Numbers 31:46

sixteen thousand women

"16,000 women." It has been stated earlier that all the males and the married women captives were put to death

Numbers 31:47

General Information:

Moses is listing the plunder that goes to the people and the tax that goes to Yahweh. The tax on the people's portion was higher than the tax on the soldiers' portion.

performed the duties of Yahweh's tabernacle

"did all the work connected to Yahweh's tabernacle" or "took care of everything connected to Yahweh's tabernacle" or "kept watch over Yahweh's tabernacle" See how you translated similar words in Numbers 1:53.

Numbers 31:48

the commanders over thousands and the captains over hundreds

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders and captains led. Alternate translation: "the commanders over 1,000 soldiers and the captains over 100 soldiers" or 2) the words translated as "thousands" and "hundreds" do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: "the commanders over large military divisions and the captains over smaller military divisions" See how you translated a similar phrase in [Numbers 31:14]

Numbers 31:49

Your servants have counted

The commanders refer to themselves as "your servants." This is a polite way to speak to someone with greater authority.

not one man is missing

This can be stated in a positive statement. "we know for certain that every man is here"

Numbers 31:50

General Information:

The officers of the army continue speaking to Moses.

armlets and bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and necklaces

These are all types of jewelry that people wore.

to make atonement for ourselves before Yahweh

"to thank God for saving our lives"

Numbers 31:51

the gold—all the articles of craftsmanship

"all the articles of gold" or "all the golden jewelry"

Numbers 31:52

All the gold of the contribution that they gave to Yahweh—the offerings from the commanders of thousands and from the captains of hundreds—weighed

"All the gold of the contribution that the commanders of thousands and the captains of hundreds gave to Yahweh weighed"

from the commanders of thousands and from the captains of hundreds

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders and captains led. Alternate translation: "from the commanders of 1,000 soldiers and from the captains of 100 soldiers" or 2) the words translated as "thousands" and "hundreds" do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: "from the commanders of large military divisions and from the captains of smaller military divisions" See how you translated a similar phrase in [Numbers 31:14]

16,750

"sixteen thousand, seven hundred and fifty"

shekels

A shekel is 11 grams.

Numbers 31:53

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Numbers 31:54

as a reminder of the people of Israel for Yahweh

The gold will remind the people that Yahweh gave them victory. It will also remind Yahweh that the people fulfilled his revenge on the Midianites.

Chapter 32

Numbers 32 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Reuben and Gad's inheritance

Reuben and Gad were given the land conquered east of the Jordan River. This land had good pastures, and suited these tribes because they had many sheep, goats and cattle. They had not yet entered into the Promised Land, and it would have been sinful to not fight with the rest of Israel. So they promised to enter the land to fight with the other tribes, and then return to their own land. (See: sin and promisedland and promise)

Numbers 32:1

Now

This word is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here Moses tells background information about the tribes of Reuben and Gad.

Numbers 32:2

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Numbers 32:3

Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon

These are names of cities.

Numbers 32:4

General Information:

The people from Reuben and Gad continue speaking to Moses, Eleazar, and the other leaders.

the lands that Yahweh attacked before the community of Israel

Yahweh enabling the Israelites to conquer the people who lived in the land is spoken of as if Yahweh went before the Israelites and attacked the people. Alternate translation: "the lands where Yahweh enabled us to defeat the people living there"

We, your servants

The people of the tribes of Reuben and Gad refer to themselves in this way to show respect to a person of higher authority.

Numbers 32:5

If we have found favor in your eyes

Here "found favor" is an idiom that means be approved of or that the leaders are pleased with them. Here "eyes" are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: "If we have found favor with you" or "If you are pleased with us"

let this land be given to us

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "give this land to us"

Do not make us cross over the Jordan

They wanted the land on the east side of the Jordan River instead of crossing over to the west side and claiming land there. Alternate translation: "Do not make us cross over the Jordan to take possession of land on that side"

Numbers 32:6

Should your brothers go to war while you settle down here?

Moses asks this question to rebuke the people from the tribes of Gad and Reuben. Alternate translation: "It is wrong for you to settle down in this land while your brothers go to war."

Numbers 32:7

Why discourage the hearts ... the land that Yahweh has given them?

Moses asks this question to correct the people from the tribes of Gad and Reuben. Alternate translation: "Do not discourage the hearts ... the land that Yahweh has given them." or "Your actions would discourage the hearts ... the land that Yahweh has given them."

discourage the hearts of the people of Israel from going

Here the word "hearts" represents the people themselves and refers to the seat of their emotions. Alternate translation: "discourage the people of Israel from going" or "cause the people of Israel to not want to go"

Numbers 32:8

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Reuben and Gad.

Numbers 32:9

Valley of Eshkol

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in [Numbers 13:23]

They saw the land

This refers to seeing what was in the land. Alternate translation: "They saw the strong people and cities in the land"

discouraged the hearts of the people of Israel

Here the word "hearts" represents the people themselves and refers to the seat of their emotions. See how you translated this in [Numbers 32:7]

Numbers 32:10

Yahweh's anger was kindled

Yahweh becoming angry is spoken of as if his anger was a fire that begins to burn. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh became very angry"

Numbers 32:11

none of the men

"none of the people." This phrase refers to both men and women.

twenty years old and up

"20 years old or older"

completely followed me

Being devoted to Yahweh and obeying him are spoken of as if they were following Yahweh. Alternate translation: "completely obeyed me" or "been completely devoted to me"

Numbers 32:12

Jephunneh ... Nun

These are names of men.

Kenizzite

This is the name of a people group.

Only Caleb and Joshua have completely followed me

This is a positive statement of the words "because they have not completely followed me, except for Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, and Joshua son of Nun," which begin in Numbers 32:11.

Numbers 32:13

Yahweh's anger was kindled against Israel

Yahweh becoming angry is spoken of as if his anger was a fire that begins to burn. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh became very angry with Israel"

forty years

"40 years"

all the generation ... sight was destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he destroyed all the generation ... sight" or "all the generation ... sight had died"

who had done evil in his sight

Being in someone's sight means to be in front of that person where he can see. Alternate translation: "who had done evil before Yahweh" or "who had done evil in Yahweh's presence"

Numbers 32:14

you have risen up in your fathers' place

The people of Reuben and Gad acting like their ancestors did is spoken of as if they were standing in the place where their ancestors did. Alternate translation: "you have begun to act just like your ancestors"

to add to Yahweh's burning anger toward Israel

The people causing Yahweh to become angrier is spoken of as if his anger was a fire and the people are adding more fuel to that fire. Alternate translation: "to cause Yahweh to be even more angry with Israel"

Numbers 32:15

all this people

"this entire people" or "all this generation of people"

Numbers 32:16

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Numbers 32:17

will be ready and armed

"will be ready with weapons" or "will be ready to fight a war"

in the fortified cities

"in the secured cities"

Numbers 32:18

General Information:

The leaders of Gad and Reuben continue speaking.

has obtained his inheritance

The land that the people were to receive as a permanent possession is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they were to obtain. Alternate translation: "has taken possession of his portion of the land"

Numbers 32:19

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Numbers 32:20

if you arm yourselves

"if you take your weapons"

before Yahweh

This means Yahweh will go with them to battle and enable them to defeat their enemy and take their land. Alternate translation: "in the presence of Yahweh"

Numbers 32:21

until he has driven out his enemies from before him

"until Yahweh has driven out his enemies from his presence." The pronouns here all refer to Yahweh. Yahweh enabling the Israelites to defeat their enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh were fighting their battles. Alternate translation: "until Yahweh has enabled your soldiers to defeat the enemy and force them away from his presence"

Numbers 32:22

the land is subdued before him

Here the word "land" refers to the people who live there. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "in his presence the Israelites have subdued the people who live in the land"

you may return

It is implied that they will return to the east side of the Jordan. Alternate translation: "you may return to this land on the east side of the Jordan"

You will be guiltless toward Yahweh and toward Israel

Possible meanings are 1) "You will have fulfilled your obligation to Yahweh and to Israel" or 2) "There will be nothing for which Yahweh or the people of Israel can blame you."

Numbers 32:23

Be sure that your sin will find you out

Moses speaks of sin as if it were a person who will condemn the guilty person. This means that the people cannot escape the punishment that their sin deserves. Alternate translation: "Know for sure that Yahweh will punish you for your sin"

Numbers 32:24

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Numbers 32:25

Your servants

The people of Gad and Reuben refer to themselves as "your servants." This is a polite way of speaking to someone with greater authority.

Numbers 32:26

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Numbers 32:27

will cross over

You can make it clear that they will cross over the Jordan. Alternate translation: "will cross over the Jordan River"

every man who is armed for war

"every man prepared for war"

as our master says

The men speak of Moses in the third person to show great respect. Alternate translation: "as you, our master, say" or "as you say, Master"

Numbers 32:28

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Numbers 32:29

every man who is armed

"every man who is ready with his weapon"

if the land is subdued before you

Here the word "land" refers to the people who live there. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if Yahweh subdues before you the people living in the land" or "if they help you subdue the people living in the land"

Numbers 32:30

then they will acquire their possessions among you in the land of Canaan

"then the descendants of Gad and Reuben will receive land with you in Canaan"

Numbers 32:31

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Numbers 32:32

We will cross over armed

You can make it clear that they will cross the Jordan. Alternate translation: "We will cross over the Jordan ready to fight"

our possessed inheritance

The land that the people were to receive as a permanent possession is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they were to obtain. Alternate translation: "the portion of land that we will possess"

will remain with us

This idiom refers to ownership. Alternate translation: "will be ours"

Numbers 32:33

Sihon ... Og

These are names of kings who ruled two separate kingdoms.

Numbers 32:34

Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer

These are names of cities.

Numbers 32:35

Atroth Shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah

These are names of cities.

Numbers 32:36

Beth Nimrah, and Beth Haran

These are names of cities.

Numbers 32:37

Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim

These are names of cities.

Numbers 32:38

Nebo, Baal Meon ... Sibmah

These are names of cities.

their names were later changed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "people later changed the names of these cities"

Numbers 32:39

Makir

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in Numbers 26:29.

Numbers 32:40

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Numbers 32:41

Jair

This is the name of a man.

Havvoth Jair

This is the name of a city.

Numbers 32:42

Nobah

This is the name of a man.

Kenath

This is the name of a city.

Chapter 33

Numbers 33 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a summary of Israel's exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land, including their wandering through the desert. The phrase "they set out" means "they left."

Numbers 33:1

by their armed groups

"by their military divisions." This means that each tribe had their own men, who were armed, to protect them. See how you translated "armed groups" in Numbers 1:3.

Numbers 33:2

as commanded by Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"

departure after departure

"from one place to another place"

Numbers 33:3

General Information:

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.

during the first month, leaving on the fifteenth day of the first month

Here "first" is the ordinal number one and "fifteenth" is the ordinal number fifteen. This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars.

the people of Israel left openly, in the sight of all the Egyptians

"the Israelites left in plain view of the Egyptians"

Numbers 33:4

their firstborn

This refers to the firstborn sons. Alternate translation: "their firstborn sons"

he also made judgments against their gods

Yahweh proving that he is more powerful than all of the false gods that the Egyptians worshiped is spoken of as if Yahweh judged or punished those false gods. Alternate translation: "he also proved that he is greater than their gods"

Numbers 33:5

General Information:

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.

set out from

"departed from"

Numbers 33:6

on the edge of the wilderness

"on the border of the wilderness"

Numbers 33:7

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Numbers 33:8

General Information:

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.

passed through the middle of the sea

This refers to when Yahweh divided the Red Sea so that the Israelites could escape from the Egyptian army.

Numbers 33:9

twelve springs ... seventy palm trees

"12 springs ... 70 palm trees"

Numbers 33:10

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Numbers 33:11

General Information:

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.

Numbers 33:12

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Numbers 33:13

General Information:

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Numbers 33:14

where no water was found for the people to drink

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where the people could not find water to drink"

Numbers 33:15

General Information:

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.

Numbers 33:16

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Numbers 33:17

General Information:

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Numbers 33:18

General Information:

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Numbers 33:19

General Information:

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.

Numbers 33:20

General Information:

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Numbers 33:21

General Information:

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Numbers 33:22

General Information:

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Numbers 33:23

General Information:

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.

Numbers 33:24

General Information:

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Numbers 33:25

General Information:

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Numbers 33:26

General Information:

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Numbers 33:27

General Information:

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.

Numbers 33:28

General Information:

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Numbers 33:29

General Information:

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Numbers 33:30

General Information:

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Numbers 33:31

General Information:

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.

Numbers 33:32

General Information:

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Numbers 33:33

General Information:

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Numbers 33:34

General Information:

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Numbers 33:35

General Information:

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.

Numbers 33:36

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Numbers 33:37

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Numbers 33:38

in the fortieth year after

Here "fortieth" is the ordinal number for forty. Alternate translation: "40 years after"

in the fifth month, on the first day of the month

This "fifth" is the ordinal number for five. This "first" is the ordinal number for one. This is the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of July on Western calendars.

Numbers 33:39

123 years old

"one hundred and twenty-three years old"

Numbers 33:40

The Canaanite, the king of Arad

"The Canaanite king of Arad"

Arad

This was the name of a Canaanite city.

heard of the coming of the people of Israel

"heard that the people of Israel were coming"

Numbers 33:41

General Information:

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.

Numbers 33:42

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Numbers 33:43

General Information:

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Numbers 33:44

General Information:

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.

Numbers 33:45

General Information:

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Numbers 33:46

General Information:

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Numbers 33:47

General Information:

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.

Numbers 33:48

plains

a large area of flat land

Numbers 33:49

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Numbers 33:50

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Numbers 33:51

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Numbers 33:52

demolish all their high places

"destroy all of their high places"

Numbers 33:53

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Numbers 33:54

inherit the land

The Israelites claiming the land as their permanent possession is spoken of as if they were inheriting the land.

Wherever the lot falls to each clan, that land will belong to it

"Each clan will receive the land according to how the lot falls"

Numbers 33:55

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

like objects in your eyes and thorns in your sides

Just like a small object in a person's eye or a small thorn that sticks into a person skin can cause great irritation, so even a small portion of the Canaanites, if left in the land, would cause great trouble for the Israelites.

Numbers 33:56

General Information:

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Chapter 34

Numbers 34 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines in 34:19-28 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are long lists.

Special concepts in this chapter

The boundaries

Moses told them all of the land they would inherit and live in and said that they should divide it up by casting lots. (See: inherit)

Numbers 34:1

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Numbers 34:2

General Information:

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Numbers 34:3

wilderness of Zin

See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 33:12.

Numbers 34:4

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where the borders are for the land that he is giving to the Israelites.

Numbers 34:5

General Information:

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Numbers 34:6

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where the borders are for the land that he is giving to the Israelites.

Numbers 34:7

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where the borders are for the land that he is giving to the Israelites.

Mount Hor

See how you translated this name in Numbers 20:22.

Numbers 34:8

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Numbers 34:9

General Information:

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Numbers 34:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses where the borders are for the land that he is giving to the Israelites.

Numbers 34:11

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Numbers 34:12

General Information:

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Numbers 34:13

to the nine tribes and to the half tribe

This means the remaining tribes of Israel who will live on the west side of the Jordan River in the land of Canaan. The tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh had already received their land on the east side of the Jordan River.

Numbers 34:14

following the assignment of property to their ancestor's tribe

"according to how Yahweh assigned the property to their ancestor's tribe"

Numbers 34:15

The two tribes and the half tribe

"The tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh"

Numbers 34:16

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Numbers 34:17

divide the land for your inheritance

Here "your" is plural and refers to the people of Israel. These men will cast lots to divide the land. Then they will distribute it to the tribes.

Numbers 34:18

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Numbers 34:19

General Information:

This is the list of men who will help divide the land among the tribes.

Numbers 34:20

General Information:

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Numbers 34:21

General Information:

This continues the list of men who will help divide the land among the tribes.

Numbers 34:22

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Numbers 34:23

General Information:

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Numbers 34:24

General Information:

This continues the list of men who will help divide the land among the tribes.

Numbers 34:25

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Numbers 34:26

General Information:

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Numbers 34:27

General Information:

This concludes the list of men who will help divide the land among the tribes.

Numbers 34:28

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Numbers 34:29

General Information:

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Chapter 35

Numbers 35 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the material from the previous chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Revenge

Yahweh told Moses to establish safe places for people who accidentally killed other people. This prevented revenge killings. Justice is an important concept in this chapter. (See: avenge and justice)

Numbers 35:1

plains

a large area of flat land

Numbers 35:2

give some of their own shares of the inheritance that they possess to the Levites

Yahweh did not give the Levites their own land, so they had to live in cities that belonged to other tribes.

pastureland

an area of land where animals feed on grass

Numbers 35:3

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Numbers 35:4

one thousand cubits

"1,000 cubits." A cubit is about 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "460 meters"

Numbers 35:5

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

two thousand cubits

"2,000 cubits." A cubit is about 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "920 meters"

Numbers 35:6

a person who has killed someone

This refers to people who have killed someone, but it had not yet been determined whether they killed the person intentionally or accidentally.

forty-two

"42"

Numbers 35:7

forty-eight

"48"

Numbers 35:8

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Numbers 35:9

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Numbers 35:10

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Numbers 35:11

unintentionally

accidentally or without wanting to or trying to

Numbers 35:12

the avenger

This refers to a close relative that seeks vengeance by killing the accused man.

so that the killer will not die without first standing trial before the community

The phrase "the killer" indicates that the community knows who killed the man who died. The question they are deciding is if the killer committed murder or if he killed by accident.

Numbers 35:13

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Numbers 35:14

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Numbers 35:15

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Numbers 35:16

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

He must certainly be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must certainly execute him"

Numbers 35:17

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Numbers 35:18

General Information:

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Numbers 35:19

The avenger of blood

Here the word "blood" is a metonym for the murder. Alternate translation: "The one who avenges the murder" or "The relative seeking vengeance"

Numbers 35:20

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Numbers 35:21

the accused who struck him must surely be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the relative must certainly execute the accused man" or "the accused man must die"

Numbers 35:22

without premeditated hate

"without planning it out of hate ahead of time"

without lying in wait

Someone intentionally seeking a way to harm another person is spoken of as if someone were hiding in order to ambush that other person. Alternate translation: "without intentionally having tried to harm the victim"

Numbers 35:23

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Numbers 35:24

the avenger of blood

Here the word "blood" is a metonym for the murder. See how you translated this phrase in [Numbers 35:19]

Numbers 35:25

The community must rescue the killer from the power of the avenger of blood

This means if the community judges that the death was an accident, then they must save the accused man from the relative who wants to kill him.

the one who was anointed with the holy oil

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one you anointed with holy oil"

Numbers 35:26

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Numbers 35:27

the avenger of blood

Here the word "blood" is a metonym for the murder. See how you translated these words in [Numbers 35:19]

Numbers 35:28

General Information:

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Numbers 35:29

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

through all your people's generations

"and all of your descendants who will live after you"

Numbers 35:30

the murderer must be killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone must execute the murderer"

as testified to by the words of witnesses

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "according to the testimony of witnesses" or "as witnesses testify to the murder"

But one witness' word alone may not cause any person to be put to death

The testimony of one witness is not enough to execute a person for murder. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But the word of only one witness is not enough for you to execute a person"

Numbers 35:31

He must certainly be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must execute him"

Numbers 35:32

You must not ... allow him to reside on his own property

This implied that the man would have left the city of refuge and returned home. Alternate translation: "You must not ... allow him to leave the city of refuge and return home to live on his own property"

in this way

"by accepting a ransom"

Numbers 35:33

Do not pollute in this way the land where you live, because blood from murder pollutes the land

Making the land unacceptable to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were physically polluting the land. Alternate translation: "Do not make the land where you live unacceptable to me in this way, because blood from murder makes the land unacceptable to me"

in this way

This means by disobeying the laws concerning a person who kills someone.

No atonement can be made for the land when blood has been shed on it, except by the blood of the one who shed it

This double negative emphasizes that the blood of the one who sheds blood is the only thing that can make atonement for the land. Alternate translation: "The only atonement that can be made for the land when blood has been shed on it is the blood of the one who shed it"

when blood has been shed

This refers to when a person intentionally kills another person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when someone has shed blood" or "when someone has intentionally killed another person"

Numbers 35:34

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Chapter 36

Numbers 36 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Female heirs

Women who inherited land from their father must marry men from their tribe so the inheritance does not leave the tribe. (See: inherit)

Numbers 36:1

Makir

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this man's name in [Numbers 26:29]

Numbers 36:2

You were commanded by Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh commanded you"

Zelophehad

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this man's name in [Numbers 26:33]

Numbers 36:3

will be removed from our ancestor's share

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will no longer belong to our ancestor's share"

It will be added

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It will belong to"

it will be removed from the assigned share of our inheritance

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it will no longer be a part of our inheritance"

Numbers 36:4

the year of Jubilee of the people

This refers to a celebration which happens once every fifty years. In this celebration, all land that someone sold or traded must return to the original owner.

their possession will be joined

This can be stated without the passive verb. Alternate translation: "their possession will belong"

their possession will be taken away from the possession of our ancestors' tribe

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they will take our tribe's share of the land"

Numbers 36:5

at Yahweh's word

"according to what Yahweh said"

Numbers 36:6

Let them be married to whom they think best

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let them marry whom they want"

they must marry only within the clan of the tribe of their father

"but they may only marry someone from their father's tribal clan"

Numbers 36:7

No possession

The word "possession" represents the portion of land that each tribe received as an inheritance. Alternate translation: "No portion of the land"

Numbers 36:8

who has a possession in her tribe

"who owns a share of land in her tribe"

may own an inheritance

The land that each clan possesses is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received.

Numbers 36:9

No share may change hands from one tribe to another

Transferring ownership from one tribe to another is spoken of as if the property passed from one person's hands to another person's hands. Alternate translation: "No one may transfer the ownership of any share of land from one tribe to another"

Numbers 36:10

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Numbers 36:11

Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milkah, and Noah

See how you translated these women's names in [Numbers 26:33]

Numbers 36:12

their inheritances

The land that each of Zelophehad's daughters possessed is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received. Alternate translation: "the lands that they received as an inheritance"

Numbers 36:13

plains

a large area of flat land

Book: Deuteronomy

Chapter 1

Deuteronomy 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter forms a continuation with the last chapter of the book of Numbers.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's victory

The chapter explains that Israel's conquering of the Promised Land will be done by Yahweh. They are not to fear the people of Canaan but be obedient to Yahweh. Yahweh is bringing about his judgement upon the people of Canaan. (See: promisedland and judge)

Possessing the land

While the Promised Land belongs to Israel, they do not possess the land. Possessing the land is an important theme. Posessing the land depended on Israel's faithfulness. (See: faithful)

Deuteronomy 1:1

beyond the Jordan

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he spoke to the Israelites. Alternate translation: "east of the Jordan"

Suph ... Paran ... Tophel ... Laban ... Hazeroth ... Dizahab

These are the names of places.

Deuteronomy 1:2

It is eleven days' journey from Horeb ... to Kadesh Barnea

"It takes eleven days to walk from Horeb ... to Kadesh Barnea"

Mount Seir

This is a mountainous area south of the Dead Sea. The area is also called "Edom."

eleven

"11"

Deuteronomy 1:3

It happened in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spoke

The ordinal numbers can be translated as cardinal numbers. Alternate translation: "They had lived in the wilderness for 40 years, 11 months, and 1 day, when Moses spoke"

fortieth

40th

in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month

This is the eleventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of January on Western calendars.

eleventh

11th

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

Deuteronomy 1:4

Yahweh had attacked

"Yahweh had enabled the Israelites to defeat"

Sihon ... Og

These are names of kings.

Heshbon ... Ashtaroth at Edrei

These are names of cities.

Deuteronomy 1:5

Beyond the Jordan

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he said this. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 1:1. Alternate translation: "East of the Jordan River"

Deuteronomy 1:6

spoke to us

The word "us" refers to Moses and the other people of Israel.

You have lived long enough in this hill country

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "You do not need to stay near this mountain any longer"

Deuteronomy 1:7

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what Yahweh said to them.

Turn and take your journey

The word "turn" is an idiom for beginning action. Alternate translation: "Start again on your journey"

hill country ... Euphrates

Yahweh is describing places in the land that he has promised to give to the Israelites.

hill country

This is an area in the hills near the place where the Amorites lived.

lowlands

an area of land that is low and flat

Deuteronomy 1:8

Look

"Pay attention to what I am about to say"

I have set the land before you

"I am now giving this land to you"

that Yahweh swore

Yahweh is speaking as if he were another person. Alternate translation: "that I, Yahweh, swore"

fathers

The word "fathers" is a synecdoche for all ancestors. Alternate translation: "ancestors"

Deuteronomy 1:9

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what Yahweh said to them.

I spoke to you at that time

Here "I" refers to Moses. The phrase "at that time" refers to when the Israelites were at Horeb, which is the same as Mount Sinai. Alternate translation: "When we were at Horeb, I spoke to you"

I am not able to carry you myself alone

Here "to carry you" means "to lead you" or "to govern you." Alternate translation: "It is too much for me to lead you by myself"

Deuteronomy 1:10

as the multitude of the stars of heaven

This is an exaggeration that means God has greatly increased the number of Israelites. Alternate translation: "a great crowd of many people"

Deuteronomy 1:11

a thousand times

The phrase "a thousand" is a metaphor for "very many." Alternate translation: "very many times"

a thousand

1000

Deuteronomy 1:12

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

But how can I myself alone carry your loads, your burdens, and your disputes?

Moses uses a question to emphasize that he cannot solve all of their problems by himself. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I cannot carry your loads, your burdens, and your disputes by myself."

carry your loads, your burdens

Moses speaks as if the people's problems and complaints that he needed to take care of were heavy physical objects that he had been carrying. Alternate translation: "take care of your problems, your complaints"

your disputes

"your arguments" or "your disagreements"

Deuteronomy 1:13

men of good repute from each tribe

"men from each tribe whom the people of Israel respect"

Deuteronomy 1:14

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Deuteronomy 1:15

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

men of good repute

"men whom your people respected." See how this is translated in Deuteronomy 1:13.

of thousands ... of hundreds ... of fifties ... of tens

"of groups of 1,000 ... of groups of 100 ... of groups of 50 ... and groups of 10"

captains ... officers

These are titles for different leaders in Israel's government.

tribe by tribe

"from each of your tribes"

Deuteronomy 1:16

judge righteously between a man and his brother

"make right and fair decisions about the disputes Israelites have with each other"

Deuteronomy 1:17

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the judges, so the commands are plural.

You will not show partiality

"Do not show partiality"

you will hear the small and the great alike

These two extremes "small" and "great" represent all people. Alternate translation: "you will treat all people alike"

You will not be afraid of the face of man

The word "face" is a metonym for the whole person. "You will not" is a command. "Do not be afraid of anyone"

Deuteronomy 1:18

at that time

This means the time when they were at Horeb, at Mount Sinai.

Deuteronomy 1:19

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

terrible wilderness that you saw

"large and dangerous desert that you crossed through"

Deuteronomy 1:20

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Deuteronomy 1:21

Look ... your God ... before you; go up, take possession ... your fathers ... to you; do not be afraid, neither be discouraged

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as if he were speaking to one man, so these forms should be singular, not plural.

has set the land before you

"is now giving this land to you." See how this is translated in Deuteronomy 1:8.

Deuteronomy 1:22

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Deuteronomy 1:23

twelve men

"12 men"

Deuteronomy 1:24

They turned and went

Turning is an idiom for beginning to obey a command. Alternate translation: "They left that place and went"

Valley of Eshkol

This is a valley in the Hebron region, which is south of Jerusalem.

scouted it

"looked for places they could attack"

Deuteronomy 1:25

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

They took

"The 12 men took"

took some of the produce of the land in their hands

"picked some of the produce of the land"

brought us word and said

The speaker speaks as if a "word" were a physical object that someone could bring. Alternate translation: "told us"

said, 'It is a good land that Yahweh our God is giving to us.'

The direct quotation can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "said that the land that Yahweh our God was giving to us was good"

Deuteronomy 1:26

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Yet you refused to attack

God commanded the Israelites to attack and destroy the Amorites, but the Israelites were afraid and refused to fight them.

Deuteronomy 1:27

into the hand of the Amorites

Here "into the hand" means to give the Amorites power over them. Alternate translation: "into the power of the Amorites"

Deuteronomy 1:28

Where can we go now?

Here this question emphasizes how afraid they were. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "We have nowhere to go."

made our heart to melt

This means that they became afraid. Alternate translation: "made us very afraid"

are fortified up to the heavens

This is an exaggeration that emphasizes how frightened the people were because the cities were so large and strong. Alternate translation: "have walls so high it is like they reach up to the heavens"

sons of the Anakim

These are descendants of the Anak people who were very large and fierce.

Deuteronomy 1:29

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

I said to you

"I said to your ancestors"

Deuteronomy 1:30

before your eyes

Here the people are represented by their "eyes" to emphasize what they saw. Alternate translation: "which you yourselves saw"

Deuteronomy 1:31

you have seen ... Yahweh your God carried you ... you went ... you came

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.

Yahweh your God carried you, as a man carries his son

Here Yahweh's care for his people is compared to that of a father. Alternate translation: "Yahweh your God has taken care of you, like a father takes care of his son"

until you came to this place

"until you came to this land that God promised to give you"

Deuteronomy 1:32

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Deuteronomy 1:33

make camp

"put up your tents"

Deuteronomy 1:34

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what Yahweh said to them.

heard the sound of your words

"heard what you were saying"

he swore and said

God made a vow not to allow those who rebelled against him to enter the land he promised to give them.

Deuteronomy 1:35

will see

"will enter"

Deuteronomy 1:36

Jephunneh

This is the name of Caleb's father.

he wholly followed Yahweh

Yahweh speaks as if he were someone else. Alternate translation: "he has completely obeyed me"

Deuteronomy 1:37

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Yahweh was angry with me because of you

This refers to when Moses disobeyed what Yahweh told him to do because Moses was angry with the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 1:38

Nun

This is the name of Joshua's father.

who stands before you

Why Joshua stands before Moses can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "who stands before you as your servant" or "who helps you"

Deuteronomy 1:39

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Deuteronomy 1:40

turn and take your journey

"turn around and go back on the road you have come on"

Deuteronomy 1:41

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

sinned against Yahweh

"we have rebelled against Yahweh by disobeying him"

we will follow

"we will obey"

to attack the hill country

Here the metonym "hill country" represents the people that live there. Alternate translation: "to attack the people who live in the hill country"

Deuteronomy 1:42

for I will not be with you, and you will be defeated by your enemies

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "your enemies will defeat you because I will not be with you"

Deuteronomy 1:43

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

attacked the hill country

The metonym "hill country" stands for the people who live there. Alternate translation: "attacked the people who live in the hill country"

Deuteronomy 1:44

chased you like bees

A "bee" is a small, flying insect that flies in large groups and stings people who threaten them. This means that so many Amorites attacked the Israelite soldiers that they had to leave the battle.

Seir

This is the name of a piece of land.

Hormah

This is the name of a city.

crushed you

"killed many of your soldiers"

Deuteronomy 1:45

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

returned and wept

"returned to Kadesh and wept"

Deuteronomy 1:46

General Information:

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Chapter 2

Deuteronomy 2 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant faithfulness

Yahweh is faithful to the covenant he made with Abraham. He is also faithful to the promises he made with Esau and Lot. Because of this, Israel was given specific land it was able to conquer in Canaan. (See: covenantfaith, faithful and covenant and promise)

Deuteronomy 2:1

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Then we turned and took our journey

"Then we turned around and went"

we went around Mount Seir for many days

Possible meanings are 1) the Israelites traveled around the mountain called Seir for a very long time or 2) the Israelites wandered in a region called Mount Seir for a very long time.

Mount Seir

This is a mountainous area south of the Dead Sea. The area is also called "Edom." See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 1:2]

many days

Some languages translate this as "many nights."

Deuteronomy 2:2

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 2:3

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 2:4

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

of your brothers, the descendants of Esau

"of your relatives, the descendants of Esau"

Deuteronomy 2:5

I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession

Yahweh is reminding the Israelites that he has given this territory to the descendants of Esau.

Deuteronomy 2:6

General Information:

Moses continues to instruct Israel in how they are to treat the descendants of Esau.

You will purchase food from them

Yahweh is giving them permission or instruction, not a command, and he is telling them not to steal. "I permit you to purchase food from them" or "If you need food, you are to purchase it from them"

from them

"from Esau's descendants"

for money

If these words are not needed or make the translation unclear, you may omit them.

Deuteronomy 2:7

your God has blessed you ... your hand ... your walking ... your God ... with you, and you have lacked

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.

you in all the work of your hand

The "work of your hand" refers to all the work they had done. Alternate translation: "all of your work"

he has known your walking

Here what happened to the people while they were walking is spoken of as their "walking."

forty years

"40 years"

you have lacked nothing

This is a litotes for "you have had everything you needed."

Deuteronomy 2:8

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

by our brothers

"by our relatives"

Elath ... Ezion Geber

These are names of cities.

we turned

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "we kept going"

Deuteronomy 2:9

General Information:

This is the end of a part of Moses's speech reminding the Israelites of how Yahweh guided them in the wilderness.

Do not trouble Moab

The word "Moab" represents the people of Moab. Alternate translation: "Do not trouble the people of Moab"

Ar

This is the name of a city in Moab.

the descendants of Lot

The people of Israel were related to the descendants of Moab. Moab was the son of Lot. Lot was the nephew of Abraham.

Deuteronomy 2:10

General Information:

The writer begins to give background information about the people of the land. These words are not part of Moses's speech to the Israelites.

The Emites lived

These words give background information about the Emite people, who had lived in the land before the Moabites. Your language may have a special way to mark background information.

Emites

This is the name of a people group that were considered giants.

Anakim

These are descendants of the Anak people who were very large and fierce. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:28.

Deuteronomy 2:11

General Information:

This continues the background information about the different people groups that had lived in the land. .

Rephaim

This is the name of a people group that were considered giants.

Deuteronomy 2:12

General Information:

This continues the background information about the different people groups that had lived in the land. .

Horites

This is the name of a people group.

destroyed them from before them

"killed all of them so none of them were left living with them" or "removed them from their presence by killing all of them"

Deuteronomy 2:13

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the Israelites of what had happened to them in the wilderness.

'Now rise up ... Zered.' So

"'Then Yahweh said, "Now rise up ... Zered.' So." This can be translated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "Then Yahweh told us to rise up ... Zered. So"

rise up

begin to do something

the brook Zered

This stream flows into the Dead Sea from the southeast and creates the border between Edom and Moab.

Deuteronomy 2:14

Now the days

The word "now" marks a change from the story to background information about how long the people of Israel traveled and about God's anger towards that generation. If your language has a way of showing that what follows is background information, you should use it here.

thirty-eight years

"38 years"

were gone from the people

This is a polite way of saying "had died."

Deuteronomy 2:15

the hand of Yahweh was against

Here "the hand of Yahweh" refers to Yahweh's power. Alternate translation: "Yahweh used his power against" or "Yahweh punished"

Deuteronomy 2:16

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel of what happened in the past.

Deuteronomy 2:17

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 2:18

You are

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" is singular.

Ar

This is the name of a city in Moab. See how you translated it in [Deuteronomy 2:9]

Deuteronomy 2:19

do not trouble ... will not give you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the command and the word "you" are singular.

to the descendants of Lot

The people of Israel were related to the descendants of Ammon. Ammon was the son of Lot. Lot was the nephew of Abraham.

Deuteronomy 2:20

General Information:

These verses begin to give background information about the people groups who lived in the land. If your language has a way of showing that what follows is background information, you should use it here.

That also is considered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People also consider that"

Rephaim

This is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 2:11]

Deuteronomy 2:21

Anakim

This is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 1:28]

destroyed them before the Ammonites

"allowed the Ammonites to defeat them" or "allowed the Ammonites to kill them all"

they succeeded them and lived in their place

"the Ammonites took over everything the Rephaim had owned and have lived where the Rephaim had lived"

Deuteronomy 2:22

Horites

This is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 2:12]

succeeded them and have lived in their place

"took over everything the Horites had owned and have lived where the Horites had lived"

Deuteronomy 2:23

General Information:

The writer finishes describing how God enabled Esau to conquer the land Esau is now inhabiting.

Avvites ... Caphtorim

These are names of people groups.

Caphtor

This is the name of a place. It may be another name for the island of Crete located in the Mediterranean Sea.

destroyed them

"destroyed the Avvim"

settled in their place

"lived where the Avvim had lived"

Deuteronomy 2:24

General Information:

The writer has finished giving background information and is now again telling what Moses said to the Israelites.

Now rise up

Yahweh is telling Moses what the people should do. "Now get up" or "Now go."

go on your journey

"continue your journey"

Valley of the Arnon

This is the name of the valley of the Arnon River. It creates the border between Moab and the Amorites.

I have given into your hand

The metonym "into your hand" means "into your control or power." Alternate translation: "I have given you the power to defeat"

your hand ... Begin to possess it ... fight

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "your" and the commands "begin to possess" and "fight" are singular.

Sihon

This is the name of a king. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:4.

Heshbon

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:4.

fight with him

"fight against him and his army"

Deuteronomy 2:25

terror of you ... report about you ... because of you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" are singular.

put the fear and terror

The words "fear" and "terror" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the fear is intense. Alternate translation: "put a terrible fear"

peoples that are under the whole sky

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "peoples in every land"

tremble and be in anguish

This is hendiadys and emphasizes that the people will "tremble in anguish."

Deuteronomy 2:26

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

I sent

Here "I" refers to Moses.

wilderness of Kedemoth

This is the name of a place near the valley of Arnon.

Sihon ... Heshbon

These are the names of a man and a place. See how you translated them in Deuteronomy 1:4.

with words of peace

"with my offer of peace" or "with a message from me asking for peace"

Deuteronomy 2:27

I will turn neither to the right hand nor to the left

This phrase emphasizes that they will always go in the same direction. It can be stated in positive form. "I will not change direction" or "I will always stay on the path"

Deuteronomy 2:28

General Information:

This continues Moses's message to King Sihon.

You will sell me food for money, so that I may eat; give me water for money, so that I may drink

Moses tells Sihon that the Israelites will not steal from the Amorites and requests that Sihon and his people sell food and water to the Israelites; he is not giving a command. Alternate translation: "I expect to have to pay for food so I can eat and to pay for water so I can drink"

sell me ... I may eat ... give me ... I may drink

Moses is referring to the people of Israel as if they were Moses himself. Alternate translation: "sell to me and my people ... we may eat ... give us ... we may drink"

only let me pass through on my feet

"only let us walk through your land"

Deuteronomy 2:29

Ar

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 2:9]

Deuteronomy 2:30

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of what happened in the past.

Sihon ... Heshbon

These are the names of a man and a place. See how you translated them in [Deuteronomy 1:4]

your God ... your might

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of "your" are singular.

hardened his mind and made his heart obstinate

Both of these phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh "caused him to become very stubborn."

obstinate

refusing to change opinion or behavior

Deuteronomy 2:31

to deliver up Sihon and his land before you

"to give Sihon and his land over to you"

begin to possess it, in order that you may inherit his land

"take possession of his land, so that you may inherit it"

Deuteronomy 2:32

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

Sihon

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 1:4]

Jahaz

This is the name of a city in Moab

Deuteronomy 2:33

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Deuteronomy 2:34

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people about what happened in the past.

We took all his cities

"We captured all of King Sihon's cities"

Deuteronomy 2:35

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Deuteronomy 2:36

Aroer

This is the name of a city on the north bank of the Arnon River.

Valley of the Arnon

"Arnon" is the name of a river. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:24.

there was not a city too high for us

This negative statement is used to emphasize their success in battle. This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "we were able to defeat the people of every city even if the city had high walls around it"

Deuteronomy 2:37

you did not go

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so "you" is singular.

Jabbok River

This is the name of a river that created the border between Sihon's land and the land of the Ammonites.

Chapter 3

Deuteronomy 3 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Victories

The victories recorded in this chapter occurred on the east side of the Jordan River. This was not part of the Promised Land, which was on the west side of the Jordan River. (See: promisedland)

Deuteronomy 3:1

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel of what happened in the past.

Og

This is the name of a king. See how you translated it in [Deuteronomy 1:4]

Edrei

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in [Deuteronomy 1:4]

Deuteronomy 3:2

Sihon

This is the name of a king. See how you translated it in [Deuteronomy 1:4]

Heshbon

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in [Deuteronomy 1:4]

Yahweh said to me, 'Do not fear him; ... given you ... under your control ... You will do ... as you did ... at Heshbon.'

Yahweh is speaking to Moses as if Moses were the Israelites, so the command "do not fear" and all instances of "you" and "your" are plural.

fear him ... over him ... his people and his land

Here the words "him" and "his" refer to Og.

I have given you victory

Yahweh speaks of what he will do as if he had already done it.

You will do to him as you did to Sihon

The word "him" is a metonym for "his people." Alternate translation: "You will destroy Og and his people as you did Sihon"

Deuteronomy 3:3

all his people were put under our control

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh put all of Og's people under our control"

not one survivor remained for him

"all of his people were dead." This emphasizes that the Israelites did not let anyone live.

Deuteronomy 3:4

There was not one of the sixty cities that we did not take

This is a double negative that emphasizes that they took all of the 60 cities. Alternate translation: "We took every one of the sixty cities"

sixty cities

"60 cities"

the region of Argob

This is the name of a region within Bashan.

Deuteronomy 3:5

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel of what happened in the past.

These were all cities fortified with

"These were all cities protected by"

besides very many

"in addition to very many" or "not including very many"

Deuteronomy 3:6

Sihon

This is the name of a king. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 1:4]

Heshbon

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 1:4]

Deuteronomy 3:7

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Deuteronomy 3:8

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

out of the hand of the two kings

Here the metonym "out of the hand of" means "from the control of." Alternate translation: "from the control of the two kings" or "from the two kings"

Amorites

"Amorite people." See how you translated the name of this people group in Deuteronomy 1:4.

beyond the Jordan

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he said this. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:1. Alternate translation: "east of the Jordan River"

the Valley of the Arnon

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 2:24.

Mount Hermon

This is the name of a mountain at the northern border of Bashan.

Deuteronomy 3:9

Mount Hermon ... Sirion ... Senir

These are all names of the same mountain which is at the northern border of Bashan.

Deuteronomy 3:10

Bashan ... Edrei ... Og

See how you translated these in Deuteronomy 1:4.

of the plain

This is high, flat land between the Arnon River and Mount Gilead.

Salekah

This is the name of a city near Edrei.

Deuteronomy 3:11

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

For of the remnant ... the way people measure

This is background information about King Og.

Rephaim

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:11.

Look!

"Pay attention to the important thing I am going to tell you."

Was it not in Rabbah, ... live?

The writer uses a question to remind the people of Israel that they could go to Rabbah and see how large Og must have been. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Possible meanings are 1) "It was in Rabbah, ... live." or 2) "It is in Rabbah ... live."

cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters.

the way people measure

"according to the cubit most people use"

Deuteronomy 3:12

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of what happened in the past.

Aroer

See how you translated the name of this town in Deuteronomy 2:36.

the Valley of the Arnon

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 2:24.

Deuteronomy 3:13

All the region of Argob in Bashan was called the land of Rephaim

The writer begins to present background information about the land that the people of Israel captured. If your language has a way of showing that what follows is background information, you should use it here.

the region of Argob

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 3:4.

Rephaim

See how you translated this word in Deuteronomy 2:11.

Deuteronomy 3:14

General Information:

This continues the background information about the land the people of Israel captured (Deuteronomy 3:13).

Jair

This is the name of a man.

the Geshurites and the Maakathites

These are people groups who lived west of Bashan.

Havvoth Jair

Translators may make a footnote that says: "The name 'Havvoth Jair' means 'tent villages of Jair' or 'realm of Jair.'"

Deuteronomy 3:15

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

I gave

Here "I" refers to Moses.

to Makir

Makir was the son of Manasseh. He had died before Moses gave this land. The name is a metonym for the descendants of the person. Alternate translation: "to the descendants of Makir"

Deuteronomy 3:16

Jabbok River

This is the name of a river that created the border between Sihon's land and the land of the Ammonites. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 2:37]

Deuteronomy 3:17

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Another of its borders is also

"The western border of the Reubenite and Gadite territory is"

Kinnereth

the Sea of Kinnereth, also called "the Sea of Galilee" or "the Lake of Gennesaret"

Mount Pisgah

This is the name of a mountain in the northern part of the Abarim mountain range.

Deuteronomy 3:18

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

I commanded you at that time

Moses reminds the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh that they must help the other Israelites conquer the rest of the land God promised them.

will pass over armed before

"will take your weapons and cross the Jordan River ahead of"

your brothers, the people of Israel

"your fellow Israelites"

Deuteronomy 3:19

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh.

Deuteronomy 3:20

Yahweh gives rest to your brothers

The writer speaks as if the ability to rest were a physical object that could be given as a gift. The word "rest" is also a metaphor for peaceful life in which there is no war. Alternate translation: "Yahweh allows your brothers to rest" or "Yahweh allows your brothers to stop fighting wars and live peacefully"

beyond the Jordan

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he said this. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 1:1. Alternate translation: "east of the Jordan River"

then will you return

Moses is emphasizing that the other tribes must possess their land before Yahweh will permit these three tribes to possess their land. "only then are you to return."

Deuteronomy 3:21

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

Your eyes have seen

Here "eyes" refers to Joshua. Alternate translation: "You have seen"

Deuteronomy 3:22

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 3:23

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people about what happened in the past.

I earnestly appealed

Here "I" refers to Moses. This means he asked God in a very emotional way.

Deuteronomy 3:24

to show your servant

Here "your servant" is a polite way of speaking to someone with greater authority. Alternate translation: "to show me, your servant"

your strong hand

Here the metonym "hand" means control or power. Alternate translation: "your power"

for what god is there ... acts?

Moses uses a question to emphasize that Yahweh is the only God with the power to do the works he has done. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "for there is no god ... acts."

in heaven or in earth

These two extremes together mean "anywhere."

Deuteronomy 3:25

beyond the Jordan

"west of the Jordan River." When Moses spoke these words to Yahweh, he was east of the Jordan River in Moab.

Deuteronomy 3:26

General Information:

Moses continues telling the people of Israel what happened in the past.

Yahweh was angry with me because of you

This refers to when Moses disobeyed what Yahweh told him to do because Moses was angry with the people of Israel. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 1:37]

Deuteronomy 3:27

Pisgah

See how you translated this is in Deuteronomy 3:17.

lift up your eyes

The words "lift up your eyes" are an idiom that means look. Alternate translation: "look"

Deuteronomy 3:28

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Deuteronomy 3:29

Beth Peor

This is the name of a town in Moab near Mount Pisgah.

Chapter 4

Deuteronomy 4 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Law of Moses

In order to possess the land, the people needed to obey the law of Moses. This will be the most important thing in the religious life of Israel. (See: lawofmoses)

Moses's instructions

Moses is not allowed to enter into the Promised Land. Since they are getting ready to possess the Promised Land, Moses gives them some last instructions before his death. (See: promisedland)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

Moses uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. The purpose of these questions is to convince his readers to obey his instructions.

Deuteronomy 4:1

I am about to teach you

Moses is telling the people of Israel what God wants them to do.

to do them

"and obey them"

Deuteronomy 4:2

You will not add to the words ... neither will you diminish them

Yahweh does not want his people to create new laws, or to ignore those he has already given them.

Deuteronomy 4:3

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Your eyes have seen

Here "eyes" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "You saw"

because of Baal Peor

The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "because of the sins you committed at Baal Peor"

Peor

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:29.

Yahweh your God has destroyed them from among you

Moses speaks to the people of Israel as though they were one person, so "your" and "you" are singular.

Deuteronomy 4:4

you who clung to Yahweh

The writer speaks as if trusting in Yahweh and obeying him were like physically holding on to a person. Alternate translation: "you who were careful to obey Yahweh"

Deuteronomy 4:5

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Look

"Pay attention"

that you should do so in the midst of the land

"that you should obey them when you live in the land"

Deuteronomy 4:6

keep them and do them

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that they are to obey them. Alternate translation: "obey them carefully"

this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples

The abstract nouns "wisdom" and "understanding" can be translated as adjective phrases, and the abstract noun "sight" refers to how the peoples judge or decide on the value of something. Alternate translation: "this is what will show the peoples that you are wise and that you understand what is important"

this great nation is a wise and understanding people

The word "nation" is a metonym for the people of that nation. Alternate translation: "the people of this great nation are wise and understanding"

Deuteronomy 4:7

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

For what other great nation is there ... him?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "For there is no other great nation ... him."

Deuteronomy 4:8

What other great nation is there ... today?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "There is no other great nation ... today."

Deuteronomy 4:9

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Only pay attention ... guard yourself ... you do not forget ... your eyes ... your heart ... your life ... Make them known to your children and your children's children

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they are one person, so all instances of "you," "your," and "yourself," as well as the commands "pay attention," "guard," and "make known" are singular.

Only pay attention and carefully guard yourself

"Pay careful attention and be sure to remember these things always"

you do not forget ... they do not leave your heart

These phrases means the same thing and emphasize that the people of Israel must remember what they have seen.

your eyes have seen

Here "eyes" are a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "you have seen"

Deuteronomy 4:10

you stood before Yahweh your God

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they are one person, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.

Assemble me the people

"Bring the people together and bring them to me"

Deuteronomy 4:11

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the Israelites of their history.

with fire to the heart of heaven

This is an idiom. "The heart of" means "the middle of" or "the innermost part of," and "heaven" here refers to the sky. Alternate translation: "with a fire that went up to the sky"

with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness

Here "thick darkness" describes the cloud. Alternate translation: "with a thick, dark cloud"

thick darkness

Another possible meaning is "heavy cloud."

Deuteronomy 4:12

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 4:13

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

He declared

"Yahweh declared"

to you

Here "you" refers to the Israelites who were at Mount Horeb.

Deuteronomy 4:14

in the land that you are crossing over to take possession of

"after you have crossed over the Jordan River and taken possession of the land"

Deuteronomy 4:15

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 4:16

do not corrupt yourselves

"do not do what is wrong"

Deuteronomy 4:17

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 4:18

creeps on the ground

"crawls on the ground"

Deuteronomy 4:19

You must not lift your eyes ... and look ... and be drawn ... Yahweh your God

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" and the words "lift," "look," and "be drawn" are singular.

You must not ... and be drawn away to worship

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not ... and do not let anyone make you want to worship" or "Do not ... and do not allow yourself worship"

all the host of the heavens

"all the army of the heavens." Here this refers to the lights we see in the sky, including the sun, moon, stars. They are called the host because there are so many of them, just as armies have many soldiers. Alternate translation: "all the multitude of things in the sky"

of which Yahweh your God has given a share to all the peoples

This is an idiom. Moses speaks of the stars as if they were small objects like food that Yahweh was dividing and giving out to the people groups. Alternate translation: "that Yahweh your God has put there to help all people groups"

Deuteronomy 4:20

brought you out of the iron furnace

Moses speaks of Egypt and the hard work the Israelites did there as if it were an oven in which iron is heated and the Israelites were the iron. Alternate translation: "brought you out of the land where people made you do hard work"

a people of his own inheritance

This is an idiom that can be translated "people who belong only to him."

Deuteronomy 4:21

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Yahweh was angry with me because of you

This refers to when Moses disobeyed what Yahweh told him to do because Moses was angry with the people of Israel. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 1:37]

Yahweh your God is giving to you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so "you" and "your" are singular.

Deuteronomy 4:22

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Deuteronomy 4:23

Pay attention to yourselves

"Pay careful attention"

Yahweh your God has forbidden you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one person, so the words "you" and "your" are singular.

Deuteronomy 4:24

Yahweh your God is a devouring fire, a jealous God

Moses compares how Yahweh acts when he is angry to the way a fire destroys things. Alternate translation: "Yahweh your God will severely punish and destroy you like a fire does because he does not want you to worship other gods"

Yahweh your God

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one person, so the word "your" is singular.

Deuteronomy 4:25

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

you beget ... Yahweh your God

The words "you" and "your" are singular here.

beget

become the father of, or become the ancestor of

if you corrupt yourselves

"if you do what is wrong." See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.

do what is evil in the sight of Yahweh your God, to provoke him to anger

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "you make Yahweh your God angry by doing what he says is evil"

Deuteronomy 4:26

I call heaven and earth to witness

Possible meanings are 1) Moses is calling on all those who live in heaven and earth to be witnesses to what he says or 2) Moses is speaking to heaven and earth as if they are people, and he is calling them to be witnesses to what he says.

you will not prolong your days

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. Alternate translation: "you will not be able to live a long time"

but you will be completely destroyed

As indicated in 4:27, not every Israelite will be killed. Here "completely destroy" is a generalization and emphasizes that many of the Israelites will die. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but Yahweh will destroy many of you"

Deuteronomy 4:27

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Yahweh will scatter you among the peoples

Moses speaks as if the people were seeds that Yahweh would scatter around a field. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will send you to many different places and force you to live there"

will lead you away

"will send you" or "will cause your enemies to take you away"

Deuteronomy 4:28

the work of men's hands, wood and stone

Here "men's hands" refers the men themselves, and "the work ... wood and stone" to the idols that they have created. Alternate translation: "the wood and stone idols that men have made"

Deuteronomy 4:29

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel. He speaks as though they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.

But from there

"But when you are in those other nations"

you will seek

The word "you" here is plural.

when you search after him

"when you really try to find him" or "when you really try to know him"

with all your heart and with all your soul

Here "heart" and "soul" are metonyms for a person's inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly."

Deuteronomy 4:30

will have come on

"have happened to"

in those later days

"afterwards" or "then"

listen to his voice

Here "listen" is an idiom that means to hear and obey. Also, "his voice" refers to Yahweh and emphasizes what he says. Alternate translation: "obey what he says"

Deuteronomy 4:31

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 4:32

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and the command "ask now" are singular.

Deuteronomy 4:33

Did ever a people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and live?

Here the people of Israel are reminded of how Yahweh has spoken to them in an amazing way in the past. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No other people besides you has heard God speak from the middle of the fire and lived."

hear the voice of God speaking

Here God is represented by his voice. Alternate translation: "hear God's voice as he spoke"

Deuteronomy 4:34

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

by a mighty hand, and by an outstretched arm

Here "a mighty hand" and "an outstretched arm" are metaphors for Yahweh's power. Alternate translation: "by showing his mighty power"

before your eyes

Here "eyes" refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: "in front of you"

Deuteronomy 4:35

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.

To you these things were shown

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh showed you these things"

Deuteronomy 4:36

he made you to hear ... made you see

"he made sure you heard ... made sure you saw"

made you ... you heard

Moses speaks as if the people to whom he was speaking were the people he had spoken to at Mount Sinai many years earlier. The people at Mount Sinai were actually the fathers of the people to whom he was speaking these words. Alternate translation: "made your fathers ... your fathers heard"

Deuteronomy 4:37

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.

your fathers

This refers to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob's sons.

with his presence, with his great power

"with the great power that comes from his presence" or "with his great power"

Deuteronomy 4:38

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 4:39

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.

lay it on your heart

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "remember it"

in heaven above and on the earth beneath

The two phrases "in heaven" and "on the earth" show two extremes and mean "everywhere." Alternate translation: "over everything"

Deuteronomy 4:40

prolong your days

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:26]

Deuteronomy 4:41

General Information:

Moses's speech, which began in Deuteronomy 1:6, has finished, and the writer continues the narrative that ended in Deuteronomy 1:5.

Deuteronomy 4:42

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 4:43

Bezer ... Ramoth ... Golan

These are names of cities.

Deuteronomy 4:44

This is the law

This refers to the laws Moses will give in the following chapters.

Deuteronomy 4:45

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 4:46

Beth Peor

This is the name of a town in Moab near Mount Pisgah. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 3:29]

Sihon ... Amorites ... Heshbon

"King Sihon ... Amorite people ... town of Heshbon." See how you translated these names in Deuteronomy 1:4.

Deuteronomy 4:47

his land

King Sihon's land

beyond the Jordan toward the east

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he said this. Alternate translation: "from the side of the Jordan River toward the east"

Deuteronomy 4:48

Aroer

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:36.

the Valley of the Arnon

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:24.

Mount Siyon ... Mount Hermon

These are different names for the same mountain.

Mount Siyon

The word "Siyon" is another spelling of "Sirion" (Deuteronomy 3:9).

Mount Hermon

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:8.

Deuteronomy 4:49

eastward beyond the Jordan

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he said this. Alternate translation: "eastward from the side of the Jordan River"

Sea of the Arabah ... Mount Pisgah

See how you translated these names in Deuteronomy 3:17.

Chapter 5

Deuteronomy 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each of the commandments in the list of Ten Commandments in 5:7-21 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB uses a separate paragraph for each commandment.

Special concepts in this chapter

Ten commandments

This chapter repeats the material of Exodus 20. It is known as the Ten Commandments.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors and idioms

Moses uses metaphors and idioms to instruct the people to follow the law of Moses. This is because it is very important to follow these laws.

Deuteronomy 5:1

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

called to all Israel

Here "all" is a generalization. Moses wanted everyone in Israel to hear and obey his words, but his voice was probably not so loud that everyone actually heard him.

that I will speak in your ears today

Here "ears" refers to the whole person. This metaphor emphasizes that the people know what Moses has said to them, so they cannot sin and then say they did not know they were sinning. Alternate translation: "that I will speak to you today"

Deuteronomy 5:2

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 5:3

Yahweh did not make this covenant with our ancestors

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh did not only make a covenant with those who were at Horeb; the covenant was also with the later generations of Israelites or 2) Yahweh did not make this covenant with their distant ancestors, such as, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; instead, this covenant began with the Israelites at Horeb.

Deuteronomy 5:4

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

face to face

Use your language's idiom for two people who are close to each other and looking at each other when they are speaking to each other.

on the mount

"on the mountain"

Deuteronomy 5:5

at that time

Moses is referring to an event that happened about 40 years earlier.

Deuteronomy 5:6

out of the house of slavery

Here the metonym "house of slavery" refers to Egypt where the people of Israel had been slaves. Alternate translation: "out of the place where you were slaves"

Deuteronomy 5:7

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people what Yahweh has commanded them. The phrases "you will" and "you will not" are commands. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one person.

You will have no other gods before me

"You must not worship any other gods but me"

Deuteronomy 5:8

that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water below

This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: "that is in the earth beneath your feet, or that is in the water below the earth"

Deuteronomy 5:9

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.

You will not bow down to them or serve them

"You will not worship the carved figures or do as they command"

You will not

"Never"

I ... am a jealous God

"I ... want you to worship only me"

Deuteronomy 5:10

showing steadfast love to thousands, to those who love me and keep my commandments

The abstract noun "love" can be stated as the verb "love." Alternate translation: "faithfully loving thousands, those who love me"

to thousands, to those who love me

Some translations read "to a thousand generations of those who love me." The word "thousands" is a metonym for a number too many to count. Alternate translation: "forever, to those who love me"

Deuteronomy 5:11

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.

You will not take the name of Yahweh

"You will not use the name of Yahweh"

You will not

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 5:9.

in vain

"carelessly" or "without proper respect" or "for wrong purposes"

Yahweh will not hold him guiltless

This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will consider him guilty" or "Yahweh will punish him"

Deuteronomy 5:12

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.

to keep it holy

"to dedicate it to God"

Deuteronomy 5:13

do all your work

"do all your usual duties"

Deuteronomy 5:14

seventh day

"day 7." Here "seventh" is the ordinal number for seven.

On it you will not do

"On that day never do"

within your gates

Here "gates" is a reference to the city itself. Alternate translation: "within your community" or "inside your city" or "living with you"

Deuteronomy 5:15

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.

You will call to mind

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "You must remember"

by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm

Here "a mighty hand" and "an outstretched arm" are metaphors for Yahweh's power. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:34]

Deuteronomy 5:16

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.

Deuteronomy 5:17

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.

You will not

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 5:9.

Deuteronomy 5:18

You will not commit adultery

"You will not sleep with anyone other than your spouse"

Deuteronomy 5:19

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 5:20

You will not give false witness against your neighbor

"You will not tell lies about someone"

Deuteronomy 5:21

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.

You will not

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 5:9.

Deuteronomy 5:22

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what Yahweh said.

Deuteronomy 5:23

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what happened in the past.

heard the voice

The word "voice" is a metonym for the sound of the voice or for the person who was speaking. Alternate translation: "heard the sound of the voice" or "heard Yahweh speaking"

Deuteronomy 5:24

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 5:25

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the Israelites what the Israelites had said to Moses.

But why should we die?

They were afraid that they would die if Yahweh spoke to them. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "We are afraid that we will die."

Deuteronomy 5:26

For who besides us is there ... have done?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "There are no other people besides us ... have done."

all flesh

This represents all people or living things. Alternate translation: "all people" or "all living beings"

Deuteronomy 5:27

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 5:28

when you spoke to me

Here "me" refers to Moses.

Deuteronomy 5:29

Oh, that there were

If your language has an idiom that expresses a strong desire for something, you might want to use it here. Alternate translation: "I would be very happy if there were"

Deuteronomy 5:30

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 5:31

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

you will teach them

"you will teach the people of Israel"

Deuteronomy 5:32

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

You will keep

Moses is giving a command to the people of Israel.

you will not turn aside to the right hand or to the left

This compares a person disobeying God to a person turning off of the correct path. Alternate translation: "you will not disobey him in any way" or "you will do everything he says"

Deuteronomy 5:33

prolong your days

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 4:40]

Chapter 6

Deuteronomy 6 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's blessings

Yahweh's continued blessing of the people of Israel is dependent upon the people's obedience to the law of Moses. (See: bless and lawofmoses)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

There are many metaphors in this chapter. These metaphors describe the greatness of the Promised Land and the wholehearted worship that is completely dedicated to Yahweh. (See: and promisedland)

Deuteronomy 6:1

General Information:

Moses continues the speech to the people of Israel he began in [Deuteronomy 5:1]

might keep

"might obey"

going over the Jordan

"going to the other side of the Jordan River"

Deuteronomy 6:2

to keep

"to obey"

that your days may be prolonged

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. This can be stated in active form. This can be translated similarly to "prolong your days" in [Deuteronomy 4:26]

Deuteronomy 6:3

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

listen to them

Here "listen" means to obey, and "them" refers to Yahweh's commandments. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "listen to Yahweh's commandments, statutes, and decrees"

keep them

"obey them"

a land flowing with milk and honey

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "a land where plenty of milk and honey flow" or "a land that is excellent for cattle and farming"

Deuteronomy 6:4

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

Yahweh our God, Yahweh is one

"Our God Yahweh is the one and only God"

Deuteronomy 6:5

with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might

Here "heart" and "soul" are metonyms for a person's inner being. These three phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly." See how you translated "with all your heart, with all your soul" in [Deuteronomy 4:29]

Deuteronomy 6:6

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

I am commanding you

Moses is speaking God's commandments to the people of Israel.

will be in your heart

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "you must always remember"

Deuteronomy 6:7

you will diligently teach ... you will talk

"I command you to diligently teach ... I command you to talk." The reader should understand these as commands.

Deuteronomy 6:8

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

tie them

This is a metonym for "write these words on parchment, put the parchment in a pouch, and tie the pouch." This metonym in turn may be a metaphor for "obey these words so that it is as if they were physically there." Alternate translation: "tie these words"

as a sign upon your hand

"as something to make you remember my laws"

they will serve as frontlets

This is a metonym for "write these words on parchment, put the parchment in a pouch, and tie the pouch to your head so it sits." This metonym in turn may be a metaphor for "obey these words so that it is as if they were physically there." Alternate translation: "my words will serve as frontlets"

frontlets

ornaments a person wears on the forehead

Deuteronomy 6:9

You will write

This is a command.

Deuteronomy 6:10

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

large and very good cities that you did not build

All these cities will belong to the people of Israel when they conquer the people in Canaan.

Deuteronomy 6:11

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 6:12

out of the house of bondage

Here the metonym "house of bondage" refers to Egypt, the place where the people of Israel had been slaves. Alternate translation: "out of the place where you were slaves"

Deuteronomy 6:13

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

You will honor Yahweh your God; him you will worship, and you will swear by his name

"It is Yahweh your God and no one else whom you will honor; it is he alone whom you will worship, and it is by his name and only his name that you will swear." Your language may have another way of emphasizing that Yahweh is telling the Israelites not to worship or serve any other god.

you will swear by his name

To swear by the name of Yahweh means to make Yahweh the basis or the power on which the oath is made. The metonym "his name" refers to Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "you will swear and ask Yahweh to confirm it" or "when you swear you will speak his name"

Deuteronomy 6:14

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 6:15

in the midst of you

"who lives among you"

the anger of Yahweh your God will be kindled against you

Moses compares Yahweh's anger to someone starting a fire to destroy things. This can be stated in active form. To kindle anger is a metaphor for becoming very angry. Alternate translation: "Yahweh your God will kindle his anger" or "Yahweh your God will become very angry"

destroy you from

"destroy you so that there is nothing left of you anywhere on"

Deuteronomy 6:16

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

You will not test Yahweh

Here "test" means to challenge Yahweh and force him to prove himself.

Massah

This is the name of a place in the desert. The translator may add a footnote that says: "The name 'Massah' means 'testing.'"

Deuteronomy 6:17

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 6:18

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

You will do what is right and good in the sight of Yahweh

This idiom is a command and a blessing. If the Israelites obey Yahweh, they will receive blessings from Yahweh. Alternate translation: "Do what Yahweh says is right and good"

Deuteronomy 6:19

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 6:20

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

What are the covenant decrees ... commanded you

In this question the "covenant decrees" represent their meaning and purpose. Alternate translation: "What do the covenant decrees ... commanded mean to you" or "Why should you obey the covenant decrees ... commanded you"

your son

This refers to the children of the adult people of Israel to whom Moses was speaking Yahweh's words.

Deuteronomy 6:21

with a mighty hand

Here "a mighty hand" refers to Yahweh's power. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 4:34]

Deuteronomy 6:22

on all his house

Here the metonym "his house" refers to the people of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "on all of his people"

before our eyes

Here the word "eyes" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "where we could see them"

Deuteronomy 6:23

might bring us in

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "might bring us into Canaan"

Deuteronomy 6:24

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person. He tells them what they should tell their children about Yahweh's commandments.

keep

obey at all times and for a long time

Deuteronomy 6:25

before Yahweh

"in the presence of Yahweh" or "where Yahweh can see us"

this will be our righteousness

The word "this" refers to keeping Yahweh's commands. This is a metonym for Yahweh considering them righteous. Alternate translation: "he will consider us righteous"

Chapter 7

Deuteronomy 7 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

"You must completely destroy them"

The people of Canaan were to be punished by Yahweh. Yahweh used Israel to punish these nations. If they were not completely destroyed, they would lead Israel into sin. Therefore, they were to be completely destroyed and be shown no mercy. (See: sin and mercy)

Abrahamic Covenant

This chapter references parts of the covenant Yahweh made with Abraham. It also emphasizes Yahweh's faithfulness to this covenant. (See: covenant and faithful)

Deuteronomy 7:1

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

Deuteronomy 7:2

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

gives them over to you

Moses speaks of victory as if it were a physical object one person could give to another. Alternate translation: "enables you to defeat them"

you defeat them

Here "them" refers to the seven nations from Deuteronomy 7:1.

Deuteronomy 7:3

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 7:4

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

For they will

"If you allow your children to marry the people from the other nations, the people from the other nations will"

So the anger of Yahweh will be kindled against you

Moses compares Yahweh's anger to someone starting a fire. This emphasizes Yahweh's power to destroy what makes him angry. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will kindle his anger against you" or "Then Yahweh will become very angry with you"

against you

The word "you" refers to all the Israelites and so is plural.

Deuteronomy 7:5

you will deal ... You will break ... dash ... cut ... burn

Moses is speaking to all the Israelites here, so these words are all plural.

Deuteronomy 7:6

General Information:

Moses tells the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

you are a nation that is set apart

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations.

that are on the face of the earth

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "that live on the earth"

Deuteronomy 7:7

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words. All instances of "you" and "your" are plural.

did not set his love upon you

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "did not love you more than he loved others"

Deuteronomy 7:8

with a mighty hand

Here "a mighty hand" refers to Yahweh's power. These words also appear in [Deuteronomy 4:34]

redeemed you out of the house of bondage

Moses speaks of Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves as if Yahweh had paid money to a slave owner. Alternate translation: "rescued you from being slaves"

house of bondage

Here the metonym "house of bondage" refers to Egypt, the place where the people of Israel had been slaves. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 6:12. Alternate translation: "out of the place where you were slaves"

hand of Pharaoh

Here "hand" means "the control of." Alternate translation: "control of Pharaoh"

Deuteronomy 7:9

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

for a thousand generations

"for 1,000 generations"

Deuteronomy 7:10

repays those who hate him to their face

This idiom means "repays them quickly and openly so that they know God has punished them."

he will not be lenient on whoever hates him

The words "not be lenient" are an understatement to emphasize that Yahweh will severely punish. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will severely punish everyone who hates him"

Deuteronomy 7:11

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 7:12

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words. He speaks as if the Israelites are one person in verse 12 and to all of them as a group in verse 13.

Deuteronomy 7:13

multiply you

"increase the number of your people"

the fruit of your womb

This is an idiom for "your children."

the fruit of your ground

This is an idiom for "your crops."

the calves of your herds and

"your cattle so they will become many, as will"

Deuteronomy 7:14

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

You will be blessed more than all other peoples

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will bless you more than I bless any other people"

there will not be a childless male or a barren female among you or among your livestock

Moses uses a negative statement to emphasize that they all will be able to have children. This may be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "All of you will be able to have children and your livestock will be able to reproduce"

among you ... your livestock

The words "you" and "your" are plural here.

Deuteronomy 7:15

take away from you all sickness

"make sure that you do not become ill" or "keep you completely healthy"

none of the evil diseases ... will he put on you, but he will put them on all those who hate you

Moses speaks as if disease were a heavy object that Yahweh would put on top of people. Alternate translation: "he will not make you sick with any of the evil diseases ... but he will make your enemies sick with them"

Deuteronomy 7:16

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

You will consume all the peoples

"I command you to completely destroy all the people groups"

your eye will not pity them

This is a command. Moses speaks as if what the eye sees were the eye itself. Alternate translation: "do not allow what you see to cause you to pity them" or "do not pity them because you see that what you are doing is hurting them"

You will not worship

"never worship"

that will be a trap for you

If the people worship other gods, they will be like an animal caught in a hunter's trap, and they will be unable to escape.

Deuteronomy 7:17

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

If you say in your heart

The people should not be afraid even if they notice that the nations are stronger than they are. Alternate translation: "Even if you say in your heart"

say in your heart

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "think"

how can I dispossess them?

Moses uses a question to emphasize that the people may feel afraid of the other nations. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I do not know how I will be able to dispossess them"

dispossess them

"take their land away from them"

Deuteronomy 7:18

do not be afraid

The people should not be afraid even if they notice that the nations are stronger than they are. Alternate translation: "even then do not be afraid"

you will call to mind

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "you must remember"

Deuteronomy 7:19

that your eyes saw

Here "eyes" represent the whole person. Alternate translation: "that you saw"

the mighty hand, and the outstretched arm

Here "a mighty hand" and "an outstretched arm" are metaphors for Yahweh's power. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 4:34]

Deuteronomy 7:20

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

Moreover, Yahweh

"And also, Yahweh"

send the hornet

Possible meanings are 1) God will send actual flying insects that sting people and cause pain, or 2) God will cause the people to become terrified and want to run away.

perish from your presence

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "die so you do not see them anymore"

Deuteronomy 7:21

You will not

"Never"

a great and fearsome God

"a great and awesome God" or "a great God who causes the people to fear"

Deuteronomy 7:22

little by little

"slowly"

Deuteronomy 7:23

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.

give you victory over

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "enable you to defeat"

victory over them

"victory over the armies from the other nations"

he will greatly confuse them

"he will make them so they cannot think clearly"

until they are destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until you have destroyed them"

Deuteronomy 7:24

you will make their name perish from under heaven

The Israelites will completely destroy all the people from those nations, and in the future no one will remember them.

stand before you

"stand against you" or "defend themselves against you"

Deuteronomy 7:25

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words. In verse 25 he speaks to the group as a group, so the forms of "you" are plural, but in verse 26 he speaks as if the Israelites are one person, so the forms are singular.

You will burn

This is a command.

do not covet ... trapped by it

These words add to the instruction to burn the idols.

you will become trapped by it

Even taking the gold or silver on the idols could cause the people to start worshiping them. By doing this they would become like an animal caught by a trap. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it will become a trap to you"

for it is an abomination to Yahweh your God

These words tell why Yahweh wants the people to burn the idols. "do this because Yahweh your God hates it very much"

Deuteronomy 7:26

You will utterly detest and abhor

The words "detest" and "abhor" mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of hatred. Alternate translation: "You will completely hate"

for it is set apart for destruction

Yahweh cursing something and promising to destroy it is spoken of as if Yahweh were setting the object apart from everything else. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh has set it apart for destruction"

Chapter 8

Deuteronomy 8 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Forgetting

This chapter recalls the great things that Yahweh has done for Israel and is about to do for them. This is so they do not forget him and they will continue to worship him. They must remember that Yahweh is the source of their blessings. (See: bless)

Deuteronomy 8:1

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.

You must keep ... you may live and multiply, and go in and possess ... your fathers

All instances of "you" and "your" and the verbs are plural.

Deuteronomy 8:2

You will call to mind

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "You must remember"

forty years

"40 years"

he might humble you

"he might show you how weak and sinful you are"

to know

"to reveal" or "to show"

what was in your heart

The heart is a symbol of a person's character. Alternate translation: "what kind of people you are" or "how you would behave"

Deuteronomy 8:3

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. He continues to remind them of what they should "call to mind"

He humbled you

"Yahweh showed you how weak and sinful you are." See how "he might humble you" is translated in Deuteronomy 8:2.

fed you with manna

"gave you manna to eat"

it is not by bread alone that people live

Here "bread" represents all food. Alternate translation: "food is not the only thing people need so they can live"

it is by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of Yahweh that people live

Here "the mouth of Yahweh" is a metonym for the words that Yahweh says. Alternate translation: "people must obey the commands of Yahweh so they can live" or "people must do what Yahweh tells them to do so they can live"

Deuteronomy 8:4

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.

Your clothing ... forty years

This is the last item that they should "call to mind" (Deuteronomy 8:2).

forty years

"40 years"

Deuteronomy 8:5

You will think ... God disciplines you

This continues the list of commands that begins in Deuteronomy 8:1.

You will think about in your heart

Here the metonym "heart" represents the thoughts and understanding of a person. Alternate translation: "You will understand"

Deuteronomy 8:6

You will keep ... honor him

This continues the list of commands that begins in Deuteronomy 8:1.

Deuteronomy 8:7

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.

a land of

"a land with" or "a land that has"

Deuteronomy 8:8

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 8:9

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.

a land in which you will not eat bread in poverty

This means that they will eat and they will not be in poverty. They will have plenty to eat. The word "bread" is a synecdoche for food in general. This litotes can be translated positively. Alternate translation: "a land where there will be plenty of food for you"

and in which you will not lack anything

This is a generalization: they will lack nothing important. Alternate translation: "and where you will have everything you need"

stones are made of iron

The stones are full of iron ore. Iron is a very hard metal useful for making swords and plows.

dig copper

"mine copper." Copper is a soft metal useful for making household utensils.

Deuteronomy 8:10

You will eat and be full

"You will have enough food to eat until you are full"

you will bless

"you will praise" or "you will give thanks to"

Deuteronomy 8:11

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.

Deuteronomy 8:12

Connecting Statement:

This verse describes the first two items of a list of five things that might make the Israelites forget about Yahweh (verse 11): "when you eat and are full" and "when you build good houses."

when you eat and are full

"when you have enough food to eat"

your heart will be lifted up

Here "heart" represents the inner person. To become prideful and no longer obey Yahweh is spoken of as if the person's heart is lifted up. Alternate translation: "you will become prideful and no longer obey Yahweh"

Deuteronomy 8:13

Connecting Statement:

This verse describes the last three of the five things that might cause them to forget Yahweh. The first two are "you eat and are full" and "you build good houses and live in them" (Deuteronomy 8:12). The last three are "when your herds and flocks multiply," "when your silver and gold increase," and "all that you have is multiplied."

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.

your herds and flocks

"your herds of cattle and flocks of sheep and goats"

multiply

increase greatly in number

all that you have is multiplied

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you have many more things" or "you have many more possessions"

Deuteronomy 8:14

Connecting Statement:

This verse contains the first two of three items Moses warns the people to be careful of (Deuteronomy 8:11): that "your heart becomes lifted up" and "you forget Yahweh your God." It then lists the first of four characteristics of Yahweh that they need to remember, that Yahweh "brought you out of the land of Egypt."

your heart becomes lifted up

Here "heart" represents the inner person. To become prideful and no longer obey Yahweh is spoken of as if the person's heart is lifted up. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Deuteronomy 8:12]

who brought you out

Moses begins to remind the Israelites of what they know about Yahweh.

out of the house of bondage

This is a metaphor for the time they were slaves in Egypt. Alternate translation: "out from the place where you were slaves"

Deuteronomy 8:15

Connecting Statement:

This verse gives the second and third items in the list of characteristics that Moses reminds the Israelites that they must remember about "Yahweh your God" (Deuteronomy 8:14) the first being that he "brought you out of Egypt" (Deuteronomy 8:14). the second that he led them "through the ... wilderness," and the third that he "brought ... water out of the rock."

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.

Connecting Statement:

Moses continues to remind the Israelites of what they know about Yahweh

who led ... who brought

"Yahweh, who led ... Yahweh, who brought"

fiery serpents

"poisonous snakes"

thirsty ground

This phrase describes the ground as being thirsty just like a person is thirsty when he needs water. Alternate translation: "dry ground"

Deuteronomy 8:16

Connecting Statement:

This is the fourth item in the list of characteristics that Moses reminds the Israelites that they must remember about "Yahweh your God" (Deuteronomy 8:14) the first being that he "brought you out of Egypt" (Deuteronomy 8:14), the second that he led them "through the ... wilderness" (Deuteronomy 8:15), and the third that he "brought ... water out of the rock" (Deuteronomy 8:15).

He fed

Moses continues to remind the Israelites of what they know about Yahweh (Deuteronomy 8:14). "Yahweh fed"

to do you good

"to help you" or "because it would be good for you"

Deuteronomy 8:17

Connecting Statement:

This is the third item in the list of things that Yahweh warns the Israelites that they might do (Deuteronomy 8:11), the first being "your heart becomes lifted up" and the second being "you forget Yahweh your God" (Deuteronomy 8:14).

but you may say in your heart

This is the third thing the people might do when their hearts "become lifted up" and they "forget Yahweh"

My power and the might of my hand acquired all this wealth

Here "hand" refers to a man's power or ability. Alternate translation: "I got this wealth because I am so strong and powerful" or "I have acquired all these things by my own power and ability"

Deuteronomy 8:18

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.

But you will call to mind

This idiom is a command. Alternate translation: "But remember"

that he may establish

Possible meanings are 1) "in this way he establishes" or 2) "in this way he is faithful to establish."

that he may

"so he can"

establish

cause to stand or to remain

as it is today

"as he is doing now" or "as he is establishing his covenant now"

Deuteronomy 8:19

walk after other gods

Walking is a metaphor for obeying. Alternate translation: "serve other gods"

against you ... you will

These instances of "you" are plural.

I testify against you

"I warn you" or "I tell you in front of witnesses"

you will surely perish

"you will certainly die"

Deuteronomy 8:20

before you ... you perish ... you would not ... your God

All these instances of "you" and "your" are plural.

before you

"in front of you"

would not listen to the voice of Yahweh

Here "the voice of Yahweh" means what Yahweh tells his people to do. Alternate translation: "would not obey Yahweh's commandments"

Chapter 9

Deuteronomy 9 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's victory

This chapter assures the Israelites that it is Yahweh who will empower them to conquer the Promised Land. The Israelites will not be strong enough on their own to conquer these other nations. This victory will be Yahweh's. The people did not earn this victory, but it is Yahweh's punishment of these sinful nations. (See: promisedland and sin)

Israel's sin

Yahweh is about to punish the Canaanites for their sin. He also reminds Israel of their sin. This serves as a warning to the people of Israel. If they sin again, Yahweh will punish them too.

Deuteronomy 9:1

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.

Hear, Israel

The word "Israel" is a metonym for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "Listen, people of Israel"

to dispossess

"to take the land from"

fortified up to heaven

This is an exaggeration that emphasizes how frightened the people were because the cities were so large and strong. See how you translated similar words in [Deuteronomy 1:28]

Deuteronomy 9:2

sons of the Anakim

Descendants of the Anak people who were very large and fierce. See how you translated similar words in [Deuteronomy 1:28]

Who can stand before the sons of Anak?

This means that the sons of Anak were powerful and people were afraid of them. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "There is no one who can defend himself against the sons of Anak."

Deuteronomy 9:3

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.

today

Moses is speaking of the days and weeks beginning on that day, not of the time since the sun had last set.

like a devouring fire

Yahweh is powerful and able to destroy the armies of the other nations.

subdue them before you

"make them weak so you can control them"

Deuteronomy 9:4

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.

Do not say in your heart

Here "in your heart" means "in your thoughts." Alternate translation: "Do not think to yourselves"

has thrust them out

"has driven the other peoples out"

Deuteronomy 9:5

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.

the uprightness of your heart

This is an idiom. "because you always thought and desired the right things"

so that he may make come true the word

Here the metonym "the word" refers to what God has promised. Alternate translation: "so that he may fulfill the promise"

your ancestors, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the "ancestors" of whom Moses is speaking.

Deuteronomy 9:6

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.

a stiff-necked people

Stubborn people are spoken of as if they have stiff or hard necks that prevent them from turning their heads. Alternate translation: "stubborn people" or "people who refuse to change"

Deuteronomy 9:7

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.

Remember and do not forget

Moses repeats the same command both positively and negatively to emphasize the importance of remembering. The command is plural. Alternate translation: "Be careful to remember"

how you provoked Yahweh

Here "you" refers to the Israelites that are present with Moses and also the Israelites of the previous generation.

you came to this place, you have been rebellious

These instances of "you" are plural.

to this place

This refers to the Jordan River Valley.

Deuteronomy 9:8

you provoked ... with you to destroy you

These instances of "you" are plural.

Deuteronomy 9:9

General Information:

Moses is reminding the people of Israel what happened in the past.

the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that Yahweh made with you

Here the second phrase clarifies that "the tablets of stone" are the ones on which God wrote the Ten Commandments.

forty days and forty nights

"40 days and 40 nights"

Deuteronomy 9:10

on them was written everything just like all the words that Yahweh announced to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh wrote on them the same words he had said to you"

Yahweh announced ... out of the middle of the fire

It was as if Yahweh were a person standing in the middle of a fire and speaking with a loud voice.

on the day of the assembly

The abstract noun "assembly" can be expressed as the verb "gather together." Alternate translation: "on the day when you Israelites all came and met together in one place"

Deuteronomy 9:11

forty days and forty nights

"40 days and 40 nights"

the two tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant

The second phrase clarifies that "the two tablets of stone" are the ones on which God wrote the Ten Commandments.

Deuteronomy 9:12

your people ... have corrupted themselves

"your people ... are doing what is wrong." See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.

They have quickly turned aside out of the path that I commanded them

Moses speaks as if obeying God's commands were walking along a path. Alternate translation: "They have already disobeyed my commands"

Deuteronomy 9:13

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 9:14

blot out their name from under heaven

"make their name disappear completely" or "kill them all so no one will ever remember them." See how you translated a similar phrase in Deuteronomy 7:24.

Deuteronomy 9:15

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what happened in the past.

Deuteronomy 9:16

behold

The word "behold" here shows that Moses was surprised by what he saw.

molded for yourselves a calf

The Israelites of the earlier generation had asked Aaron to make a metal calf so they could worship it. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

You had quickly turned aside out of the path that Yahweh had commanded you

Moses speaks as if obeying God's commands were walking along a path. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 9:12. Alternate translation: "You had quickly disobeyed what Yahweh had commanded you"

Deuteronomy 9:17

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

I broke them before your eyes

Here "your eyes" is a synecdoche for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "I broke them right in front of you" or "I broke them where you could see them"

Deuteronomy 9:18

lay facedown

"lay with my face on the ground." This is a way of showing that Yahweh was great and Moses was not.

forty days and forty nights

"40 days and 40 nights"

Deuteronomy 9:19

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what happened in the past.

I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure with which Yahweh was angry enough against you to destroy you

The words "anger and hot displeasure" are a metonym for what Yahweh would do because he was angry and displeased. Alternate translation: "Yahweh was angry at you—he was extremely displeased with you—he was angry enough to destroy you, and so I was afraid of what he would do"

Deuteronomy 9:20

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 9:21

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

I took ... burned ... beat ... ground ... threw

Moses probably commanded other men to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "I had people take ... burn ... beat ... grind ... throw"

your sin, the calf that you had made

Here the gold calf itself referred to as their "sin." Alternate translation: "the calf, which you sinfully made"

Deuteronomy 9:22

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

Taberah ... Massah ... Kibroth Hattaavah

These are names of places that the people of Israel went through while they were in the wilderness.

Deuteronomy 9:23

Go up

They were on low land, and the land Yahweh had told them to take was in the hills, so they had to go uphill to get to it.

rebelled against the commandment

The word "commandment" is a metonym for Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "rebelled against Yahweh; you did not obey the commandment"

listen to his voice

Here "his voice" means what God had said. Alternate translation: "obey what he said"

Deuteronomy 9:24

from the day that I knew you

"from the time I began to lead you." Some translations read "from the day that he knew you," the day that Yahweh first knew them.

Deuteronomy 9:25

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

lay facedown before Yahweh

"lay with my face on the ground." See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 9:18.

forty days and forty nights

"40 days and 40 nights"

Deuteronomy 9:26

you have redeemed

Moses speaks as if Yahweh had rescued the Israelites by paying money to free them from slavery. Alternate translation: "you have rescued"

through your greatness

The word "greatness" is a metonym for Yahweh's great power. Alternate translation: "through your great power"

with a mighty hand

Here "a mighty hand" refers to Yahweh's power. See how you translated similar words in Deuteronomy 4:34. Alternate translation: "with your mighty power"

Deuteronomy 9:27

General Information:

Moses continues praying to Yahweh so that he may not destroy the people of Israel.

Call to mind

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Remember"

Deuteronomy 9:28

so that the land from where you brought us

The words "the land" are a metonym for the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: "so that the people of Egypt"

should say

"can say"

Deuteronomy 9:29

by your great strength and by the display of your power

These phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the greatness of Yahweh's power that he used to rescue his people.

Chapter 10

Deuteronomy 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter.

This chapter focuses on retelling the great things Yahweh has done. It is a continuation of the material from the previous chapter. It is possible that this is a type of sermon or homily, where Moses is giving the people instructions.

Deuteronomy 10:1

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

At that time

"After I finished praying"

the first

This refers to the first set of tablets that Moses had broken. Alternate translation: "the first two tablets"

the mountain

This refers to Mount Sinai.

Deuteronomy 10:2

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Deuteronomy 10:3

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

the first

This refers to the first set of tablets that Moses had broken. Alternate translation: "the first tablets" or "the tablets I had before"

went up the mountain

"went up Mount Sinai"

Deuteronomy 10:4

out of the middle of the fire

It was as if Yahweh were a person standing in the middle of a fire and speaking with a loud voice. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 9:10.

on the day of the assembly

The abstract noun "assembly" can be expressed as the verb "gather together." See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 9:10. Alternate translation: "on the day when you Israelites all came and met together in one place"

Deuteronomy 10:5

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

I turned

Here "I" refers to Moses.

came down from the mountain

"came down from Mount Sinai"

in the ark

"in the box" or "in the chest"

Deuteronomy 10:6

General Information:

The writer continues the short account of where the Israelites had traveled.

Beeroth Bene Jaakan ... Moserah

These are names of different places the people of Israel went through while in the wilderness.

Beeroth Bene Jaakan

Translator may add a footnote: "The name 'Beeroth Bene Jaakan' means 'the wells that belonged to the sons of Jaakan' or 'the wells that belonged to the people of Jaakan.'"

there he was buried

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that is where they buried him" or "the Israelites buried him there"

Eleazar

This is the name of Aaron's son.

Deuteronomy 10:7

From there they journeyed ... a land of streams of water

This continues the background information about where the people of Israel traveled.

Gudgodah ... Jotbathah

These are names of different places the people of Israel went through while in the wilderness.

Deuteronomy 10:8

General Information:

The writer begins to explain why the tribe of Levi has no inheritance in the land.

to stand before Yahweh to serve him

This is an idiom. "to offer the sacrifices that Yahweh requires"

in his name

Here "name" refers to authority. Alternate translation: "as representatives of Yahweh"

as today

"as they are doing today"

Deuteronomy 10:9

Connecting Statement:

The writer finishes explaining why the tribe of Levi has no inheritance in the land.

no portion nor inheritance of land

The tribe of Levi did not receive a portion of the promised land when they arrived there. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit.

Yahweh is his inheritance

Yahweh speaks of the special relationship that Aaron and his descendants will have with him as if Yahweh were something that they will inherit. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is what they will have" or "Yahweh will allow them to serve him and he will provide for them through that service"

Yahweh your God

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "your" here is singular.

spoke to him

"spoke to the tribe of Levi"

Deuteronomy 10:10

General Information:

Moses resumes reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

as at the first time

"first" is the ordinal number for one. Here it refers to the first time Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive the stone tablets from Yahweh. "as I did the first time"

forty days and forty nights

"40 days and 40 nights"

destroy you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" here is singular.

Deuteronomy 10:11

possess the land

"take the land" or "take possession of the land"

their ancestors

This refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

to give to them

"that I would give to you, their descendants"

Deuteronomy 10:12

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they are one person.

Now, Israel

Here the metonym "Israel" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "Now, people of Israel"

what does Yahweh your God require of you, except to fear ... with all your soul

Moses uses a question to teach the people of Israel. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Yahweh your God requires you to do no more than this: to fear ... with all your soul."

to walk in all his ways

Moses speaks as if obeying Yahweh were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "to obey all his commands"

with all your heart and with all your soul

Here "heart" and "soul" are metonyms for a person's inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly." See how you translated these two phrases in [Deuteronomy 4:29]

Deuteronomy 10:13

to keep the commandments ... for your own good?

Moses uses a question to teach the people of Israel. This rhetorical question begins with the words "what does Yahweh your God require of you, except to fear ... with all your soul" in verse 12. It can be translated as a statement. "Yahweh your God requires you to do no more than this: to fear ... with all your soul, to keep the commandments ... for your own good."

Deuteronomy 10:14

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.

Behold, to

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: to"

heaven ... earth

These words show two extremes, and are combined to mean that all things everywhere belong to Yahweh.

the heaven of heavens

This refers to the highest places in the heavens. Everything in the heavens belong to God.

Deuteronomy 10:15

chose you

Here the word "you" refers to all the Israelites and is plural.

Deuteronomy 10:16

Therefore

"Because of this"

circumcise the foreskin of your heart

The word "foreskin" refers to the fold of skin on a man's private parts that is removed during circumcision. Here Moses is referring to a spiritual circumcision. This means the people must remove the sin from their lives.

no longer stiffen your necks

The phrase "stiffen your necks" is a metaphor that indicates that the people were stubborn, and God wanted them to stop being stubborn. Alternate translation: "stop being stubborn"

Deuteronomy 10:17

God of gods

"the supreme God" or "the only true God"

Lord of lords

"the supreme Lord" or "the greatest Lord"

the Fearsome One

"the one who causes people to fear"

Deuteronomy 10:18

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

He executes justice for the fatherless

"Yahweh makes sure that people treat the fatherless justly"

fatherless

These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

widow

A true widow is a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.

Deuteronomy 10:19

Therefore

"Because of this"

Deuteronomy 10:20

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.

him will you worship

"he is the one you must worship"

To him you must cling

To have a good relationship with Yahweh and to completely rely on him is spoken of as if the person were clinging to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "You must rely on him" or "He is the one you must rely on"

by his name will you swear

To swear by the name of Yahweh means to make Yahweh the basis or the power on which the oath is made. Here "name" represents Yahweh himself. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Deuteronomy 6:13]

Deuteronomy 10:21

which your eyes have seen

Here "eyes" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "which you yourselves have seen"

He is your praise

Possible meanings are 1) "He is the one you must praise" or 2) "It is because you worship him that other peoples will praise you"

Deuteronomy 10:22

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they are one man, so "you" and "your" are singular.

went down into Egypt

"traveled south to Egypt" or "went to Egypt"

seventy persons

"70 persons"

as many as the stars of the heavens

This emphasizes the large number of Israelites that were with Moses. Alternate translation: "more than you can count"

Chapter 11

Deuteronomy 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Therefore

This chapter begins with the word "therefore," which looks back to the instructions Moses gave in the previous two chapters.

Special concepts in this chapter

Eyewitnesses

The instruction that Moses gives and the retelling of the great things Yahweh has done for Israel are very important. This is because the generation entering into the Promised Land did not witness many of these events. (See: testimony)

Covenant

This chapter is included in the covenant God made with Moses, even though it is not explicitly said.

Deuteronomy 11:1

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

always keep

"always obey"

Deuteronomy 11:2

who have not known nor have they seen

"who have not experienced"

his mighty hand, or his outstretched arm

Here "mighty hand" and "outstretched arm" are metaphors for Yahweh's power. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:34]

Deuteronomy 11:3

in the midst of Egypt

"in Egypt"

to all his land

Here "land" represents the people. Alternate translation: "to all his people"

Deuteronomy 11:4

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the adult Israelites who were old enough to see what God did in Egypt.

Neither did they see what he did

"Neither did your children see what Yahweh did"

the army of Egypt

"the Egyptian soldiers"

they pursued after you

Here "you" means the Israelites who were alive about 40 years earlier.

Deuteronomy 11:5

to this place

This means the plain of the Jordan River Valley where Moses is speaking to them before they cross over into Canaan.

Deuteronomy 11:6

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the adults to teach their children God's mighty deeds.

Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab

Moses is referring to an event in the past when Dathan and Abiram rebelled against Moses and Aaron. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

Dathan ... Abiram ... Eliab

These are names of men.

son of Reuben

"descendant of Reuben"

earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up

Yahweh causing the land to split open so that the people fell in is spoken of as if the land had a mouth and the ability to swallow people.

every living thing that followed them

This refers to their servants and animals.

in the middle of all Israel

This means all the people of Israel witnessed what happened to Dathan, Abiram, their families, and their possessions.

Deuteronomy 11:7

But your eyes have seen

Here "eyes" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "But you have seen"

Deuteronomy 11:8

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

possess the land

"take the land"

where you are going over to possess it

The phrase "are going over" is used because the people of Israel will have to cross the Jordan River to enter into Canaan.

Deuteronomy 11:9

prolong your days

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:26]

a land flowing with milk and honey

This is an idiom. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 6:3]

Deuteronomy 11:10

watered it with your foot

Possible meanings are 1) "foot" is a metonym that represents the hard work of walking to carry water to the fields. Alternate translation: "worked hard to water it" or 2) they would use their feet to turn a water wheel that supplied water to the fields.

garden of herbs

"vegetable garden" or "garden of vegetables"

Deuteronomy 11:11

drinks water of the rain of the heavens

The land receiving and absorbing a lot of rain is spoken of as if the land were drinking the water. Alternate translation: "the rain from the sky gives it plenty of water"

Deuteronomy 11:12

the eyes of Yahweh your God are always upon it

Here "eyes" represents attention and care. Alternate translation: "Yahweh your God is always watching over it"

from the beginning of the year to the end of the year

Here the two extremes "beginning" and "end" are used together to mean the entire year. Alternate translation: "continuously throughout the entire year"

Deuteronomy 11:13

It will happen, if

This means that what Yahweh promises will happen if the Israelites obey his commands.

that I command

Here "I" refers to Moses.

with all your heart and with all your soul

The idiom "with all your heart" means "completely" and "with ... soul" means "with all your being." These two phrases have similar meanings. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 4:29]

Deuteronomy 11:14

I will give the rain of your land in its season

"I will cause it to rain on your land in the proper season"

I will give

Here "I" refers to Yahweh. This can be stated in the third person. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will give" or "He will give"

the former rain and the latter rain

This refers to rain at the beginning of the sowing season and rain for maturing the crops for harvest. Alternate translation: "the autumn rain and spring rain" or "the rain in the right seasons"

Deuteronomy 11:15

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 11:16

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Pay attention to yourselves

"Be careful" or "Beware"

so that your heart is not deceived

Here "heart" represents a person's desires or thoughts. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that your desires do not deceive you" or "so that you do not deceive yourself"

you turn aside and worship other gods

Rejecting Yahweh and worshiping other gods is spoken of as if the person would physically turn and go in a different direction away from Yahweh. Alternate translation: "you start worshiping other gods"

Deuteronomy 11:17

so that the anger of Yahweh is not kindled against you

God becoming angry is spoken of as if it were a fire that were starting. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that Yahweh does not become angry with you"

so that he does not shut up the heavens so that there will be no rain, and the land will not yield its fruit

God causing no rain to fall from the sky is spoken of as if he were closing the sky. Alternate translation: "so that he does not cause the rain to stop falling from the sky so that crops will not grow in the land"

Deuteronomy 11:18

lay up these words of mine in your heart and soul

A person always thinking about and considering what Moses commands is spoken of as if the heart and soul were a container and Moses's words were the content to fill the container. Alternate translation: "be very careful to remember these words that I am saying to you"

these words of mine

"these commands that I have given you"

your heart and soul

Here "heart" and "soul" represent a person's mind or thoughts.

bind them

"tie these words." This is a metonym that represents a person writing the words on a parchment, putting the parchment in a pouch, and tying the pouch. This metonymy in turn may be a metaphor meaning the people must be careful to obey Moses's commands. See how you translated similar phrases in [Deuteronomy 6:8]

as a sign on your hand

"as something to make you remember my laws"

let them be as frontlets between your eyes

"let my words be as as frontlets between your eyes." This is a metonym that represents a person writing Moses's words on parchement, putting the parchement in a pouch, and tying the pouch so it sits between his eyes. This metonymy in turn may be a metaphor that means the person must be careful to obey all of Moses's commands. See how you translated similar phrases in [Deuteronomy 6:8]

frontlets

ornaments a person wears on the forehead

Deuteronomy 11:19

when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up

Using the different places "in your house" and "on the road," and the opposites "when you lie down" and "get up," represent anywhere, anytime. The people of Israel were to discuss God's commandments and teach them to their children anytime and anywhere.

Deuteronomy 11:20

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

You will write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 6:9.

Deuteronomy 11:21

that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Yahweh may cause you and your children to live a long time"

to your ancestors

This refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

to give them for as long as the heavens are above the earth

This compares how long the people could stay in the land to how long the sky will exist above the earth. This is a way of saying "forever." Alternate translation: "to give them as a possession forever" or "to allow them to live there forever"

Deuteronomy 11:22

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

For if you diligently keep all these commandments that I am commanding you, so as to do them

"For if you are careful to do everything that I have commanded you"

walk in all his ways

How Yahweh wants a person to live and behave is spoken of as if they are Yahweh's ways or roads. A person obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if he were walking on Yahweh's ways or roads.

to cling to him

To have a good relationship with Yahweh and to completely rely on him is spoken of as if the person were clinging to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "to rely on him" or "to have a good relationship with him" Look at how similar words are translated in Deuteronomy 10:20.

Deuteronomy 11:23

all these nations from before you, and you will dispossess nations

Here "nations" represent the people groups already living in Canaan. Alternate translation: "all of these people groups from before you, and you will take the land from people groups"

larger and mightier than yourselves

Although Israel's army is smaller and weaker than the people groups living in Canaan, Yahweh will enable the people of Israel to defeat them.

Deuteronomy 11:24

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Every place where the sole of your foot will tread

Here "the sole of your foot" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "Every place you go"

from the river, the Euphrates River

"from the Euphrates River"

Deuteronomy 11:25

No man will be able to stand before you

The phrase "stand before you" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "No one will be able to stop you" or "No one will be able to oppose you"

Yahweh your God will lay the fear of you and the terror of you upon all the land that you tread on

Yahweh causing the people to be very afraid is spoken of as if fear and terror were an object that he will place on the people. Alternate translation: "Yahweh your God will cause the people in every place you go to be very afraid of you"

the fear of you and the terror of you

The words "fear" and "terror" mean the same thing and emphasize the intensity of fear. Alternate translation: "a terrible fear of you"

upon all the land that you tread on

Here "the land" is a metonym for all the people in the land. Alternate translation: "upon all the people in every place you go"

Deuteronomy 11:26

General Information:

Here Moses summarizes the two options the people of Israel could choose. They could choose to obey and receive God's blessing or they could choose to disobey and receive God's punishment.

Look

"Pay attention"

I set before you today a blessing and a curse

Allowing the people to choose whether they want God to bless them or curse them is spoken of as if a blessing and a curse were objects that Moses is setting in front of them. Alternate translation: "Today you must choose whether God will bless you or curse you"

Deuteronomy 11:27

the blessing, if you obey

The abstract noun "blessing" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "God will bless you if you obey"

Deuteronomy 11:28

but turn aside from the way that I command you today, to go after other gods

The commands of Yahweh that Moses is telling the people are spoken of as if they were God's way or road. To not obey God's commands is spoken of as if people physically were to turn in another direction away from Yahweh to follow other gods. Alternate translation: "but stop obeying what I command you today, in order to worship other gods"

other gods that you have not known

This refers to the gods that other people groups worship. The Israelites know Yahweh because he has revealed himself to them and they have experienced his power.

Deuteronomy 11:29

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

you will set the blessing on Mount Gerizim, and the curse on Mount Ebal

The blessing and the curse are spoken of as if they were objects that someone will set on the mountains. Alternate translation: "some of you must stand on top of Mount Gerazim and proclaim what will cause Yahweh to bless you, and the others must stand on top of Mount Ebal and proclaim what will cause Yahweh to curse you"

Mount Gerizim ... Mount Ebal

These are names of mountains on the west side of the Jordan River.

Deuteronomy 11:30

Are they not beyond the Jordan ... Moreh?

The Israelites are on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Moses uses a question to remind the people where these mountains are located. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "As you know, they are beyond the Jordan ... Moreh."

beyond the Jordan

"on the west side of the Jordan River"

west of the western road

"in the west"

over against Gilgal

"near Gilgal" This may not be the same place as the city near Jericho. Moses may be referring to a place that is near Shechem.

oaks of Moreh

These are sacred trees near Gilgal.

Deuteronomy 11:31

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 11:32

all the statutes and the decrees

These are the statutes and decrees Moses will give in Deuteronomy 12-26.

I set before you today

This does not mean these are new. Moses is reviewing the same statutes and decrees that he gave 40 years earlier.

I set before you

God's statutes and decrees, which Moses is telling the people, are spoken of as if they were objects that Moses is setting before the people. Alternate translation: "I am giving to you"

Chapter 12

Deuteronomy 12 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant with Moses

This chapter is a continuation of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. The reasons for these food restrictions are not always known.

Israel and Yahweh

In the ancient Near East, when nations conquered other nations, they often added the gods of the conquered nation into their collection of gods they worshiped. It was rare to worship only one God. Israel was to be known for worshiping Yahweh and Yahweh alone. (See: falsegod)

Deuteronomy 12:1

General Information:

Moses is still talking to the people of Israel.

you will keep

"you must obey"

all the days that you live on the earth

The phrase "live on the earth" is an idiom that means as long as a person lives. Alternate translation: "for as long as you live"

Deuteronomy 12:2

You will surely destroy

"You must destroy"

the nations that you will dispossess

Here "nations" represents the people groups that live in Canaan. Alternate translation: "the people groups whose land you will take"

Deuteronomy 12:3

General Information:

Moses is still talking to the people of Israel.

You must break down their altars

"you must pull apart the altars of those nations" or "you must destroy the altars of those nations"

dash in pieces

"break into pieces" or "shatter"

destroy their name

Here "their name" represents "the memory of them." Alternate translation: "destroy them so completely that no one will remember them" or "destroy anything that represents these false gods"

that place

This refers to each place where the nations worshiped their gods.

Deuteronomy 12:4

You will not worship Yahweh your God like that

"You should not worship Yahweh your God like those nations worshiped their gods"

Deuteronomy 12:5

to establish his name

Here the phrase "his name" refers to God himself. Yahweh will choose one location where he will live and people will come to worship him there. Alternate translation: "to have his people build the place where they will worship him"

it is there that you will go

They will go to worship where God decides.

Deuteronomy 12:6

the offerings presented by your hand

Here "hand" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "the offerings that you present"

your offerings for vows, your freewill offerings

"your offerings to fulfill a vow, your voluntary offerings." These are types of offerings.

the firstborn of your herds and flocks

God requires that the people give him every firstborn male of their livestock.

Deuteronomy 12:7

It is there

This refers to the place that Yahweh will choose for the children of Israel to worship.

rejoice about everything that you have put your hand to

Here "put your hand to" represents the whole person and work that he has done. Alternate translation: "rejoice about all the work you have done"

Deuteronomy 12:8

You will not do all the things that we are doing here today

"You will not do as we are doing here today." This means that they would worship in the promised land differently than the way they were worshiping at that moment.

now everyone is doing whatever is right in his own eyes

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "everyone is doing what he considers to be right" or "now everyone is doing what he judges to be right"

Deuteronomy 12:9

to the rest

The abstract noun "the rest" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "to the land where you will rest"

to the inheritance that Yahweh your God is giving you

The land that God is giving to the people of Israel is spoken of as if it were a possession that a father leaves as an inheritance for his children. Alternate translation: "to the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you as a permanent possession"

Deuteronomy 12:10

live in the land

This refers to the land of Canaan.

in the land that Yahweh your God is causing you to inherit

God giving the land of Canaan to the people of Israel is spoken of as if he were a father giving an inheritance to his children.

he will give you rest from all your enemies round about

"he will give you peace from all your enemies around you"

Deuteronomy 12:11

the offerings presented by your hand

Here "hand" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "the offerings that you present"

all your choice offerings for vows

"all your voluntary offerings to fulfill vows"

Deuteronomy 12:12

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

rejoice before Yahweh

"rejoice in the presence of Yahweh"

the Levites who are within your gate

Here "gates" is a reference to the city itself. Alternate translation: "the Levites who live inside your city" or "the Levites living with you"

because he has no portion or inheritance among you

The fact that Yahweh would not give any of the land to the Levites is spoken of as if a father were not giving them an inheritance.

he has no portion

Here "he" refers to Levi. Levi represents all of his descendants. Alternate translation: "they have no portion"

Deuteronomy 12:13

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Pay attention to yourself

"Be careful"

every place that you see

"any place that pleases you" or "wherever you want"

Deuteronomy 12:14

but it is at the place that Yahweh will choose

The burnt offerings are to be made at the tabernacle. Yahweh himself would choose where the tabernacle would be located.

Deuteronomy 12:15

However, you may kill and eat animals within all your gates

The people could only kill animals as sacrifices in the place that Yahweh would choose. They could kill animals for food anywhere they wanted. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

within all your gates

Here "gates" represents the whole city. Alternate translation: "inside your city" or "at your homes"

the unclean ... persons

A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.

the clean persons

A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.

the gazelle and the deer

These are wild animals with long thin legs that can run quickly. Alternate translation: "the antelope and the deer"

Deuteronomy 12:16

But you will not eat the blood

The blood represents life and God did not allow the people to eat the blood along with the meat. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

Deuteronomy 12:17

General Information:

Moses describes to the people all the special offerings and sacrifices that are to be made at the tabernacle.

within your gates

Here "gates" represents the whole city. Alternate translation: "inside your city" or "at your homes"

nor that of the offering you present with your hand

Here "hand" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "nor that of any offering which you bring to Yahweh"

Deuteronomy 12:18

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to the people of Israel.

you will eat them

"you will eat your offerings"

before Yahweh

"in the presence of Yahweh

the Levite who is within your gates

Here "gate" represents the whole city. Alternate translation: "any Levite who lives inside your city"

everything to which you put your hand

Here "put your hand to" represents the whole person and work that he has done. Alternate translation: "rejoice about all the work you do"

Deuteronomy 12:19

Pay attention to yourself

"Be careful"

that you do not abandon the Levite

"that you take good care of the Levite"

Deuteronomy 12:20

enlarges your borders

"enlarges your territory" or "gives you even more land"

you say, 'I will eat flesh,' because of your desire to eat meat

This is a quotation within a quotation. This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "and you decide that you want to eat meat"

as your soul desires

Here "soul" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "as you want" or "as you crave"

Deuteronomy 12:21

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

to establish his name

Here the phrase "his name" refers to God himself. Yahweh will choose one location where he will live and people will come to worship him there. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 12:5]

within your gates

Here "gates" represents the whole city." Alternate translation: "inside your city" or "within your community"

as your soul desires

Here "soul" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "as you desire"

Deuteronomy 12:22

Like the gazelle and the deer are eaten

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Just like you eat the gazelle and the deer"

gazelle and the deer

These are wild animals with long thin legs that can run quickly. See how you translated these in Deuteronomy 12:15.

the unclean ... persons

A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.

the clean persons

A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.

Deuteronomy 12:23

the blood is the life

Here the way that blood sustains life is spoken of as if the blood were life itself. Alternate translation: "the blood sustains life" or "the blood causes animals and people to live"

you will not eat the life with the meat

The word "life" here represents the blood that sustains life. Alternate translation: "You will not eat what sustains life with the meat" or "you will not eat the blood, which sustains life, with the meat"

Deuteronomy 12:24

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 12:25

what is right in the eyes of Yahweh

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "what is right in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be right"

Deuteronomy 12:26

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 12:27

the blood of your sacrifices will be poured out

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the priest will pour out the blood of the sacrifice"

you will eat the flesh

God's law specifies which parts of the animal are for the burnt offering, which parts are for the priest and which parts are for the offerer to eat. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "you will eat some of the meat"

Deuteronomy 12:28

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Observe and listen to all these words that I command you

"Carefully listen to and obey everything that I am commanding you"

that it may go well with you and with your children after you

Here "children" means all of their descendants. Alternate translation: "that you and your descendants may prosper"

when you do what is good and right

The words "good" and "right" have similar meanings and emphasize the importance of right behavior. Alternate translation: "when you do what is right"

what is good and right in the eyes of Yahweh

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "what is good and right in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be good and right"

Deuteronomy 12:29

cuts off the nations

Yahweh destroying the people groups in Canaan is spoken of as if he were cutting them off, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree.

the nations

Here "nations" represents the people living in Canaan.

when you go in to dispossess them, and you dispossess them

"when you take everything from them"

Deuteronomy 12:30

pay attention to yourself

"be careful"

that you are not trapped into following them ... trapped into investigating their gods, into asking

A person learning about and worshiping other gods is spoken of as if they are caught in a hunter's trap. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you do not act like them ... that you do try to learn about their gods, asking"

not trapped into following them

The Israelites worshiping idols as the people groups of Canaan worship idols is spoken of as if the Israelites were following behind the other people groups.

after they are destroyed from before you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after Yahweh destroys them before you"

into asking, 'How do these nations worship their gods? I will do the same.'

This is a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "into asking about how those people groups worship their gods so that you can do the same."

Deuteronomy 12:31

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Deuteronomy 12:32

Do not add to it or take away from it

They are not to create more laws nor are they to ignore laws that God has given them.

Chapter 13

Deuteronomy 13 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Worshiping other gods

The people were required to listen to Yahweh's prophets unless they were encouraging the people to worship other gods. The punishment for anyone leading the people to worship other gods was death. These instructions were to keep Israel's worship of Yahweh pure. (See: prophet and falsegod and purify)

Deuteronomy 13:1

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

If there arises among you

"If there appears among you" or "If someone among you claims to be"

a dreamer of dreams

This is someone who receives messages from God through dreams.

a sign or a wonder

These two words have similar meanings and refer to various miracles.

Deuteronomy 13:2

comes about

"takes place" or "happens"

of which he spoke to you and said, 'Let us go after other gods, that you have not known, and let us worship them,'

This can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "and he tells you to serve and worship other gods which you have not known,"

Let us go after other gods

Worshiping other gods is spoken of as if they were going after or following other gods. Alternate translation: "Let us follow other gods"

go after other gods, that you have not known

The phrase "gods, that you have not known" refers to the gods that other people groups worship. The Israelites know Yahweh because he has revealed himself to them and they have experienced his power.

Deuteronomy 13:3

do not listen to the words of that prophet, or to that dreamer of dreams

"do not listen to what that prophet say nor to what the dreamer of dreams says"

with all your heart and with all your soul

Here "heart" and "soul" are metonyms for a person's inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly." See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 4:29]

Deuteronomy 13:4

You will walk after Yahweh your God

Obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if the people were walking after or following Yahweh. Alternate translation: "You will obey Yahweh"

obey his voice

Here "voice" represents what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: "obey what he says"

cling to him

To have a good relationship with Yahweh and to completely rely on him is spoken of as if the person were clinging to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "rely on him"

Deuteronomy 13:5

will be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must kill"

he has spoken rebellion

The abstract noun "rebellion" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "he has tried to make you rebel"

who redeemed you out of the house of bondage

Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves in Egypt is spoken of as if Yahweh paid money to redeem his people out of slavery. Alternate translation: "who rescued you out of the place where you were slaves"

the house of bondage

Here "house of bondage" represents Egypt where the people of Yahweh had been slaves. Alternate translation: "Egypt where you were slaves"

draw you out of the way in which Yahweh your God commanded you to walk

How God wants a person to live or behave is spoken of as if it were a way or road on which God wants his people to walk. A person trying to cause someone else to stop obeying God is spoken of as if the person were trying to get the other person to stop walking on God's way or road. Alternate translation: "make you disobey what Yahweh your God commanded"

So completely remove the evil from among you

Here "the evil" refers to the evil person or the evil behavior. This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "So you must remove from among the people of Israel the person who does this evil thing" or "So you must kill this evil person"

Deuteronomy 13:6

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

wife of your bosom

A bosom is a person's chest. This is a idiom with the image of him holding her close to his chest; this means that he loves and cherishes her. Alternate translation: "wife you love" or "wife you dearly embrace"

bosom

chest, shoulders, and arms

your friend who is to you like your own soul

Here "soul" represents the person's life. This means the person cares for his friend as much as he cares for his own life. Alternate translation: "your dearest friend" or "a friend you love as much as you love yourself"

secretly entices you and says, 'Let us go and worship other gods' which you have not known

The words "Let us go and worship other gods" are a direct quote. The words "which you have not known" describe the other gods, but they are not part of the quote. In some languages, it might be more natural to use an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "secretly entices you to go and worship other gods which you have not known"

Deuteronomy 13:7

that are round about you

"that are around you." These words describe the peoples.

from the one end of the earth to the other end of the earth

Here the reference to the two extremes of the earth means "everywhere on earth." Alternate translation: "throughout the entire earth"

Deuteronomy 13:8

You must not give in to him

"Do not agree to what he wants"

you must not permit your eye to pity him

Here "your eye" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "you msut not look at him with pity" or "you must not show him mercy"

you must not spare him or conceal him

"you must not show him mercy or hide from others what he has done"

Deuteronomy 13:9

your hand will be the first on him to put him to death

This means that he was to throw the first stone at the guilty person. The word "hand" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "you must be the first to strike him to kill him"

the hand of all the people

Here "hand" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "the other people will join you"

Deuteronomy 13:10

he has tried to draw you away from Yahweh

"to turn you away from Yahweh." A person trying to cause someone else to stop obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if the person were trying to cause someone to physically turn around and leave Yahweh. Alternate translation: "he has tried to make you disobey Yahweh"

out of the house of bondage

Here "house of bondage" represents Egypt where the people of Yahweh had been slaves. Alternate translation: "out from the place where you were slaves"

Deuteronomy 13:11

All Israel will hear and fear

It is implied that when the people hear about the person who was executed, they will be afraid to act like he did.

Deuteronomy 13:12

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 13:13

Some wicked fellows have gone out from among you

The phrase "from among you" means that these wicked men were Israelites who lived in their communities.

have drawn away the inhabitants of their city and said, 'Let us go and worship other gods that you have not known.'

This can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "have persuaded those who live in their city to go and worship other gods that they have not known."

have drawn away the inhabitants of their city

A person causing someone else to stop obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if the person has caused the other person to physically turn and leave Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 13:14

examine the evidence, make search, and investigate it thoroughly

All of these phrases mean basically the same thing. Moses is emphasizing that they must carefully find out what truly happened at the city.

that such an abominable thing has been done among you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the people of the city have done such a terrible thing"

Deuteronomy 13:15

with the edge of the sword

Here "edge" represents the whole sword. Alternate translation: "with your swords"

Deuteronomy 13:16

all the spoil

"all the plunder." This refers to the possessions and treasures that an army collects after winning a battle.

heap of ruins

"pile of ruins"

it must never be built again

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one must ever rebuild the city"

Deuteronomy 13:17

None of those things set apart for destruction must stick in your hand

Yahweh cursing something and promising to destroy it is spoken of as if Yahweh were setting the object apart from other things. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must not keep any of the things God has commanded you to destroy"

must stick in your hand

This is a way of saying a person keeps something. Alternate translation: "must you keep"

Yahweh will turn from the burning of his anger

Yahweh no longer being angry is spoken of as his anger were an object and Yahweh physically turns away from it. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will stop being angry"

to your fathers

Here "fathers" means ancestors or forefathers.

Deuteronomy 13:18

you are listening to the voice of Yahweh

Here "voice" represents what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: "you are obeying what Yahweh says"

that which is right in the eyes of Yahweh your God

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "that which is right in Yahweh's judgment" or "that which Yahweh your God considers to be right"

Chapter 14

Deuteronomy 14 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Law of Moses

This chapter is part of the law of Moses, which is part of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. (See: lawofmoses)

Clean animals

There are animals which the law considered to be clean and unclean. The people were not allowed to eat the unclean animals. Scholars are uncertain about the reasons for the animals to be considered to be clean or unclean. The result of these food restrictions was a nation that was different than the nations surrounding it. (See: clean)

Deuteronomy 14:1

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

You are the people

All occurrences of "you" refer to the people of Israel. Moses was included as a part of the people. Alternate translation: "We are the people"

Do not cut yourselves, nor shave any part of your face for the dead

These were ways the people groups living in Canaan showed that they were grieving over people who had died. Moses is telling the people of Israel not to act like them. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

nor shave any part of your face

"nor shave the front of your head"

Deuteronomy 14:2

you are a nation ... has chosen you

All occurrences of "you" refer to the people of Israel. Moses was included as a part of the people. Alternate translation: "we are a nation ... has chosen us"

For you are a nation ... surface of the earth

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 7:6.

you are a nation that is set apart to Yahweh your God

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh your God has set you apart from other nations"

Yahweh has chosen you to be a people for his own possession

This means basically the same thing as the first part of the sentence. They both mean that the people of Israel belong to Yahweh in a special way.

a people for his own possession

"a people for his treasured possession" or "his people"

more than all peoples that are on the surface of the earth

"out of all the people groups in the world"

Deuteronomy 14:3

You must not eat any abominable thing

The people of Israel were not supposed to eat anything that God said was unfit for eating.

Deuteronomy 14:4

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 14:5

the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck

These are all types of deer. If your language does not have a word for each animal it can be translated as "all kinds of deer."

the gazelle

This is wild animal with long thin legs that can run quickly. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 12:15.

the roebuck

a type of deer

ibex, and the antelope

Both of these are types of antelope. If your language does not have a word for each animal it can be translated as "all kinds of antelope."

ibex

a type of antelope

Deuteronomy 14:6

that parts the hoof

"that have split hooves." This is a hoof that is split into two parts instead of being one whole.

chews the cud

This means the animal brings its food up from its stomach and chews it again.

Deuteronomy 14:7

rabbit

This is a small animal with long ears that usually lives in holes in the ground.

rock badger

This is a small animal that lives in rocky places.

they are unclean to you

Something Yahweh says is unfit for his people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

Deuteronomy 14:8

The pig is unclean to you

Something Yahweh says is unfit for his people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

Deuteronomy 14:9

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Of these things that are in water you may eat

"You may eat these kinds of animals that live in the water"

fins

the thin, flat part which the fish uses to move through the water

scales

the small plates that cover the body of the fish

Deuteronomy 14:10

they are unclean to you

Something Yahweh says is unfit for his people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

Deuteronomy 14:11

All clean birds

An animal that God says is fit for his people to eat is spoken of as if the animal were physically clean.

Deuteronomy 14:12

eagle ... vulture ... osprey

These are birds that are either awake at night or feed on small animals and dead animals.

Deuteronomy 14:13

red kite ... black kite ... falcon

These are birds that are either awake at night or feed on small animals and dead animals.

Deuteronomy 14:14

raven

A bird that either is awake at night or feeds on small animals and dead animals.

Deuteronomy 14:15

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 14:16

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 14:17

cormorant

A bird that is either awake at night or feeds on small animals and dead animals.

Deuteronomy 14:18

stork ... heron, the hoopoe

These are types of birds that eat small animals and lizards.

the bat

animal with wings and furry body which is awake mainly at night and eats insects and rodents

Deuteronomy 14:19

All winged, swarming things

This means all flying insects that move in large groups.

are unclean to you

Animals that God says are unfit for his people to eat are spoken of as if the animals are physically unclean.

they must not be eaten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must not eat them"

Deuteronomy 14:20

all clean flying things

Animals that God says are fit for his people to eat are spoken of as if the animals are physically clean.

Deuteronomy 14:21

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

anything that dies of itself

This means an animal that dies a natural death.

is within your gates

The word "gates" here is a metonym for the towns inside the gates. Alternate translation: "lives in your towns"

For you are a nation that is set apart to Yahweh your God

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For Yahweh your God has set you apart from other nations"

Deuteronomy 14:22

tithe all the yield of your seed

This means they are to give one part out of every ten equal parts from their crops.

year after year

"every year"

Deuteronomy 14:23

before Yahweh

"in the presence of Yahweh"

make a dwelling for his name

Here the phrase "his name" refers to God himself. Yahweh will choose one location where he will live and people will come to worship him there. Alternate translation: "have his people build the place where they will worship him"

Deuteronomy 14:24

carry it

Here "it" refers to the tithe of crops and livestock.

to establish his name

Here the phrase "his name" refers to God himself. Yahweh will choose one location where he will live and people will come to worship him there. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 12:5]

Deuteronomy 14:25

you will convert the offering into money

"you will sell your offering for money"

tie up the money in your hand, and go

"put the money in a bag and take it with you"

Deuteronomy 14:26

for whatever you desire

"for whatever you want"

before Yahweh

"in the presence of Yahweh"

Deuteronomy 14:27

do not abandon him

"make sure to take care of him"

for he has no portion nor inheritance with you

The tribe of Levi did not receive a portion of land as their inheritance. Their share of the inheritance was the honor of serving Yahweh as his priests. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

no portion nor inheritance with you

God not giving land to the Levites is spoken of as if he were not giving them an inheritance.

Deuteronomy 14:28

every three years you will present all the tithe of your produce

Once every 3 years the Israelites were to store their tithes within their own towns so that it would be used to provide for the Levites, orphans, widows and foreigners.

within your gates

Here "gates" represents the entire city or town. Alternate translation: "inside your city"

Deuteronomy 14:29

because he has no portion nor inheritance with you

God not giving any land to the Levites is spoken of as if he were not giving them an inheritance.

fatherless

These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

widow

This is a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.

in all the work of your hand that you do

Here "hand" represents the whole person. This refers to the work that someone does. Alternate translation: "in all the work you do"

Chapter 15

Deuteronomy 15 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Forgiveness of Debt

This chapter gives instructions about the necessity to regularly forgive debt among their fellow countryman. This prevented people from being trapped by their poverty.

Justice

As Yahweh's chosen nation, there must be justice in Israel. This chapter gives commands that encouraged justice by protecting the poor, servants and slaves. (See: elect and justice)

Deuteronomy 15:1

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

seven years

"7 years"

you must cancel debts

"forgive every thing which people still owe you"

Deuteronomy 15:2

This is the manner of the release

"This is how to cancel the debts"

creditor

a person who lends money to other people

his neighbor or his brother

The words "neighbor" and "brother" share similar meanings and emphasize the close relationship that they have with their fellow Israelites. Alternate translation: "his fellow Israelite"

because Yahweh's cancellation of debts has been proclaimed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because Yahweh has required that you cancel debts"

Deuteronomy 15:3

your hand must release

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "you must not demand it back" or "you must not require repayment"

Deuteronomy 15:4

no poor

The nominal adjective "poor" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "no poor people" or "no one who is poor"

the land that he gives

This refers to the land of Canaan.

he gives you as an inheritance to possess

The land that Yahweh is giving to his people is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that Yahweh is giving them.

Deuteronomy 15:5

if only you diligently listen to the voice of Yahweh your God

Here the metonym "voice of Yahweh" refers to what Yahweh himself says. Alternate translation: "if only you are careful to obey what Yahweh your God says"

Deuteronomy 15:6

you will lend ... you will not borrow

The word "money" is understood. You can make the full meaning of this statement clear. Alternate translation: "you will lend money ... you will not borrow money"

to many nations ... over many nations

Here "nations" represents the people. Alternate translation: "to the people of many nations ... over the people of many nations"

you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you

Here "rule over" means to be financially superior. This means basically the same thing as the previous part of the sentence.

Deuteronomy 15:7

If there is a poor man

Here "man" means a person in general. Alternate translation: "If there is a poor person"

one of your brothers

"one of your fellow Israelites"

within any of your gates

Here "gates" represents the entire city or town. Alternate translation: "within any of your towns"

you must not harden your heart

Being stubborn is spoken of as if the person hardened their heart. Alternate translation: "you must not be stubborn"

nor shut your hand from your poor brother

A person who refuses to provide for a poor person is spoken of as if he were shutting his hand so that the poor person cannot get anything from him. Alternate translation: "nor refuse to help your fellow Israelite who is poor"

Deuteronomy 15:8

but you must surely open your hand to him

A person who helps a poor person is spoken of as if he were opening his hand to him. Alternate translation: "but you must surely help him"

Deuteronomy 15:9

not to have a wicked thought in your heart, saying

Here "heart" represents a person's mind. Alternate translation: "not to think a wicked thought"

The seventh year, the year of release, is near

It is implied that because the year of release will happen soon, the person thinking this will be reluctant to help a poor person since it is likely that the poor person will not have to pay him back. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear.

The seventh year

The word "seventh" is the ordinal number for seven.

the year of release

"the year to cancel debts"

is near

Something that will happen soon is spoken of as if it were physically near. Alternate translation: "will happen soon"

so that you will not be stingy in regard to your poor brother and give him nothing

"so that you are not stubborn and refuse to give anything to your fellow Israelite"

cry out to Yahweh

"shout to Yahweh for help"

it would be sin for you

"Yahweh will consider what you have done to be sinful"

Deuteronomy 15:10

your heart must not be sorry

Here "heart" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "you should not regret it" or "you should be happy"

in all that you put your hand to

Here "put your hand to" represents the whole person and work that he has done. Alternate translation: "in all that you do"

Deuteronomy 15:11

For the poor will never cease to exist in the land

"For there will always be poor people in the land"

For the poor

The nominal adjective "the poor" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "For poor people"

I command you and say, 'You must surely open your hand ... in your land.'

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "I command you to open your hand ... in your land"

open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor

A person who is willing to help someone else is spoken of as if his hand were open. Alternate translation: "help your fellow Israelite, those who are needy, and those who are poor"

your brother, to your needy, and to your poor

The words "needy" and "poor" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that these are people who cannot help themselves. Alternate translation: "help your fellow Israelites who cannot help themselves"

Deuteronomy 15:12

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

If your brother

Here "brother" means an Israelite in general, whether a male or female. Alternate translation: "If a fellow Israelite" or "If a fellow Hebrew"

is sold to you

If a person could not repay their debts, they sometimes sold themselves into slavery to pay what they owed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "sell themselves to you"

six years

"6 years"

seventh year

"year 7." This "seventh" is the ordinal number for seven.

Deuteronomy 15:13

you must not let him go empty-handed

A person who has no possessions to provide for himself or his family is spoken of as if his hands were empty. Alternate translation: "you must not let him leave without having anything to provide for himself and his family"

Deuteronomy 15:14

liberally provide for him

"generously give to him"

Deuteronomy 15:15

remember that you were a slave

Here "you" includes their ancestors that were slaves for many years. Alternate translation: "remember that your people were once slaves"

that Yahweh your God redeemed you

Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves in Egypt is spoken of as if Yahweh paid money to redeem his people from slavery.

Deuteronomy 15:16

if he says to you, 'I will not go away from you,'

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "if he says to you that he will not go away from you,"

your house

Here "house" represents the person's family.

Deuteronomy 15:17

then you must take an awl and thrust it through his ear to a door

"then you will place his head near a wooden door frame in your house, and then put the point of the awl through his earlobe into the wood"

awl

a sharp, pointed tool used to make a hole

for life

"until the end of his life" or "until he dies"

Deuteronomy 15:18

It must not seem difficult for you to let him go free from you

This means that they are not resent it when they let someone go free. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Be pleased when you let him go free"

given twice the value of a hired person

This means the owner only had to pay have the amount for this slave to work than he would for a person he hired to do a job.

a hired person

This is a person who works for pay.

Deuteronomy 15:19

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

shear

to cut off wool or hair

Deuteronomy 15:20

before Yahweh

"in the presence of Yahweh"

year by year

"each year" or "every year"

Deuteronomy 15:21

lame

crippled or physically disabled

Deuteronomy 15:22

within your gates

Here "gates" represents the city or town. Alternate translation: "within your community" or "inside your city"

the unclean ... persons

A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.

the clean persons

A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.

a gazelle or a deer

These are wild animals with long thin legs that can run quickly. See how you translated these in Deuteronomy 12:15.

Deuteronomy 15:23

you must not eat its blood

"you must not consume its blood." Yahweh did not allow Israelites to consume blood because the blood represented life (Deuteronomy 12:23).

Chapter 16

Deuteronomy 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Festivals

This chapter retells the specific commands about how to celebrate the Passover. This recalled the Passover in Egypt, which was an important event in the formation of the nation of Israel. There are several other important festivals described in this chapter. (See: passover)

Life in Israel

As Yahweh's chosen nation, there must be justice in Israel. Also, Yahweh must be the only God in Israel. He alone is to be worshiped. (See: elect and justice)

Deuteronomy 16:1

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

month of Aviv

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It marks when God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt. It is during the last part of March and the first part April on Western calendars.

keep the Passover

It is implied by "keep the Passover" that they would celebrate and eat the Passover meal. Alternate translation: "celebrate the Passover meal" or "eat the Passover meal"

Deuteronomy 16:2

You will sacrifice the Passover

Here "Passover" represents the animal that is sacrificed for the Passover celebration. Alternate translation: For the Passover you will offer a sacrifice"

make a dwelling for his name

Here the phrase "his name" refers to God himself. Yahweh will choose one location where he will live and people will come to worship him there. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 14:23. Alternate translation: "have his people build the place where they will worship him"

Deuteronomy 16:3

with it

Here "it" refers to the animal they will sacrifice and eat.

seven days

"7 days"

the bread of affliction

This was the name of the unleavened bread. The full meaning can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "this bread will remind you of how much you suffered while in Egypt"

out of the land of Egypt in haste

The people had to leave Egypt so quickly that they did not have enough time to make bread with yeast in it. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "out of the land of Egypt in such hurry you did not have time to make bread with yeast in it"

Do this all the days of your life

"Do this as long as you live"

call to mind

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "remember"

Deuteronomy 16:4

No yeast must be seen among you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must not have any yeast among you"

within all your borders

"inside all your territory" or "in all your land"

first day

This "first" is the ordinal number for one.

Deuteronomy 16:5

You must not sacrifice the Passover

Here "Passover" represents the animal that will be sacrificed. Alternate translation: "For the Passover you must not sacrifice the animal"

within any of your city gates

Here "gates" represents the cities or towns. Alternate translation: "within any of your towns"

Deuteronomy 16:6

make a dwelling for his name

Here the phrase "his name" refers to God himself. Yahweh will choose one location where he will live and people will come to worship him there. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 14:23]

at the going down of the sun

"at sunset"

Deuteronomy 16:7

You must roast it

"You must cook it"

Deuteronomy 16:8

six days

"6 days"

seventh day

"seventh" is the ordinal number for seven.

solemn assembly

"special gathering"

Deuteronomy 16:9

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

count seven weeks

"count 7 weeks"

from the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain

The phrase "put the sickle to the standing grain" is a way of referring to the beginning of harvest time. Alternate translation: "from the time that you begin harvesting the grain"

sickle

a tool with a curved blade used for cutting grass, grain, and vines

Deuteronomy 16:10

with the tribute of a freewill offering from your hand that you will give

Here "hand" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "and you will give your free will offering"

according as Yahweh your God has blessed you

"according to the harvest which Yahweh your God has given you" This means that the people will base how much they offer on how much they harvested that year.

Deuteronomy 16:11

your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, the Levite

These do not refer to a specific person. It means these types of people in general. Alternate translation: "your sons, your daughters, your male servants, your females servants, any Levite"

within your city gates

Here "gates" represents cities or towns. Alternate translation: "within your towns"

the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow

This refers to these types of people in general. Alternate translation: "all foreigners, orphans, and widows"

fatherless

These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

widow

This means a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.

make a dwelling for his name

Here the phrase "his name" refers to God himself. Yahweh will choose one location where he will live and people will come to worship him there. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 14:23]

Deuteronomy 16:12

call to mind

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "remember"

Deuteronomy 16:13

Festival of Shelters

Other names for this festival are "Feast of Tabernacles," "Festival of Booths," and "Feast of the Ingathering." During harvest time, farmers would set up temporary shelters in the field. This festival took place after the last harvest of the year.

seven days

"7 days"

Deuteronomy 16:14

within your gates

Here the word "gates" represents cities or towns. Alternate translation: "within your towns"

Deuteronomy 16:15

the festival

"the Festival of Shelters"

all the work of your hands

Here "hands" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "all the work you do"

Deuteronomy 16:16

all your males must appear before Yahweh

Females were allowed, but Yahweh did not require that they come. The men could represent their whole families.

must appear before Yahweh

"must come and stand in the presence of Yahweh"

No one will appear before Yahweh empty-handed

"They will not come before Yahweh without an offering" These two negative phrases together have a positive meaning. Alternate translation: "Every person who comes before Yahweh must bring an offering"

Deuteronomy 16:17

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 16:18

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

You must make judges

"You must appoint judges" or "You must choose judges"

within all your city gates

Here "gates" represents a city or town. Alternate translation: "within all your towns"

they will be taken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will choose them"

judge the people with righteous judgment

"judge the people fairly"

Deuteronomy 16:19

You must not take justice away by force

Moses speaks of justice as if it were a physical object that a strong person can violently pull away from a weak person. This can be stated in positive form. Your language might have one word that means "use force to take away." Alternate translation: "You must not be unfair when you judge" or "You must make just decisions"

You must not

Here "You" refers to those who will be appointed as judges and officers.

for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous

Taking a bribe is spoken of as if the bribe were corrupting the people. Alternate translation: "for even a wise man who accepts a bribe will become blind, and even a righteous man who accepts a bribe will tell lies"

a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise

A wise person who accepts a bribe so that he does not speak against something evil is spoken of as if he becomes blind.

the wise

The nominal adjective "the wise" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "a wise person" or "wise people"

perverts the words of the righteous

The nominal adjective "righteous" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "causes a righteous person to lie"

Deuteronomy 16:20

follow after justice, after justice alone

justice is spoken of as a person who is walking. A person who is doing what is fair and just is spoken of as if he was following close behindjustice. Alternate translation: "do only what is fair"

inherit the land that Yahweh your God is giving you

Receiving the land that God is giving to the people is spoken of as if the people are inheriting the land from God.

Deuteronomy 16:21

You must not

Here "You" refers to all the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 16:22

any sacred stone pillar, which Yahweh your God hates

The phrase "which Yahweh your God hates" is giving more information about the sacred stone pillar. Alternate translation: "any sacred stone pillar because Yahweh your God hates them"

sacred stone pillar

This refers to pillars that are idols used to worship false gods.

Chapter 17

Deuteronomy 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Witnesses

In the ancient Near East, it was common for a person to be punished by the testimony of a single person, especially if this was an important person. The rules in this chapter give protection to people, especially the poor by requiring multiple witnesses. This allowed justice to be done. (See: testimony and justice)

King

Israel was not to have a king because Yahweh was their king. Knowing the sinfulness of the people, Yahweh anticipated that one day Israel would have a king. Therefore, this passage gives commands about their king prophetically. They were not allowed to collect chariots because they were a sign of earthly power and the king was to trust in Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 17:1

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

in which is any blemish

"that has a blemish" or "that has something wrong with it." The animal is to appear healthy without any deformity.

that would be an abomination to Yahweh

"that would be disgusting to Yahweh"

Deuteronomy 17:2

If there is found

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If you find someone" or "If there is anyone"

within any of your city gates

Here "city gates" represents cities or towns. Alternate translation: "living in one of your cities"

what is evil in the sight of Yahweh your God

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "something that Yahweh your God thinks is evil"

transgresses his covenant

"disobeys his covenant"

Deuteronomy 17:3

any of the host of heaven

"any of the army of heaven." Here this refers to the lights we see in the sky, including the sun, moon, stars. They are called the host because there are so many of them, just as armies have many soldiers. Alternate translation: "any of the multitude of things in the sky"

Deuteronomy 17:4

if you are told about this

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if someone tells you about this disobedient act"

you must make a careful investigation

The abstract noun "investigation" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "you must carefully investigate what happened"

such an abomination has been done in Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone has done such a horrible thing in Israel"

Deuteronomy 17:5

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 17:6

At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, will he who must die be put to death

Here "the mouth" represents the testimony of a witness. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "If two or three witnesses speak against the person, then you must execute him"

but at the mouth of only one witness he must not be put to death

Here "the mouth" represents the testimony of a witness. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "but if only one person speaks against him, then you must not execute him"

Deuteronomy 17:7

The hand of the witnesses must be the first to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people

Here "hand" represents the entire group of witnesses. Alternate translation: "The witnesses themselves must be the first ones to throw stones. Then all the people will execute the person by throwing stones at him"

you will remove the evil from among you

The nominal adjective "the evil" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "you must remove from among the Israelites this person who does this evil thing" or "you must execute this evil person"

Deuteronomy 17:8

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

If a matter arises

"If there is a matter" or "If there is a situation"

one kind of bloodshed or another

"murder or accidental killing"

one kind of lawsuit or another

"whether a lawsuit is just or unjust"

one kind of wound or another

"whether harm was done intentionally or by accident"

Deuteronomy 17:9

you will seek their advice

The abstract noun "advice" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "you will ask them to advise you"

they will give you the verdict

The abstract noun "verdict" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "they will decide on the matter"

Deuteronomy 17:10

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 17:11

Follow the law they teach you

A person obeying what the priests and judge decide is spoken of as if the person were physically following behind the law. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must obey what the judge and priests decide about the matter"

Do not turn aside from what they tell you, to the right hand or to the left

A person not doing exactly what the judge and priests say is spoken of as if he were turning off the correct path. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Do not disobey anything they tell you" or "Do everything they say"

Deuteronomy 17:12

arrogance, listening neither to the priest who is standing to serve before Yahweh your God nor to the judge—that

"arrogance—if he will not listen to the priest who is standing to serve before Yahweh your God and he will not listen to the judge—that"

you will completely remove the evil from Israel

The nominal adjective "the evil" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing" or "you must execute this evil Israelite"

Deuteronomy 17:13

All the people must hear and fear, and act arrogantly no more

It is implied that when the people hear about the person who was executed for acting arrogantly, they will be afraid and not act arrogantly themselves.

Deuteronomy 17:14

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

When you have come to the land

The word "come to" can be translated as "gone to" or "entered."

then you say, 'I will set a king over myself, like all the nations that are round about me,'

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "then you decide that you want a king just like the peoples of the nations that surround you have kings,"

I will set a king over myself ... round about me

Moses has the people speaking as if they were one person. It may be more natural to translate this with plural pronouns. Alternate translation: "We will set over ourselves ... round about us"

set a king over myself

Giving someone the authority to rule as king in Israel is spoken of as if the people were setting the person in a place above them.

all the nations that are round about me

"all the surrounding nations"

all the nations

Here "nations" represent the people who live in the nations.

Deuteronomy 17:15

someone from among your brothers

"one of your fellow Israelites"

a foreigner, who is not your brother, over yourself

Both of these phrases mean the same thing. They both refer to a person who is not an Israelite. Yahweh is emphasizing that the people of Israel should not let a foreigner rule over them. Alternate translation: "a foreigner over yourself" or "a non-Israelite over yourself"

Deuteronomy 17:16

he must not multiply horses for himself

"he must not get large numbers of horses for himself" or "he must not keep acquiring more horses for himself'

for Yahweh had said to you, 'You will never return that way again.'

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh had said that you must never return to Egypt again."

Deuteronomy 17:17

so that his heart does not turn away

Here "heart" refers to the whole person. An Israelite king who marries foreign wives and starts to worship their false gods is spoken of as if his heart were to turn away from Yahweh. Alternate translation: "so that they do not cause him to stop honoring Yahweh and start worshiping false gods"

Deuteronomy 17:18

When he sits on the throne of his kingdom

Here "throne" represents the person's power and authority as king. To sit on the throne means to become king. Alternate translation: "When he becomes king"

he must write for himself in a scroll a copy of this law

Possible meanings are 1) "he must personally write in a scroll a copy of this law for himself" or 2) "he must appoint someone to write in a scroll a copy of this law for him"

from the law that is before the priests, who are Levites

"from the copy of the law that the Levitical priests keep"

Deuteronomy 17:19

so as to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to observe them

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the king must obey all of God's law.

Deuteronomy 17:20

so that his heart is not lifted up above his brothers

Here "his heart" refers to the whole person. A king becoming arrogant is spoken of as if his heart were lifted up. Alternate translation: "so that he does not become arrogant" or "so that he does not think he is better than his fellow Israelites"

so that he does not turn away from the commandments, to the right hand or to the left

A king disobeying God's commands is spoken of as if a person were to turn off the correct path. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "so that he does not disobey any of the commandments" or "so that he obeys all of the commandments"

prolong his days

Long days is a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated a similar phrase "prolong your days" in [Deuteronomy 4:26]

Chapter 18

Deuteronomy 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Levites

As Yahweh's chosen priests, the priest were to trust in Yahweh to provide for them. He provided for them through the rest of the Israelites. Yahweh was their inheritance. (See: elect, priest and trust and inherit)

Messiah

This chapter is one of the first prophecies about the promised, coming Messiah. (See: prophet and promise and christ)

Deuteronomy 18:1

General Information:

Moses continues telling the people what Yahweh wants them to do.

will have no portion nor inheritance with Israel

The Levites not receiving any land from Yahweh is spoken of as if they would not receive an inheritance. Alternate translation: "will not possess any of the people's land" or "will not receive any of the land that the Israelites will possess"

no portion

"no part" or "no share"

Deuteronomy 18:2

among their brothers

"among the other tribes of Israel" or "among the other Israelites"

Yahweh is their inheritance

Moses speaks of the great honor that Aaron and his descendants will have by serving Yahweh as priests as if Yahweh were something that they will inherit. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Deuteronomy 10:9]

Deuteronomy 18:3

the inner parts

This is the stomach and intestines.

Deuteronomy 18:4

you must give him

"you must give to the priest"

Deuteronomy 18:5

has chosen him

Here "him" represents all the Levites.

to stand to serve in the name of Yahweh

Here "the name of Yahweh" stands for Yahweh himself and his authority. Alternate translation: "to be his special servants" or "to serve as a representative of Yahweh"

him and his sons forever

Here "him" represents all the Levites. Alternate translation: "the Levites and their descendants forever"

Deuteronomy 18:6

desires with all his soul

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "strongly desires" or "really wants"

Deuteronomy 18:7

then he must serve in the name of Yahweh his God

Here "name" represents Yahweh and his authority. Alternate translation: "then he must serve Yahweh his God as a priest"

who stand there before Yahweh

"who serve in the sanctuary in the presence of Yahweh"

Deuteronomy 18:8

his family's inheritance

This is what the priest would inherit from his father.

Deuteronomy 18:9

When you have come

Here "come" can be translated as "gone" or "entered."

you must not learn to observe the abominations of those nations

God hates the religious activities of the people in the surrounding nations. He considers them to be terribly evil. Here "nations" represents the people. Alternate translation: "you must not do the terrible things that the people of the other nations do"

Deuteronomy 18:10

There must not be found among you anyone

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "There must not be anyone among you"

anyone who uses divination ... tells fortunes ... interprets omens ... sorcerer

These are different ways of practicing magic. God has forbidden every kind of magic. If you do not have different words for all of these activities, it can be stated more generally. Alternate translation: "anyone who uses magic to try to find out what will happen in the future or to cast spells"

Deuteronomy 18:11

one who casts spells or a sorcerer or a spiritist or one who seeks the dead

This is a description of people who practice different kinds of magic. God has forbidden every kind of magic. If you do not have a word for all of these types of people, you can treat this list as a doublet and translate more generally. Alternate translation: "anyone who uses magic to cast spells or to talk to the spirits of dead people"

Deuteronomy 18:12

driving them out

Here "them" refers to the people already living in Canaan.

Deuteronomy 18:13

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Deuteronomy 18:14

For these nations

Here "nations" stands for the people groups that live in Canaan. Alternate translation: "For these people groups"

these nations that you will dispossess

"these nations whose land you will take"

Deuteronomy 18:15

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Yahweh your God will raise up for you a prophet

Yahweh appointing a person to be a prophet is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift the person up.

one of your brothers

"one of your fellow Israelites"

Deuteronomy 18:16

This is what you asked

Here "you" refers to the Israelites at Mount Horeb about 40 years earlier.

at Horeb on the day of the assembly

"on the day you gathered together at Horeb"

on the day of the assembly, saying, 'Let us not hear again the voice of Yahweh our God, nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.'

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "on the day of the assembly when you said that you did not want to hear the voice of Yahweh our God, nor see his great fire anymore, because you were afraid that you would die."

Let us not hear again the voice of Yahweh our God

Here Yahweh is represented by his "voice" to emphasize what he says. Alternate translation: "Let us not hear Yahweh our God speak again"

Deuteronomy 18:17

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Deuteronomy 18:18

I will raise up a prophet for them

Yahweh appointing a person to be a prophet is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift the person up.

from among their brothers

"from among their fellow Israelites"

I will put my words in his mouth

Yahweh telling the prophet what to say is spoken of as if Yahweh would put words in the prophet's mouth.

speak to them

"speak to the people of Israel"

Deuteronomy 18:19

does not listen to the words of mine that he speaks in my name

Here "my name" represents Yahweh and his authority. Alternate translation: "does not listen to him when he speaks my message"

require it of him

"I will hold him responsible" or "I will punish him." Here "him" refers to the person who does not listen to the prophet.

Deuteronomy 18:20

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking.

who speaks a word arrogantly

"who dares to speak a message" or "who is arrogant enough to speak a message"

in my name

Here "my name" refers to Yahweh himself and his authority. Alternate translation: "for me" or "with my authority"

a word

"a message"

who speaks in the name of other gods

Here "name" represents the gods themselves or their authority. This means the prophet claims that false gods told him to speak a certain message.

Deuteronomy 18:21

This is what you must say in your heart

Here "heart" represents the thoughts of a person. Alternate translation: "You ask yourself" or "You must say to yourself"

How will we recognize a message that Yahweh has not spoken?

"How will we know if the message that the prophet speaks is from Yahweh?" Here "we" refers to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 18:22

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking.

a prophet speaks in the name of Yahweh

Here "name of Yahweh" refers to Yahweh himself and his authority. Alternate translation: "a prophet claims to speak for me" or "a prophet claims to speak with my authority"

the prophet has spoken it in arrogance

"the prophet has spoken this message without my authority"

Chapter 19

Deuteronomy 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Justice

Another way justice would be maintained in Israel was by avoiding revenge killings. This chapter describes the establishment of special cities to protect those fleeing from revenge killings. (See: justice and avenge)

Witnesses

In the ancient Near East, it was common for a person to be punished by the testimony of a single person, especially if this was an important person. The rules in this chapter give protection to people, especially the poor by requiring multiple witnesses. This allowed justice to be done. (See: testimony)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Law of retaliation

The chapter describes a famous law, often called the "law of retaliation." It is said, an "eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." This does not mean a person who causes another person to lose their eye must have their own eye removed as punishment. This law is not about making all things equal. Instead, it is about limiting the punishment or the ability of a person to retaliate.

Deuteronomy 19:1

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

When Yahweh your God cuts off the nations

Yahweh destroying the people who live in Canaan is spoken of as if he were cutting them off, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree.

the nations

This represents the people groups that live in Canaan.

those whose land Yahweh your God is giving you

"those nations who were living in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you"

come after them

"take the land from those nations" or "possess the land after those nations are gone"

Deuteronomy 19:2

select three cities

"choose 3 cities"

Deuteronomy 19:3

You must build a road

They were to build roads so that it would be easy for people to travel to these cities.

divide the borders of your land into three parts

It is implied that one of the cities they choose must be in each part of the land.

the land that Yahweh your God is causing you to inherit

Yahweh giving the land to the people of Israel is spoken of as if the people are inheriting the land.

Deuteronomy 19:4

This is the instruction

"These are the instructions" or "These are the directions"

concerning the one who kills another

The word "person" is understood. Alternate translation: "for a person who kills another person"

and flees from there

"and who escapes to one of these cities" or "who runs to one of these cities"

the one who unintentionally kills his neighbor

Here "neighbor" means any person in general. Alternate translation: "any person who kills another person by accident"

without hating him at the time of the accident

"but did not hate his neighbor before he killed him." This implies there was no cause for him to kill his neighbor purposely.

Deuteronomy 19:5

For example, if a man goes into the forest ... and kills him

The author gives an example of how someone might accidentally kill his neighbor.

the ax head slips off of the handle

The iron part of the ax comes off the wooden handle.

strikes his neighbor and kills him

This means the head of the ax hits and kills the neighbor.

to one of these cities and save his life

It is implied that the family of the dead man may try to get revenge. The man who killed him can flee to one of these cities, and the people there will protect him.

Deuteronomy 19:6

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

the avenger of blood

Here "blood" represents the person who was killed. An "avenger of blood" is a close relative of the person who was killed. This relative is responsible for punishing the murderer.

the one who took a life

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "the one who killed the other person"

in the heat of his anger

Someone being very angry is spoken of as if anger were something that could become hot. Alternate translation: "and being very angry"

strike him and kill him

"And the blood avenger strikes and kills the one who had killed the other person"

though that man did not deserve to die, since he had not hated his neighbor in the past

"though that man did not deserve to die since he accidentally killed the other person and was not his enemy, and he had not planned to hurt the man"

Deuteronomy 19:7

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 19:8

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

enlarges your borders

"gives you more land to possess"

as he has sworn to your ancestors to do

"like he promised your ancestors that he would do"

Deuteronomy 19:9

if you keep all these commandments to do them

"if you obey all these commandments"

to always walk in his ways

How God wants a person to live or behave is spoken of as if it were Yahweh's way or road. A person who obeys Yahweh is spoken of as if he were walking on Yahweh's way or road. Alternate translation: "to always obey him"

then you must add three more cities for yourself

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "then you must choose three more cities for a person to escape to if he accidentally kills someone"

besides these three

"in addition to the three cities you already established"

Deuteronomy 19:10

Do this so that innocent blood is not shed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do this so that family members do not kill an innocent person"

innocent blood is not shed

Here "blood" represents a person's life. To shed blood means to kill a person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one kills an innocent person"

in the midst of the land

"in the land" or "in the territory"

Yahweh your God is giving you for as an inheritance

The land that Yahweh is giving the people of Israel is spoken of as if it were an inheritance.

so that no bloodguilt may be on you

The people of Israel being guilty for a person dying because they did not build a city where he would be safe from the "blood avenger" is spoken of as if the guilt of his death is on them.

bloodguilt

Here "blood" represents a life and "bloodguilt" refers to the guilt someone has for killing an innocent person.

may be on you

This means that if a family member kills an innocent person, then all the people of Israel will be guilty for letting that happen.

Deuteronomy 19:11

his neighbor

Here "neighbor" means any person in general.

lies in wait for him

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "hides and waits in order to kill him" or "plans to kill him"

rises up against him

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "attacks him"

mortally wounds him so that he dies

"hurts him so that he dies" or "and kills him"

Deuteronomy 19:12

must send and bring him back from there

"must send someone to get him and bring him back from the city that he escaped to"

turn him over

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "give him over"

to the hand of the avenger of blood

Here "the hand" represents the authority of someone. Alternate translation: "to the power of the responsible relative" or "to the responsible relative"

the avenger of blood

This is the relative of the person who was killed. This relative is responsible for punishing the murderer.

he may die

"the murderer may die" or "the responsible relative may execute the murderer"

Deuteronomy 19:13

Your eye must not pity him

Here "your eye" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "Do not show him mercy" or "Do not feel sorry for him"

you must completely remove the bloodguilt from Israel

Here "bloodguilt" represents the guilt for murdering an innocent person. Alternate translation: "you must execute the murderer so that the people of Israel will not become guilty for the death of an innocent person"

from Israel

Here "Israel" refers to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 19:14

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

You must not remove your neighbor's landmark

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "You must not take land away from your neighbor by moving the markers on the borders of his land"

they set in place

"that your ancestors placed"

a long time ago

Moses means that when the people have lived in the land for a long time, they should not move the borders that their ancestors made when they first took the land.

in your inheritance that you will inherit, in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you to possess

Yahweh giving the land to the people of Israel is spoken of as if they were inheriting the land. Alternate translation: "in the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you to possess"

Deuteronomy 19:15

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

One sole witness

"A single witness" or "Only one witness"

must not rise up against a man

Here "rise up" means to stand up in court and speak against someone to a judge. Alternate translation: "must not speak to the judges about something bad that a man did"

in any matter that he sins

"anytime that a man does something bad"

at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses

Here "mouth" represents what the witnesses say. It is implied that there must be at least two or three witnesses. Alternate translation: "at the testimony of at least two or three people" or "based on what at least two or three people say happened"

must any matter be confirmed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will you confirm that the man is guilty"

Deuteronomy 19:16

Suppose that

"When" or "If"

an unrighteous witness

"a witness who intends to harm someone else"

rises up against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing

Here "rise up" means to stand up in court and speak against someone to a judge. Alternate translation: "tells the judge that a man sinned in order to get the man in trouble" or "tells the judge that a man sinned, so the judge will punish him"

Deuteronomy 19:17

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

the ones between whom the controversy exists

"the ones who disagree with one another"

must stand before Yahweh, before the priests and the judges

This means the two persons must go to the sanctuary where Yahweh's presence dwells. At the sanctuary are priests and judges who have the authority to make legal decisions for Yahweh.

stand before Yahweh, before the priests and the judges

The phrase "stand before" is an idiom. It means to go to someone with authority and let him make a legal decision about a matter.

Deuteronomy 19:18

The judges must make diligent inquiries

"The judges must work very hard to determine what happened"

Deuteronomy 19:19

then must you do to him, as he had wished to do to his brother

"then you must punish the false witness in the same way as he wanted you to punish the other man"

you will remove the evil from among you

The nominal adjective "the evil" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "you will remove the evil practice from among you"

Deuteronomy 19:20

Then those who remain

"When you punish the false witness, the rest of the people"

will hear and fear

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "will hear about the punishment and be afraid of getting punished"

commit no longer any such evil

"never again do something evil like that"

Deuteronomy 19:21

Your eyes must not pity

Here "eyes" refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: "You must not pity him" or "You must not show him mercy"

eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot

Here the phrases are shortened because the meaning is understood. The body parts are metonyms for the person whose parts they are. The people must punish a person in the same way that he harmed another person. Alternate translation: "eye will pay for for eye, tooth will pay for for tooth, hand will pay for for hand, foot will pay for for foot" or "you must destroy an eye of the person who destroys another person's eye, you must destroy a tooth of the person who destroys another person's tooth, you must destroy a hand of the person who destroys another person's hand, you must destroy a foot of the person who destroys another person's foot"

Chapter 20

Deuteronomy 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's protection

Israel was not to worry about the power and strength of other nations. Instead, they were to trust in the power of Yahweh. He is the source of their military strength and protection. This is why a priest leads them into battle, rather than a military commander. (See: trust and priest)

Holy war

Israel's conquering of the Promised Land was unique in history. It was a type of holy war and had special rules. This war was really Yahweh's punishment against the sin of the Canaanite people. If the people were not completely destroyed, they would cause Israel to sin. (See: promisedland and holy and sin)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

"What man is there"

This phrase is used several times to introduce a rhetorical question. The questions are intended to tell the readers that Yahweh only wants soldiers who are completely dedicated to fighting for him.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Excused from fighting

In ancient Israel, men were excused from fighting in battle for several different reasons. Some of these reasons are mentioned in this chapter. Apparently, needing to establish a new house, the need to harvest a field and cowardice were possible excuses.

Deuteronomy 20:1

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

When you march out to battle against your enemies

"When you go out to fight in a war against your enemies"

see horses, chariots

People considered an army with many horses and chariots to be very strong. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

he who brought you up out of the land of Egypt

Yahweh brought the people from Egypt to Canaan. It was common to use the word "up" to refer to traveling from Egypt to Canaan. Alternate translation: "Yahweh who led you out from the land of Egypt"

Deuteronomy 20:2

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

speak to the people

"speak to the soldiers of Israel"

Deuteronomy 20:3

Do not let your hearts faint. Do not fear or tremble. Do not be afraid of them

These four expressions all mean the same thing and strongly emphasize that they are not to be afraid. If your language does not have four ways to express this concept, you may use less than four.

Do not let your hearts faint

Here "hearts" represents people's courage. For a heart to faint is an idiom that means "Do not be afraid."

Deuteronomy 20:4

Yahweh your God is the one who is going with you to fight for you against your enemies

Yahweh defeating the enemies of the people of Israel is spoken of as if Yahweh were a warrior who would fight along with the people of Israel.

to save you

"to give you victory"

Deuteronomy 20:5

General Information:

Moses says what the army officers must say to the people of Israel before a battle.

The officers must speak

One of the officers' jobs was to decide who could leave the army. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

What man is there ... Let him go and return to his house

"If any soldier here has built a new house and has not dedicated it, he should go back to his house"

so that he does not die in battle and another man dedicates it

The officer is describing a situation that could possibly happen to a soldier. If a man who did not dedicate his house died in battle, another man could dedicate the house. Alternate translation: "so that he will not die in battle, because if he dies, another man could dedicate it"

Deuteronomy 20:6

General Information:

Moses continues describing situations that allow a man to leave the military.

Is there anyone who has planted ... Let him go home

"If any soldier here has a new vineyard, but has not yet harvested its grapes, he should go back to his house"

so he will not die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit

The officer is describing a situation that could possibly happen to a soldier. If a soldier died in battle, another man could take the fruit from his garden. Alternate translation: "so that he will not die in battle, because if he dies, another man could harvest its fruit instead of him"

Deuteronomy 20:7

What man is there who is betrothed to a woman ... Let him go home

"If any soldier here has promised to marry a woman, but has not yet married her, he should go back to his house"

so that he does not die in battle and another man marry her

The officer is describing a situation that could possibly happen to a soldier. If a man was engaged and died, another man could marry the woman, and the first man would not have any children. Alternate translation: "so that he will not die in battle, because if he dies, another man could marry her instead of him"

Deuteronomy 20:8

General Information:

Moses continues describing situations that allow a man to leave the military.

What man is there who is fearful or fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house

"If any soldier here is afraid and not brave, he should go back to his house"

fearful or fainthearted

Both of these words mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "afraid to fight in battle"

his brother's heart does not melt like his own heart

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "another Israelite does not become afraid like he is afraid"

brother's heart ... his own heart

Here "heart" represents a person's courage.

Deuteronomy 20:9

they must appoint commanders of armies over them

"the officers must appoint people to be commanders of the army and to lead the people of Israel"

Deuteronomy 20:10

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

When you march up to attack a city

Here "city" represents the people. Alternate translation: "When you go to attack the people of a city"

make those people an offer of peace

"give the people in the city a chance to surrender"

Deuteronomy 20:11

they answer peaceably

Possible meanings are 1) they answer in a peaceful manner or 2) they accept the offer of peace.

open their gates to you

Here "gates" refers to the city gates. The phrase "open their gates to you" represents the people surrendering and allowing the Israelites to enter their city. Alternate translation: "let you enter their city peacefully"

all the people who are found in it

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the people in the city"

must become forced labor for you

"must become your slaves"

Deuteronomy 20:12

But if it makes no offer of peace

Here "it" refers to the city which represents the people. Alternate translation: "But if the people of the city do not surrender" or "But if the people of the city do not accept your offer of peace"

Deuteronomy 20:13

strike every man in the town with the edge of the sword

"kill every man in the town with your sword"

Deuteronomy 20:14

the little ones

"the children"

all its spoil

"all the valuable things"

booty

These are the valuable things which people who win a battle take from the people they attacked.

Deuteronomy 20:15

all the cities

Here "cities" represents the people. Alternate translation: "all the people who live in cities"

Deuteronomy 20:16

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

In the cities of these peoples that Yahweh your God is giving you as an inheritance

The cities in Canaan that Yahweh is giving to the people is spoken of as if the cities were the people's inheritance.

you must keep alive nothing that breathes

"you must not let any living thing stay alive." This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "you must kill every living thing"

Deuteronomy 20:17

You must completely destroy them

"You must completely destroy these people groups"

Deuteronomy 20:18

Do this so that they

"Destroy these nations so that they"

to act in any of their abominable ways ... their gods

"to act in abominable ways like the people in these nations have done with their gods"

If you do, you will sin against Yahweh your God

"If you act like these people, you will sin against Yahweh your God"

Deuteronomy 20:19

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

wage war

"fight in a war"

by wielding an ax against them

"by cutting down the trees with an ax"

For is the tree of the field a man whom you should besiege?

This rhetorical question is to remind the people of what they should already know. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "For fruit trees are not people, so they are not your enemy."

Deuteronomy 20:20

you know are not trees for food

"you know are not trees that grow fruit to eat"

siege works

These are tools and structures, such as ladders and towers, that are needed to lay siege to a city.

until it falls

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "until the people of the city lose the war"

it falls

Here "it" refers to the city which represents the people of the city.

Chapter 21

Deuteronomy 21 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Elders

Older men were required to lead the people of Israel and help to administer justice. These men would function as judges, which would later become a more official position. (See: justice)

Peace in Israel

The rules and instructions in this chapter help to ensure peace in Israel. This is not a military peace. Instead, it is about establishing peace within Israel and among the people.

Deuteronomy 21:1

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

If someone is found killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If someone finds a person whom someone else has killed"

lying in the field

The dead person is lying in the field.

it is not known who has attacked him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "nobody knows who attacked him"

Deuteronomy 21:2

they must measure to the cities

"they must measure the distance to the cities"

him who has been killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "him whom someone has killed" or "the dead body"

Deuteronomy 21:3

has not borne the yoke

"has not worn a yoke"

Deuteronomy 21:4

running water

This is an idiom for water that is moving. Alternate translation: "a stream"

a valley that has been neither plowed nor sown

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a valley where nobody has plowed the ground or planted seeds"

Deuteronomy 21:5

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

must come forward

"must come to the valley"

for Yahweh your God has chosen them to serve him

"because the priests are the ones whom Yahweh your God has chosen to serve him"

Yahweh your God

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if he were speaking to one man, so the word "your" is singular.

give blessing

"bless the people of Israel"

in the name of Yahweh

Here the metonym "in the name of" refers to Yahweh and his authority. Alternate translation: "as one who says and does what Yahweh himself would say and do"

Yahweh and to decide every case of dispute and assault by their word

"Yahweh, and they will be the ones who settle all disagreements and cases of violence"

Deuteronomy 21:6

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

the heifer whose neck was broken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the heifer whose neck the priests broke"

Deuteronomy 21:7

they must answer to the case

"they must testify to Yahweh about this case"

Our hands have not shed this blood

Here "hands" are a synecdoche for the whole person and "shed this blood" is a metonym for killing an innocent person. Alternate translation: "We did not kill this innocent person"

neither have our eyes seen it

Here "eyes" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "and we did not see anyone kill this person"

Deuteronomy 21:8

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the elders what they should say when they wash their hands over the heifer. He speaks to them as if he were speaking to one man, so the words "you" and "your" are singular.

whom you have redeemed

Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves in Egypt is spoken of as if Yahweh paid money to redeem his people from slavery.

do not put guilt for innocent bloodshed in the midst of your people Israel

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "do not treat your people Israel as if they are guilty of killing an innocent person"

Then the bloodshed will be forgiven them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then Yahweh will forgive his people Israel for the death of an innocent person"

Deuteronomy 21:9

you will completely remove the innocent blood from your midst

"you will not be guilty any more of killing an innocent person"

what is right in the eyes of Yahweh

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "what is right in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be right"

Deuteronomy 21:10

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if he were speaking to one man, so the words "you" and "your" are singular.

you go out

"you who are soldiers go out"

Deuteronomy 21:11

you delight in her

The word "delight in" here probably refers to tender feelings rather than sexual desire.

wish to take her for yourself as a wife

"want to marry her"

Deuteronomy 21:12

she will shave her head

"she will shave the hair off of her head"

cut her nails

"cut her fingernails"

Deuteronomy 21:13

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if he were speaking to one man, so the words "you" and "your" are singular.

she will take off the clothes she was wearing

She will do this after the man brings her to his house and when she shaves her head and cuts her fingernails and toenails as mentioned in [Deuteronomy 21:12]

when she was taken captive

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when you took her captive"

a full month

"an entire month" or "a whole month"

After that you may go to her

This is a polite way of referring to having sexual relations. Alternate translation: "After that you may have sexual relations with her" or "After that you may lie with her"

Deuteronomy 21:14

But if you take no delight in her

You may need to make explicit that the man sleeps with the woman. Alternate translation: "But if you sleep with her and then decide that you do not want her as your wife"

let her go where she wishes

"let her go wherever she wants to go"

because you have humiliated her

"because you shamed her by sleeping with her and then sending her away"

Deuteronomy 21:15

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

one is loved and the other is hated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: Possible meanings are 1) "the man loves one of his wives and he hates the other wife" or 2) "the man loves one wife more than he loves the other wife"

if the firstborn son is of her that is hated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if the firstborn son belongs to the wife whom the man hates"

Deuteronomy 21:16

then on the day that the man

"when the man"

the man causes his sons to inherit what he possesses

"the man gives his possessions to his sons as an inheritance"

he may not make the son of the beloved wife the firstborn before the son of the hated wife

"he may not treat the son of the beloved wife as if he were the firstborn instead of the son of the hated wife"

Deuteronomy 21:17

a double portion

"twice as much"

that son is the beginning of his strength

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "that son is the one who shows that the man can become the father of sons"

Deuteronomy 21:18

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother

Here "voice" is a metonym for what a person says. Alternate translation: "who will not obey what his father or mother say"

they correct him

"they punish him for his wrongdoing" or "they train and instruct him"

Deuteronomy 21:19

must lay hold on him and bring him out

"must force him to come out"

Deuteronomy 21:20

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" are singular.

This son of ours

"Our son"

he will not obey our voice

Here "voice" is a metonym for what a person says or a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "he will not do what we tell him to do" or "he will not obey us"

a glutton

a person who eats and drinks too much

a drunkard

a person who drinks too much alcohol and gets drunk often

Deuteronomy 21:21

stone him to death with stones

"throw stones at him until he dies"

you will remove the evil from among you

The adjective "evil" can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing" or "you must execute this evil person"

All Israel

The word "Israel" is a metonym for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "All the people of Israel"

will hear of it and fear

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "will hear about what happened to the son and be afraid that the people will punish them also"

Deuteronomy 21:22

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if he were speaking to one man, so the words "you" and "your" are singular.

If a man has committed a sin worthy of death

"If a man has done something so bad that you need to punish him by killing him"

he is put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you execute him" or "you kill him"

you hang him on a tree

Possible meanings are 1) "after he has died you hang him on a tree" or 2) "you kill him by hanging him on a wooden post"

Deuteronomy 21:23

bury him the same day

"bury him on the same day as when you execute him"

for whoever is hanged is cursed by God

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "because God curses everyone whom people hang on trees" and 2) "for people hang on trees those whom God has cursed."

You must not defile the land

Leaving the body on the tree would defile the land.

Chapter 22

Deuteronomy 22 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Order in Israel

The instructions in this chapter help to maintain order in this chapter. The people are to have integrity. The people's sin will result in serious punishment. (See: sin)

Virgin woman

If a woman was not a virgin, she was not considered to be worth marrying. The man who slept with her was responsible for providing for her since she will not be able to find a husband to provide for her.

Deuteronomy 22:1

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

go astray

"walk away from its owner"

hide yourself from them

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "act as if you do not see them" or "go away without doing anything"

Deuteronomy 22:2

If your fellow Israelite is not near to you

"If your fellow Israelite lives far away from you"

or if you do not know him

"or if you do not know who the owner of the animal is"

it must be with you until he looks for it

"you must keep the animal with you until its owner comes looking for it"

Deuteronomy 22:3

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

You must do the same with his donkey

"You must return his donkey in the same way"

you must do the same with his garment

"you must return his clothing in the same way"

you must not hide yourself

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "you must not act as if you do not see that he has lost something" or "you must not go away without doing anything"

Deuteronomy 22:4

you must surely help him to lift it up again

"you must help your fellow Israelite lift the animal back up onto its feet"

Deuteronomy 22:5

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

what pertains to a man

"men's clothing"

Deuteronomy 22:6

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

bird's nest

a home that birds make for themselves out of sticks, grass, plants, and mud

with young ones or eggs in it

"with baby birds or eggs in the nest"

the mother sitting on the young

"the mother bird is sitting on the baby birds"

Deuteronomy 22:7

prolong your days

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:26]

Deuteronomy 22:8

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

a railing for your roof

a low fence around the edge of the roof so people will not fall off the roof

so that you do not bring blood on your house

Blood is a symbol for death. Alternate translation: "so that it will not be the fault of your household if someone dies"

if anyone falls from there

"if anyone falls from the roof because you did not make a railing"

Deuteronomy 22:9

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

so that the whole harvest is not confiscated by the holy place

The words "holy place" is a metonym for the priests who work in the holy place. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that the priests in Yahweh's holy place do not take away the whole harvest" or "so that you do not defile the whole harvest and the priests do not allow you to use it"

the yield of the vineyard

"the fruit that grows in the vineyard"

Deuteronomy 22:10

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Deuteronomy 22:11

wool

soft, curly hair that grows on a sheep

linen

thread made from the flax plant

Deuteronomy 22:12

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" here is singular.

fringes

threads that are bound together and hang from the end of each corner of the cloak

the cloak

a long garment that a person wears over his other clothes

Deuteronomy 22:13

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

he goes to her

This is a polite way of referring to having sexual relations. Alternate translation: "he has sexual relations with her" or "he lies with her"

Deuteronomy 22:14

then accuses her of shameful deeds

"then accuses her of having had sexual relations with someone else before she was married"

puts a bad reputation on her

The abstract noun "reputation" can be translated as a verb phrase. Alternate translation: "makes other people think she is a bad person"

but when I came near to her

This is a polite way of referring to sexual relations. Alternate translation: "but when I had sexual relations with her"

I found no proof of virginity in her

The abstract noun "proof" can be translated as a verb phrase. Alternate translation: "she could not prove to me that she was a virgin"

Deuteronomy 22:15

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

must take proof of her virginity

The abstract nouns "proof" and "virginity" can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: "must take something that proves that she has never had sexual relations"

Deuteronomy 22:16

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 22:17

he has accused her of shameful things

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "he has accused her of having slept with someone before he married her"

I did not find in your daughter the proof of virginity

The abstract nouns "proof" and "virginity" can be translated as verb phrases. Alternate translation: "Your daughter could not prove that she has never had sexual relations"

But here is the proof of my daughter's virginity

The abstract nouns "proof" and "virginity" can be translated as verb phrases. Alternate translation: "But this proves that my daughter has never had sexual relations"

Then they will spread the garment out before the elders of the city

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "And then the mother and father will show the clothing with the bloodstain to the elders as proof that she was a virgin"

Deuteronomy 22:18

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 22:19

they must force him to pay a fine

"they must make him pay as a punishment"

one hundred shekels

"100 shekels"

give them to the father of the girl

"give the money to the father of the girl"

has caused a bad reputation for a virgin of Israel

The abstract noun "reputation" can be translated as a verb phrase. Alternate translation: "has caused people to think that a virgin of Israel is a bad person"

he may not send her away

"never allow him to divorce her"

during all his days

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "for his entire life"

Deuteronomy 22:20

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

But if this thing is true

"But if it is true" or "But if what the man said is true"

that the proof of virginity was not found in the girl

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the man did not find proof that the girl was a virgin"

the proof of virginity

The abstract nouns "proof" and "virginity" can be translated as verb phrases. Alternate translation: "something that proves that the girl has never had sexual relations"

Deuteronomy 22:21

then they must bring out the girl

"then the elders must bring out the girl"

stone her to death with stones

"throw stones at her until she dies"

because she has committed a disgraceful action in Israel

"because she has done a disgraceful thing in Israel"

to act as a prostitute in her father's house

"acting like a prostitute while living in her father's house"

you will remove the evil

The adjective "evil" can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing" or "you must execute this evil person"

Deuteronomy 22:22

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" is singular.

If a man is found

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If someone finds a man"

lying with

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "having sexual relations with"

and you will remove

"in this way you will remove"

Deuteronomy 22:23

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" is singular.

betrothed to a man

"who is promised to marry a man"

lies with her

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "has sexual relations with her"

Deuteronomy 22:24

take ... and stone

These commands are addressed to Israel as a group and so are plural.

take both of them

"then you must bring both the girl and the man who slept with her"

because she did not cry out

"because she did not call for help"

because he violated his neighbor's wife

The Israelites at that time thought of a man and woman who had engaged each other for marriage as husband and wife. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "because he slept with a girl who belongs to a fellow Israelite"

you will remove the evil from among you

The adjective "evil" can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing" or "you must execute this evil person"

Deuteronomy 22:25

the betrothed girl

a girl whose parents have agreed to let her marry a certain man, but she has not married him yet

lies with her

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "has sexual relations with her"

then only the man who lies with her must die

"then you must only kill the man who lay with her"

Deuteronomy 22:26

there is no sin worthy of death in the girl

"you are not to punish her by killing her for what she did"

For this case is like when a man attacks his neighbor and kills him

"Because this situation is like the situation when somebody attacks another person and kills him"

Deuteronomy 22:27

For he found her in the field

"Because the man found the girl working in the field"

Deuteronomy 22:28

but who is not betrothed

"but whose parents have not promised another man that she will marry him"

lies with her

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "has sexual relations with her"

if they are discovered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if somebody finds out what happened"

Deuteronomy 22:29

who lay with her

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "who had sexual relations with her"

fifty shekels of silver

A shekel weighs eleven grams. Alternate translation: "fifty pieces of silver" or "550 grams of silver"

He may not send her away during all his days

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "He must never divorce her during his entire life"

Deuteronomy 22:30

must not take his father's wife as his own

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "must not marry his father's former wife, even if she is not his mother"

Chapter 23

Deuteronomy 23 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The assembly of Yahweh

This was probably the corporate worship of Yahweh, when the people would come together to worship him.

Deuteronomy 23:1

man whose genitals are crushed or cut off

"man whose private body parts someone has crushed or cut off." Moses is referring to a man's male organs.

may enter the assembly of Yahweh

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "may be a full member of the Israelite community"

Deuteronomy 23:2

illegitimate child

Possible meanings are 1) a child born to parents who committed incest or adultery or 2) a child born to a prostitute.

as far as to the tenth generation of his descendants

This "tenth" is the ordinal number for ten. Alternate translation: "even after ten generations of the illegitimate child's descendants"

none of them

"none of these descendants"

Deuteronomy 23:3

may not belong to the assembly of Yahweh

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "may not be a full member of the Israelite community"

as far as to the tenth generation of his descendants

This "tenth"is the ordinal number for ten. Alternate translation: "even after ten generations of his descendants"

Deuteronomy 23:4

they did not meet you with bread and with water

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "they did not welcome you by bringing you food and drink"

against you ... curse you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" here is singular.

Deuteronomy 23:5

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

would not listen

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "did not pay attention"

turned the curse into a blessing for you

"had him bless you and not curse you"

Deuteronomy 23:6

You must never seek their peace or prosperity

Possible meanings are 1) "You should never make a peace treaty with the Ammonites and the Moabites" or 2) "You must not do anything to cause things to go well for those 2 people groups to enable them to prosper" .

during all your days

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "as long as you are a nation"

Deuteronomy 23:7

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

You must not detest an Edomite

"Do not hate an Edomite"

for he is your brother

"because he is your relative"

you must not abhor an Egyptian

"do not hate an Egyptian"

Deuteronomy 23:8

The descendants of the third generation that are born to them may belong to the assembly of Yahweh

This "third" is the ordinal number for three. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "If an Edomite or an Egyptian comes to live in the Israelite community, his grandchildren may become full members of that community"

Deuteronomy 23:9

When you march out as an army against your enemies, then you must keep yourselves

Moses speaks here to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" are singular.

against your enemies

"to fight against your enemies"

keep yourselves from every evil thing

"keep yourselves away from all bad things"

Deuteronomy 23:10

any man who is unclean because of a nighttime accident

This is a polite way of saying that he had an emission of semen. Alternate translation: "any man who is unclean because he had an emission of semen while he was asleep"

Deuteronomy 23:11

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Deuteronomy 23:12

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Deuteronomy 23:13

you will have something among your tools to dig with

"you should have a tool that you can use to dig with"

when you squat down to relieve yourself

This is a polite way of saying to defecate. Alternate translation: "when you squat down to defecate"

you must dig with it

"you must dig a hole with the tool"

cover up what has come out from you

"cover up your excrement"

Deuteronomy 23:14

so that he may not see any unclean thing among you

"so that Yahweh may not see any unclean thing among you"

Deuteronomy 23:15

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

a slave who has escaped from his master

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "a slave from another country who escaped from his master and came to Israel"

Deuteronomy 23:16

Let him live with you

"Let the slave live among your people"

Deuteronomy 23:17

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

cultic prostitute ... among any of the daughters ... among the sons

Possible meanings are that Moses 1) openly forbids women and men to perform sexual acts as part of temple service or 2) uses a euphemism to forbid women and men to perform sexual acts to receive money.

Deuteronomy 23:18

You must not bring the wages of a prostitute ... into the house

"A woman who earns money as a prostitute must not bring that money ... into the house"

a dog

a man who allows men to have sex with him for money

into the house of Yahweh your God

"into the temple"

for any vow

"to fulfill a vow"

both these

the wages of a female prostitute and of a male prostitute.

Deuteronomy 23:19

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

lend on interest

to lend to somebody and force that person to pay back more than was lent

interest of money ... anything that is lent on interest

"you must not charge interest when you lend somebody money, food, or anything else"

Deuteronomy 23:20

all that you put your hand to

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "all that you do"

Deuteronomy 23:21

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

you must not be slow in fulfilling it

"you must not take a long time to fulfill the vow"

for Yahweh your God will surely require it of you

"because Yahweh your God will blame you and punish you if you do not fulfill your vow"

Deuteronomy 23:22

But if you will refrain from making a vow, it will be no sin for you

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "But, if you do not make a vow, you will not sin because you will not have a vow to fulfill"

Deuteronomy 23:23

That which has gone out from your lips

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "The words you have spoken"

according as you have vowed to Yahweh your God

"whatever you have vowed to Yahweh your God that you will do"

anything that you have freely promised with your mouth

"anything that people have heard you promise to do because you wanted to do it"

with your mouth

"so that people heard you say it"

Deuteronomy 23:24

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

you may eat as many grapes as you desire

"then you may enjoy eating grapes until you are full"

but do not put any in your basket

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "but you may not put any grapes in your bag to take them away with you"

Deuteronomy 23:25

When you go into your neighbor's ripe grain

"When you walk through your neighbor's field where there is grain growing"

you may pluck the heads of grain with your hand

"then you may eat the kernels of grain with your hand"

but do not put a sickle to your neighbor's ripe grain

"but do not cut down your neighbor's ripe grain and take it with you"

sickle

a sharp tool that farmers use to harvest wheat

Chapter 24

Deuteronomy 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the teaching about how to maintain justice in Israel. (See: justice)

Special concepts in this chapter

"No man may take a mill or an upper millstone as a pledge"

A millstone was the way a person made a living. To take a person's millstone was to take take away the way they earned money and produced food.

Lending money

Lending money to fellow Israelites was a way to help them out. It was not intended to be a way to make money off their brothers. This chapter gives limitations regarding the lending of money.

Deuteronomy 24:1

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

When a man takes a wife and marries her

The phrases "takes a wife" and "marries her" mean the same thing. Alternate translation: "When a man marries a woman"

if she finds no favor in his eyes

Here the "eyes" represent the whole person. Alternate translation: "if he decides that he does not like her"

because he has found something shameful about her

The word translated "shameful" here implies sexual immorality.

he must write her a certificate of divorce

"he must give his wife an official paper saying that they are not married anymore"

Deuteronomy 24:2

she may go and be another man's wife

"she may go and marry another man"

Deuteronomy 24:3

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel about a woman who gets a divorce and marries another man. Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

If the second husband hates her

"If the second husband decides that he hates the woman"

certificate of divorce

This is an official paper saying that the man and woman are not married anymore. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 24:1.

puts it into her hand

"gives it to the woman"

Deuteronomy 24:4

after she has become unclean

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "after she has become unclean by the divorce and remarriage to another man"

You must not cause the land to become guilty

The land is spoken of as if it could sin. Alternate translation: "You must not spread guilt around in the land"

Deuteronomy 24:5

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

When a man takes a new wife

"When a man is newly married to a woman"

neither may he be commanded to go on any forced duty

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and no one is to force him to live away from his home and do any kind of work"

he will be free to be at home

"he will be free to live at home"

Deuteronomy 24:6

mill

a tool for making flour by grinding grain in between two heavy discs of stone

upper millstone

the top disc of stone in a mill

for that would be taking a person's life as a pledge

The word "life" is a metonym for what a person needs to keep himself alive. Alternate translation: "because he would be taking from the man what the man needs to make food for his family"

Deuteronomy 24:7

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

If a man is found kidnapping

This is an idiom for "If a man kidnaps." It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If you find a man kidnapping"

kidnapping

using physical force to take an innocent person away from his home and imprison him

any of his brothers from among the people of Israel

"any of his fellow Israelites"

that thief must die

"then other Israelites should kill that thief as a punishment for what he did"

you will remove the evil from among you

The adjective "evil" can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing" or "you must execute this evil person"

Deuteronomy 24:8

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Be careful ... you carefully observe

Moses speaks to the Israelites here as if they were one man, so the word "you" and the command "be careful" are singular.

Be careful regarding any plague of leprosy

"Pay attention if you suffer from leprosy" or "Pay attention if you have leprosy"

every instruction given to you which the priests, the Levites, teach you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all of the instructions that I have given you and that the priests, who are Levites, teach you to do"

teach you ... you will act

Moses here speaks to the Israelites as a group, so these instances of the word "you" are plural.

as I commanded them, so you will act

"you must make sure that you do exactly what I have commanded them"

commanded them

The word "them" refers to the priests, who are Levites.

Deuteronomy 24:9

Call to mind what Yahweh your God

Moses speaks to the Israelites here as if they were one man, so the word "your" and the command "call to mind" are singular.

you were coming out

Moses here speaks to the Israelites as a group, so the word "you" is plural.

Call to mind

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Remember"

as you were coming out of Egypt

"during the time when you were leaving Egypt"

Deuteronomy 24:10

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

When you make your neighbor any kind of loan

"When you loan something to your neighbor"

to fetch his pledge

"to take his pledge"

his pledge

This refers to what he has promised that he would give you if he did not pay back the loan.

Deuteronomy 24:11

You will stand outside

"You should wait outside his house"

Deuteronomy 24:12

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

you must not lie down with his pledge in your possession

"you must not keep his coat overnight" or "you must return his pledge before you lie down to sleep"

his pledge

This refers to what he has promised that he would give you if he did not pay back the loan. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 24:10.

Deuteronomy 24:13

restore to him the pledge

"give him back what he has given you to show that he will pay back the loan"

so that he may lie down in his cloak and bless you

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "so that he will have his coat to keep himself warm when he sleeps, and he will be grateful to you"

cloak

This is a coat or other clothing that keeps a person warm at night. This was probably the "pledge" Moses was speaking of in Deuteronomy 24:10-12.

it will be righteousness for you before Yahweh your God

"Yahweh your God will approve of the way you handled this matter"

Deuteronomy 24:14

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

You must not oppress a hired servant

"You must not treat a hired servant poorly"

hired servant

a person who gets paid daily for his work

poor and needy

These two words have similar meanings and emphasize that this is a person who cannot help himself.

within your city gates

Here "city gates" mean towns or cities. Alternate translation: "in one of your cities"

Deuteronomy 24:15

Each day you must give him his wage

"You should give the man the money he earns every single day"

the sun must not go down on this unsettled matter

This is an idiom. The Israelites considered the new day as starting when the sun went down. Alternate translation: "you should pay the man on the same day he does the work"

for he is poor and is counting on it

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "because he is poor and depends on his wages to buy his food for the next day"

he does not cry out against you to Yahweh

"he does not call out to Yahweh and ask him to punish you"

Deuteronomy 24:16

The parents must not be put to death for their children

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must not execute the parents because of something bad that one of their children did"

neither must the children be put to death for their parents

This can be stated in active form, Alternate translation: "and you must not execute the children because of something bad that their parents did"

Everyone must be put to death for his own sin

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you should only execute a person because of something bad that he did himself"

Deuteronomy 24:17

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

You must not twist the justice that is due the foreigner or the fatherless

Moses speaks of justice as if it were a physical object that someone can twist. To twist justice is to do what is not just or right. Alternate translation: "You must not treat a foreigner or the fatherless unfairly"

fatherless

This refers to children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

nor take the widow's cloak as a pledge

A lender would take something from the borrower to ensure that she would pay him back. He was not allowed to take her coat because she needed it to stay warm. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "and do not take a widow's cloak as a pledge because she needs it"

Deuteronomy 24:18

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 24:19

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

When you reap your harvest in your field

"When you cut down the grain in your field"

an omer of grain

Some versions translate this as "a sheaf." Either translation refers to stalks of grain, enough to be easily carried, possibly tied in a bundle.

it must be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, or for the widow

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "you must leave the sheaf so a foreigner, an orphan, or a widow can take it"

in all the work of your hands

Here "hands" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "in all the work that you do"

Deuteronomy 24:20

When you beat the olives off your olive tree

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "When you shake the branches of your olive tree, causing the olives to fall to the ground so you can pick them up"

you must not go over the branches again

"do not pick every single olive from the tree"

it will be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, or for the widow

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "the olives that stay on the branches are for foreigners, orphans, and widows to pick and take with them"

Deuteronomy 24:21

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

What is left over will be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, and for the widow

"The grapes that you do not pick will be for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow to pick"

for the foreigner, for the fatherless, and for the widow

These refer to groups of people. Alternate translation: "for foreigners, for those who are fatherless, and for the widows"

Deuteronomy 24:22

call to mind

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "remember"

Chapter 25

Deuteronomy 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues to teach about justice in Israel. (See: justice)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"A perfect and just weight you must have"

In the ancient Near East, people weighed gold and silver on a scale and used it as money. God was commanding people to use accurate weights for weighing the gold and silver. He did not want them to rob people by using inaccurate weights.

Deuteronomy 25:1

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 25:2

If the guilty man deserves to be beaten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If the judge orders them to beat the guilty man"

be beaten in his presence

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he will watch them beat him"

with the ordered number of blows, according to his wickedness

"the number of times he has ordered because of the bad deed he did"

Deuteronomy 25:3

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

The judge may give him forty blows

"The judge may say that they should beat the guilty person 40 times"

but he may not exceed that number

"but the judge may not order them to beat him more than 40 times"

for if he should exceed that number and beat him with many more blows

"because if the judge orders them to beat him many more than 40 times"

then your fellow Israelite would be humiliated before your eyes

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "then the judge would humiliate your fellow Israelite in front of all of the people of Israel"

humiliated before your eyes

Here the people are represented by their "eyes" to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: "humiliated, and you would all see it"

Deuteronomy 25:4

You must not muzzle the ox

"You must not put something over the mouth of an ox"

when he threshes the grain

while he separates the grain from the chaff by walking on it or dragging heavy wood over it

Deuteronomy 25:5

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

If brothers live together

Possible meanings are: 1) "If brothers live on the same property" or 2) "If brothers live near each other."

then the wife of the dead man must not be married off to someone

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "then the family of the dead man must not let the widow marry someone"

must go to her

This is a polite way of talking about having sexual relations. Alternate translation: "shall have sexual relations with her" or "shall lie with her"

do the duty of a husband's brother to her

"do what the brother of a dead husband is supposed to do"

Deuteronomy 25:6

will succeed in the name of that man's dead brother

The word "name" is a metonym for the person's family line. Alternate translation: "will continue the family line of that man's dead brother"

so that his name will not perish from Israel

The word "name" is a metonym for the person's family line. Alternate translation: "so that his family line will not disappear from Israel"

Deuteronomy 25:7

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

must go up to the gate to the elders

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "must go up to the city gate where the elders judge cases"

refuses to raise up for his brother a name

Here "name" refers to the memory of someone through his descendants. Alternate translation: "refuses to give his brother a son"

he will not perform the duty of a husband's brother to me

"he will not do what a husband's brother is supposed to do and marry me"

Deuteronomy 25:8

I do not wish to take her

"I do not wish to marry her"

Deuteronomy 25:9

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

must come up to him in the presence of the elders

"must walk up close to him with the elders there watching"

who does not build up his brother's house

Here "house" is a metonym for the family. Alternate translation: "who does not give his brother a son and continue his brother's family line"

Deuteronomy 25:10

His name will be called in Israel

"People in Israel will know his family as"

The house of him whose sandal has been taken off

Here removing the sandal symbolizes that the brother would not receive any of the property of his dead brother. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The house of him whose sandal his brother's widow took off his foot" or "The family of a man who did not marry the wife of his dead brother" or "The family whom everyone despises" or "The family who is shameful"

Deuteronomy 25:11

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

out of the hand of him who struck him

Here "hand" refers to power or control. Alternate translation: "so the one who struck him will not strike him again" or "from the man who hit him"

Deuteronomy 25:12

your eye must have no pity

Here "eye" means the whole person. Alternate translation: "you should not feel sorry for her" or "you must not show her mercy"

Deuteronomy 25:13

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

You must not have in your bag different weights, a large and a small

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. You can also make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "You must not have in your bag different weights, a large weight and a small weight" or "You must not cheat people by using a weight that is larger than you say it is when you buy things and by using a weight that is smaller than you say it is when you sell things"

weights

Weights were stones used on a balance to determine how much something weighs

Deuteronomy 25:14

You must not have in your house different measures, a large and a small

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. You can also make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "You must not have in your house different measures, a large measure and a small measure" or "You must not cheat people by using a measure that is larger than you say it is when you buy things and by using a measure that is smaller than you say it is when you sell things"

measures

A measure was a basket or other container for measuring how much there is of something.

Deuteronomy 25:15

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel about using fair weights and measures when buying and selling. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

A perfect and just

"A correct and fair"

weight ... measure

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 25:13.

your days may be long

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "you may live for a long time"

Deuteronomy 25:16

For all who do such things, all that act unrighteously

"because everyone who cheats people by using different sized weights and measures"

Deuteronomy 25:17

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so except where noted the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Call to mind what Amalek did to you

This is an idiom, and "Amalek" is a metonym for the Amelikite people. Alternate translation: "Remember what the Amalekites did to you"

as you came out

The word "you" here is plural.

Deuteronomy 25:18

how he met you on the road

"how they met you along the way"

attacked those of you at the rear

"attacked those of your people who were in the back of the line"

all who were feeble in your rear

"all the people who were weak in the back of the line"

faint and weary

These words have similar meanings and emphasize how tired the people were. Alternate translation: "tired and exhausted"

he did not honor God

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "he was not afraid of God's punishment" or "he did not respect God"

Deuteronomy 25:19

you must blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven

"you must kill all of the Amalekites so that nobody will remember them anymore"

Chapter 26

Deuteronomy 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter recalls the great events of Israel's history when Yahweh brought them out of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 26:1

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Deuteronomy 26:2

some of the first of all the produce

"some of the first fruits of the crops" or "some of the first crops of the harvest." This "first" is the ordinal number for one.

make a dwelling for his name

Here the phrase "his name" refers to God himself. Yahweh will choose one location where he will live and people will come to worship him there. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 14:23]

Deuteronomy 26:3

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Deuteronomy 26:4

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 26:5

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

My ancestor was a wandering Aramean

This is the beginning of the statement that the Israelite male should make when bringing his basket.

a wandering Aramean

This refers to Jacob, who was the ancestor of all the Israelites. He lived for many years in Aram-Nahairam, a region located in Syria.

stayed there

"lived the rest of his life there"

There he became

The word "he" is a metonym for "Jacob's descendants."

a great, mighty

These words mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that Israel became a large and powerful nation. Alternate translation: "very great"

Deuteronomy 26:6

General Information:

This continues what the Israelite must say when he brings his first crops to Yahweh.

treated us badly and afflicted us

These two phrases say basically the same thing. They emphasize that the Egyptians acted very harshly.

treated us

Here "us" refers to the people of Israel that were living in Egypt. The speaker includes himself as one of the people whether he lived in Egypt or not.

Deuteronomy 26:7

he heard our voice

Here "voice" refers to the whole person and his cries or prayers. Alternate translation: "he heard our cries" or "he heard our prayers"

our affliction, our labor, and our oppression

"that the Egyptians were afflicting us, that we were doing very hard work, and that the Egyptians were oppressing us"

Deuteronomy 26:8

General Information:

This continues what the Israelite must say when he brings his first crops to Yahweh.

Yahweh brought us

Here "us" refers to the people of Israel that were living in Egypt. The speaker includes himself as one of the people whether he lived in Egypt or not.

with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm

Here "a mighty hand" and "an outstretched arm" are metaphors for Yahweh's power. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:34]

with great fearsomeness

"with acts that terrified the people who saw them"

Deuteronomy 26:9

a land that flows with milk and honey

This is an idiom. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:3. Alternate translation: "a land where plenty of milk and honey flow" or "a land that is excellent for cattle and farming"

Deuteronomy 26:10

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Israelites what they must say when they bring theire first crops to Yahweh. He speaks to them as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

first of the produce

"first fruits of the harvest" or "first crops of the harvest"

You must set it down

"You must set the basket down."

Deuteronomy 26:11

you must rejoice in all the good that Yahweh your God has done for you

"you must rejoice and be grateful for all the good things that Yahweh your God has done for you"

Deuteronomy 26:12

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

in the third year

This "third" is the ordinal number for three. Every three years the people of Israel gave a tenth of the harvest to the poor.

fatherless

These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

widow

This means a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her now that she is old.

eat within your city gates and be filled

Here "gates" means towns or cities. Alternate translation: "so that those within your towns may have enough food to eat"

Deuteronomy 26:13

I have completely removed from

These are the first words of another statement that the Israelite was supposed to say.

neither have I forgotten them

This means that he has obeyed all of God's commandments.

Deuteronomy 26:14

General Information:

This continues what the Israelite must say to Yahweh when he gives his tithe to the poor.

I have not eaten any of it in my mourning

"I have not eaten any of the tithe while I was mourning"

when I was unclean

God does not allow an unclean person to touch the tithe he is giving to God. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "when I was unclean according to the Law" or "when the law says I cannot touch it"

I have listened to the voice of Yahweh my God; I have obeyed everything you have commanded me to do

Here "voice of Yahweh" is a metonym for what Yahweh says. Both statements share similar meanings. They emphasize that the person has obeyed all of God's commands.

Deuteronomy 26:15

from the holy place where you live, from heaven

These two phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: "from heaven, your holy dwelling place"

a land flowing with milk and honey

This is an idiom. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:3. Alternate translation: "a land where plenty of milk and honey flow" or "a land that is excellent for cattle and farming"

Deuteronomy 26:16

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

with all your heart and with all your soul

Here "heart" and "soul" are metonyms for a person's inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly." See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 4:29]

Deuteronomy 26:17

that you will walk in his ways and keep his statutes, his commandments, and his decrees, and that you will listen to his voice

The words "walk," "keep," and "listen" have similar meanings here. Here "voice" refers to what God has said. Alternate translation: "that you will completely obey everything Yahweh commands"

Deuteronomy 26:18

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

a people who are his own possession

"a people who belong to him"

Deuteronomy 26:19

he will set you high above

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "he will make you more important than" or "he will make you greater than"

he will set you high above all the other nations that he has made, and you will receive praise, fame, and honor

Possible meanings are 1) "he will cause you to become greater than any other nation that he has established, and he will enable you to praise him and honor him" or 2) "he will have people praise you more than they praise every other nation that he has made; people will say that you are better than any other nation, and they will honor you."

You will be a people that is set apart to Yahweh your God

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh your God will set you apart from other nations"

Chapter 27

Deuteronomy 27 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

"May the man be cursed"

This phrase is repeated several times in this chapter. This parallelism serves as a warning to the Israelites when they will live in the Promised Land. This is part of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. (See: promisedland and lawofmoses)

Deuteronomy 27:1

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so except where noted, the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

command you today

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so the word "you" is plural.

I command

Here "I" refers to Moses. The elders are there in agreement with Moses, but he is the only one speaking.

Deuteronomy 27:2

you will pass

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so the word "you" is plural.

plaster them with plaster

Plaster is usually a mixture of lime, sand, and water that is spread on something. It dries to form a hard, smooth surface on which a person can write. Alternate translation: "spread plaster on them" or "make them so you can write on them"

Deuteronomy 27:3

a land flowing with milk and honey

This is an idiom. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 6:3]

Deuteronomy 27:4

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

you have passed ... set up ... I am commanding you

Moses is addressing the Israelites as a group, so the instances of "you" and the command "set up" are plural.

plaster them with plaster

"spread plaster on them" or "make them so you can write on them." See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:2.

Mount Ebal

This is a mountain near Shechem. See how you translated it in Deuteronomy 11:29.

Deuteronomy 27:5

you must raise no iron tool to work the stones

This refers to the chisels that would make the stones smoother, in order that they might fit together better. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "you will not shape the altar stones with iron tools"

Deuteronomy 27:6

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

unworked stones

stones in their natural shape that no one has shaped with metal tools

Deuteronomy 27:7

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 27:8

write on the stones

This refers to the stones they were to set up on Mount Ebal and cover with plaster. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:2 and Deuteronomy 27:4.

Deuteronomy 27:9

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Deuteronomy 27:10

obey the voice of Yahweh your God

Here the metonym "voice of Yahweh" refers to what he says. Alternate translation: "obey what Yahweh your God says"

I am commanding

Moses is commanding. The Levites are there in agreement with Moses, but he is the only one speaking.

Deuteronomy 27:11

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 27:12

These tribes

Here the metonym "tribes" refers to the people from the tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. Alternate translation: "The people from these tribes"

Mount Gerizim

A small mountain north of Mount Ebal. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 11:29.

Joseph

This combines the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, who were descendants of Joseph.

Deuteronomy 27:13

Mount Ebal

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 11:29.

pronounce curses

"say in a loud voice how Yahweh will curse Israel"

Deuteronomy 27:14

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 27:15

May the man be cursed ... sets it up in secret

This is the statement the Levites must shout to all the people of Israel. It may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May Yahweh curse the person ... sets it up in secret"

the work of the hands of a craftsman

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "something a man has made"

craftsman

a man who knows how to make things well

Deuteronomy 27:16

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

May the man be cursed

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May Yahweh curse the man"

Deuteronomy 27:17

who removes his neighbor's landmark

The full meaning of the statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "who takes land away from his neighbor by moving the markers on the borders of his land"

Deuteronomy 27:18

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

May the man be cursed

This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 27:16]

Deuteronomy 27:19

uses force to take away the justice due to a foreigner ... widow

Moses speaks of justice as if it were a physical object that a stronger person can violently pull away from a weaker person. Your language might have one word that means "use force to take away." See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 24:17]

fatherless

These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

widow

This means a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.

Deuteronomy 27:20

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

May the man be cursed

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 27:16]

who lies with his father's wife

Here "lies with" is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "who has sexual relations with his father's wife"

his father's wife

This does not refer to the man's mother, but another wife of his father.

he has taken away his father's rights

When a man marries a woman, only he has the legal right to sleep with her. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit. Alternate translation: "he has taken away his father's legal rights"

Deuteronomy 27:21

who lies with any animal

Here "lies with" is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "who has sexual relations with any anyimal"

Deuteronomy 27:22

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

May the man be cursed

This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 27:16]

who lies with his sister

Here "lies with" is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "who has sexual relations with his sister"

the daughter of his father, or with the daughter of his mother

This means a man cannot have sexual relations with his sister, even if she has a different mother or father.

Deuteronomy 27:23

who lies with his mother-in-law

Here "lies with" is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "who has sexual relations with his mother-in-law"

Deuteronomy 27:24

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

May the man be cursed

This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 27:16]

Deuteronomy 27:25

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 27:26

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

May the man be cursed

This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 27:16]

Chapter 28

Deuteronomy 28 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Blessings and warnings

This chapter explains some of the blessings and warnings associated with Israel's obedience to the law of Moses. (See: bless and lawofmoses)

Deuteronomy 28:1

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

to the voice of Yahweh your God

Here the metonym "voice of Yahweh" refers to what he says. Alternate translation: "to what Yahweh your God says"

so as to keep

"and obey"

set you above

Moses speaks of being important or being great as if it were being physically higher, as on a higher hill. Alternate translation: "make you more important than" or "make you greater than"

Deuteronomy 28:2

All these blessings will come on you and overtake you

Moses describes the blessings as a person who would attack them by surprise or chase and catch them. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will bless you like this in ways that will completely surprise you, and it will be as if you cannot escape having him bless you"

Deuteronomy 28:3

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Blessed will you be

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will bless you"

in the city ... in the field

This merism means that Yahweh will bless them everywhere.

Deuteronomy 28:4

the fruit of your womb, the fruit of your ground, and the fruit of your livestock

These idioms for "your children, and your crops, and all your animals" form a merism for everything the Israelites valued.

the fruit of your livestock, and the increase of your herds and the lambs of your flocks

This doublet is three ways of saying that Yahweh will make the Israelites' animals many and strong. Alternate translation: "all of your animals, along with the calves of the cattle and the lambs of the flocks"

Deuteronomy 28:5

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Blessed will be

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will bless"

your basket and your kneading trough

Israelites used a basket to carry grain. A "kneading trough" was a bowl they used to mix the grain and make bread. Alternate translation: "all the food you grow and all the food you eat"

Deuteronomy 28:6

when you come in ... when you go out

This merism refers to all of life's activities everywhere they go.

Deuteronomy 28:7

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

cause your enemies who rise up against you to be struck down before you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "cause you to defeat the armies that attack you"

but will flee before you seven ways

"but they will run away from you in seven directions"

seven ways

This is an idiom. The actual number could be more or less than seven. Alternate translation: "in many different directions"

Deuteronomy 28:8

Yahweh will command the blessing to come on you in your barns

Moses describes Yahweh blessing the Israelites as if Yahweh were commanding a person to attack them by surprise. Alternate translation: "When Yahweh blesses you, you will be surprised by how much grain you have in your barns"

in all that you put your hand to

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "in everything you do"

Deuteronomy 28:9

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Yahweh will establish you as a people that is set apart for himself

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh put them in a place different from the place all other nations live in. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will make you a holy people that belongs to him"

Deuteronomy 28:10

you are called by the name of Yahweh

Here the metonym "called by the name of Yahweh" means belonging to him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has called you his own"

Deuteronomy 28:11

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

in the fruit of your womb, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your ground

This is an idiom. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 28:4]

Deuteronomy 28:12

his storehouse of the heavens

Moses speaks of the clouds from which the rain falls as if they were a building where he stores the rain. Alternate translation: "the clouds"

at the right time

"when the crops need it"

all the work of your hand

The word "hand" is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "all the work that you do"

Deuteronomy 28:13

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

the head, and not the tail

This metaphor describes the nation of Israel as an animal and means the Israelites will always be the leaders over other nations and never the servants following behind them. The Israelites will be superior in power, money, and honor.

will be only above ... will never be beneath

The Israelites will rule over others but never have others rule them.

I am commanding you

Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, so the word "you" is plural.

Deuteronomy 28:14

if you do not turn away from any of the words that I am commanding you today, to the right hand or to the left, so as to go after other gods to serve them

Disobeying Yahweh and worshiping other gods is spoken of as if a person physically turned and went in a different direction from Yahweh's words. Alternate translation: "if you do not disobey what I am commanding you today by serving other gods"

Deuteronomy 28:15

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

But if

Here Moses starts describing the curses the people will receive if they disobey.

the voice of Yahweh your God

Here the metonym "voice of Yahweh" means what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh your God is saying"

then all these curses will come on you and overtake you

Moses describes the curses as a person who would attack them by surprise or chase and catch them. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will curse you like this in ways that will completely surprise you, and it will be as if you cannot escape having him curse you"

come on you and overtake you

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:2.

Deuteronomy 28:16

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Cursed will you be

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will curse you"

in the city ... in the field

This merism means that Yahweh will bless them everywhere. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 28:3]

Deuteronomy 28:17

your basket and your kneading trough

The Israelites used a basket to carry grain. A "kneading trough" was a bowl they used to mix the grain and make bread. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 28:5]

Deuteronomy 28:18

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Cursed will be

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will curse"

the fruit of your womb, the fruit of your ground

This is an idiom for "your children, your crops." See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 28:4]

herds ... flocks

"cattle ... sheep"

Deuteronomy 28:19

when you come in ... when you go out

This merism refers to all of life's activities everywhere they go. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 28:6]

Deuteronomy 28:20

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

curses, confusion, and rebukes

"disasters, fear, and frustration"

in all that you put your hand to

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "in everything you do"

until you are destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until your enemies destroy you"

abandoned me

Here "me" refers to Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 28:21

cling to you

"remain on you"

Deuteronomy 28:22

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

infectious diseases, with fever, with inflammation

"diseases and burning fevers that will make you weak." These all refer to diseases that cause people to grow weak and die.

with drought

"with lack of rain"

mildew

mold that grows on crops and causes them to rot

These will pursue you

Moses speaks of the bad things that would happen to the Israelites as if they were people or animals who would chase after the Israelites. Alternate translation: "You will suffer from them"

Deuteronomy 28:23

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

skies ... will be bronze

Moses speaks of the skies being like bronze because there will be no rain. Alternate translation: "skies ... will give no rain"

the earth ... will be iron

Moses speaks of the earth being like iron because no crops will grow. Alternate translation: "nothing will grow from the ground"

Deuteronomy 28:24

Yahweh will make the rain of your land into powder and dust

"instead of rain, Yahweh will send sandstorms"

until you are destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until it destroys you"

Deuteronomy 28:25

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Yahweh will cause you to be struck down before your enemies

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will cause your enemies to strike you down"

to be struck down before

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:7.

will flee before them seven ways

This means the Israelites will be afraid and panic and run away from their enemies. See similar wording in [Deuteronomy 28:7]

seven ways

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "in many different directions"

You will be tossed to and fro among all the kingdoms

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The peoples of the other nations will drive you from one nation to another"

Deuteronomy 28:26

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 28:27

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

the boils of Egypt

"the same skin disease with which I cursed the Egyptians"

boils ... ulcers, scurvy, and itch

These are different types of skin diseases.

from which you cannot be healed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "from which no one will be able to heal you"

Deuteronomy 28:28

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 28:29

You will grope about at noonday like the blind grope in the darkness

"You will be like blind people who grope in darkness even at noonday." The Israelites will have a difficult life even when everyone else is enjoying life.

you will be always oppressed and robbed

"stronger people will always oppress and rob you"

Deuteronomy 28:30

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Deuteronomy 28:31

Your ox will be killed before your eyes

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You will watch as someone kills your ox"

your donkey will be forcibly taken away from before you and will not be restored to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone will take your donkey by force and will not give it back"

Your sheep will be given to your enemies

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will give your sheep to your enemies" or "I will allow your enemies to take your sheep"

Deuteronomy 28:32

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Your sons and your daughters will be given to other peoples

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will give your sons and your daughters to other peoples" or "Your enemies will take your sons and daughters"

your eyes will look for them the entire day, but will fail with longing for them

Here "your eyes" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "you will grow tired as you constantly watch for them and long to see them again"

There will be no strength in your hand

Here the metonym "strength in your hand" refers to power. "Alternate translation: "You will be powerless to do anything about it"

Deuteronomy 28:33

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

a nation

Here the metonym "a nation" means the people from a nation. Alternate translation: "people from a nation"

you will always be oppressed and crushed

The words "oppressed" and "crushed" mean basically the same thing. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they will always oppress and crush you" or "they will oppress you continually"

Deuteronomy 28:34

you will become insane by what you have to see happen

"what you see will make you go crazy"

Deuteronomy 28:35

from which you cannot be cured

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that no one will be able to cure"

Deuteronomy 28:36

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Deuteronomy 28:37

of horror, a proverb, and a byword, among all the peoples where Yahweh will lead you away

Here the words "proverb" and "byword" mean basically the same thing. This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "of horror. The people, in the places where Yahweh will send you, will make up proverbs and bywords about you" or "of horror. Yahweh will send you to peoples who will laugh at you and ridicule you"

byword

a word or phrase that people use to shame others

Deuteronomy 28:38

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

but will gather little seed in

"but will harvest very little food"

Deuteronomy 28:39

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 28:40

General Information:

Moses continues describing God's curses if the people disobey him. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

but you will not anoint yourself with the oil

People would rub olive oil on themselves to make their skin healthy.

your olive trees will drop their fruit

You may need to make explicit that the fruit drops before it is ripe. Alternate translation: "your olive trees will drop their fruit before the fruit is ripe" or "the olives will fall off your olive trees before they are ripe"

Deuteronomy 28:41

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 28:42

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Deuteronomy 28:43

The foreigner who is

This does not mean a specific foreigner but refers to foreigners in general. Alternate translation: "The foreigners who are"

rise up above you higher and higher; you yourself will come down lower and lower

This idiom means foreigners will have more power, money, and honor than the Israelites.

Deuteronomy 28:44

He will ... to him

This does not mean a specific foreigner

he will be the head, and you will be the tail

This means foreigners will have more power and authority than the Israelites. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Deuteronomy 28:13]

Deuteronomy 28:45

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

All these curses will come on you and will pursue and overtake you until you are destroyed

Moses describes the curses as a person who would attack them by surprise or chase and catch them. See how you translated something similar in [Deuteronomy 28:2]

to the voice of Yahweh your God

Here the words "voice of Yahweh" are a metonym for what Yahweh said. Alternate translation: "to what Yahweh your God said"

his commandments and his regulations

The words "commandments" and "regulations" are a doublet for "all that Yahweh has commanded you to do."

Deuteronomy 28:46

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 28:47

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

joyfulness and gladness of heart

Here "joyfulness" and "gladness of heart" mean the same thing. They emphasize that the people should have been very glad to worship Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 28:48

He will put a yoke of iron on your neck

This is a metaphor for Yahweh allowing the enemy to treat the Israelites cruelly and make them slaves.

Deuteronomy 28:49

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

from far away, from the ends of the earth

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the enemy will come from a nation that is very far away from Israel.

from the ends of the earth

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "from places that you know nothing about"

like an eagle flies to its victim

This means the enemy will come suddenly and the Israelites will not be able to stop them.

Deuteronomy 28:50

a nation with a fierce face that does not respect the aged and does not show favor

The word "nation" is a metonym for the people of that nation. Alternate translation: "a nation whose people have fierce expressions, who do not respect the aged and do not show favor"

Deuteronomy 28:51

until you are destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until they destroy you" or "until they leave you with nothing"

Deuteronomy 28:52

General Information:

Moses continues describing the army that will attack the Israelites if they do not obey Yahweh. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

you in all your city gates

Here the phrase "city gates" represents a city. Alternate translation: "your cities"

Deuteronomy 28:53

the fruit of your own body, the flesh of your sons and of your daughters

Here "the flesh of your sons and of your daughters" explains the metaphor "the fruit of your own body." The people will be so hungry after the enemy army surrounds their city that they will eat their own children.

the fruit of your own body

This speaks of children as if they were fruit that was produced by the bodies of their parents. Alternate translation: "your own children"

Deuteronomy 28:54

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

who is timid and very delicate among you—he

"who is timid and very delicate among you—even he." Moses is saying that not only those one would expect to eat their children, but even the last person one would expect to eat his own children will eat his children.

Deuteronomy 28:55

all your city gates

Here "city gates" represents the cities themselves. Alternate translation: "all your cities"

Deuteronomy 28:56

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

The tender and delicate woman among you ... tenderness—she

"The tender and delicate woman among you ... tenderness—even she." Moses is saying that not only those one would expect to eat their children, but even women of noble birth and normally very gentle, whom one would never expect to eat their children, will eat their children. The word "you" here is singular.

who would not venture to put the bottom of her foot on the ground for delicateness and tenderness

Moses is exaggerating. He is emphasizing that this noble woman is so rich and lives in such luxury that she would not allow herself to get dirty.

for delicateness and tenderness

The abstract nouns "delicateness" and "tenderness" can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "because she is so delicate and tender"

Deuteronomy 28:57

within your city gates

Here "city gates" represents the cities themselves. Alternate translation: "within your cities"

Deuteronomy 28:58

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

that are written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I have written"

this glorious and fearful name, Yahweh your God

Here the metonym "name" refers to Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "Yahweh your God who is glorious and awesome"

Deuteronomy 28:59

Yahweh will make your plagues terrible, and those of your descendants

"Yahweh will send terrible plagues on you and your descendants" or "Yahweh will make sure that you and your descendants suffer from terrible plagues"

Deuteronomy 28:60

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

He will bring on you again all the diseases of Egypt

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "He will make sure that you again suffer from the diseases of Egypt"

they will cling to you

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "the diseases will not stop, and no one will be able to heal you of them"

Deuteronomy 28:61

every sickness and plague that is not written

Here "every" is a generalization that means "many." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "even other sicknesses and plagues that I have not written"

until you are destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until he has destroyed you"

Deuteronomy 28:62

You will be left ... you were like ... you did not listen

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so all instances of "you" are plural.

you were like the stars of the heavens in number

This means that in the past there were many Israelites.

to the voice of Yahweh

Here the metonym "voice of Yahweh" refers to what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: "to what Yahweh says"

Deuteronomy 28:63

Yahweh once rejoiced over you ... multiplying you ... rejoice over you in making you perish and in destroying you. You will be plucked

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so all instances of "you" are plural.

Yahweh once rejoiced over you in doing you good, and in multiplying you

"Yahweh once enjoyed doing you good and causing you to become many"

he will rejoice over you in making you perish

"he will enjoy making you die"

You will be plucked off the land that you are going into to possess

Moses uses a metaphor to speak of the people as though they were fruit that Yahweh would take off a bush. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He will remove you from the land which you are entering to possess"

you are going

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" is singular.

Deuteronomy 28:64

scatter you ... you will worship ... you have not known ... you nor your ancestors

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

from the one end of the earth to the other end of the earth

These two extremes together mean everywhere on earth. Alternate translation: "throughout the earth" or "all over the earth"

Deuteronomy 28:65

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

there will be no rest for the bottoms of your feet

Here the phrase "the bottoms of your feet" refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: "you will have to continually wander because you have no permanent home where you can rest"

Yahweh will give you there a trembling heart, failing eyes, and a soul that mourns

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will cause you to be afraid, without hope, and sad"

Deuteronomy 28:66

Your life will hang in doubt before you

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "You will not know whether you will live or die"

Deuteronomy 28:67

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

because of the fear in your hearts

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "because of the fear you are feeling"

the things your eyes will have to see

Here "eyes" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "the terrifying things I will force you to see"

Deuteronomy 28:68

I had said

Here "I" refers to Yahweh.

Chapter 29

Deuteronomy 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a retelling of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses, along with its blessings and cursing. (See: covenant and bless and curse)

Deuteronomy 29:1

These are the words that Yahweh commanded Moses to tell

This refers to words that Moses is about to speak.

in the land of Moab

This is on the east side of the Jordan where the Israelites were staying before they entered the land of Canaan. "while they were in the land of Moab"

words that were added to the covenant ... at Horeb

These additional commands were given to make Yahweh's covenant apply better to the people once they were settled in their new land. These new commands did not belong to a different covenant, but rather were additions to the original covenant.

Deuteronomy 29:2

You have seen everything that Yahweh did before your eyes

Yahweh expected them to remember what Yahweh had done and they had seen it. Here the "eyes" represent the whole person and emphasize what the person has seen. Alternate translation: "You have seen all that Yahweh did so that you would see and remember what he did"

your eyes

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "your" here is singular.

Deuteronomy 29:3

the great sufferings that your eyes saw

Here "eyes" emphasizes that Yahweh expected them to remember that they had seen it. Alternate translation: "you saw for yourselves that the people suffered terribly"

the signs, and those great wonders

The words "signs" and "wonders" both refer to the plagues that Yahweh had sent upon Egypt. Alternate translation: "and all of the powerful things that Yahweh did"

Deuteronomy 29:4

Yahweh has not given you a heart to know, eyes to see, or ears to hear

The people do have hearts, eyes, and ears. This metonym says that Yahweh has not enabled them to understand from what they saw and heard who Yahweh is, and how and why they should obey him.

given you a heart to know

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "enabled you to understand"

Deuteronomy 29:5

I have led you

Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel.

forty years

"40 years"

your sandals ... your feet

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "your" here is singular.

Deuteronomy 29:6

other strong drink

These were alcoholic drinks made probably from fermented grains. They were not distilled liquors.

Deuteronomy 29:7

Sihon, the king of Heshbon, and Og, the king of Bashan

See how you translated these names in Deuteronomy 1:4.

came out against us

Here "us" refers to Moses and the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 29:8

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 29:9

keep the words of this covenant and do them

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the people were to obey Yahweh's commands. Alternate translation: "obey all the words of this covenant"

Deuteronomy 29:10

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 29:11

among you in your camp ... your wood ... your water

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

the foreigner who is among you in your camp, from him who cuts your wood to him who draws

There were many foreigners among the Israelites. Alternate translation: "the foreigners who are among you in your camp, from those who cut your wood to those who get your water"

Deuteronomy 29:12

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

to enter into the covenant of Yahweh your God and into the oath that Yahweh your God is making with you today

"to agree to the covenant and to swear that you will obey all that Yahweh your God commands"

Deuteronomy 29:13

a people for himself

"a people group that belongs to him alone"

Deuteronomy 29:14

I am making

Here "I" refers to Yahweh. "Yahweh is making"

Deuteronomy 29:15

standing here with us

Here "us" refers to Moses and the people of Israel.

those who are not here

"our future descendants, who are not here"

Deuteronomy 29:16

we lived

"we were slaves"

Deuteronomy 29:17

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Deuteronomy 29:18

whose heart is turning away today from Yahweh our God

Here "heart" refers to the whole person, and "turning away" means to stop obeying. Alternate translation: "who no longer obeys Yahweh our God"

any root that produces poison fruit and wormwood

Moses speaks of someone who secretly worships another God as if he were a root, and the evil deeds he does to serve that god, and which he encourages others to do, as a bitter plant that poisons people. Alternate translation: "any person who worships idols and causes others to disobey Yahweh"

Deuteronomy 29:19

that person

The person described in verse 18.

bless himself in his heart

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "congratulate himself" or "encourage himself"

though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "even though I still refuse to obey Yahweh"

This would destroy the wet together with the dry

Here the words "wet" and "dry" are metaphors for the righteous people and the wicked people. This forms a merism for "everyone." Alternate translation: "This would cause Yahweh to destroy both the righteous people and the wicked people in the land"

wet ... dry

These nominal adjectives can be translated as nouns. Because the land was usually dry and the people needed rain so their crops would grow, these words are metaphors for "living ... dead" or "good ... bad." Alternate translation: "wet things ... dry things" or "good people ... bad people"

Deuteronomy 29:20

the anger of Yahweh and his jealousy will smolder

Just as a fire can grow in intensity, so can God's anger and jealousy grow in intensity. Alternate translation: "Yahweh's jealous anger will grow like a fire"

the anger of Yahweh and his jealousy

Here the word "jealousy" describes "the anger of Yahweh." Alternate translation: Yahweh's jealous anger"

that are written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I have written"

all the curses that are written in this book will come on him

Moses describes the curses as a person who would attack them by surprise. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 28:15]

Yahweh will blot out his name from under heaven

This means that God will completely destroy the person and his family. In the future people will not remember him. A similar phrase appears in Deuteronomy 7:24.

Deuteronomy 29:21

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Deuteronomy 29:22

The generation to come, your children who will rise up after you

The words "your children ... after you" tell who "the generation to come" is.

Deuteronomy 29:23

when they see that the whole land has become sulfur and burning salt

People put sulfur and salt on the soil to keep anything from growing. "when they see that Yahweh has burned the land with sulfur and salt"

where nothing is sown or bears fruit

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where no one can sow seed and the crops do not bear fruit"

like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah

The abstract noun "overthrow" can be translated as a clause. Alternate translation: "as when Yahweh completely destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah"

Admah and Zeboyim

These are names of cities that Yahweh destroyed along with Sodom and Gomorrah.

Deuteronomy 29:24

they will say together with all the other nations ... mean?

This can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "they will ask with all the other nations why Yahweh has done this to the land, and what the heat of this great anger means."

they will say together with all the other nations

"your descendants and the people of all the other nations will say"

What does the heat of this great anger mean?

The writer is communicating one idea through two words. Alternate translation: "What does this terrible anger mean?"

Deuteronomy 29:25

It is because they abandoned the covenant of Yahweh, the God of their ancestors

This is the answer to "Why has Yahweh done this to this land?" (Deuteronomy 29:24). "Yahweh has done this to the land because the Israelites did not follow the promises and the laws of his covenant"

Deuteronomy 29:26

served other gods and bowed down to them

"obeyed other gods and worshiped them"

Deuteronomy 29:27

the anger of Yahweh has been kindled against this land

Moses compares Yahweh being angry to someone starting a fire. This emphasizes God's power to destroy whatever makes him angry, and it can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has became very angry with this land"

this land, so as to bring on it

Here "land" is a metonym representing the people. Alternate translation: "the people of this land, so as to bring on them"

that are written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I have written"

Deuteronomy 29:28

Yahweh has uprooted them from their land ... and has thrown them

Israel is compared to a bad plant that Yahweh has pulled up and thrown out of a garden. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has removed them from their land ... and has forced them to go"

in anger, in wrath, and in great fury

The words "anger" and "wrath" and "fury" mean basically the same thing and emphasize the great intensity of Yahweh's anger. Alternate translation: "in extremely great anger" or "because he was extremely angry"

Deuteronomy 29:29

The secret matters belong alone to Yahweh our God

"Some things Yahweh our God has not revealed, and only he knows them"

that are revealed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that he has revealed"

we may do all the words of this law

"we may do everything that this law commands us to do"

Chapter 30

Deuteronomy 30 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Moses begins to give final instructions to Israel before his death in anticipation of their entrance into the Promised Land. There were warnings and blessings associated with the people's obedience to the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. (See: promisedland and bless and covenant)

Deuteronomy 30:1

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

When all these things have come on you

Here "these things" refer to the blessings and curses described in chapters 28-29. The phrase "have come on you" is an idiom that means to happen. Alternate translation: "When all these things happen to you"

that I have set before you

This speaks of the blessings and curses that Moses told the people as if they were objects that he set in front of them. Alternate translation: "that I have just now told you about"

call them to mind

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "remember them"

among all the other nations

"while you are living in the other nations"

has banished you

"has forced you to go"

Deuteronomy 30:2

obey his voice

Here "voice" is referring to what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: "obey what he says"

with all your heart and with all your soul

Here "heart" and "soul" are metonyms for a person's inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly." See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:29]

Deuteronomy 30:3

reverse your captivity

"free you from your captivity." The abstract noun "captivity" can be translated as a verbal clause. Alternate translation: "free you from those who had captured you"

Deuteronomy 30:4

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

If any of your exiled people are in the farthest places

"Even those of your exiled people who are in the farthest places"

under the heavens

"under the sky" or "on the earth"

Deuteronomy 30:5

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Deuteronomy 30:6

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

circumcise your heart

This is not a literal removal of flesh. It means God will remove their sin and enable them to love and obey him.

with all your heart and with all your soul

Here "heart" and "soul" are metonyms for a person's inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly." See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 4:29]

Deuteronomy 30:7

will put all these curses on your enemies

Moses speaks of curses as though they were a load or a cover that someone could physically put on top of a person. Alternate translation: "will cause your enemies to suffer from these curses"

Deuteronomy 30:8

obey the voice of Yahweh

Here "voice" means what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: "obey what Yahweh says"

Deuteronomy 30:9

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

the work of your hand

Here "hand" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "in all the work you do"

in the fruit of your womb ... in the fruit of your livestock ... in the fruit of your ground

These three phrases are idioms for "in children ... in calves ... in crops." See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 28:4]

Deuteronomy 30:10

that are written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I have written"

with all your heart and all your soul

Here "heart" and "soul" are metonyms for a person's inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly." See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 4:29]

Deuteronomy 30:11

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

neither is it too far for you to reach

Moses speaks of being able to understand what a commandment requires a person to do as if it were that person being able to reach a physical object. Alternate translation: "neither is it too difficult for you to understand what Yahweh requires you to do"

Deuteronomy 30:12

Who will go up for us to heaven and bring it down to us and make us able to hear it, so that we may do it?

Here Moses uses a rhetorical question to emphasize that the people of Israel think that Yahweh's commands are too difficult for them to know. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Someone must travel to heaven to learn God's commands and then return to tell us what they are so we can obey them."

Deuteronomy 30:13

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us and make us to hear it, so that we may do it?

This rhetorical question continues the idea that the people of Israel think Yahweh's commands are too difficult to know. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Someone must travel across the sea to learn God's commands and then return and tell us what they are."

Deuteronomy 30:14

in your mouth and your heart

This means that the people already know God's commands and can tell them to others.

Deuteronomy 30:15

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

I have placed before you

Putting something where another person can see it is a metaphor for telling someone about something. Alternate translation: "I have told you about"

life and good, death and evil

You can make clear the implicit information. Alternate translation: "what is good and will cause you to live, and what is evil and will cause you to die"

Deuteronomy 30:16

multiply

increase greatly in number

Deuteronomy 30:17

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

if your heart turns away ... and are drawn away and bow down to other gods and worship them

Here "heart" refers to the whole person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if you stop being loyal to God ... and the people living in the land convince you to bow down and worship other gods"

Deuteronomy 30:18

to you today that you ... you will not prolong your days

Moses speaks to the Israelites as a group.

prolong your days

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:26]

Deuteronomy 30:19

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so except where noted the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

I call heaven and earth to witness

Possible meanings are 1) Moses is calling on all those who live in heaven and earth to be witnesses to what he says, or 2) Moses is speaking to heaven and earth as if they are people, and he is calling them to be witnesses to what he says

to witness against you

"to be willing to say that you have done evil things"

against you today

Moses speaks to the Israelites as a group.

Deuteronomy 30:20

obey his voice

Here "voice" refers to what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: "obey what he says"

to cling to him

"to rely on him"

For he is your life and the length of your days

These phrases have the same meaning and are metonyms for Yahweh, emphasizing that he is the one who gives life and determines the length of people's lifetimes. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is the only one who can enable you to live a long life"

the land that Yahweh swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them

"the land that Yahweh swore that he would give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob"

Chapter 31

Deuteronomy 31 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Final instructions

In the Ancient Near East, it was common for an important leader to give instructions for his people to follow after his death. In this chapter, Moses begins his final words to the people of Israel. These are words that he wants them to remember long after he is gone. This section also helped to make a smooth transition to Joshua's leadership.

Deuteronomy 31:1

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Deuteronomy 31:2

one hundred twenty years old

"120 years old"

I can no more go out and come in

Here the extremes "go out" and "come in" used together mean that Moses can no longer do what a healthy person can do. Alternate translation: "I am no longer able to go everywhere that you need to go, so I cannot be your leader any longer"

Deuteronomy 31:3

your God ... before you ... before you ... you will dispossess ... before you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

you will dispossess them

"you will take their land"

Joshua, he will go over before you, as Yahweh has spoken

"Joshua will lead you across the river, as Yahweh promised"

Deuteronomy 31:4

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the Israelites.

he did to Sihon and to Og, the kings of the Amorites

Here "Sihon" and "Og" refer to two Kings of the Amorites and their armies. See how you translated these names in [Deuteronomy 1:4]

Deuteronomy 31:5

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Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and of good courage

"Be strong and courageous"

fear not, and do not be afraid of them

"do not fear them at all"

Yahweh your God ... with you ... fail you nor abandon you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

he will not fail you nor abandon you

This can be treated as litotes and translated positively. Alternate translation: "he will always fulfill his promise to you and will always be with you"

Deuteronomy 31:7

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

in the sight of all Israel

This means that all of the people of Israel were present. Alternate translation: "in the presence of all the Israelites"

Be strong and of good courage

"Be strong and courageous." See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 31:5.

you will cause them to inherit it

"you will help them take the land"

Deuteronomy 31:8

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Deuteronomy 31:9

gave it out to the priests, the sons of Levi

"gave it out to the Levites, who are the priests"

Deuteronomy 31:10

seven years

"7 years"

fixed for the cancellation of debts

"for canceling debts"

Festival of Shelters

Other names for this festival are "Feast of Tabernacles," "Festival of Booths," and "Feast of the Ingathering." During harvest, farmers would set up temporary shelters in the field. This festival took place after the last harvest of the year. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 16:13.

Deuteronomy 31:11

Yahweh your God ... you will read

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

in their hearing

"so that they can hear it"

Deuteronomy 31:12

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the priests and the elders.

your foreigner who is within your city gates

Here "city gates" represents the cities themselves. Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the instances of "your" here are singular. Alternate translation: "your foreigners who live in your cities"

keep all the words of this law

"carefully obey all the commands in this law"

Deuteronomy 31:13

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Deuteronomy 31:14

Look, the

"Pay attention to what I am about to tell you. The"

Deuteronomy 31:15

a pillar of cloud

This was a thick cloud of smoke in the shape of an upright column.

Deuteronomy 31:16

Look, you

"Pay attention to what I am going to tell you. You"

you will lie down with your fathers

This is a polite way to say "you will die." Alternate translation: "you will die and join your ancestors who have died before you"

will rise up and act like a prostitute

Being a prostitute is a metaphor for worshiping gods other than Yahweh. Alternate translation: "will start to be unfaithful to me"

Deuteronomy 31:17

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

my anger will be kindled against them

Yahweh compares his anger to someone starting a fire. This emphasizes God's power to destroy whatever makes him angry. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will kindle my anger against them" or "I will become angry with them"

I will hide my face from them

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "I will not help them"

they will be devoured

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will devour them" or "I will allow their enemies to devour them"

devoured

This is a metaphor for "completely destroyed."

Many disasters and troubles will find them

This describes the disasters and troubles as if they were human. Alternate translation: "They will experience many disasters and troubles"

Have these disasters not come upon us ... midst?

This describes the disasters and troubles as if they were human. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "These disasters are destroying me ... midst."

our God is not in our midst

"God is no longer protecting us" or "God has left us alone"

Deuteronomy 31:18

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 31:19

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses about the Israelites.

Put it in their mouths

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Make them memorize and sing it"

Deuteronomy 31:20

a land flowing with milk and honey

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "a land where plenty of milk and honey flow" or "a land that is excellent for cattle and farming" See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:3.

Deuteronomy 31:21

When many evils and troubles come upon this people

Here evils and troubles are described as if they were human and could find people. Alternate translation: "When this people experiences many evils and troubles"

this song will testify before them as a witness

This speaks of the song as if it were a human witness testifying in court against Israel.

it will not be forgotten from the mouths of their descendants

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "their descendants will not forget to keep it in their mouths"

it will not be forgotten from the mouths of their descendants

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "their descendants will remember to keep it in their mouths"

it will not be forgotten from the mouths of their descendants

The idiom "forget it from the mouth" means to stop speaking about it. Alternate translation: "their descendants will not stop speaking about it to each other"

the plans that they are forming

What people plan to do is spoken of as if it were a physical object. Alternate translation: "what they plan to do"

the land that I swore to them

God's promise of the land was to give it to the people of Israel. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the land that I promised I would give to them"

Deuteronomy 31:22

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 31:23

Be strong and of good courage

"Be strong and courageous." See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 31:5.

Deuteronomy 31:24

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 31:25

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 31:26

witness against you

Moses speaks to the Levites as if they were one man, so the word "you" is singular.

Deuteronomy 31:27

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the Levites about all the Israelite people.

your rebellion and your stiff neck

Moses speaks to the Levites as if they were one man, so the word "your" is singular.

your stiff neck

See how you translated "stubborn" in Deuteronomy 9:6.

how much more after my death?

This rhetorical question emphasizes how rebellious the people were. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "you will be even more rebellious after I die."

Deuteronomy 31:28

so that I may speak these words in their ears

Here "in their ears" means the people themselves. Alternate translation: "so that I may speak the words of this song to them"

call heaven and earth to witness against them

Possible meanings are 1) Moses is calling on all those who live in heaven and earth to be witnesses to what he says or 2) Moses is speaking to heaven and earth as if they are people, and he is calling them to be witnesses to what he says. A similar phrase appears in [Deuteronomy 30:19]

Deuteronomy 31:29

you will utterly corrupt yourselves

"you will do what is completely wrong." See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.

turn aside out of the path that I have commanded you

"stop following the instructions I have given to you." See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 9:12.

what is evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "what is evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"

through the work of your hands

Here "your hands" means the people themselves. Alternate translation: "because of what you have made"

Deuteronomy 31:30

Moses recited in the ears of all the assembly of Israel

Here "ears" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "Moses recited to all the people of Israel"

recited

Possible meanings are 1) "sang" or 2) "spoke."

the words of this song

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "the words of the song that Yahweh taught him"

Chapter 32

Deuteronomy 32 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetic song in 32:1-43.

Special concepts in this chapter

Punishment

This chapter prophesies a time when Israel will be disobedient to Yahweh and he will have to punish them. This is meant to serve as a warning to the nation. (See: prophet)

Deuteronomy 32:1

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

Give ear, you heavens ... Let the earth listen

Yahweh speaks to the heavens and earth as if they are there listening. Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh is speaking to the inhabitants of heaven and earth or 2) Yahweh is speaking to the heavens and earth as if they are persons.

Deuteronomy 32:2

Let my teaching drop down like the rain ... and like the showers on the plants

This means Yahweh wants the people to eagerly accept his helpful teaching.

distill

Use the word in your language for the process by which dew appears.

dew

water that forms on leaves and grass on cool mornings

tender grass

"new plants"

showers

heavy rain

Deuteronomy 32:3

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

proclaim the name of Yahweh

This is an idiom. "tell how good Yahweh is"

ascribe greatness to our God

"make sure people know that our God is great"

Deuteronomy 32:4

The Rock

This a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people.

his work

"everything he does"

all his paths are just

Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate translation: "he does everything in a just way"

He is just and upright

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh is fair and does what is right.

Deuteronomy 32:5

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. Moses continues to use parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.

acted corruptly against him

"opposed him by doing what is wrong." See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.

a perverted and crooked generation

The words "perverted" and "crooked" mean basically the same thing. Moses uses them to emphasize how wicked the generation is. Alternate translation: "a completely wicked generation"

Deuteronomy 32:6

Do you reward Yahweh in this way ... people?

Moses uses a question to scold the people. Alternate translation: "You should give Yahweh proper praise ... people."

you foolish and unwise people

The words "foolish" and "unwise" mean the same thing and emphasize how foolish the people are for disobeying Yahweh. Alternate translation: "you extremely foolish people"

your Father ... has created you ... made you and established you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Is he not your Father, the one who has created you?

Moses uses a question to scold the people. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is your Father and the one who created you."

Deuteronomy 32:7

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

Call to mind ... think about ... your father ... show you ... your elders ... tell you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Call to mind

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Remember"

days of ancient times ... years of generations past

Moses wants the people of Israel to focus on their history as a nation.

days of ancient times

"days of long ago." Moses refers to the time period when the ancestors of the people of Israel were alive.

he will show you

"he will make it clear to you" or "he will enable you to understand it"

Deuteronomy 32:8

gave the nations their inheritance

This is an idiom. "put the nations in the places where they would live." Similar words, "giving to you as an inheritance," appear in [Deuteronomy 4:21]

according to the number of the children of Israel

God has arranged the nations according to the way they relate to Israel.

the number of the children of Israel

How this relates to "the boundaries of the people" is not clear. Some ancient and modern translations read, "the number of the angels of God" or "the number of the children of God." That is, God assigned an angel to each other nation, but he rules Israel directly.

Deuteronomy 32:9

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. As he speaks to the Israelites, he talks about them as if they were someone else and as if they were one man.

For Yahweh's portion is his people; Jacob is his apportioned inheritance

These two phrases means basically the same thing and and can be combined. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Jacob are Yahweh's inheritance"

Deuteronomy 32:10

He found him ... shielded him and cared for him ... guarded him

"He found Jacob ... shielded him and cared for him ... guarded him" You may need to translate this as if Moses were talking about the Israelites as many people. Alternate translation: "He found our ancestors ... shielded them and cared for them ... guarded them"

howling wilderness

Here "howling" refers to the sound the wind makes as it blows through the empty land.

he guarded him as the apple of his eye

This is an idiom. The apple of an eye refers to the dark part inside the eyeball that allows a person to see. This is a very important and sensitive part of the body. This means that the people of Israel are very important to God and something he protects. Alternate translation: "he protected him as something very valuable and precious"

Deuteronomy 32:11

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

As an eagle that guards her nest and flutters over her young, Yahweh spread out his wings and took them, and carried them on his pinions

This means Yahweh watched over and protected the Israelites while they were in the desert.

pinions

the outer edges of a bird's wings

Deuteronomy 32:12

led him ... with him

Moses again speaks of the Israelites as "Jacob"

Deuteronomy 32:13

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

He made him ride on high places of the land

This is an idiom. The word "him" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "Yahweh made them ride on high places of the land" or "Yahweh helped them take and occupy the land"

made him ride ... fed him ... nourished him

Moses continues to speak of the Israelites as "Jacob"

he fed him the fruits of the field

"he brought him to a land with plenty of crops he could eat"

he nourished him with honey from the rock, and oil from the flinty crag

The land had many wild bees, which produce honey, with hives inside rock holes. There were also many olive trees, which provide oil, and grow on rocks, hills, and mountains.

nourished him with honey

This is like a mother giving her breast to an infant. "allowed him to suck honey"

Deuteronomy 32:14

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" here is singular.

He ate

Moses continues to speak of the Israelites as "Jacob"

fat of lambs, rams of Bashan and goats

The people of Israel had many healthy herd animals.

Deuteronomy 32:15

General Information:

Moses continues speaking his poetic song to the people of Israel.

Jeshurun

Moses speaks of the Israelites as if they were an animal whose owner named it Jeshurun.

grew fat ... you grew fat, you were too fat, and you had eaten your fill

An animal growing fat is a metaphor for a person becoming wealthy and prosperous. Alternate translation: "was like an animal that grew fat ... you grew fat, you were too fat, and you had eaten until you were full"

and kicked

Kicking is a metaphor for rebelling against God. Alternate translation: "and kicked his master" or "and rebelled"

the Rock of his salvation

This means Yahweh is strong like a rock and able to protect his people.

the Rock

This a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:4.

Deuteronomy 32:16

They made Yahweh jealous

The Israelites made Yahweh jealous.

Deuteronomy 32:17

General Information:

Moses continues to speak his song to the Israelites.

They sacrificed

"The people of Israel sacrificed"

gods that recently appeared

This means the Israelites recently learned about these gods.

your fathers

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as many people, so the word "your" is plural.

Deuteronomy 32:18

You have deserted ... your father ... you forgot ... gave you

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.

You have deserted the Rock

Here Yahweh is called the rock because he is strong and protective. Alternate translation: "You have left the protective care of Yahweh"

the Rock

This a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:4.

who became your father ... who gave you birth

This compares Yahweh to a father and a mother. This means God caused them to live and to be a nation. Alternate translation: "who fathered you ... who gave life to you"

Deuteronomy 32:19

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

his sons and his daughters

This refers to the people of Israel whom Yahweh gave life to and made into a nation.

Deuteronomy 32:20

I will hide my face from them

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "I will turn away from them" or "I will stop helping them"

I will see what their end will be

"I will see what happens to them"

Deuteronomy 32:21

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words.

They have made me jealous

Here "me" refers to Yahweh.

what is not god

"what are false gods"

worthless things

You may need to make explicit what the "things" are. Alternate translation: "worthless idols"

those who are not a people

"people who do not belong to one people group"

foolish nation

Translate "foolish" as in Deuteronomy 32:6.

Deuteronomy 32:22

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words.

For a fire is kindled by my anger ... foundations of the mountains

Yahweh compares his anger to a fire. This emphasizes his power to destroy what makes him angry.

a fire is kindled by my anger and is burning ... it is devouring ... it is setting

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I start a fire because I am angry, and it burns ... it is devouring ... it is setting" or "when I am angry, I destroy my enemies like a fire, and I destroy everything on earth and in ... I devour ... I set"

to the lowest Sheol

"even to the world of the dead"

Deuteronomy 32:23

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words.

I will heap disasters on them

Yahweh speaks of bad things that would happen to the Israelites as if they were something like dirt that he could pile up on top of the Israelites. Alternate translation: "I will make sure that many bad things happen to them"

I will shoot all my arrows at them

Here Yahweh compares the bad things he will make sure happen to the Israelites to someone shooting arrows from a bow. Alternate translation: "I will do all I can do to kill them"

Deuteronomy 32:24

They will be wasted by hunger

This can be stated in active form. The abstract noun "hunger" can be translated as the verb "be hungry." Alternate translation: "They will grow weak and die because they are hungry"

They will ... hunger and devoured by burning heat and bitter destruction

Possible meanings of "burning heat" are 1) the Israelites will suffer from fevers or 2) the weather will be unusually hot during a drought or famine. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They will ... hunger, and burning heat and terrible disasters will devour them" or "They will ... hunger, and they will die from burning heat and terrible disasters"

I will send on them the teeth of wild animals, with the poison of things that crawl in the dust

The teeth and the poison are synecdoches for the animals that use these things to kill. Alternate translation: "I will send wild animals to bite them, and things that crawl in the dust to bite and poison them"

Deuteronomy 32:25

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words.

Outside the sword will bereave

Here "sword" represents the army of the enemy. Alternate translation: "When the Israelites are outside, the enemy army will kill them"

terror will do so

Yahweh speaks of being afraid as if it were a person who comes into a house and kills those who live in it. Alternate translation: "you will die because you are afraid"

young man and virgin, the nursing baby, and the man of gray hairs

These terms describing people of different ages are combined to mean that all kinds of people will die.

Deuteronomy 32:26

I said that I would ... away, that I would ... mankind.

This can be translated as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "I said, 'I will ... away, and I will ... mankind.'"

I would make the memory of them to cease from among mankind

"I would make all people forget about them"

Deuteronomy 32:27

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words.

Were it not that I feared the provocation of the enemy

"I was afraid of the provocation of the enemy"

the provocation of the enemy

This abstract noun can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "that the enemy would provoke me" or "that the enemy would cause me to be angry"

the enemy

Yahweh speaks of his enemies as if they are one man. Alternate translation: "my enemy" or "my enemies"

judge mistakenly

"misunderstand"

Our hand is exalted

Here "hand" represents the strength or power of a person. To be exalted is an idiom for defeating an enemy. Alternate translation: "We have defeated them because we are more powerful"

Deuteronomy 32:28

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words.

Deuteronomy 32:29

Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their coming fate

Moses states something that he wishes were true, but he knows that it is not true. The people of Israel were not wise and did not understand that their disobedience would cause Yahweh to bring disaster on them.

their coming fate

The abstract noun "fate" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "what is going to happen to them"

Deuteronomy 32:30

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words and tell them more of what they would have understood if they were wise

How could one chase a thousand ... Yahweh had given them up?

Moses uses a question to scold the people for not being wise enough to understand why their enemies are defeating them. This question can be translated as a statement as in the UDB.

How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "How could 1 enemy soldier chase 1,000 of your men, and 2 enemy soldiers cause 10,000 of your men to run away"

unless their Rock had sold them

The word "Rock" refers to Yahweh who is strong and able to protect his people. Alternate translation: "unless Yahweh, their Rock, had handed them over"

their Rock

"The Rock" here is a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. Translate "Rock" as in Deuteronomy 32:4.

Deuteronomy 32:31

our Rock

"The Rock" here is a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. Translate "Rock" as in [Deuteronomy 32:4]

our enemies' rock is not like our Rock

The enemies' idols and false gods are not powerful like Yahweh.

Rock, just as even our enemies have concluded

"Rock; not only do we say so, but our enemies say so also"

have concluded

have made a judgment after looking at the facts

Deuteronomy 32:32

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words.

For their vine comes from the vine of Sodom ... clusters are bitter

Moses compares enemies who worship false gods to the wicked people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah and to grapevines that produce poisonous fruit. This means their enemies are wicked and will cause the Israelites to die if the Israelites start to act like the people who live around them.

their vine comes from the vine of Sodom, and from the fields of Gomorrah

The vine is a metaphor for the people group. "it is as if their vine were a branch of the vines that grew in the fields of Sodom and Gomorrah" or Alternate translation: "they do evil the same way the people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah did"

their clusters

"their clusters of grapes"

Deuteronomy 32:33

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words.

Their wine is the poison of serpents and the cruel venom of asps

Moses continues comparing the enemies of the people of Israel to grapevines that produce poisonous fruit and wine. This means their enemies are wicked.

asps

poisonous snakes

Deuteronomy 32:34

Is not this plan secretly kept by me, sealed up among my treasures?

This question emphasizes that Yahweh's plans for the people of Israel are kept secret like a valuable treasure. The rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I know what I have planned to do to the Israelite people and to their enemies, and I have locked up those plans as someone would lock up his valuable possessions."

Deuteronomy 32:35

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. This is the end of Moses's quotation of Yahweh's words that begins in [Deuteronomy 32:20]

Vengeance is mine to give, and recompense

The words "vengeance" and "recompense" mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "I will have vengeance and punish Israel's enemies"

recompense

to punish or reward a person for what he has done

their foot slips

Something bad has happened to them. Alternate translation: "they are helpless"

the day of disaster for them

"the time for me to destroy them"

the things that are to come on them will hurry to happen

Yahweh speaks of the bad things that will happen to his enemies as if the bad things were people running eagerly to punish them. Alternate translation: "I will punish them quickly"

Deuteronomy 32:36

General Information:

Moses continues to speak a poetic song to the people of Israel.

For Yahweh will give justice to his people

The abstract noun "justice" can be translated as an adjective or as an adverb. Alternate translation: "For Yahweh will do what is just for his people" or "For Yahweh will act justly towards his people"

he will pity his servants

"he will feel that he needs to help his servants"

Deuteronomy 32:37

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 32:38

Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words "Where are their gods" in Deuteronomy 32:37.

the gods who ... drink offerings?

This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words "Where are their gods" in [Deuteronomy 32:37]

Let them rise up and help you; let them be your protection

Yahweh says this to mock the Israelites. He knows these gods cannot help them. Alternate translation: "These idols are not even able to get up and help or to protect you"

Deuteronomy 32:39

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

I, even I

"I, I myself" or "I, I alone." Yahweh repeats "I" to emphasize that only he is God.

Deuteronomy 32:40

I lift up my hand to heaven and say

"I lift up my hand to heaven and swear" or "I have taken an oath." Lifting up the hand is a sign of making an oath.

As I live forever

"As certainly as I live forever" or "I swear by my life which is never-ending." This statement assures the people that what God says in Deuteronomy 32:41-Deuteronomy 32:42 will happen.

Deuteronomy 32:41

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

When I sharpen my glittering sword

"When I sharpen my shining sword." This means God is preparing to judge and punish his enemies. Alternate translation: "When I am ready to judge my enemies"

when my hand begins to bring justice

Here "hand" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "when I get ready to judge the wicked"

Deuteronomy 32:42

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

I will make my arrows drunk with blood, and my sword will devour flesh with the blood

Yahweh speaks of arrows as if they were people to whom he could give alcohol and make them drunk, and of a sword as if it were a person who was so hungry that he would eat an animal before draining the blood out. These metaphors are metonyms for a soldier using arrows and a sword to kill many enemies. This in turn is a metaphor for Yahweh killing his enemies in war.

from the heads of the leaders of the enemy

A possible meaning is "from the long-haired heads of the enemy."

Deuteronomy 32:43

General Information:

This is the end of Moses's song.

Rejoice, you nations

Moses addresses the peoples of all the nations as if they were there listening.

for he will avenge the blood of his servants; he will render vengeance on his enemies

Here "blood of his servants" represents the lives of his innocent servants who were killed. Alternate translation: "for he will take revenge on his enemies, who killed his servants"

Deuteronomy 32:44

recited

Possible meanings are 1) "spoke" or 2) "sang."

in the ears of the people

Here "ears" represents the people themselves and emphasizes that Moses wanted to make sure they heard the song clearly. Alternate translation: "to the people so they would be sure to hear it"

Deuteronomy 32:45

reciting

Possible meanings are 1) "speaking" or 2) "singing."

Deuteronomy 32:46

He said to them

"Moses said to the people of Israel"

Fix your mind on

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Pay attention to" or "Think about"

I have witnessed to you

Possible meanings are 1) "I have testified to you," referring to what Yahweh has said he will do to the Israelites if they disobey, or 2) "I have commanded you," referring to what Yahweh was commanding them to do.

your children

"your children and descendants"

Deuteronomy 32:47

this is

"this law is"

no trivial matter

This litotes can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "something very important"

because it is your life

The abstract noun "life" can be translated as the verb "live." You may need to make explicit the metonymy of obeying the law, which represents the law itself. Alternate translation: "because you will live if you obey it"

prolong your days

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:26]

Deuteronomy 32:48

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 32:49

mountains of Abarim

This is the name of a mountain range in Moab.

Abarim, up Mount Nebo

"Abarim and climb up Mount Nebo"

Mount Nebo

This is the highest place in the Abarim Mountains.

opposite Jericho

"on the other side of the river from Jericho"

Deuteronomy 32:50

General Information:

Yahweh finishes speaking to Moses.

be gathered to your people

This is a polite way of saying Moses's spirit would join the spirits of his relatives in the world of the dead. Alternate translation: "join your ancestors who died before you"

Mount Hor

This is the name of a mountain on the border of Edom.

Deuteronomy 32:51

Meribah

This is the name of the place in the desert where Moses disobeyed God.

wilderness of Zin

This is the name of a wilderness on the southern border of Judah.

Deuteronomy 32:52

General Information:

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Chapter 33

Deuteronomy 33 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetic lines of Moses's blessings in 33:1-29.

Special concepts in this chapter

Families

Moses gives a series of prophecies or instructions for each of the tribes of Israel and Israel overall. (See: prophet)

Deuteronomy 33:1

General Information:

Moses begins to bless the tribes of Israel. Moses speaks the blessing in the form of short poems.

Deuteronomy 33:2

Yahweh came from Sinai and rose from Seir upon them. He shined out from Mount Paran

Moses compares Yahweh to the rising sun. Alternate translation: "When Yahweh came from Sinai, he looked to them like the sun when it rises from Seir and shines out from Mount Paran"

upon them

"upon the people of Israel"

ten thousands of holy ones

"10,000 angels"

In his right hand were flashes of lightning

Other possible meanings are 1) "In his right hand were flames of fire" or 2) "He gave them a law of fire" or 3) "He came from the south, down his mountain slopes."

Deuteronomy 33:3

General Information:

These verses are difficult to understand. Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in [Deuteronomy 33:2]

the peoples

"the people of Israel"

all his holy people are in your hand ... your feet ... your words

The pronouns "his" and "your" refer to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "all Yahweh's holy peole are in his hand ... his feet ... his words"

all his holy people are in your hand

The hand is a metonym for power and protection. Alternate translation: "you protect all his holy people"

Deuteronomy 33:4

an inheritance

"a possession" or "a precious possession"

Deuteronomy 33:5

General Information:

Verse 5 is difficult to understand. Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in [Deuteronomy 33:2]

there was a king

"Yahweh became king"

Jeshurun

This is another name for Israel. Translate it as in Deuteronomy 32:15.

Deuteronomy 33:6

Let Reuben live

This begins Moses's blessings to the individual tribes of Israel.

but may his men be few

Other possible meanings are 1) "and may his men not be few" or 2) "even though his men are few."

Deuteronomy 33:7

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in [Deuteronomy 33:2]

to the voice of Judah

Here "voice of Judah" refers to the cries and prayers of the people of Judah. Alternate translation: "when the people of Judah pray to you"

be a help

The abstract noun "help" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "help him to fight"

Deuteronomy 33:8

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in [Deuteronomy 33:2]

Your Thummim and your Urim

These were sacred stones the high priest carried on his breastplate and used at times to determine God's will. Here "your" refers to Yahweh.

your faithful one, the one whom you tested ... with whom you struggled

Moses refers to the tribe of Levi as if it were one man.

your faithful one

"the one who seeks to please you."

Massah

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:16. Translator may add a footnote that says: "The name 'Massah' means 'testing.'"

Meribah

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:51. Translator may add a footnote that says: "The name 'Meribah' means 'argue' or 'quarrel.'"

Deuteronomy 33:9

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in [Deuteronomy 33:2]

who said about his father and mother

The word "who" refers to the Yahweh's "faithful one" of Deuteronomy 33:8. This is the tribe of Levi.

your word

"your commands"

guarded ... kept

These words both mean to watch over and to protect. They are often metaphors for "obeyed," but here they should be translated literally because they refer to a time when the Levites literally killed people who were rebelling against Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 33:10

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Levi, which he began to do in [Deuteronomy 33:8]

your ... your ... you ... your

Moses is speaking to Yahweh, so all these words are singular.

Deuteronomy 33:11

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues describing the tribe of Levi, which he began to do in [Deuteronomy 33:8]

accept

be pleased with

the work of his hands

Here the word "hands" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "all the work that he does"

Shatter the loins of

The loins were considered the center of strength, and are here represent strength. Alternate translation: "Take away the strength of" or "Utterly destroy"

rise up ... rise up

This phrase is used twice as a metaphor. Alternate translation: "rise up to fight ... cause any more trouble"

rise up against

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "fight against"

Deuteronomy 33:12

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems.

The one loved by Yahweh lives

Here Moses is referring to the members of the tribe of Benjamin. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The ones whom Yahweh loves live"

lives in security

The abstact noun "security" can be translated using a verb phrase. Alternate translation: "lives where no one can harm him"

he lives between Yahweh's arms

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh protects the tribe of Benjamin with his power or 2) Yahweh lives in the hill region of the tribe of Benjamin. In both translations, it means Yahweh takes care of them.

Deuteronomy 33:13

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems.

About Joseph

This refers to the tribe of Ephraim and the tribe of Manasseh. Both tribes descended from Joseph.

May his land be blessed by Yahweh

The word "his" refers to Joseph which represents the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May Yahweh bless their land"

with the precious things of heaven, with the dew

"with the precious dew from the sky" or "with the precious rain from the sky"

dew

water that forms on leaves and grass on cool mornings. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:2.

the deep that lies beneath

This refers to the water under the ground.

Deuteronomy 33:14

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Joseph, which he began to do in [Deuteronomy 33:13]

May his land be blessed

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 33:13]

with the precious things of the harvest of the sun

"with the best crops that the sun causes to grow"

with the precious things of the produce of the months

"with the best crops that grow month to month"

Deuteronomy 33:15

finest things ... precious things

Moses is probably referring to food crops. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "the best fruits ... the precious fruits"

ancient mountains

"the mountains that existed long ago"

everlasting hills

"the hills that will exist forever"

Deuteronomy 33:16

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Joseph, which he began to do in [Deuteronomy 33:13]

May his land be blessed

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 33:13]

its abundance

The abstract noun "abundance" can be translated as a verb phrase. Alternate translation: "what it produces in large amounts"

him who was in the bush

The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, who spoke to Moses from the burning bush"

Let the blessing come on the head of Joseph

This metaphor is of a man putting his hand on the head of a son and asking God to bless the son. The man here is Yahweh. Alternate translation: "May Yahweh bless Joseph as a father blesses his son"

come on the head of Joseph, and on the top of the head of him

Here "head" and "top of the head" represent the whole person. Also, Joseph represents his descendants. Alternate translation: "be upon the descendants of Joseph"

top of the head

Another possible meaning is "brow" or "forehead."

Deuteronomy 33:17

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Joseph, which he began to do in [Deuteronomy 33:13]

The firstborn of an ox, majestic is he

The ox is a metaphor for something large and strong. The word "firstborn" is a metaphor for honor. Alternate translation: "People will honor Joseph's descendants, who are many and powerful"

his horns are the horns of

The horn is a metaphor for strength. Alternate translation: "he is as strong as"

With them he will push

Pushing with his horns is a metaphor for strength. Alternate translation: "He is so strong that he will push"

ten thousands of Ephraim ... the thousands of Manasseh

This means the tribe of Ephraim will be stronger than the tribe of Manasseh. Alternate translation: "the people of Ephraim, who number many times 10,000 ... the people of Manasseh, who number many times 1,000"

Deuteronomy 33:18

General Information:

Moses continues to bless each tribe of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He speaks to the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar as if they were one man, so the word "your" and the command "rejoice" here are singular.

Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and you, Issachar, in your tents

The people of Zebulun were located near the Mediterranean Sea. They traveled by sea and traded with other people. The people of Issachar preferred peaceful living and working the land and raising cattle. You can make clear the understood information.

Deuteronomy 33:19

There will they offer

"It is there that they will offer"

sacrifices of righteousness

"acceptable sacrifices" or "proper sacrifices"

For they will suck the abundance of the seas, and from the sand on the seashore

Possible meanings are 1) they will trade with people across the sea or 2) they were beginning to use sand in making pottery.

For they will suck the abundance of the seas

The Hebrew word translated "suck" here refers to how a baby nurses at its mother's breast. It means the people will gain wealth from the sea like a baby gets milk from its mother.

Deuteronomy 33:20

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems.

Blessed be he who enlarges Gad

This can stated in active form. Alternate translation: Possible meanings are 1) "May Yahweh bless Gad and give him much land to live in" or 2) "People should say that Yahweh is good because he has given Gad much land to live in"

He will live there like a lioness, and he will tear off an arm or a head

This means the people of Gad are strong and secure, and they will defeat their enemies in war.

Deuteronomy 33:21

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Gad as one man, which he began to do in [Deuteronomy 33:20]

the leader's portion

This means a larger piece of land that a leader normally took.

He came with the heads of the people

"They met with all the leaders of the Israelites"

He carried out the justice of Yahweh and his decrees with Israel

"They obeyed all that Yahweh had commanded the Israelites"

Deuteronomy 33:22

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems.

Dan is a lion cub that leaps out from Bashan

The people of Dan are strong like a lion cub, and they attack their enemies who live in Bashan. You can make clear the understood information.

Deuteronomy 33:23

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He speaks of the descendants of Naphtali as if they were one man.

satisfied with favor

Yahweh being pleased with Naphtali is spoken of as if "favor" were food that Naphtali ate until he was no longer hungry. Alternate translation: "who has all the good things he desires because Yahweh is pleased with him"

full of the blessing of Yahweh

Blessings are spoken of as if they were food that Naphtali ate until he could hold no more. Alternate translation: "whom Yahweh has blessed so that he has all he needs"

take possession

Moses speaks as if the tribe of Naphtali is one man, so these words are singular.

the land to the west and south

This refers to the land around Lake Galilee. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit.

Deuteronomy 33:24

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems.

dip his foot in olive oil

Olive oil was used for food and for the skin of the face and arms. Feet were dirty, so to put the foot in olive oil was to ruin valuable oil. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "have so much olive oil that he can afford to waste it"

Deuteronomy 33:25

your city bars ... your days ... your security

Moses speaks to the tribe of Asher as if they are one man, so all instances of "your" are singular.

May your city bars be iron and bronze

Cities had large bars across their gates to keep enemies out. The meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "May you be safe from attacks by your enemies"

Deuteronomy 33:26

Jeshurun

This is another name for Israel. Translate it as in Deuteronomy 32:15.

who rides through the heavens ... in his majesty on the clouds

This is an image of Yahweh riding on clouds through the sky like a king on his chariot riding through a battlefield. Alternate translation: "who rides through the heavens like a king rides through a battlefield ... on the clouds like a king on his chariot"

to your help

"to help you." Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" here is singular.

Deuteronomy 33:27

The eternal God is a refuge

The abstract noun "refuge," which means a shelter or a place safe from danger, can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "The eternal God will protect his people"

underneath are the everlasting arms

The words "everlasting arms" are a metaphor for Yahweh's promise to protect his people forever. Alternate translation: "he will support and take care of his people forever"

He thrust out ... he said

Moses speaks of the future as if it were the past to emphasize that what he is saying will come true. Alternate translation: "He will thrust out ... he will say"

before you ... Destroy

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" and the command "destroy" here are singular.

he said, "Destroy!"

If this direct quotation would not work well in your language, you may change it to an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "he will tell you to destroy them!"

Deuteronomy 33:28

Israel dwelt ... Jacob's spring was secure

Possible meanings are 1) Moses speaks of the future as if it were the past to emphasize that what he is saying will come true, "Israel will dwell ... Jacob's spring will be secure" or 2) Moses is blessing Israel, "May Israel dwell ... and may Jacob's spring be secure."

Jacob's spring

Possible meanings are 1) Jacob's home or 2) Jacob's descendants.

let his heavens drop dew

The dew is spoken of as being so much that it is as if it were raining. Possible meanings are 1) Moses is blessing Israel, "may much dew cover the land like rain" or 2) Moses is telling what will happen in the future, "much dew will cover the land like rain."

dew

water that forms on leaves and grass on cool mornings. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:2.

Deuteronomy 33:29

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.

Who is like you, a people saved by Yahweh ... majesty?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "There is no other people group like you, a people whom Yahweh has saved ... majesty."

the shield ... the sword

This merism speaks of Yahweh defending the Israelites from their enemies and enabling them to attack their enemies.

the shield of your help

The word "shield" is a metaphor for Yahweh protecting and defending the Israelites. The abstract noun "help" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "the one who protects you and helps you"

the sword of your majesty

The word "sword" is a metaphor for the power to kill with the sword in order to win battles. Alternate translation: "the one who enables you to win battles and so have majesty"

you will trample down their high places

Possible meanings are 1) the Israelites will destroy the places where the other people worship false gods or 2) the Israelites will walk on the backs of their enemies when the Israelites defeat them.

Chapter 34

Deuteronomy 34 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter may have been written by Joshua, since it recorded Moses's death. This chapter officially ends the revelation of the law of Moses, and life in the Promised Land is about to begin again. (See: reveal and lawofmoses and promisedland)

Deuteronomy 34:1

Mount Nebo

This is the highest point of Mount Pisgah which is in the northern part of the Abarim mountain range. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:49.

Pisgah

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:17.

Deuteronomy 34:2

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 34:3

the City of Palms

This is another name for Jericho.

Deuteronomy 34:4

look at it with your eyes

"see it for yourself"

Deuteronomy 34:5

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 34:6

Beth Peor

This was a town in Moab. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:29.

to this day

This refers to the time that this was written or edited, not to the present time in the twenty-first century.

Deuteronomy 34:7

one hundred twenty years old

"30 days"

his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated

This means his eyes and body were still strong and healthy.

Deuteronomy 34:8

thirty days

"30 days"

Deuteronomy 34:9

son of Nun

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:38.

Joshua ... was full of the spirit of wisdom

The writer speaks as if Joshua were a container and the spirit were a physical object that could be put into a container. Alternate translation: "Yahweh enabled Joshua ... to be very wise"

Moses had laid his hands on him

The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Moses had laid his hands on him to set Joshua apart so Joshua would serve Yahweh"

Deuteronomy 34:10

Yahweh knew face to face

This is an idiom. It means Yahweh and Moses had a very close relationship.

Deuteronomy 34:11

General Information:

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Deuteronomy 34:12

in all the mighty

"who did all the mighty"

Book: Joshua

Chapter 1

Joshua 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter appears to be a natural continuation of the book of Deuteronomy.

Special concepts in this chapter

Be strong and Courageous

Joshua is often told, "Be strong and courageous." This repeated encouragement is on purpose and may indicate Joshua will need help in the future.

Joshua 1:1

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

Nun

Joshua's father

Joshua 1:2

cross over this Jordan

To "cross over" means "go to the opposite bank of the river." Alternate translation: "travel from this side to the opposite side of the Jordan"

you and all this people

The word "you" here refers to Joshua.

Joshua 1:3

I have given you every place

God giving the land to the Israelites in the future is spoken of as if he gave it to them in the past. This emphasizes that he will certainly give it to them. Alternate translation: "I will give to you every place"

I have given you

The word "you" refers to both Joshua and the nation of Israel.

every place where the sole of your foot will walk

This refers to all the places Joshua and the Israelites will travel when they cross the Jordan River. Alternate translation: "everywhere you go in this land"

Joshua 1:4

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Joshua.

your land

The word "your" refers to the tribes of Israel and not only Joshua.

Joshua 1:5

to stand before you

In verse 5 the words "you" and "your" refer to Joshua.

I will not abandon you or leave you

The words "abandon" and "leave" mean basically the same thing. Yahweh combines them to emphasize that he will not do these things. Alternate translation: "I will certainly stay with you always"

Joshua 1:6

General Information:

Yahweh gives Joshua a series of commands.

Be strong and courageous

Yahweh commands Joshua to overcome his fears with courage.

Joshua 1:7

Do not turn from it to the right or to the left

This can be stated as a positive command. Alternate translation: "Follow it exactly" or "Follow them exactly"

be successful

"achieve your goal" or "reach your goal"

Joshua 1:8

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Joshua.

prosperous and successful

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize great prosperity.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you?

This refers to Yahweh commanding Joshua. Alternate translation: "I have commanded you!"

Be strong and courageous!

Yahweh is commanding Joshua.

Joshua 1:10

the people

This refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel"

Joshua 1:11

Go through the camp and command the people, 'Prepare ... possess.'

Embedded quotes can be expressed as indirect quotes. Alternate translation: "Go through the camp and command the people to prepare provisions for themselves. In three days they will cross over this Jordan and go in and possess the land that Yahweh their God is giving them to possess."

In three days

Here Joshua was counting his present day as day one. Alternate translation: "Two days from now" or "On the day after tomorrow"

cross over this Jordan

"cross over" refers to going to the opposite side of the river. Alternate translation: "travel to the other side of the Jordan River"

Joshua 1:12

General Information:

The tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh chose to settle east of the Jordan River.

Reubenites

These were the descendants of Reuben.

Gadites

These were the decendants of Gad.

Joshua 1:13

General Information:

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Joshua 1:14

General Information:

Joshua continues speaking to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh.

your little ones

"your little children"

beyond the Jordan

This refers to the east side of the Jordan River. Later most of the Israelites would live west of the Jordan, so they called the east side "beyond the Jordan." But at this time they were all still on the east side. Alternate translation: "east of the Jordan River"

Joshua 1:15

given your brothers rest

This refers to Israel defeating all their enemies residing in Canaan that they were to conquer.

you will ... possess it

This refers to living out their life on the land in peace.

beyond the Jordan, where the sun rises

This refers to the east side of the Jordan river.

Joshua 1:16

General Information:

These Isrelites were specifically the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh that replied to Joshua.

Joshua 1:17

General Information:

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Joshua 1:18

rebels against your commands ... disobeys the words you have commanded them

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that any form of disobedience will be punished.

will be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we will put to death"

be strong and courageous

Israel and God considered both traits important for Joshua to pursue as their leader.

Chapter 2

Joshua 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the story of the conquest of the Promised Land. (See: promisedland)

Special concepts in this chapter

Rahab's faith

Rahab expressed her faith in Yahweh. The statement "for Yahweh your God, he is God in heaven above and on the earth below" is a recognition of her faith. (See: faith and heaven)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

The Israelites were to completely destroy the evil Canaanites. They are compared to melting snow: "... melting away because of us." (See: and evil)

Joshua 2:1

Nun

This is Joshua's father.

Shittim

This is the name of a place on the east side of the Jordan River. It means "Acacia Trees."

as spies

These men were to visit the land to gain information on how Israel should conquer the land.

Joshua 2:2

General Information:

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Joshua 2:3

General Information:

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Joshua 2:4

General Information:

Rahab the prostitute protects the two Israelite spies from harm.

But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them

This happened before the king's messenger spoke to her.

the woman

This refers to Rahab, the prostitute.

Joshua 2:5

dusk

This is the time that day begins to change to the darkness of night.

Joshua 2:6

But she had taken them ... on the roof

This is background information and explains how she had hidden the men in [Joshua 2:4]

the roof

The roof was flat and strong, so people could walk around on it.

flax

a plant that is grown for its fibers, which is used in making cloth

Joshua 2:7

the men pursued them

The men pursued the spies because of what Rahab had told them in Joshua 2:5.

fords

places where a river or other body of water is shallow enough for people to get to the other side by walking through it

Joshua 2:8

not yet lain down

This refers to going to sleep for the night.

Joshua 2:9

I know that Yahweh has given you the land

The word "you" refers to the all the Israelite people.

fear of you has come upon us

Becoming afraid is spoken of as if feat came and attacked them. Alternate translation: "we have become afraid of you"

will melt away before you

This compares the fearful people to ice melting and flowing away. Possible meanings are 1) they will be weak in the Israelites' presence or 2) they will be scattered. Alternate translation: "will be so afraid that they will not resist you"

Joshua 2:10

General Information:

Rahab continues to talk to the Israelite spies.

the Sea of Reeds

This is another name for the Red Sea.

Sihon ... Og

These are the names of the Amorite kings.

Joshua 2:11

our hearts melted and there was no courage left in anyone

These two phrases share similar meanings, combined for emphasis. The phrase "our hearts melted" compares the hearts of the fearful people of Jericho to ice melting and flowing away.

Joshua 2:12

General Information:

Rahab continues to talk to the Israelite spies.

please swear to me ... Give me a sure sign

These are similar statements of Rahab seeking assurance from the spies.

I have been kind to you

The word "you" refers to the two spies.

Joshua 2:13

spare the lives ... deliver our souls from death

a polite way of saying "do not to kill us"

Joshua 2:14

General Information:

The Israelite spies make the promise which Rahab asked for in Joshua 2:12

Our life for yours, even to death

This idiom is a way of swearing and asking God to curse them if they do not keep their promise. Alternate translation: "If we do not do what we promise, may Yahweh cause us to die"

Joshua 2:15

General Information:

The Israelite spies continue to talk to Rahab.

Joshua 2:16

General Information:

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Joshua 2:17

if you do not do this

This expresses a condition for the promise the spies had made to Rahab. The word, "this," refers to the things the men tell her to do in Joshua 2:18.

Joshua 2:18

General Information:

The Israelite spies continue talking to Rahab.

Connecting Statement:

The Israelite spies clarify the condition they expressed in Joshua 2:15.

Joshua 2:19

Whoever goes out of the doors of your house

This can be translated as a condition. Alternate translation: "If anyone goes out of the doors of your house"

their blood will be upon their own heads

Here "blood" represents a person's death. To be responsible for their own death is spoken of as if their blood would be on their heads. Alternate translation: "their death will be their own fault"

we will be guiltless

"we will be innocent"

if a hand is laid upon any

Here "a hand is laid upon" is a polite way of referring to causing someone injury. Alternate translation: "if we cause injury to any"

Joshua 2:20

General Information:

The two Israelite spies continue to speak to Rahab about their promise to her. The spies required Rahab to remain silent about their visit or they would be free from their oath to protect her family.

if you speak

"You" refers to Rahab.

Joshua 2:21

May what you say be done

Rahab agreed to their terms of the oath to protect her family.

Joshua 2:22

General Information:

The two Israelites spies leave Jericho.

their pursuers returned

It may be helpful to say they returned to Jericho. Alternate translation: "their pursuers returned to the city of Jericho"

found nothing

This refers to the men not finding the spies.

Joshua 2:23

The two men returned

The two men returned back to the Israelite's camp.

returned and crossed over and came back

These are similar expressions referring to returning to where the Israelite's are camped.

crossed over

"cross over" means to go to the opposite bank of the river. Alternate translation: "traveled from this side to the opposite side of the Jordan"

Nun

This is a male name; the father of Joshua.

everything that had happened to them

"all that the men had experienced and seen."

Joshua 2:24

us

This word, "us," refers to Israel.

inhabitants of the land are melting away

The people of the land toward Israel are like a substance that melts in the presence of heat.

Chapter 3

Joshua 3 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God dries the Jordan River

Joshua told the people "Dedicate yourselves to Yahweh tomorrow, for Yahweh will do wonders among you." The conquest of the Promised Land is accomplished through the supernatural power of God. (See: miracle and promisedland)

Joshua 3:1

got up

The phrase, "got up," means to "awaken."

Shittim

A place in the land of Moab, west of the Jordan River where the Israelites were camped before their entry into the promised land, Canaan.

Joshua 3:2

officers

These are people holding a position of command or authority.

Joshua 3:3

people

This is the nation of Israel.

Joshua 3:4

two thousand cubits

"2,000 cubits." The word "cubit" is a measurement equaling the distance from the elbow to the finger tips.

Joshua 3:5

Consecrate yourselves

This refers to a special preparation of being religiously clean before Yahweh.

Yahweh will do wonders

Yahweh will be doing miracles for all to see and experience.

Joshua 3:6

Take up the ark

This is referring to the levites picking up the ark for the purpose of carrying it from one location to another.

Joshua 3:7

General Information:

Yahweh tells Joshua what the priest are to do.

I will make you a great man in the eyes of all Israel

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "the people will see what I do and realize that I have made you a great man"

Joshua 3:8

edge of the waters of the Jordan

Joshua is to approach the bank or edge of the Jordan River.

Joshua 3:9

General Information:

Joshua tells Israel what Yahweh is about to do

Joshua 3:10

drive out from before you

Yahweh will force the other people living on the land to leave or be killed.

Joshua 3:11

crosses over

"cross over" means to go to the opposite bank of the river. Alternate translation: "will travel from this side to the opposite side"

Joshua 3:12

General Information:

Joshua continues to tell Israel of the miracle that Yahweh will do. Just as Israel's fathers experience crossing the Red Sea, these people will experience crossing the Jordan river on dry land.

Joshua 3:13

the soles of the feet

This refers to the bottom of their feet.

stand in one heap

The water will stay in one spot or place. It will not flow around the priests.

Joshua 3:14

General Information:

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Joshua 3:15

edge of the water

This can refer to the surface of the water as well as the bank where the water flows to dry land.

now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of the harvest

This is background information and it emphasizes the scale of what Yahweh is doing.

Joshua 3:16

General Information:

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Joshua 3:17

General Information:

The miraculous Jordan River crossing continues.

the Jordan

This refers to the Jordan River bed.

crossed over

This phrase means to go to the opposite bank of the river. Alternate translation: "traveled from this side to the opposite side"

Chapter 4

Joshua 4 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God's war

The conquering of the Promised Land was a special war. It was God's war against the people of Canaan and Joshua recognized that they would only be victorious through Yahweh's power. This is why their first act after crossing the Jordan River was to build an altar. This war was a witness to Yahweh's power. (See: promisedland)

Joshua 4:1

General Information:

Though Yahweh was speaking directly to Joshua, all occurrences of you include Israel.

crossed over

The words "crossed over" refer to going to the opposite bank of the river. Alternate translation: "went across"

the Jordan

the Jordan River

Joshua 4:2

General Information:

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Joshua 4:3

Give them this command: ' ... '

The nested quote can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "Give them this command to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan where the priests are standing on the dry ground, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you will spend the night tonight"

Joshua 4:4

General Information:

Joshua tells the twelve men what to do.

Joshua 4:5

into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone upon his shoulder

Each of the twelve men were to pick up a large stone from the Jordan River bed and carry them to the other side to build a monument.

Joshua 4:6

General Information:

Joshua tells Israel what the pile of twelve stones mean.

Joshua 4:7

The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh cut off the waters of the Jordan in front of the ark of his covenant"

The waters of the Jordan were

"The Jordan River was"

were cut off before the ark

The Jordan River was prevented by God from flowing up to the ark that was being carried by the priests.

the waters of the Jordan were cut off

The water flowing down the Jordan River stopped before the ark so everyone including the ark traveled on the dry river bed.

Joshua 4:8

General Information:

Joshua and Israel continue to do as Yahweh commanded.

they picked up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan

This refers to the twelve men picking up stones from the middle of the Jordan River bed.

Joshua 4:9

Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan River

These were twelve additional stones, not the stones that the twelve men carried from the river bed.

The memorial is there to this day

This means the memorial was there to the day that the author was writing this book.

Joshua 4:10

the Jordan

This refers to the Jordan River.

the people

This refers to the nation of Israel.

crossed over

This means to go to the opposite bank of the river. Alternate translation: "traveled from one side to the opposite side"

Joshua 4:11

before the people

This refers to being in front of the people or in the sight of all the people. Everyone saw the ark being carried by the priests.

Joshua 4:12

The tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh passed before the people of Israel formed up as an army

These were the soldiers of the 3 tribes that were fulfilling their obligation to lead the Israelites into battle for settling on the East side of the Jordan River.

Joshua 4:13

General Information:

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Joshua 4:14

just as they

The word "they" refers to the people of Israel.

Joshua 4:15

General Information:

Yahweh tells Joshua to have the priests exit the Jordan River.

Joshua 4:16

General Information:

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Joshua 4:17

General Information:

The Author was making it clear that parting the Jordan River was no different than parting the Red Sea for the previous generation.

Joshua 4:18

waters of the Jordan returned to their place and overflowed its banks

The Jordan River was overflowing its banks and flooding the area before and after Israel passed through on dry land.

four days

"4 days"

Joshua 4:19

came up out of the Jordan

This refers to when Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground.

on the tenth day of the first month

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the end of March on Western calendars.

Joshua 4:20

The twelve stones that they took out of the Jordan

Each tribe was to take one stone from the Jordan River so Joshua could build a memorial of the crossing event.

Joshua 4:21

General Information:

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Joshua 4:22

General Information:

Joshua continues to remind the people the purpose of the pile of stones.

tell your children

It was for Israel to teach their children of God's miracles so that they would honor Yahweh forever.

Joshua 4:23

General Information:

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Joshua 4:24

the hand of Yahweh is mighty

This refers to the power of Yahweh being strong. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is mighty"

Chapter 5

Joshua 5 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Circumcision

It would have been very unusual to be circumcised in a time of war. When men are circumcised they are unable to move without pain or to defend themselves in battle for several days. (See: circumcise)

Manna

Yahweh stops providing manna in this chapter and will no longer provide them with their daily allotment of food. This does not mean Yahweh's care and provision will stop.

Joshua 5:1

their hearts melted ... there was no longer any spirit in them

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of their fear.

their hearts melted

Here "hearts" refers to their courage. They were so afraid that it was as if their courage melted away like wax in a fire. Alternate translation: "they lost all their courage"

there was no longer any spirit in them

Here "spirit" refers to their will to fight. Alternate translation: "they no longer had any will to fight"

Joshua 5:2

General Information:

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Joshua 5:3

Joshua made himself flint knives ... he circumcised all the sons

There were over 600,000 males, so it is understood that while Joshua was in charge of this task, many other people helped him. If this would confuse your readers, you may want to make this explicit. Alternate translation: "Joshua and the Israelites made themselves flint knives ... they circumcised all the males"

Gibeath Haaraloth

This is a place name which commemorates Israel rededicating themselves to Yahweh. It means "the hill of the foreskins."

Joshua 5:4

General Information:

The reason all the males of Israel had to be circumcised is explained.

the men of war

the men who were old enough to be soldiers

Joshua 5:5

General Information:

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Joshua 5:6

obey the voice of Yahweh

Here "voice" refers to the things that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: "obey the things that Yahweh commanded them"

a land flowing with milk and honey

God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. Alternate translation: "a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops"

Joshua 5:7

General Information:

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Joshua 5:8

General Information:

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Joshua 5:9

This day I have rolled away the disgrace of Egypt from you

Their disgrace is spoken of as if it were a large stone that blocked their path. Here "rolled away" means "removed." Alternate translation: "This day I have removed the disgrace of Egypt from you" or "You were disgraced when you were slaves in Egypt. But, today I have caused you to no longer be disgraced"

Joshua 5:10

the fourteenth day of the month

This is near the end of March on Western calendars. Alternate translation: "the fourteenth day of the first month"

Joshua 5:11

General Information:

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Joshua 5:12

General Information:

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Joshua 5:13

he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing

Here looking up is spoken of as if Joshua literally lifted his eyes in his hands. Alternate translation: "he looked up and saw that a man was standing"

behold

The word "behold" alerts us to pay special attention to new information. Your language may have a way of doing this.

he had drawn his sword and it was in his hand

Here the words "he" and "his" refer to the man who was standing in front of Joshua.

Joshua 5:14

He said

The word "he" refers to the man Joshua saw.

Neither

This is the beginning of the man's answer to Joshua's question, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" This short answer could be clarified. Alternate translation: "I am neither for you nor for your enemies"

Joshua lay facedown on the ground to worship

This was an act of worship.

Joshua 5:15

Take off your sandals from your feet

This was an act of reverence.

Chapter 6

Joshua 6 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh conquers

It was God, not the army, who gave them victory. It is said, "Shout! For Yahweh has given you the city." The circumstances of Israel's victory in the battle for Jericho were very unusual. It was never common to march around a city or to shout in order to win a military battle.

Joshua 6:1

Now

This word is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here the narrator tells us why the gates of Jericho are closed and locked up.

Joshua 6:2

I have delivered Jericho into your hand, its king, and its mighty warriors

Yahweh is telling Joshua that he will certainly do this by saying that he has already done it.

into your hand

The word "hand" is a metonym for the control that the hand exercises. Alternate translation: "so that you can control it"

Joshua 6:3

Connecting Statement:

God continues telling Joshua what the people must do.

You must do this for six days

"You must do this once each day for six days"

Joshua 6:4

Seven priests must carry seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark

The seven priests are to march in front of other priests who are carrying the ark and marching around the city.

Joshua 6:5

Connecting Statement:

God continues telling Joshua what the people must do.

they must sound a long blast with the ram's horn ... of the trumpet

The word "they" refers to the seven priests. The "ram's horn" and "trumpet" refer to the trumpets of rams' horns that the priests were blowing in Joshua 6:4.

the wall of the city

"the outer wall of the city" or "the wall surrounding the city"

Joshua 6:6

Nun

This is Joshua's father.

Take up the ark of the covenant

"Pick up the ark of the covenant"

Joshua 6:7

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Joshua 6:8

before Yahweh

Possible meanings are 1) "in obedience to Yahweh" or 2) "in front of Yahweh's ark"

they gave a blast on the trumpets

"they sounded the trumpets loudly" or "the priests blew into the ram's horn trumpets"

The ark of the covenant of Yahweh followed after them

It can be stated clearly that there were people carrying the ark. Alternate translation: "The priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant of Yahweh followed after them"

Joshua 6:9

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Joshua 6:10

No sound must leave your mouths

Sound leaving someone's mouth refers to that person's speaking or shouting. Alternate translation: "Do not yell or speak"

But Joshua commanded the people

Joshua had commanded the people before they started walking around the city. Alternate translation: "Joshua had commanded the people"

Joshua 6:11

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Joshua 6:12

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Joshua 6:13

seven priests ... seven trumpets

"7 priests ... 7 trumpets"

gave blasts on the trumpets

This means that they blew into their trumpets, causing them to make loud noises, multiple times. Alternate translation: "continually sounded the trumpets loudly" or "blew into the ram's horn trumpets continually"

Joshua 6:14

the second day

the next day

They did this

Israel marched around Jericho once every day.

six days

"6 days"

Joshua 6:15

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Joshua 6:16

the people

This refers to the people of Israel.

gave a blast with the trumpets

"sounded the trumpets loudly" or "blew into the ram's horn trumpets"

Yahweh has given you

Joshua is saying that Yahweh will definitely give them the city by saying that he has already given it to them.

given you

The word "you" refers to the entire nation of Israel.

Joshua 6:17

Connecting Statement:

Joshua continues speaking to the people of Israel.

The city and all that is in it will be set apart to Yahweh for destruction

This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "You must set apart to Yahweh the city and all that is in it for destruction" or "You must set apart to Yahweh the city and all that is in it by destroying it"

Joshua 6:18

be on guard about taking the things

Being careful is spoken of as if they are to guard themselves. "Be careful that you do not take the things"

you will bring trouble on it

Doing something that makes bad things to happen to the city is spoken of as bringing trouble on it. Alternate translation: "you will cause bad things to happen to it"

Joshua 6:19

the treasury of Yahweh

a collection of things set apart for the worship of Yahweh

Joshua 6:20

So the people ... on the trumpets

The writer is briefly saying that the people did what Joshua had commanded them in Joshua 6:16.

the people gave a great shout

"the people of Israel shouted"

blew on the trumpets

"blew into the ram's horn trumpets"

Joshua 6:21

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Joshua 6:22

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Joshua 6:23

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Joshua 6:24

They burned the city

The word "they" refers to the Israelite soldiers. It does not refer only to the two young men who brought Rahab and her family out of the city.

Joshua 6:25

She lives in Israel

The word "She" refers to Rahab and represents her descendants. Alternate translation: "Her descendants live in Israel"

to this day

"now" or "even today." Rahab's descendants are still living in Israel as the original writer writes this story.

Joshua 6:26

Cursed is the man in Yahweh's sight who rebuilds

Being cursed in Yahweh's sight represents being cursed by Yahweh. Alternate translation: "May Yahweh curse the man who rebuilds"

At the cost of his firstborn son, he will lay the foundation

The consequence of a man laying a new foundation for Jericho is that his firstborn son would die. This is spoken of as if it were a cost that the man would pay. Alternate translation: "If he lays the foundation, he will lose his firstborn son" or "If he lays the foundation, his firstborn son will die"

at the cost of his youngest son, he will set up its gates

The consequence of a man setting up new gates for Jericho is that his youngest son would die. This is spoken of as if it were a cost that the man would pay. Alternate translation: "If he sets up its gates, he will lose his youngest son" or "If he sets up it gates, his youngest son will die"

Joshua 6:27

his fame spread throughout the land

This refers to Joshua's fame, not Yahweh's. Becoming known among the people throughout the land is spoken of as if his fame spread. Alternate translation: "Joshua became famous throughout the land" or "people throughout the land learned about Joshua"

Chapter 7

Joshua 7 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Sin brought defeat

It was a great sin to take what was to be destroyed. Because of their sin, Yahweh withheld victory from the Israelites. Sin resulted in defeat in battle. (See: sin)

Joshua 7:1

the things that were set apart for destruction

"the things that God had said they must set apart to him by destroying them"

Achan ... Karmi ... Zabdi ... Zerah

These are names of men.

Yahweh's anger burned

"anger" and "burned" indicates intensity, not that fire is present. Alternate translation: "Yahweh's anger burned like a fire" or "Yahweh was very angry"

Joshua 7:2

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Joshua 7:3

all the people

This refers to the army of Israel.

they are few in number

The word "they" refers to the people of Ai.

Joshua 7:4

three thousand men went up from the army

These men were part of the army. Alternate translation: "three thousand men belonging to the army went up"

three thousand men

"3,000 men"

Joshua 7:5

thirty-six men

"36 men"

The hearts of the people melted and became like water

These phrases "melted" and "became like water" share similar meanings and are combined to emphasize that the people were extremely afraid.

The hearts of the people melted

Here the people are represented by their "hearts" to emphasize their emotions. Alternate translation: "The people were very afraid"

The hearts of the people

The phrase "the people" refers to the Israelite soldiers.

Joshua 7:6

tore his garments ... put dust on their heads and lay facedown on the ground in front of the ark of Yahweh

They did these things to show God how sad and distressed they were.

Joshua 7:7

why have you brought this people across the Jordan at all? To give us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us?

Joshua asks these rhetorical questions to show that he is angry with Yahweh and that he is afraid that the people in the land would kill the Israelites. He is not looking for Yahweh to answer him. Alternate translation: "you brought this people across the Jordan to give us into the hands of the Amorites so they would to destroy us."

To give us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us?

Joshua was asking if this is the reason God had brought them across the Jordan. Alternate translation: "Did you do it so you could give us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us?"

To give us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us?

The hands of the Amorites represents their control and power. Giving the Israelites into their hands to destroy them represents allowing the Amorites to have control of the Israelites and destroy them. Alternate translation: "To allow the Amorites to destroy us?

If only we made a different decision

The words "If only" show that this is a wish for something that had not happened. Alternate translation: "I wish we had made a different decision"

Joshua 7:8

General Information:

Joshua expresses frustration to God.

what can I say, after Israel has turned their backs before their enemies?

Joshua said this to show how upset he was that he did not even know what to say. Alternate translation: "I do not know what to say. Israel has turned their backs before their enemies!"

Israel has turned their backs before their enemies

Doing this represents running away from their enemies. Alternate translation: "Israel has run away from their enemies"

Joshua 7:9

They will surround us and make the people of the earth forget our name

Making people forget the name of the Israelites represents making them forget the Israelites. In this case they would do it by killing the Israelites. Alternate translation: "They will surround us and kill us, and the people of the earth will forget about us"

for your great name

The phrase "your great name" here represents God's reputation and power. Alternate translation: "And so what will you do so that people will know that you are great"

What will you do for your great name?

Joshua uses this question to warn God that if the Israelites are destroyed, then the other people will think that God is not great. Alternate translation: "Then there will be nothing you can do for your great name." or "Then people will not know that you are great."

Joshua 7:10

General Information:

Yahweh tells Joshua why Israel is cursed.

Why are you lying there on your face?

God used this question to rebuke Joshua for lying there on his face. Alternate translation: "Stop lying there with your face in the dirt!"

Joshua 7:11

the things that were set apart

These are the things "marked for destruction" from Joshua 6:18-19. Alternate translation: "the cursed things" or "those things which God has cursed"

They have stolen and then also hidden their sin

Hiding their sin represents trying to keep others from knowing that they have sinned. Alternate translation: "They have stolen those things, and then they tried to keep people from knowing that they sinned"

Joshua 7:12

cannot stand before their enemies

Standing before their enemies represents fighting successfully against their enemies. Alternate translation: "cannot fight successfully against their enemies" or "cannot defeat their enemies"

They turned their backs from their enemies

Doing this represents running away from their enemies. Alternate translation: "They ran away from their enemies"

I will not be with you any more

Being with Israel represents helping Israel. Alternate translation: "I will not help you any more"

Joshua 7:13

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues speaking to Joshua and tells him what to tell the people.

the people

This refers to the people of Israel.

You cannot stand against your enemies

Standing before their enemies represents fighting successfully against them. Alternate translation: "You cannot fight successfully against your enemies" or "You cannot defeat your enemies"

Joshua 7:14

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues telling Joshua what he must tell the people.

you must present yourselves by your tribes

There were twelve tribes that made up the people of Israel. The phrase "by your tribes" means "each tribe." Alternate translation: "each of your tribes must present themselves to Yahweh"

The tribe that Yahweh selects will come near by their clans

The tribe was made up of multiple clans. Alternate translation: "From the tribe that Yahweh selects, each clan will come near"

The tribe that Yahweh selects

The leaders of Israel would toss lots, and by doing this, they would learn which tribe Yahweh had selected. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "The tribe that Yahweh selects by lot" or "The tribe that Yahweh selects when we toss lots"

The clan that Yahweh selects must come near by each household

The clan was made up of multiple households. Alternate translation: "From the clan that Yahweh selects, each household must come near"

The household that Yahweh selects must come near one by one

The household was made up of multiple people. Alternate translation: "From the household that Yahweh selects, each person must come near"

Joshua 7:15

the one who is selected

This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "the one whom Yahweh selects"

he has broken the covenant of Yahweh

Breaking the covenant represents disobeying it. Alternate translation: "he has disobeyed the covenant of Yahweh"

Joshua 7:16

General Information:

Joshua follows Yahweh's command to bring Israel before Yahweh.

brought Israel near, tribe by tribe

The phrase "tribe by tribe" means each tribe. Alternate translation: "brought each tribe of Israel near"

the tribe of Judah was selected

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh selected the tribe of Judah"

Joshua 7:17

He brought near the clan of the Zerahites person by person

The phrase "person by person" is an idiom meaning each person. The persons in this sentence were the leaders of their households. Alternate translation: "He brought near each person of the clan of the Zerahites" or "From the clan of the Zerahites, he brought near each man who was the leader of his household"

the clan of the Zerahites

The clan was named after the man named Zerah.

Zabdi

This is a man's name. Translate as you did in [Joshua 7:1]

Joshua 7:18

Zabdi ... Achan ... Karmi ... Zerah

These are men's names. Translate them as you did in [Joshua 7:1]

Joshua 7:19

give glory to Yahweh ... give praise to him

Achan has dishonored God by taking the items and causing the death of his fellow Israelites

Do not hide it from me

Hiding information represents trying to keep someone from knowing it. Alternate translation: "Do not try to prevent me from knowing what you have done"

Joshua 7:20

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Joshua 7:21

two hundred shekels

This is over two kilograms.

fifty shekels

This is over 500 grams.

They are hidden in the ground

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I hid them in the ground"

Joshua 7:22

they looked

"the men Joshua had sent looked"

Joshua 7:23

poured them out

Use the word in your language for pouring many small solid things out of a large bag onto the ground.

Joshua 7:24

the Valley of Achor

The name means "Valley of Trouble," but it is best to translate Achor the way it sounds.

Joshua 7:25

Why have you troubled us?

Joshua uses this question to rebuke Achan. Alternate translation: "You have troubled us"

Then they stoned the rest with stones and burned them with fire.

Possible meanings are 1) the Israelites burned Achan's family to death and then covered them with stones or 2) the Israelites stoned Achan's family to death and then burned the dead bodies or 3) that Achan and his possessions were stoned and then burned.

Joshua 7:26

Yahweh turned away his burning anger

Turning away his anger represents stopping being angry. Burning anger represents strong anger. Alternate translation: "Yahweh stopped being angry"

until this present day

It was still called the valley of Achor at the time the author wrote this. Alternate translation: "even today" or "even now"

Chapter 8

Joshua 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

Sin brought defeat

It was a great sin to take what was to be destroyed. Because of their sin, Yahweh withheld victory from the Israelites. Sin resulted in defeat in battle. Because they repented, Yahweh brought victory to Israel in Ai. (See: sin and repent)

Built an altar

Altars were commonly built in the Ancient Near East to commemorate important events. Several altars were built in the Book of Joshua.

Joshua 8:1

Do not fear; do not be discouraged

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Yahweh combines them to emphasize that there is no reason to be afraid.

I have given into your hand the king of Ai ... and his land

Giving them into Israel's hand represents giving Israel victory and control over them. Alternate translation: "I have given you victory over the king of Ai and his people, and I have given you control over his city and his land"

I have given

God speaks of what he promises to do as though he had already done it, because he will certainly do it. Alternate translation: "I will certainly give" or "I am giving"

Joshua 8:2

her king

The word "her" refers to the city of Ai. Cities were often spoken of as if they were women. Alternate translation: "its king" or "their king"

Joshua 8:3

the men of war

"the army of Israel"

Joshua 8:4

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Joshua 8:5

General Information:

Joshua continues to explain the battle plan to his soldiers.

Joshua 8:6

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Joshua 8:7

will give it into your hand

Here "hand" symbolizes the control and power the people have over their enemies.

Joshua 8:8

General Information:

Joshua finishes explaining the battle plan to his soldiers.

Joshua 8:9

Joshua sent them out

This phrase refers to Joshua sending the thirty thousand men who had been selected to ambush Ai to where they would set the ambush.

the place of ambush

"where they would hide until it was time to attack"

Joshua 8:10

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Joshua 8:11

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Joshua 8:12

five thousand men

"5,000 men." This group seems to be a portion of the "thirty thousand men"

Joshua 8:13

General Information:

The Israelites prepare to fight the people of Ai.

the main army

This refers to the largest group of fighting men, those not in the ambush group.

rear guard

those who were "set in ambush on the west side of the city" (Joshua 8:12)

Joshua 8:14

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Joshua 8:15

let themselves be defeated before them

"let themselves be defeated before the people of Ai." The phrase "before them" represents what the people of Ai would see and think. The phrase "be defeated" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let the people of Ai think that the Israelites were defeated" or "let the people of Ai think that they had defeated the Israelites"

before them

the army of Ai

they fled

The army of Israel fled.

Joshua 8:16

they went after ... they were drawn away

These occurrences of "they" refer to the army of Ai.

to go after them

to go after the army of Isreal

All the people who were in the city were called together

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The city leaders called all the people in the city together"

All the people who were in the city

The writer speaks in a general way about all the people, but "all the people" refers only to those who could fight. Alternate translation: "all the people in the city who could help chase the army of Israel"

Joshua 8:17

left it open

"left the city gates open"

Joshua 8:18

I will give Ai into your hand

Giving Ai into Israel's hand represents giving Israel victory and control over Ai. Alternate translation: "I will give you victory over Ai" or "I will cause you to capture Ai"

Joshua 8:19

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Joshua 8:20

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Joshua 8:21

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Joshua 8:22

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Joshua 8:23

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Joshua 8:24

when Israel had finished killing all the inhabitants ... when all of them ... had fallen by the edge of the sword

The writer uses both of these sentences, which mean almost the same thing, to strongly say that the Israelites had obeyed God's command to kill everyone in Ai.

had fallen by the edge of the sword

Here "fallen" is a euphemism for dying. Also, "the edge of the sword" represents whole swords, and swords represent either battle or the army of Israel. Alternate translation: "had died in battle" or "had died when the army of Israel attacked them"

Joshua 8:25

twelve thousand

"12,000"

Joshua 8:26

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Joshua 8:27

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Joshua 8:28

a devastated place

a place where people once lived, but in which no one now lives

Joshua 8:29

to this day

"today" or "even now"

Joshua 8:30

Mount Ebal

a mountain in Canaan

Joshua 8:31

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Joshua 8:32

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Joshua 8:33

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Joshua 8:34

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Joshua 8:35

There was not one word from all that Moses commanded that Joshua did not read

The double negative here emphasizes the positive. This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: "Joshua read every word of all that Moses commanded"

Israel

This refers to the nation of Israel.

Chapter 9

Joshua 9 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel's mistake

Israel was deceived because "they did not consult with Yahweh for guidance." Instead of consulting Yahweh, they attempted to achieve victory under their own power. This was sinful. (See: sin)

Joshua 9:1

the Jordan

a shortened name for the Jordan River

Joshua 9:2

under one command

Here "command" represents the one who commanded them. Being under him represents obeying his commands. Alternate translation: "obeying the commands of one leader"

Joshua 9:3

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Joshua 9:4

cunning plan

a crafty scheme intended to trick Joshua and the Israelites

Joshua 9:5

dry and moldy

"dry and filled with fungus" or "stale and ruined"

Joshua 9:6

men of Israel

This refers to the entire nation of Israel.

Joshua 9:7

the Hivites

This is another name for the Gibeonites.

Perhaps you live near us. How can we make a covenant with you?

Joshua is emphasizing that the people of Israel have to follow the command of Yahweh above all else. Alternate translation: "If you do live near us, we cannot make a covenant with you."

Joshua 9:8

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Joshua 9:9

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Joshua 9:10

Sihon

This is the name of the defeated Amorite king.

Heshbon

This is the name of the royal city of the nation of Moab.

Og

This is the name of the defeated king of Bashan.

Ashtaroth

This is the name of a city known for worshiping the goddess of the same name.

Joshua 9:11

in your hand

This phrase means "take with you." Here the word "hand" represents the possession by the Gibeonites of the provisions.

meet them and say to them

The word "them" refers to the people of Israel.

Joshua 9:12

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Joshua 9:13

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Joshua 9:14

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Joshua 9:15

Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live. The leaders of the people also swore a vow to them.

These two sentences are saying that the same thing occurred. Joshua, the leader of the nation of Israel, promised not to kill the Gibeonites. The leaders of the nation of Israel, likewise, made the same covenant.

the people

Here this refers to the people of Israel.

Joshua 9:16

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Joshua 9:17

third day

This refers to number three in order.

Kephirah

This is one of the cities of the Gibeonites.

Beeroth

This is the name of a place.

Kiriath Jearim

This is the name of a place.

Joshua 9:18

The whole community was grumbling

"All of the Israelites were grumbling"

Joshua 9:19

the people

Here this phrase refers to the nation of Israel.

Joshua 9:20

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Joshua 9:21

the Gibeonites became cutters of wood and drawers of water

"the Gibeonites became woodcutters and water carriers"

Joshua 9:22

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Joshua 9:23

house of my God

Here this phrase refers to the dwelling place of Yahweh, the Tabernacle.

Joshua 9:24

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Joshua 9:25

Whatever seems good and right

The words "good" and "right" mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "Whatever seems fair and just"

Joshua 9:26

for them

The word "them" here refers to the Gibeonites.

Joshua 9:27

to this day

"even up to now." This means that the people had continued to do these things even up to the day that the writer was living.

Chapter 10

Joshua 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines in 10:12-13 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are a poem.

Special concepts in this chapter

"For Yahweh was waging war on behalf of Israel"

Israel's conquest of the Promised Land was Yahweh's war on the ungodly Canaanites more than Israel's war. This type of war was different from other wars and God gave Israel special instructions. (See: promisedland and godly)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

The people of Gibeon used an idiom when they called for help from Israel: "Do not withdraw your hands," meaning "do not stop protecting."

Joshua 10:1

Now

This word is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here the writer tells about a new person in the story, Adoni-Zedek.

Adoni-Zedek

This is the name of a man who is an important king.

Joshua 10:2

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Joshua 10:3

Jarmuth ... Lachish ... Eglon

These are the names of cities.

Hoham ... Piram ... Japhia ... Debir

These are the names of kings.

Joshua 10:4

Come up to me

"Travel to where I am." Jerusalem was higher in elevation than other cities in Canaan.

Joshua 10:5

five kings

"5 kings"

Jarmuth ... Lachish ... Eglon

These are the names of cities.

They encamped near Gibeon

This means they set up their camp around their city. This was a way of weakening those in the city. It prevented people from escaping the city, and it prevented others from bringing food and water to them in the city.

Joshua 10:6

They said

The word "They" here refers to Gibeonites.

Do not withdraw your hands from your servants

This humble request is stated with two negatives to emphasize the need for a positive action. Alternate translation: "Please come and use your strength to protect us"

your hands

The word "hands" here refers to the people of Israel's strength. Alternate translation: "your strength"

Joshua 10:7

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Joshua 10:8

I have given them into your hand

Here "hand" represents the people of Israel's strength and their ability to defeat their enemy. The word "them" refers to the attacking army.

I have given them

Here the word "them" refers to the attacking armies.

Joshua 10:9

Joshua came

The entire army of Israel is referred to here by the name of their commander, Joshua.

Joshua 10:10

Yahweh confused the enemy before Israel

Here "Israel" refers to the entire army of Israel.

Beth Horon ... Azekah ... Makkedah

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 10:11

Beth Horon ... Azekah

These are the names of places.

threw large stones down from heaven

"threw large hailstones from the sky"

Joshua 10:12

Sun, be still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon

Joshua is praying that Yahweh would make the progression of time stop on this day.

Sun ... moon

Joshua commands the sun and moon as if these were people.

Valley of Aijalon

This is the name of a place.

Joshua 10:13

the nation

This refers to the people of Israel.

Is this not written in the Book of Jashar?

The writer uses this question as background information to remind the reader that the incident is well-documented. Alternate translation: "This is written in The Book of Jashar."

Joshua 10:14

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Joshua 10:15

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Joshua 10:16

Makkedah

This is the name of a city.

Joshua 10:17

It was told to Joshua

Messengers came and told Joshua. Alternate translation: "Someone told Joshua"

Joshua 10:18

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Joshua 10:19

into your hand

The phrase "your hand" here means "your control."

Joshua 10:20

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Joshua 10:21

Makkedah

Translate the same way as you did in [Joshua 10:10]

No one dared to say one word against

"No one dared to say anything against" or "No one dared to complain or protest against"

Joshua 10:22

Open the mouth of the cave

Here "mouth" is an idiom that means "entrance." Alternate translation: "Open the entrance of the cave"

Joshua 10:23

Jarmuth ... Lachish ... Eglon

These are the names of places.

Joshua 10:24

every man of Israel

Here the men of Israel represent only those who were soldiers.

Joshua 10:25

General Information:

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Joshua 10:26

General Information:

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Joshua 10:27

to this very day

"until the author wrote this story"

Joshua 10:28

Makkedah

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in [Joshua 10:10]

He completely destroyed everyone in it. He left no survivor in it

The second sentence summarizes the first sentence to emphasize that Joshua left no person or animal alive.

Joshua 10:29

Libnah

This is the name of a city.

Joshua 10:30

General Information:

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Joshua 10:31

Libnah ... Lachish

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 10:32

into the hand of Israel

Here their "hand" represents their control. Alternate translation: "Yahweh gave Lachish into the control of the nation of Israel"

Joshua 10:33

Horam

This is the name of a man who is an important king.

Gezer ... Lachish

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 10:34

Lachish ... Eglon

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 10:35

struck it with the edge of the sword ... completely destroyed everyone in it

These two phrases have similar meanings. Together they show the completeness of the destruction of Eglon.

Joshua 10:36

Eglon

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in [Joshua 10:3]

Joshua 10:37

They captured it and struck it with the edge of the sword

The sword represents the army of Israel and striking expresses the idea of slaughter and destruction. Alternate translation: "They captured and killed and destroyed"

Joshua 10:38

Debir

This is the name of a city.

Joshua 10:39

Debir ... Libnah

These are the names of cities.

They struck them with the edge of the sword

The sword represents the army of Israel and striking expresses the idea of slaughter and destruction. Alternate translation: "They killed and destroyed them"

Joshua 10:40

He completely destroyed everything that breathed

"He killed all the people and animals"

Joshua 10:41

General Information:

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Joshua 10:42

Joshua captured all these kings and their land

This refers to the kings and lands that were listed beginning in Joshua 10:28.

Joshua captured

Here Joshua represents his whole army. Alternate translation: "Joshua and his soldiers captured"

at one time

This does not mean in one day. It means during one military campaign, which may have lasted many days or weeks.

Joshua 10:43

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Chapter 11

Joshua 11 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh overcomes the united forces of the northern kingdoms

Yahweh said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid in their presence, because tomorrow at this time I am giving them all to Israel as dead men." Even when the kingdoms of Canaan joined forces, they were not able to overcome the power of Yahweh.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"Yahweh gave the enemy into the hand of Israel"

This phrase may present difficulties in translation. The translator should ensure that Yahweh receives credit for Israel's victory.

Joshua 11:1

Jabin ... Jobab

These are names of kings.

Hazor ... Madon ... Shimron ... Akshaph

These are the names of places.

Joshua 11:2

Kinnereth ... Naphoth Dor

These are the names of places.

Joshua 11:3

Mount Hermon

This is the name of a mountain.

Joshua 11:4

General Information:

All the Canaanite kings attack Joshua and the nation of Israel.

a great number of soldiers, in number like the sand on the seashore

No one can count the grains of sand on the seashore. This exaggeration emphasizes the very large number of soldiers that these kings assembled. Alternate translation: "such a great number of soldiers that there appeared to be as many of them as there are grains of sand on the seashore"

Joshua 11:5

Merom

This is the name of a place.

Joshua 11:6

I am giving them all to Israel as dead men

Yahweh enabling Israel to conquer the enemy army and kill all of the soldiers is spoken of as if Yahweh killed the soldiers and then gave them to Israel. Alternate translation: "I will enable Israel to kill all of them in battle"

hamstring their horses

"cripple their horses by cutting their legs." This is a practice where the tendons in the backs of the legs are cut so that the horses cannot walk.

Joshua 11:7

Merom

This is the name of a place.

Joshua 11:8

Yahweh gave the enemy into the hand of Israel

Here the word "hand" represents power. Yahweh enabling the army of Israel to conquer their enemy is spoken of as if Yahweh had put the enemy army into Israel's hand. Alternate translation: "Yahweh enabled Israel to conquer the enemy"

struck them ... struck them

"attacked them ... attacked them"

Misrephoth Maim

This is the name of a place.

Joshua 11:9

hamstrung

This is a practice where the tendons in the backs of the legs are cut so that the horses cannot run. See how you translated this word in Joshua 11:6.

Joshua 11:10

He struck its king with the sword

"Joshua killed the king of Hazor with his sword"

Hazor had been head of all these kingdoms

Hazor being the most important city is spoken of as Hazor being the head of the other kingdoms. Alternate translation: Hazor had been the most important of all these kingdoms"

Joshua 11:11

They struck with the sword every living creature that was there ... so there was not any living creature left alive

These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize complete destruction.

he set them apart to be destroyed

The word "he" refers to Joshua and represents himself and his army. Completely destroying every living thing in the city is spoken of as if those living things were dedicated for destruction. Alternate translation: "the army completely destroyed them"

Joshua 11:12

struck them with the edge of the sword

"killed them"

Joshua 11:13

Israel did not burn any of the cities built on mounds, except Hazor

This double negative emphasizes that Hazor was the only city built on a mound that Israel burned. Alternate translation: "The only city built on a mound that Israel burned was Hazor"

cities built on mounds

"cities built on small hills"

Joshua 11:14

for themselves

This phrase refers to the army of Israel.

They killed every human being with the edge of the sword until all were dead. They left alive no creature that breathed.

These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize complete destruction.

Joshua 11:15

He left nothing undone of all that Yahweh commanded Moses to do

This negative phrase emphasizes that Joshua did everything that Yahweh commanded. Alternate translation: "Joshua did everything that Yahweh commanded"

Joshua 11:16

General Information:

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Joshua 11:17

Mount Halak ... Baal Gad

These are the names of places.

Joshua 11:18

General Information:

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Joshua 11:19

Not one city made peace with the army of Israel except the Hivites who lived in Gibeon

This double negative emphasizes that the Hivites were the only people who made peace with Israel. The phrase "one city" is a metonym for the people who lived in that one city. Alternate translation: "The only city that made peace with the army of Israel was the Hivites who lived in Gibeon" or "The only people who made peace with the army of Israel were the Hivites who lived in Gibeon"

Joshua 11:20

it was Yahweh who hardened their hearts

Yahweh causing the people of the cities to be stubborn is spoken of as if Yahweh had hardened their hearts. Alternate translation: "it was Yahweh who caused them to act stubbornly"

Joshua 11:21

Anakim

These are the descendants of Anak.

Debir ... Anab

These are the names of places.

Joshua 11:22

None of the Anakim were left in the land of Israel except at Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod.

This double negative emphasizes that Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod were the only places in which the Anakim were left. Alternate translation: "The only Anakim left in the land of Israel were those in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod"

Joshua 11:23

Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel

Joshua giving the land to the Israelites is spoken of as if he had given the Israelites an inheritance as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "Joshua gave the land to the Israelites as a permanent possession"

the land had rest from the wars

The people no longer fighting wars is spoken of as if the land were a person who rested from war. Alternate translation: "the people no longer fought wars in the land" or "there was peace in the land"

Chapter 12

Joshua 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines in 12:2-5 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are part of a long list.

Joshua 12:1

Now

This word is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here the writer begins to provide background information about the kings who had ruled over the land.

these are the kings

This refers to the list of kings that continues through verse 24.

the Arabah

These are the names of a region of land.

Joshua 12:2

Aroer

This is the name of a city.

Sihon ... Heshbon

See how you translated these words in Joshua 9:10.

Joshua 12:3

Sea of Kinnereth

This is a place. See how you translated this in Joshua 11:2.

Beth Jeshimoth ... Mount Pisgah

These are the names of places.

Joshua 12:4

Og, king of Bashan

See how you translated this man's name in Joshua 9:10.

the Rephaim

These are the names of people groups.

Ashtaroth ... Edrei

These are the names of places.

Joshua 12:5

Salekah

This is the name of a place.

Maakathites

This is the name of a people group.

Joshua 12:6

Reubenites

These are the descendants of Reuben.

Gadites

These are the descendants of Gad.

half tribe of Manasseh

They are called a half tribe because the other half of the tribe received an inheritance in the land of Canaan.

Joshua 12:7

Baal Gad ... Mount Halak

These are the names of places.

Joshua 12:8

the Arabah

This is the name of a region of land. Translate as in [Joshua 12:1]

Joshua 12:9

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Joshua 12:10

Hebron

This is the name of a city.

Joshua 12:11

Jarmuth ... Lachish

These are the names of cities. Translate in the same way you did in [Joshua 10:3]

Joshua 12:12

Eglon ... Gezer

These are the names of cities. Translate "Eglon" in the same way you did in [Joshua 10:3]

Joshua 12:13

Debir ... Geder

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 12:14

Hormah ... Arad

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 12:15

Libnah ... Adullam

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 12:16

Makkedah

This is the name of a city.

Joshua 12:17

Tappuah ... Hepher

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 12:18

Aphek ... Lasharon

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 12:19

Madon ... Hazor

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 12:20

Shimron Meron ... Akshaph

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 12:21

Taanach ... Megiddo

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 12:22

Kedesh ... Jokneam

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 12:23

Dor ... Naphoth Dor ... Goyim

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 12:24

Tirzah

This is the name of a city.

thirty-one in all

"31 in all"

Chapter 13

Joshua 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a section about dividing the land between the tribes of Israel.

Special concepts in this chapter

Division of the land

There was still much land to be captured west of the Jordan River, but the tribe of Reuben, Gad and half of the tribe of Mannasah received their land east of the Jordan. This land had been promised to them in Numbers 32.

Driving out the people

While Yahweh achieved many great victories through Joshua, Israel was still supposed to drive out the rest of the Canaanites. Israel's success in this would depend on their faith in Yahweh. (See: faith)

Joshua 13:1

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Joshua 13:2

This is the land that still remains

You may clarify that this is the land that Israel still needs to capture. Alternate translation: "This is the land that still remains for Israel to capture"

Joshua 13:3

Shihor

This is the name of a place.

which is considered property of the Canaanites

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which the Canaanites now consider their property"

Avvites

This is the name of a people group.

Joshua 13:4

Arah ... Aphek

These are the names of places.

Joshua 13:5

Baal Gad ... Mount Hermon

These are the names of places.

Joshua 13:6

Misrephoth Maim

this is the name of a place

land ... as an inheritance

The land that Israel will claim is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they will receive as a permanent possession.

Joshua 13:7

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Joshua 13:8

General Information:

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Joshua 13:9

Aroer ... Medeba ... Dibon

These are the names of places.

gorge

a place where the river is far below the land on the sides

plateau

flat land high above rivers

Joshua 13:10

Heshbon

This is the name of a city.

Joshua 13:11

Salekah

These are the names of places.

the region of the Geshurites and Maakathites

"the land where the Geshurites and Maakathites lived"

Maakathites

This is the name of a people group.

Joshua 13:12

Ashtaroth ... Edrei

These are the names of places.

Rephaim

This is the name of a people group.

Moses struck them

Here "Moses" represents himself and the Israelite army that Moses led. Alternate translation: "Moses and the Israelites attacked them"

Joshua 13:13

the Geshurites or the Maakathites

These are the names of people groups.

Geshur and Maakah live in the midst of Israel

"Geshur" and "Maakah" are either the names of the ancestors of "the Geshurites" and "the Maakathites" or are the names of the cities in which they lived. Alternate translation: "those people live among Israel"

to this day

This refers to the period of time in which the author wrote this book.

Joshua 13:14

Moses gave no inheritance

The land that Moses assigned to the tribes of Israel is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession.

The offerings of Yahweh ... are their inheritance

The writer speaks of the great honor that the Levites had by serving Yahweh as priests as if the offerings were something that they would inherit. Alternate translation: "The offerings of Yahweh ... are what they will have for their provision"

offerings of Yahweh

"offerings that the people were to bring to Yahweh"

made by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the priests burned with fire"

Joshua 13:15

General Information:

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Joshua 13:16

Aroer ... Medeba

These are the names of places.

gorge ... plateau

See how you translated these words in Joshua 13:9.

Joshua 13:17

Heshbon ... Dibon ... Bamoth Baal ... Beth Baal Meon

These are the names of places.

Joshua 13:18

Jahaz ... Kedemoth ... Mephaath

These are the names of places.

Joshua 13:19

Kiriathaim ... Sibmah ... Zereth Shahar

These are the names of places.

Joshua 13:20

Beth Peor ... Pisgah ... Beth Jeshimoth

These are the names of places.

Joshua 13:21

Heshbon

This is the name of a city.

Sihon ... Evi ... Rekem ... Zur ... Hur ... Reba

These are the names of people.

together with the leaders of Midian

"as he had defeated the leaders of Midian"

Joshua 13:22

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Joshua 13:23

this is their boundary

The Jordan River was the western border of the land that the tribe of Reuben received.

This was the inheritance of the tribe of Reuben

The land that Moses assigned to the tribe of Reuben is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that the tribe of Reuben received as a permanent possession.

given to each of their clans

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Moses gave to each of their clans"

Joshua 13:24

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Joshua 13:25

Jazer ... Aroer ... Rabbah

These are the names of places.

Joshua 13:26

Heshbon ... Ramath Mizpah ... Betonim ... Mahanaim ... Debir

These are the names of places.

Joshua 13:27

Beth Haram ... Beth Nimrah ... Sukkoth ... Zaphon ... Heshbon

These are the names of places.

Joshua 13:28

This is the inheritance of the tribe of Gad

The land that Moses assigned to the tribe of Gad is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that the tribe of Gad received as a permanent possession.

Joshua 13:29

Moses gave an inheritance to the half tribe of Manasseh

The land that Moses assigned to the half tribe of Manasseh is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that he gave to them as a permanent possession.

half tribe of Manasseh

Only half of the tribe received this land because the other half received land on the other side of the Jordan River.

It was assigned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses assigned it"

Joshua 13:30

Mahanaim ... Jair

These are the names of places.

Joshua 13:31

Ashtaroth ... Edrei

These are the names of places.

These were assigned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses assigned these"

Makir

This is a man's name.

Joshua 13:32

This is the inheritance that Moses assigned to them

The land that Moses assigned to the tribes of Israel on the east side of the Jordan is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that Moses gave to them as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "This is the land that Moses assigned to them as an inheritance"

Joshua 13:33

Yahweh, the God of Israel, is their inheritance

The writer speaks of the great honor that the Levites had by serving Yahweh as priests as if Yahweh were something that they would inherit. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, the God of Israel, is what they have"

Chapter 14

Joshua 14 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Drive them out

The Israelites were to completely drive out the Canaanites. If they did not drive them out completely, the Canaanites would cause the Israelites to worship other gods. It was sinful to allow the Canaanites to remain in the land. (See: falsegod and sin)

Joshua 14:1

the areas of land that the people of Israel received as their inheritance

The land that the people of Israel acquired is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession.

Joshua 14:2

Their inheritance was selected by lot

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Eleazar, Joshua, and the tribal leaders cast lots to determine the inheritance"

by the hand of Moses

Here the word "hand" refers to Moses himself and means that Yahweh used Moses as the agent to deliver his command. Alternate translation: "through Moses"

Joshua 14:3

Moses had given the inheritance of the two and one-half tribes beyond the Jordan, but to the Levites he gave no inheritance

The land that Moses gave to the tribes is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession.

Joshua 14:4

The Levites were given no portion of the inheritance in the land

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "And Moses did not give a portion of the inheritance to the Levites in the land"

portion

"part"

but only certain cities to live in

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "but they were given only certain cities to live in" or "but he gave to them only certain cities to live in"

pasturelands

fields of grass for the livestock to eat

material resources

physical things they needed so they could provide for their families

Joshua 14:5

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Joshua 14:6

Jephunneh

This is a man's name.

Kenizzite

This is the name of a people group.

Joshua 14:7

I brought him a report again as it was in my heart to make

Here the word "heart" represents the thoughts. The phrase is an idiom that refers to a report that is given honestly. Alternate translation: "I brought back to him an honest report"

Joshua 14:8

made the heart of the people melt with fear

Making the people very afraid is spoken of as if it were making the hearts of the people melt. Alternate translation: "made the people very afraid"

I completely followed Yahweh

Being loyal to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were completely following Yahweh. Alternate translation: "I remained loyal to Yahweh"

Joshua 14:9

the land ... will be an inheritance for you and for your children forever

The land that Caleb and his descendants would have is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they would receive as a permanent possession.

the land on which your foot has walked

Here "your foot" represents Caleb. Alternate translation: "the land on which you have walked"

Joshua 14:10

look

"pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"

while Israel walked in the wilderness

"while the people of Israel traveled in the wilderness"

Joshua 14:11

My strength is now as my strength was then

"I am still as strong now as I was then"

for going and coming

This is an idiom that refers to daily activities. Alternate translation: "for the things I do every day"

Joshua 14:12

hill country

Possible meanings are 1) many large hills or small mountains or 2) one mountain.

Anakim

This is the name of a people group.

Joshua 14:13

gave Hebron as an inheritance to Caleb

Hebron is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that Caleb received as a permanent possession.

Joshua 14:14

to this day

This refers to the period of time in which the author wrote this book.

he completely followed Yahweh

Being loyal to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were completely following Yahweh. Alternate translation: "he remained loyal to Yahweh"

Joshua 14:15

Kiriath Arba

This is the name of a place.

Then the land had rest from war

The people no longer fighting wars is spoken of as if the land were a person who rested from war. See how you translated this phrase in [Joshua 11:23]

Chapter 15

Joshua 15 General Notes

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

This chapter is about the land given to the tribe of Judah. It will be difficult to fully understand their location without a map. Further research may be needed to understand the location of their land.

Joshua 15:1

Zin

This is the name of the wilderness area.

Joshua 15:2

from the end of the Salt Sea, from the bay that faces to the south

"from the bay that faces south at the end of the Salt Sea." These two phrases refer to the same location. The second phrase clarifies the point at which the southern border begins.

from the bay that faces to the south

"from the bay that extends to the south" or "from the southern bay"

bay

smaller part of the sea that extends into the land

Joshua 15:3

Their boundary

"The border of the land belonging to the tribe of Judah"

Akrabbim ... Zin ... Hezron ... Addar ... Karka

These are the names of places.

Joshua 15:4

Azmon

This is the name of a city.

brook of Egypt

a small river of water at the southwestern edge of the land, near Egypt

Joshua 15:5

at the mouth of the Jordan

The point at which the river empties into the sea is spoken of as if it were the mouth of the river.

border ... ran

"border ... was"

Joshua 15:6

Beth Hoglah ... Beth Arabah

These are the names of places.

the Stone of Bohan

This was likely a large stone that someone set up as a landmark and named after the man, Bohan.

Joshua 15:7

Debir ... the Valley of Achor ... the hill of Adummim ... En Shemesh ... En Rogel

These are the names of places.

Joshua 15:8

the Valley of Ben Hinnom ... the Valley of Rephaim

These are the names of places.

Joshua 15:9

Nephtoah ... Mount Ephron ... Baalah ... Kiriath Jearim

These are the names of places.

Joshua 15:10

Baalah ... Mount Seir ... Mount Jearim ... Kesalon ... Beth Shemesh ... Timnah

These are the names of places.

Joshua 15:11

Shikkeron ... Mount Baalah ... Jabneel

These are the names of places.

Joshua 15:12

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Joshua 15:13

Kiriath Arba

These are the names of places.

Arba ... Anak

These are the names of men.

Joshua 15:14

the three sons of Anak: Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai, descendants of Anak

These names represent clans of people who were descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai. The words "sons" and "descendants" in this context mean the same thing. Alternate translation: "the three clans, Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, who were descendants of Anak"

Anak ... Sheshai ... Ahiman ... Talmai

These are the names of men.

Joshua 15:15

He went up from there against

"He went up from there to fight against"

Debir ... Kiriath Sepher

These are the names of places.

Joshua 15:16

Kiriath Sepher

This is the name of a place.

Aksah

This is a woman's name.

Joshua 15:17

Othniel ... Kenaz

These are men's names.

Joshua 15:18

Aksah came to Othniel

This is an idiom that refers to Aksah becoming Othniel's wife. Alternate translation: "when Aksah became Othniel's wife"

urged him to ask her father for a field

This can be translated as direct speech. Alternate translation: "she urged him, saying, 'Ask my father to give me a field.'"

Joshua 15:19

the upper springs and lower springs

The words "upper" and "lower" likely refer to the geographical altitude of the water springs.

Joshua 15:20

This was the inheritance of the tribe of Judah

The land that the tribe of Judah received is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "This was the land that the tribe of Judah received as an inheritance"

Joshua 15:21

Connecting Statement:

The writer lists the southern cities of which Judah took possession. The list continues through Joshua 15:32.

Joshua 15:22

General Information:

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Joshua 15:23

General Information:

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Joshua 15:24

General Information:

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Joshua 15:25

Connecting Statement:

The list of cities continues.

Joshua 15:26

General Information:

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Joshua 15:27

General Information:

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Joshua 15:28

General Information:

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Joshua 15:29

Connecting Statement:

The list of cities continues.

Joshua 15:30

General Information:

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Joshua 15:31

General Information:

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Joshua 15:32

General Information:

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Joshua 15:33

General Information:

The writer lists the northern cities of which Judah took possession.

Joshua 15:34

General Information:

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Joshua 15:35

General Information:

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Joshua 15:36

General Information:

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Joshua 15:37

Connecting Statement:

The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.

Joshua 15:38

General Information:

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Joshua 15:39

General Information:

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Joshua 15:40

Connecting Statement:

The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.

Joshua 15:41

General Information:

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Joshua 15:42

Connecting Statement:

The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.

Joshua 15:43

General Information:

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Joshua 15:44

General Information:

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Joshua 15:45

Connecting Statement:

The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.

Joshua 15:46

settlements

villages

Joshua 15:47

brook of Egypt

a small river of water at the southwestern edge of the land near Egypt

Joshua 15:48

Connecting Statement:

The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.

Joshua 15:49

General Information:

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Joshua 15:50

General Information:

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Joshua 15:51

General Information:

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Joshua 15:52

Connecting Statement:

The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.

Joshua 15:53

General Information:

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Joshua 15:54

General Information:

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Joshua 15:55

Connecting Statement:

The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.

Joshua 15:56

General Information:

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Joshua 15:57

General Information:

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Joshua 15:58

Connecting Statement:

The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.

Joshua 15:59

General Information:

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Joshua 15:60

Connecting Statement:

The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.

Joshua 15:61

General Information:

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Joshua 15:62

General Information:

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Joshua 15:63

to this day

This refers to the period of time in which the author wrote this book.

Chapter 16

Joshua 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Drive them out

The Israelites were to completely drive out the Canaanites. If they did not drive them out completely, the Canaanites would cause the Israelites to worship other gods. It was sinful to allow the Canaanites to remain in the land. (See: falsegod and sin)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

This chapter is about the land given to the tribe of Ephraim, one of Joseph's sons. It will be difficult to fully understand their location without a map. Further research may be needed to understand the location of their land.

Joshua 16:1

the tribe of Joseph

The "tribe of Joseph" consisted of the tribes of Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Since half of the tribe of Manasseh had settled east of the Jordan, this phrase refers to the tribe of Ephraim and the other half of the tribe of Manasseh. Alternate translation: "the tribe of Ephraim and the other half of the tribe of Manasseh"

Joshua 16:2

Luz ... Ataroth

These are the names of places.

Arkites

This is the name of a people group.

Joshua 16:3

Japhletites

This is the name of a people group.

Lower Beth Horon ... Gezer

These are the names of places.

Joshua 16:4

the tribes of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim

"the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, the sons of Joseph"

received their inheritance

The land that the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim possessed is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "received this land as their inheritance"

Joshua 16:5

The territory of the tribe of Ephraim, clan by clan

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The territory ... that Joshua assigned to their clans"

Ataroth Addar ... Upper Beth Horon

These are the names of places.

Joshua 16:6

Mikmethath ... Taanath Shiloh ... Janoah

These are the names of places.

Joshua 16:7

Janoah ... Naarah

These are the names of places.

Joshua 16:8

Tappuah ... Kanah

These are the names of places.

This was the inheritance of the tribe of Ephraim

The land that Ephraim possessed is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "This was the land that the tribe of Ephraim received as an inheritance"

clan by clan

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which Joshua assigned to their clans"

Joshua 16:9

the cities that were chosen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the cities that Joshua had chosen"

within the inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh

The land that the tribe of Manasseh possessed is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "within the land that the tribe of Manasseh had received as an inheritance"

Joshua 16:10

to this day

This refers to the period of time in which the author wrote this book.

these people were made to do forced labor

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Israelites forced these people to work as slaves"

Chapter 17

Joshua 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Manasseh's lack of faith

Even though they were one of the largest and most powerful tribes of Israel, the tribe of Manasseh lacked faith in the power of Yahweh. This caused them many problems. It would also cause their descendants many problems. (See: faith)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

This chapter is about the land given to the tribe of Manasseh, one of Joseph's sons. It will be difficult to fully understand their locations without a map. Further research may be needed to understand the locations of their land.

Joshua 17:1

firstborn and who himself was

Here "himself" emphasizes that the same person—Makir—was the firstborn of Manasseh and was also the father of Gilead. Alternate translation: "firstborn; he was also"

Makir

These are men's names.

Makir's descendants were assigned the land of Gilead and Bashan

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Joshua assigned the land of Gilead and Bashan to Makir's descendants"

Joshua 17:2

Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida

These are men's names.

Land was assigned ... given to their clans

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Joshua assigned land ... and gave them to their clans"

Joshua 17:3

Zelophehad ... Hepher

These are men's names.

Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah, and Tirzah

These are women's names.

Joshua 17:4

Eleazar

This is the name of a man.

to give to us an inheritance

The land is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that the people received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "to give to us some land as an inheritance"

he gave those women an inheritance

Possible meanings are 1) "Joshua gave those women an inheritance" or 2) "Eleazar gave those women an inheritance."

Joshua 17:5

Ten parcels of land were assigned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Joshua assigned ten parcels of land"

Ten parcels

"Ten portions"

Joshua 17:6

received an inheritance

The land is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "received land as an inheritance"

The land of Gilead was assigned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Joshua assigned the land of Gilead"

Joshua 17:7

southward

toward the south

Mikmethath ... Tappuah

These are the names of places.

Joshua 17:8

General Information:

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Joshua 17:9

The border

"The border of Manasseh's land"

brook

a very small river

Kanah

name of a brook

Joshua 17:10

On the north side Asher can be reached

Possible meanings are 1) that the border of Manasseh's land on the north side touched the land that belonged to the tribe of Asher or 2) that one can travel north to reach Asher. Alternate translation: "Asher was on the north side" or "One can travel north to reach Asher"

to the east, Issachar

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "to the east, Issachar can be reached" or "to the east, one can reach Issachar"

Joshua 17:11

Beth Shan ... Ibleam ... Dor ... Endor ... Taanach ... Megiddo ... Napheth

These are the names of places.

Joshua 17:12

General Information:

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Joshua 17:13

General Information:

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Joshua 17:14

the descendants of Joseph

This refers to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.

Why have you given us only one ... Yahweh has blessed us?

The people of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh ask this question to emphasize that Joshua should have assigned to them more land. Alternate translation: "You should have given us more than one ... Yahweh has blessed us."

one assignment of land and one portion for an inheritance

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. In the second, the land is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that the people received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "one assignment of land as our inheritance"

portion

part

people great in number

"many people"

Joshua 17:15

If you are a people great in number

"Since you are a people great in number"

Rephaim

This is the name of a people group.

Joshua 17:16

Beth Shan ... Jezreel

These are the names of places.

Joshua 17:17

the house of Joseph

Here the word "house" refers to the descendants. Alternate translation: "the descendants of Joseph"

Joshua 17:18

you will clear it

"you will clear the forest of trees" or "you will cut down its trees"

Chapter 18

Joshua 18 General Notes

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

This chapter is about the land given to the tribes of Israel. It will be difficult to fully understand their locations without a map. Further research may be needed to understand the locations of their land.

Joshua 18:1

and they conquered the land

They had conquered the people who lived in the land before they set up the tent of meeting. Alternate translation: "after they had conquered the land"

Joshua 18:2

whose inheritance had not been assigned

The land that the tribes would receive is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they would receive as a permanent possession. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to whom Joshua had not assigned land as an inheritance"

Joshua 18:3

How long will you put off ... has given you?

Joshua asks this question in order to encourage the Israelites to take possession of the land. Alternate translation: "For long enough, you have put off ... has given you."

Joshua 18:4

the land up and down

The words "up and down" mean in every direction. Alternate translation: "the land in every direction" or "throughout the land"

write out a description of it with a view to their inheritances

This means that they will describe the portions of land that each tribe would like to receive for an inheritance.

their inheritances

The land that they are to survey is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that each of the tribes would receive as a permanent possession.

Joshua 18:5

General Information:

Joshua is continuing his speech to the children of Israel.

They will divide it

"They will divide the land"

Judah will remain

"The tribe of Judah will remain"

the house of Joseph

Here the word "house" represents the descendants of Joseph. The phrase refers to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Alternate translation: "the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh"

Joshua 18:6

General Information:

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Joshua 18:7

General Information:

Joshua is continuing his speech to the children of Israel.

no portion

"no portion of land"

for the priesthood of Yahweh is their inheritance

Joshua speaks of the great honor that the Levites have by serving Yahweh as priests as if it were something that they inherited. Alternate translation: "for the priesthood of Yahweh is what they have"

the half tribe of Manasseh

"half of the tribe of Manasseh"

have received their inheritance

The land that the tribes received is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "have received land as their inheritance"

Joshua 18:8

General Information:

Joshua speaks to the twenty-one men who were to go look at the land.

up and down in the land

The words "up and down" mean in every direction. See how you translated this in [Joshua 18:4]

Joshua 18:9

General Information:

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Joshua 18:10

to each was given his portion of the land

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to each tribe Joshua gave their portion in the land"

Joshua 18:11

between the descendants of Judah and the descendants of Joseph

"between the land that belonged to the descendants of Judah and the land that belonged to the descendants of Joseph"

the descendants of Joseph

This refers to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.

Joshua 18:12

Beth Aven

This is the name of a place.

Joshua 18:13

Luz ... Ataroth Addar ... Beth Horon

These are the names of places.

Joshua 18:14

The boundary

This refers to the same thing as "the border" in verse 13.

Kiriath Baal ... Kiriath Jearim

These are the names of places.

Joshua 18:15

Kiriath Jearim ... Ephron ... Nephtoah

These are the names of places.

Joshua 18:16

Ben Hinnom ... Rephaim ... Hinnom ... En Rogel

These are the names of places.

Joshua 18:17

En Shemesh ... Geliloth ... Adummim

These are the names of places.

the Stone of Bohan

This was likely a large stone that someone set up as a landmark and named after the man, Bohan. See how you translated this in Joshua 15:6.

Joshua 18:18

the shoulder of Beth Arabah

Land that is in the form of a slope or ridge is spoken of as if it were a shoulder. Alternate translation: "the slope of Beth Arabah"

Beth Arabah

This is the name of a city.

Joshua 18:19

the north shoulder of Beth Hoglah

Land that is in the form of a slope or ridge is spoken of as if it were a shoulder. Alternate translation: "the north slope of Beth Hoglah"

Beth Hoglah

This is the name of a place.

Joshua 18:20

This was the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin

The land that the tribe of Benjamin received is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "This was the land that the tribe of Benjamin received as an inheritance"

it was given clan by clan

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Joshua gave it to each of their clans"

Joshua 18:21

General Information:

The writer lists the cities that the tribe of Benjamin received as an inheritance.

Joshua 18:22

General Information:

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Joshua 18:23

General Information:

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Joshua 18:24

their villages

"the villages around them"

Joshua 18:25

General Information:

The writer continues to list the cities that were in the land that the tribe of Benjamin received as an inheritance.

Joshua 18:26

General Information:

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Joshua 18:27

General Information:

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Joshua 18:28

This was the inheritance of Benjamin

The land and cities that the tribe of Benjamin received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Benjamin received as an inheritance"

Chapter 19

Joshua 19 General Notes

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

This chapter is about the land given to the tribes of Israel. It will be difficult to fully understand their locations without a map. Further research may be needed to understand the locations of their land.

Joshua 19:1

The second casting of lots fell to Simeon

"The second time Joshua cast lots, the lot indicated the tribe of Simeon"

The second

number two in a list

clan by clan

"and Joshua assigned the land to each of their clans"

Their inheritance was in the middle of the inheritance that belonged to the tribe of Judah

The land is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that the tribes received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "The land that they received as an inheritance was in the middle of the land that the tribe of Judah received as an inheritance"

Joshua 19:2

General Information:

The writer lists cities that were in the land that the tribe of Simeon received as an inheritance.

They had for their inheritance

The land and cities that the tribe of Simeon received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "They had the following cities for their inheritance"

Joshua 19:3

General Information:

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Joshua 19:4

General Information:

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Joshua 19:5

General Information:

The writer continues to list the cities that were in the land that the tribe of Simeon received as an inheritance.

Ziklag

See how you translated the name of this city in Joshua 15:31.

Joshua 19:6

General Information:

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Joshua 19:7

General Information:

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Joshua 19:8

This was the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon

The land and cities that the tribe of Simeon received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Simeon received as an inheritance"

clan by clan

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which Joshua gave to their clans"

Joshua 19:9

the portion of land assigned to the tribe of Judah

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the portion of land which Joshua assigned to the tribe of Judah"

the middle of their portion

"the middle of Judah's portion of land"

Joshua 19:10

The third casting of lots

See how you translated this phrase in Joshua 19:1.

The third

number three in a list

Sarid

This is the name of a city.

Joshua 19:11

Maralah ... Dabbesheth ... Jokneam

These are the names of places.

opposite Jokneam

"across from Jokneam"

Joshua 19:12

Sarid ... Kisloth Tabor ... Daberath ... Japhia

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 19:13

Gath Hepher ... Eth Kazin ... Rimmon ... Neah

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 19:14

Hannathon ... Iphtah El

These are names of places.

Joshua 19:15

Kattath ... Nahalal ... Shimron ... Idalah ... Bethlehem

These are names of places.

Bethlehem

This is not the same "Bethlehem" that is south of Jerusalem in Judah.

Joshua 19:16

This was the inheritance of the tribe of Zebulun

The land and cities that the tribe of Zebulun received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Zebulun received as an inheritance"

Joshua 19:17

The fourth casting of lots

See how you translated this phrase in Joshua 19:1.

The fourth

number four in a list

Joshua 19:18

Chesulloth ... Shunem

These are names of cities.

Joshua 19:19

Hapharaim ... Shion ... Anaharath

These are names of cities.

Joshua 19:20

Rabbith ... Kishion ... Ebez

These are names of cities.

Joshua 19:21

Remeth ... En Gannim ... En Haddah ... Beth Pazzez

These are names of cities.

Joshua 19:22

Tabor

This is the name of a mountain.

Shahazumah

This is the name of a city.

Joshua 19:23

This was the inheritance of the tribe of Issachar

The land and cities that the tribe of Issachar received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Issachar received as an inheritance"

Joshua 19:24

The fifth casting of lots

See how you translated this phrase in Joshua 19:1.

The fifth

number five in a list

Joshua 19:25

Helkath, Hali, Beten, Akshaph

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 19:26

Allammelek, Amad, and Mishall ... Shihor Libnath

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 19:27

Beth Dagon ... Valley of Iphtah El ... Beth Emek ... Neiel ... Kabul

These are the names of places.

Joshua 19:28

Abdon ... Rehob ... Hammon ... Kanah

These are the names of places.

Joshua 19:29

Hosah ... Akzib

These are the names of places.

Joshua 19:30

Ummah ... Aphek ... Rehob

These are the names of places.

Joshua 19:31

This was the inheritance of the tribe of Asher

The land and cities that the tribe of Asher received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Asher received as an inheritance"

Joshua 19:32

The sixth casting of lots

See how you translated this phrase in Joshua 19:1.

The sixth

number six in a list

Joshua 19:33

Heleph ... Zaanannim ... Adami Nekeb ... Jabneel ... Lakkum

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 19:34

Aznoth Tabor ... Hukkok

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 19:35

Ziddim ... Zer ... Hammath ... Rakkath ... Kinnereth

These are the names of cities.

Hammath

This is not the same location as "Hamath," but is located on the west shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Joshua 19:36

Adamah ... Ramah ... Hazor

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 19:37

Kedesh ... Edrei ... En Hazor

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 19:38

Iron ... Migdal El ... Horem ... Beth Anath

These are names of cities.

Joshua 19:39

This was the inheritance of the tribe of Naphtali

The land and cities that the tribe of Naphtali received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Naphtali received as an inheritance"

Joshua 19:40

The seventh casting of lots

See how you translated this phrase in Joshua 19:1.

The seventh

number seven in a list

Joshua 19:41

The territory of its inheritance

The land that the tribe of Dan received is spoken of as if it was an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "The territory of land that the tribe of Dan received as an inheritance"

Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir Shemesh

These are the names of places.

Joshua 19:42

Shaalabbin, Aijalon, and Ithlah

These are the names of places.

Joshua 19:43

Elon, Timnah, Ekron

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 19:44

Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 19:45

Jehud, Bene Berak, Gath Rimmon

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 19:46

Me Jarkon ... Rakkon

These are the names of cities.

across from Joppa

"opposite Joppa" or "beside Joppa"

Joshua 19:47

Leshem

This is the name of a city.

Joshua 19:48

This was the inheritance of the tribe of Dan

The land and cities that the tribe of Dan received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Dan received as an inheritance"

Joshua 19:49

gave an inheritance among themselves to Joshua son of Nun

The city that Joshua received is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that he received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "gave a city within their own land as an inheritance to Joshua son of Nun"

Joshua 19:50

Timnath Serah

This is the name of a city.

Joshua 19:51

These are the inheritances ... assigned

The land and cities that the various tribes received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "These are the portions of land and the cities ... assigned as inheritances"

Chapter 20

Joshua 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Cities of Refuge

If a person was killed, it was the duty of his relatives to kill the killer. If the death was an accident, this would be unfair. Therefore, God told the Israelites to make cities of refuge for a person who killed someone accidentally. In the city where he sought refuge, his case would be solved legally: "Do this so that one who unintentionally kills a person can go there. These cities will be a place of refuge from anyone who seeks to avenge the blood of a person who was killed." (See: refuge and avenge and blood)

Joshua 20:1

General Information:

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Joshua 20:2

by the hand of Moses

Here "hand of Moses" refers to the scriptures that Moses wrote down. Alternate translation: "through the things that Moses wrote"

Joshua 20:3

kills a person by accident

This happens when a person accidentally kills another person, without intending to do so.

the avenger of blood

This was a relative of the person who had been killed. His job was to kill the person who had killed his relative.

blood

Blood is a metonym for the death of the person whose blood has been shed. Alternate translation: "death"

Joshua 20:4

He will run

Here the word "he" refers to the person who unintentionally killed someone.

explain his case to the elders of that city

"convince the elders of that city that he had not intentionally killed the person.

Then they will take him

The word "they" refers to the elders and "him" refers to the person who unintentionally killed someone.

live among them

This refers to the city as a whole, not to the elders only.

Joshua 20:5

the avenger of blood

This was a relative of the person who had been killed. His job was to kill the person who had killed his relative.

blood

Blood is a metonym for the death of the person whose blood has been shed. See how you translated this in [Joshua 20:3]

Joshua 20:6

stood before the assembly

This is a phrase that describes standing to seek justice from a court of the assembly of his fellow citizens.

Joshua 20:7

General Information:

There are a lot of names in this section.

Joshua 20:8

the Jordan

This is a short name for the Jordan River.

Joshua 20:9

would not die by the hand of the avenger

Here "by the hand" is an idiom that means to be the specific cause of something. Alternate translation: "would not be killed by the avenger"

the avenger of blood

This was a relative of the person who had been killed. His job was to kill the person who had killed his relative.

blood

Blood is a metonym for the death of the person whose blood has been shed. See how you translated this in [Joshua 20:3]

Chapter 21

Joshua 21 General Notes

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

This chapter is about the land given to the tribe of Levi. Even though they did not receive a large piece of land like the other tribes, they did receive small pieces of land to live on and for their animals. It will be difficult to fully understand their locations without a map. Further research may be needed to understand the locations of their land.

Joshua 21:1

Eleazar ... Nun

These are names of men.

Joshua 21:2

They said to them

"The Levites said to them"

Yahweh commanded you by the hand of Moses

The phrase "by the hand of" is an idiom that means that Yahweh used Moses to deliver his command. Alternate translation: "Yahweh told Moses to command you"

Joshua 21:3

following cities

This refers to the cities to be listed in the next verses.

Joshua 21:4

casting of lots

A random method of choosing to remove the choice from the leader's will, often done with the idea that God will decide the outcome. See how you translated this in Joshua 19:1.

Kohathites

This priests in this group were descendants of Levi's son Kohath. A portion of them were also descendants of Aaron, Kohath's grandson.

Joshua 21:5

half tribe

Half the tribe because the other half received their inheritance before crossing the Jordan River.

Joshua 21:6

Gershon

Gershon was one of the sons of Levi.

casting of lots

A random method of choosing to remove the choice from the leader's will, often done with the idea that God will decide the outcome. See how you translated this in Joshua 19:1.

Joshua 21:7

Merari

Merari was one of the sons of Levi.

Joshua 21:8

Yahweh had commanded by the hand of Moses

The phrase "by the hand of" here means that Yahweh used Moses as the agent to deliver his command. Alternate translation: "Yahweh had told Moses to command"

Joshua 21:9

General Information:

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Joshua 21:10

clans of the Kohathites

The priests in this group were descendants of Levi's son Kohath. A portion of them were also descendants of Aaron, Kohath's grandson. See how you translated this in [Joshua 21:2]

casting of lots

A random method of choosing to remove the choice from the leader's will, often done with the idea that God will decide the outcome. See how you translated this in Joshua 19:1.

Joshua 21:11

Arba had been the father of Anak

This is background information about the name of the man who founded the city of Kiriath Arba.

Anak

This is the name of a man.

hill country

An area of land with natural elevations, smaller than mountains.

pasturelands

An area covered with grass or plants suitable for the grazing of livestock or cattle.

Joshua 21:12

fields of the city

Areas of open land, usually, planted with crops, belonging to and surrounding the city.

villages

Small communities, usually smaller than a town.

Joshua 21:13

Libnah

This is the name of a city.

Joshua 21:14

Jattir ... Eshtemoa

These are all names of cities.

Joshua 21:15

Holon ... Debir

These are all names of cities.

Joshua 21:16

Ain ... Juttah

These are all names of cities.

Joshua 21:17

From the tribe of Benjamin were given Gibeon

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The tribe of Benjamin gave Gibeon"

Geba

This is the name of a city.

Joshua 21:18

Anathoth ... Almon

These are names of cities.

Joshua 21:19

thirteen cities

"13 cities"

Joshua 21:20

the Kohathite clans

The priests in this group were descendants of Levi's son Kohath. A portion of them were also descendants of Aaron, Kohath's grandson.

they had cities given to them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they received cities"

casting of lots

A random method of choosing to remove the choice from the leader's will, often done with the idea that God will decide the outcome. See how you translated this in Joshua 19:1.

Joshua 21:21

Gezer

This is the name of a city.

Joshua 21:22

Kibzaim ... Beth Horon

names of cities

four cities in all

This refers to the list by the total number.

Joshua 21:23

From the tribe of Dan, the clan of Kohath was given Eltekeh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The tribe of Dan gave to the clan of Kohath Eltekeh"

the clan of Kohath

The priests in this group were descendants of Levi's son Kohath. A portion of them were also descendants of Aaron, Kohath's grandson. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Joshua 21:20]

Eltekeh ... Gibbethon

These are names of cities.

Joshua 21:24

Aijalon ... Gath Rimmon

These are names of cities.

four cities

This refers to the number of cities.

Joshua 21:25

From the half tribe of Manasseh, the clan of Kohath was given Taanach

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The half tribe of Manasseh gave to the clan of Kohath Taanach"

Taanach ... Gath Rimmon

These are names of cities.

clan of Kohath

The priests in this group were descendants of Levi's son Kohath. A portion of them were also descendants of Aaron, Kohath's grandson.

Joshua 21:26

clans of the Kohathites

The priests in this group were descendants of Levi's son Kohath. A portion of them were also descendants of Aaron, Kohath's grandson.

Joshua 21:27

From the half tribe of Manasseh, to clans of Gershon, these were other Levite clans, and they gave Golan

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The half tribe of Manasseh, other Levite clans, received from the half tribe of Manasseh Golan"

Golan ... Be Eshterah

names of cities

killed another unintentionally

This refers to a death resulting from an action not intended to harm a person.

two cities

number of cities

Joshua 21:28

To the clans of Gershon they also gave Kishion

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The clans of Gershon also received Kishion"

Kishion ... Daberath

names of cities

Joshua 21:29

Jarmuth ... En Gannim

names of cities

Joshua 21:30

From the tribe of Asher, they gave Mishal

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They received from the tribe of Asher Mishal"

Mishal ... Abdon

names of cities

Joshua 21:31

Helkath ... Rehob

names of cities

Joshua 21:32

From the tribe of Naphtali, they gave the clans of Gershon Kedesh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The clans of Gershon received from the tribe of Naphtali Kedesh"

Gershon

This is the name of a person.

Hammoth Dor ... Kartan

These are names of cities.

Joshua 21:33

thirteen cities in all

"13 cities in total"

Joshua 21:34

To the rest of the Levites—the clans of Merari—were given out of the tribe of Zebulun: Jokneam

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: The rest of the Levites—the clans of Merari—received from the tribe of Zebulun Jokneam"

Merari

This is a man's name.

Jokneam ... Kartah

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 21:35

Dimnah ... Nahalal

names of cities

Joshua 21:36

To the clans of Merari were given from the tribe of Reuben: Bezer

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The clans of Merari received from the tribe of Reuben Bezer"

Bezer ... Jahaz

names of cities

Joshua 21:37

four cities

This refers to the total number of cities.

Kedemoth ... Mephaath

names of cities

Joshua 21:38

Out of the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They received from the tribe of Gad Ramoth"

Ramoth ... Mahanaim

These are the names of cities.

Joshua 21:39

The clans of Merari were also given Heshbon

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The clans of Merari also received Heshbon"

Heshbon ... Jazer

These are names of cities.

Joshua 21:40

twelve cities in all

"12 cities in total"

twelve cities in all were given to them by the casting of lots

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they received these twelve cities by the casting of lots"

casting of lots

A random method of choosing to remove the choice from the leader's will, often done with the idea that God will decide the outcome. See how you translated this in Joshua 19:1.

Joshua 21:41

The cities of the Levites taken from the middle of the land

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Levites received their cities from the middle of the land"

forty-eight cities

"48 cities"

Joshua 21:42

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Joshua 21:43

he swore

"he gave an oath"

Joshua 21:44

Not one of their enemies could defeat them

This is stated in a negative way to strengthen the statement. Alternate translation: "They defeated every one of their enemies"

gave all their enemies into their hand

Here "into their hand" means "into their power." Alternate translation: "gave them power to defeat all their enemies"

Joshua 21:45

Not one thing among all the good promises that Yahweh had spoken to the house of Israel failed to come true

This is stated in a negative way to strengthen the statement. Alternate translation: "Every one of the good promises that Yahweh had spoken to the house of Israel came true"

Chapter 22

Joshua 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The division of the land is completed in this chapter. Additionally, the soldiers who received land on the east side of the Jordan River were released to go home.

Special concepts in this chapter

The tribes east of the Jordan River build a monument

The tribes east of the Jordan River said, "Let us now build an altar, not for burnt offerings nor for any sacrifices, but to be a witness between us and you, and between our generations after us, that we will perform the service of Yahweh before him, with our burnt offerings and with our sacrifices and with our peace offerings, so that your children will never say to our children in time to come, 'You have no share in Yahweh.'" They went home even though the Israelites had not fully conquered the land.

Joshua 22:1

Reubenites

people of the tribe of Reuben

Gadites

people of the tribe of Gad

Joshua 22:2

obeyed my voice

Here "my voice" refers to the things that Joshua had said. Alternate translation: "obeyed everything I said"

Joshua 22:3

You have not deserted your brothers

This can be stated in a positive way. Alternate translation: "You have remained with your brothers"

Joshua 22:4

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Joshua 22:5

to walk in all his ways

A person obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if he were walking on Yahweh's ways or roads. Alternate translation: "to obey everything he says"

with all your heart and with all your soul

The terms "heart" and "soul" are here used together to refer to the entire person. Alternate translation: "with all you think and feel" or "with your entire being"

Joshua 22:6

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Joshua 22:7

the Jordan

This was a short name for the Jordan River.

Joshua 22:8

iron

a strong, hard, magnetic metal

plunder

The winning army would take everything of value from the people they conquered.

Joshua 22:9

the commandment of Yahweh, by the hand of Moses

The phrase "by the hand of" is an idiom that means that Yahweh used Moses to deliver his command. Alternate translation: "the commandment that Yahweh told Moses to give to you"

Joshua 22:10

the Jordan

This was a short name for the Jordan River.

Joshua 22:11

at the front of the land of Canaan

The Israelite tribes who lived across the Jordan River would enter Canaan at the place where they built the altar. This place is spoken of as if it was the "front" or "entrance" to Canaan where the other tribes lived. Alternate translation: "at the entrance to the land of Canaan"

Geliloth

This is the name of a city.

Joshua 22:12

war

a state of armed conflict between two nations or people groups

Joshua 22:13

Eleazar

name of man

Joshua 22:14

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Joshua 22:15

General Information:

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Joshua 22:16

The whole assembly of Yahweh says this

All the people of Israel are spoken of together in the singular as if they were one person. Alternate translation: "All the other Israelites are asking"

Joshua 22:17

Was the iniquity of Peor not enough for us?

This question emphasizes how serious their previous sin was. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Certainly the iniquity of Peor was enough for us!" or "We sinned so badly at Peor that we certainly do not want to sin more."

the iniquity of Peor

"the iniquity we committed at Peor" or "the guilt of the sin that we committed at Peor"

enough for us

"bad enough"

Peor

This is name of a place. Translate the same way as in [Joshua 13:20]

we have not even now cleansed ourselves from it

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "we are still dealing with the guilt of that sin"

Joshua 22:18

Must you also turn away from following Yahweh at this present day?

This question is used to rebuke the people for their sin. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You must not turn away from following Yahweh today!"

Joshua 22:19

General Information:

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Joshua 22:20

Achan ... Zerah

names of men

Did not Achan son of Zerah, act faithlessly in the matter of those things that had been reserved for God? Did not wrath fall on the entire community of Israel?

These questions are used to remind the people of the punishment for past sins. These questions can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "Achan son of Zerah sinned by taking things that had been reserved for God. And because of that God punished all the people of Israel!"

Joshua 22:21

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Joshua 22:22

If it was in rebellion or in unfaithfulness against Yahweh

The word "it" refers to their building of the altar. Alternate translation: "If we built this altar in rebellion or unfaithfulness against Yahweh" or "If we rebelled and broke faith with Yahweh when we built this altar"

do not deliver us on this day

"do not rescue us today" or "do not save us today." The three tribes say this to prove to the rest of Israel that they did not build the altar in rebellion or breach of faith. If they had rebelled and broken faith, they would not have dared to say "do not deliver us on this day."

Joshua 22:23

let Yahweh make us pay for it

The three tribes say this to prove to the rest of Israel that they did not build the altar in order to offering any kind of offerings on it. If they had built the altar to do those things, they would not have dared to say "let Yahweh make us pay for it."

Joshua 22:24

General Information:

The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh now tell why they built the altar.

What have you to do with Yahweh, the God of Israel?

This rhetorical question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have nothing to do with Yahweh, the God of Israel!"

Joshua 22:25

General Information:

The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh continue their answer.

For Yahweh has made the Jordan ... nothing to do with Yahweh

This is the continuation of the accusation that the three tribes fear the children of the other tribes might make sometime in the future.

the Jordan

This is a short name for the Jordan River.

So your children might make our children cease to worship Yahweh

The three tribes were afraid that the others might make their children stop worshiping Yahweh.

Joshua 22:26

General Information:

The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh now give their answer.

Joshua 22:27

to be a witness between us and you, and between our generations after us

The altar is spoken of as if it were a witness that could testify to the rights of the three tribes. Alternate translation: "to remind us and you, and our descendants and your descendants"

that we will perform the service of Yahweh before him

The phrase "before him" refers to the place where Yahweh had said they should offer sacrifices to him. They would not offer sacrifices on the altar that they had just built. Alternate translation: "that we will perform the service of Yahweh in his tabernacle"

no share

"no portion" or "no inheritance"

Joshua 22:28

General Information:

The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh now finish their answer.

This is a copy of the altar of Yahweh, which our ancestors made ... as a witness between us and you

The is what the descendants of the three tribes would say to the other tribes.

as a witness between us and you

"as a reminder for us and you." The three tribes wanted people to see the copy of the altar and remember that the three tribes belong to Israel and worship God at the real altar in the tabernacle.

Joshua 22:29

May it be far from us that we should rebel

The unlikely chance that they would rebel is spoken of as if it is something that is a great distance away from them. Alternate translation: "We would certainly not rebel"

turn away from following him

To stop following Yahweh is spoken of as if they were turning away from him. Alternate translation: "stop following him"

Joshua 22:30

heard the words

"heard the message"

was good in their eyes

Here "in their eyes" means "in their opinion."

Joshua 22:31

committed this act of faithlessness against him

"broken your promise to him"

you have rescued the people of Israel out of the hand of Yahweh

Here "the hand of Yahweh" refers to his punishment. Protecting the people is spoken of as rescuing them from his hand. Alternate translation: "you have kept Yahweh from punishing us"

Joshua 22:32

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Joshua 22:33

Their report was good in the eyes of the people

Here "good in the eyes" means "accepted." Alternate translation: "The people accepted the report of the leaders"

destroy the land

"destroy everything in the land"

Joshua 22:34

for they said

This refers to the Reubenites and Gadites.

It is a witness between us

The altar is spoken of as if it were a witness that could testify for the three tribes.

Chapter 23

Joshua 23 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Joshua's final words to Israel (Joshua 23-24)

"Do not marry with the heathen people but drive them out."

Drive them out

The Israelites were to completely drive out the Canaanites. If they did not drive them out completely, the Canaanites would cause the Israelites to worship other gods. It was sinful to allow the Canaanites to remain in the land because if the Israelites married the Canaanites, the Canaanites would cause them to worship other gods. (See: falsegod and sin)

Joshua 23:1

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Joshua 23:2

old and well advanced in years

This doublet can be translated as "very old."

Joshua 23:3

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Joshua 23:4

the Jordan

This is a short name for the Jordan River.

in the west

This indicates the direction of the setting sun.

Joshua 23:5

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Joshua 23:6

turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left

Disobeying the commands of the law of Moses is spoken of as turning to the right or to the left away from a path.

Joshua 23:7

you may not mix

Possible meanings are 1) having close friendship with them or 2) intermarrying with them.

mention

to speak of

their gods

This refers to the gods of the remaining nations.

Joshua 23:8

cling to Yahweh

"hold tightly to Yahweh." Believing in Yahweh is spoken of as if they were holding tightly onto him. Alternate translation: "continue to believe in Yahweh"

to this day

"until the present time"

Joshua 23:9

to stand before you

Here "stand" represents holding ground in a battle. The word "you" refers to the entire nation of Israel.

Joshua 23:10

single

only one

a thousand

"1,000"

Joshua 23:11

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Joshua 23:12

cling to the survivors of these nations

Accepting the beliefs of these nations is spoken of as holding tightly to them. Alternate translation: "accept the beliefs of the survivors of these nations"

Joshua 23:13

a snare and a trap

The words "snare" and "trap" mean basically the same thing. Together they speak of the other nations as if they were a deadly trap that will cause trouble for Israel.

whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes

These phrases speak of the troubles these nations will cause Israel as if they were as painful as whips and thorns.

Joshua 23:14

I am going the way of all the earth

Joshua uses a polite term to refer to his death. Alternate translation: "I am going to die"

know with all your hearts and souls

Here the words "hearts" and "souls" have similar meanings. Together they emphasize deep personal knowledge.

not one word has failed to come true

These words emphasize that Yahweh has fulfilled all his promises. "every word has come true"

Joshua 23:15

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Joshua 23:16

He will do this

This refers to the punishment threatened in the previous verse.

worship other gods and bow down to them

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second describes how the people "worship other gods."

the anger of Yahweh will be kindled against you

"Kindled" here is a metaphor for the beginning of Yahweh's anger, like a fire is "kindled" or started with "kindling" or very easy to start burning like dried grass or small twigs. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will begin to be angry with you"

Chapter 24

Joshua 24 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Joshua's instructions

In this chapter, Joshua gives the leaders and people instructions in preparation for his death. It was common in the Ancient Near East for important leaders to do this. Unfortunately, the people of Israel did not listen to Joshua's instructions.

Joshua 24:1

Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel

Joshua's summons to the tribes is spoken of as if he gathered them together in a basket. Alternate translation: "Joshua asked all the tribes of Israel to meet with him"

presented themselves before

"came and stood in front of" or "came before"

Joshua 24:2

long ago

"many years ago"

This is what

Joshua begins to quote what Yahweh had said previously. The quotation continues until the end of verse 13.

Terah ... Nahor

These are the names of men.

Joshua 24:3

General Information:

Joshua continues quoting what Yahweh said about his dealings with his people.

Joshua 24:4

Seir

This is the name of a place.

went down

Egypt was lower in elevation that the land of Canaan. Alternate translation: "traveled"

Joshua 24:5

General Information:

Joshua continues quoting what Yahweh said about his dealings with his people.

brought you out

The word "you" is plural and refers to the entire nation of Israel.

Joshua 24:6

brought your ancestors out

The word "your" is plural throughout this speech and refers to the entire nation of Israel.

Joshua 24:7

General Information:

Joshua continues quoting what Yahweh said about his dealings with his people.

your ancestors ... you

Yahweh continually alternates between these two phrases, which both refer to all the Israelites, past and present. The word "you" is plural throughout this speech and refers to the entire nation of Israel.

the sea

This refers to the Sea of Reeds.

in the wilderness

an uninhabited area, a desert

Joshua 24:8

General Information:

Joshua continues quoting what Yahweh said about his dealings with his people.

you

The word "you" is plural throughout this speech and refers to the entire nation of Israel.

the Jordan

This is a short name for the Jordan River.

gave them into your hand

Here "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "enabled you to conquer them"

Joshua 24:9

General Information:

Joshua continues quoting what Yahweh said about his dealings with his people.

Balak ... Zippor

men's names

you

The word "you" is plural throughout this speech and refers to the entire nation of Israel.

Joshua 24:10

rescued you out of his hand

Here "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "enabled you to overcome him"

Joshua 24:11

General Information:

Joshua continues quoting what Yahweh said about his dealings with his people.

You

The word "you" is plural throughout this speech and refers to the entire nation of Israel.

the Jordan

This is a short name for the Jordan River.

Joshua 24:12

the hornet

A small fast flying stinging insect that lives in colonies. Here, many "hornets" are spoken of as only one.

Joshua 24:13

General Information:

Joshua finishes quoting what Yahweh said about his dealings with his people.

Joshua 24:14

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Joshua 24:15

If it seems wrong in your eyes

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or desire. Alternate translation: "If you do not want"

my house

This represents his family that lives in his house. Alternate translation: "my family"

Joshua 24:16

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Joshua 24:17

us and our ancestors ... we

The people speak as if they were present with their ancestors, and interchange the words "us" and "we" with "our ancestors."

house of slavery

Here "house" is an idiom that refers to the location of their slavery. Alternate translation: "place where we were slaves"

nations through whom we passed

"nations that we passed through"

Joshua 24:18

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Joshua 24:19

people

This refers to the Israelites.

he is a jealous God

God wants his people to worship only him.

Joshua 24:20

He will consume you

Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if he was a fire that would destroy them. Alternate translation: "He will destroy you as with fire"

Joshua 24:21

people

This refers to the Israelites.

Joshua 24:22

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Joshua 24:23

turn your heart to Yahweh

Deciding to obey Yahweh only is spoken of as turning their heart towards him. Here "heart" represents the whole person. In this case, "heart" is plural because it refers to all the Israelites as a single group. However, it may be best to translate it in the plural since "your" is plural. Alternate translation: "turn yourselves to Yahweh" or "decide to obey Yahweh"

Joshua 24:24

people

This refers to the Israelites.

We will listen to his voice

Here "listen" means to obey. Alternate translation: "We will obey everything he tells us to do"

Joshua 24:25

He put in place decrees and laws

Establishing laws is spoken of as if Joshua physically set them in place like monuments. Alternate translation: "He established decrees and laws" or "He gave them laws and decrees to obey"

Joshua 24:26

the Book of the law of God

This appears to be a continuation of the writings of Moses.

set it up there

"placed it there"

Joshua 24:27

people

This refers to the Israelites.

this stone will be a testimony ... It has heard all the words

The stone that Joshua set up is spoken of as if it were a person who heard what was spoken and would be able to testify about what was said.

should you ever

"if you ever"

Joshua 24:28

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Joshua 24:29

110 years old

"one hundred and ten years old"

Joshua 24:30

Timnath Serah ... Mount Gaash

names of places

Joshua 24:31

all of Joshua's days

This is an idiom that refers to Joshua's entire life.

outlived Joshua

"lived longer than Joshua"

Joshua 24:32

The bones of Joseph ... they buried them at Shechem,

It may be helpful to change the order of the beginning of this sentence. Alternate translation: "The people of Israel brought the bones of Joseph up out of Egypt and buried them at Shechem"

one hundred pieces

"100 pieces"

Joshua 24:33

Eleazar

This is a man's name.

Gibeah

This is the name of a place.

Book: Judges

Chapter 1

Judges 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

"After the death of Joshua"

This statement creates a seamless transition from the book of Joshua.

Special concepts in this chapter

Finishing the conquest of the Promised Land

Israel fought to clear the land of the Canaanites, but they also made treaties with other peoples and made some of them do hard labor. This was against God's instruction to completely remove the Canaanite people from the land.

Judges 1:1

Connecting Statement:

The book of Judges continues the story about Joshua and is also the beginning of a new part of the story.

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

will attack the Canaanites for us

The word "us" refers to the people of Israel, but not to Yahweh.

Judges 1:2

Judah will attack

Here "Judah" represents the men of the tribe of Judah. Yahweh is commanding these men to attack first. Alternate translation: "The men of Judah must attack first"

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

this land

This refers to the land where the Canaanites lived. Alternate translation: "the land of the Canaanites"

Judges 1:3

their brothers

"their fellow Israelites" or "their relatives"

Come up with us

The people of the tribes of Judah and Simeon were camped with the rest of the Israelite people in the valley of the Jordan River. The land given to Judah was in the hills above the valley. Some languages do not usually indicate whether people were going up or down. Alternate translation: "Come with us" or "Go with us"

that was assigned to us ... that was assigned to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Yahweh assigned to us ... that Yahweh assigned to you"

We in turn will go with you

"In the same way, we will go with you"

Judges 1:4

The men of Judah attacked

It is implied that the men of Simeon attacked with the men of Judah.

They killed ten thousand

"They killed about 10,000" or "They killed a large number"

of them

"soldiers of the Canaanites and Perizzites" or "enemies"

Bezek

This is an area in the mountains of Canaan.

Judges 1:5

Adoni-Bezek

This man was the leader of the army of the Canaanites and the Perizzites.

they fought against him

Here "him" actually refers to Adoni-Bezek and his army. Alternate translation: "they fought against him and his army"

Judges 1:6

pursued him

"chased him"

Judges 1:7

Seventy kings

"70 kings"

who had their thumbs and their big toes cut off

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whose thumbs and big toes I told my men to cut off" or "whose thumbs and big toes we cut off"

picked up food from under my table

The phrase "picked up" is a metonym for eating. Forcing these kings to eat food that fell from Adoni-Bezek's table represents all the ways that he humiliated them. Alternate translation: "ate scraps of food from under my table"

Judges 1:8

the city of Jerusalem and took it

Here "city" represents the people. Alternate translation: "the people who lived in Jerusalem and defeated them"

They attacked it

Here "it" refers to the city which represents the people of the city. Alternate translation: "They attacked the people of the city"

with the edge of the sword

"with the point of the sword." Here "sword" represents the swords and other weapons that the soldiers used in battle. Alternate translation: "with their swords" or "with their weapons"

Judges 1:9

the men of Judah went down to fight

It was common to use the word "down" when it refers to traveling from Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "the men of Judah went to fight"

in the Negev

"in the southern Judean wilderness"

lowlands

hills at the base of a mountain or mountain range

Judges 1:10

the name of Hebron was previously Kiriath Arba

This is background information. Some people who first read this book had probably heard of Kiriath Arba but did not know that it was the same as the city that they called Hebron.

Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai

These are the names of three Canaanite leaders of Hebron. Each leader represents his army. Alternate translation: "Sheshai, Ahiman, Talmai, and their armies"

Judges 1:11

the name of Debir was previously Kiriath Sepher

The author probably wrote this because his readers knew the city as Debir. But at the time Israel attacked it, it was called Kiriath Sepher. Alternate translation: "which used to be called Kiriath Sepher"

was previously

"was in times past" or "was at an earlier time"

Judges 1:12

Whoever attacks Kiriath Sepher and takes it

Here "Kiriath Sepher" represents the people. Alternate translation: "Whoever attacks and defeats the people of Kiriath Sepher and takes their city"

Aksah

This is the name of Caleb's daughter.

Judges 1:13

Othniel, son of Kenaz

These are names of men.

Judges 1:14

she urged him

"Aksah urged Othniel"

Judges 1:15

Give me a blessing

"Do a favor for me" or "Do this for me"

Since you have given me the land of the Negev

Caleb gave Aksah in marriage to Othniel, so she lived with Othniel in the city that he had captured in the Negev. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Since you have given me in marriage to live in the Negev"

Since you have given me the land

This implies that Caleb did give her the field when she asked him for it (verse 14). She is now asking for springs of water in addition to that field.

Judges 1:16

of Moses' father-in-law

"of the father of Moses' wife"

father-in-law the Kenite went up

"father-in-law, who was one of the Ken people, went up"

went up from the City of Palms ... into the wilderness

"left the City of Palms ... and went into the wilderness"

City of Palms

This is another name for the city of Jericho.

Arad

This is the name of a city in Canaan.

Judges 1:17

the men of Simeon their brothers

Here "brothers" means relatives who were in another tribe of Israel.

Zephath

This is the name of a city in Canaan.

The name of the city was called Hormah

After the Israelites destroyed Zephath, they changed its name to "Hormah." The name "Hormah" means "complete destruction."

Judges 1:18

General Information:

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Judges 1:19

Yahweh was with the people of Judah

Here "was with" means that Yahweh helped the people of Judah.

plains

a very large area of level, treeless ground

Judges 1:20

Hebron was given to Caleb (like Moses had said)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses had given Hebron to Caleb"

three sons of Anak

The leaders of the people groups are used to refer to the entire group. Alternate translation: "three sons of Anak and their people"

Anak

This is the name of a man. Anak and his descendants were famous for being very tall.

Judges 1:21

to this day

"until now." This refers to the time the book of Judges was written.

Judges 1:22

The house of Joseph

Here "house" represents descendants. Manasseh and Ephraim were sons of Joseph, and the "house of Joseph" can refer to the descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim" or "The men of the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim"

to attack Bethel

Here "Bethel" represents the people who live in Bethel.

Judges 1:23

spy

to get information secretly

the city that was formerly named Luz

This is background information. Some people who first read this book had probably heard of Luz but did not know that it was the same as the city that they called Bethel.

Judges 1:24

spies

people who get information secretly

Judges 1:25

they attacked the city

Here "city" represents the people. Alternate translation: "they attacked the people of the city"

with the edge of the sword

"with the point of the sword." Here "sword" represents the swords and other weapons that the soldiers used in battle. Alternate translation: "with their swords" or "with their weapons"

get away

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "escape"

Judges 1:26

Luz

This new town started in the land of the Hittites was named after the town of Luz, near Bethel, that the man had left.

which is its name to this day

"which is still its name." Here "to this day" refers to the time when the book of Judges was written.

Judges 1:27

Beth Shan ... Taanach ... Dor ... Ibleam ... Megiddo

These are names of cities.

because the Canaanites were determined to live in that land

To "determine" is to firmly decide something. Alternate translation: "because the Canaanites firmly decided not to leave that land"

Judges 1:28

When Israel became strong

Here "Israel" represents the people. Alternate translation: "When the people of Israel became stronger"

they forced the Canaanites to serve them with hard labor

"they forced the Canaanites to do hard work for them"

Judges 1:29

Ephraim did not

Here "Ephraim" the men or the soldiers of the tribe of Ephraim.

Gezer

The name of one of the cities in the Ephraim area.

Judges 1:30

Zebulun did not drive out

Here "Zebulun" represents the men or the soldiers of the tribe of Zebulun.

Kitron ... Nahalol

These are names of cities in the land of Canaan.

but Zebulun forced

Here "Zebulun" represents the people of the tribe of Zebulun.

hard labor

"difficult labor"

Judges 1:31

Asher did not drive

Here "Asher" represents the men or the soldiers of the tribe of Asher.

Akko ... Sidon ... Ahlab, Akzib, Helbah, Aphek ... Rehob

These are names of cities in the land of Canaan.

Judges 1:32

General Information:

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Judges 1:33

Beth Shemesh ... Beth Anath

These are names of cities.

the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh and Beth Anath were forced into hard labor for Naphthali

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people of Naphtali forced the people of Beth Shemesh and Beth Anath to work for them as slaves"

Judges 1:34

not allowing them to come down

"stopping them from coming down"

plain

a very large area of flat land without trees

Judges 1:35

Mount Heres

This is the name of a large hill on which the city of Aijalon was built.

Aijalon ... Shaalbim

These are names of cities.

the military might of the house of Joseph conquered them

"the tribes of people who descended from Joseph were able to conquer them because of their powerful army"

house of Joseph

Here "house" represents descendants. Manasseh and Ephraim were sons of Joseph, and the "house of Joseph" can refer to the descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim. Alternate translation: "the descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim" or "the men of the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim"

Judges 1:36

the hill of Akrabbim

This was a pass southwest of the Dead Sea. It is also called the "Scorpion Pass."

Sela

This is the name of a city.

Chapter 2

Judges 2 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh tests Israel

Yahweh said, "Because this nation has broken the terms of my covenant." Completely removing the Canaanites from the land was a test from Yahweh. While Yahweh displayed covenant faithfulness, Israel did not. (See: test and covenantfaith)

Judges 2:1

angel of Yahweh

Possible meaning are 1) "angel who represents Yahweh" or 2) "messenger who serves Yahweh" or 3) it may refer to Yahweh himself, who looked like an angel as he talked to a person. Either one of these meanings would explain the angel's use of "I" as if Yahweh himself were talking.

went up from Gilgal to Bokim

"left Gilgal and went to Bokim"

Bokim

This is what the Israelites named this place in 2:5 after the angel rebukes the people. "Bokim" means "crying."

and said

It is understood that the angel of Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "and said to the people of Israel"

brought you up from Egypt

"led you from Egypt"

your fathers

"your ancestors" or "your forefathers"

break my covenant with you

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "fail to do what I said I would do for you"

Judges 2:2

you have not listened to my voice

Here "voice" represents what Yahweh said. Alternate translation: "you have not obeyed my commands"

What is this that you have done?

This question is asked to cause the people of Israel to realize they have disobeyed Yahweh and will suffer because of it. Alternate translation: "You have done a terrible thing."

Judges 2:3

General Information:

The angel of Yahweh continues to speak to the people of Israel.

So now I say, 'I will not ... trap for you.'

This has a quotation within a quotation. This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "So now I tell you that I will not ... trap for you.'"

become thorns in your sides

The Canaanites troubling the Israelites is spoken of as if the Canaanites would be thorns in the side of the Israelites. Alternate translation: "cause you trouble"

thorns

sharp pieces of wood up to 7 centimeters long that stick out from some plants

their gods will become a trap for you

The Israelites worshiping the Canaanite gods is spoken of as if the false gods were a hunter's trap that catches an animal and causes it harm.

Judges 2:4

shouted and wept

"cried many tears"

Judges 2:5

General Information:

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Judges 2:6

Now when Joshua

Here "Now" is used to mark a stop in the main story. Here the narrator begins a summary that explains how the generations of Israelites after Joshua sinned and worshiped false gods so that Yahweh punished them, but then he would send judges to rescue them. This summary ends in 2:23.

when Joshua ... of the land

The events of 1:1-2:5 happened after Joshua died. This is recounting events that happened at the end of the book of Joshua.

to his own property

This statement can be made clearer. Alternate translation: "to the place Yahweh had given him"

Judges 2:7

Connecting Statement:

The background information that begins with the words "Now when Joshua" in verse 6 continues.

during the lifetime

This means the time that someone lived. Alternate translation: "during the life"

the elders

Here this means the men who helped lead Israel, participating in matters of social justice and in religious matters such as maintaining the law of Moses.

outlived him

This means to live longer than someone else. Alternate translation: "lived longer than he did"

Judges 2:8

Connecting Statement:

The background information that begins with the words "Now when Joshua" in verse 6 continues.

Joshua son of Nun ... died at the age of 110 years old

The background information that begins with the words "Now when Joshua" in verse 6 ends. The events of 1:1-2:5 happened after Joshua died.

Nun

This is the name of a man.

110 years old

"one hundred and ten years old"

Judges 2:9

Timnath Heres

This is the name of an area of land.

Mount Gaash

This is the name of a mountain.

Judges 2:10

All that generation was also gathered to their fathers

The phrase "was also gathered to their fathers" means that as the people of that generation died, their souls went to the same place as their ancestors who died before them. It is a polite way of saying they died.

fathers

Here this means the ancestors of a certain person or people group.

grew up

"grew older" or "became older"

who did not know Yahweh

Here "did not know" means they had not experienced Yahweh or his power the way the previous generation had.

Judges 2:11

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considered to be evil"

Baals

This is the plural of Baal. While "Baal" was generally the name of one false god, the word was also used for various other gods that were often worshiped along with Baal.

Judges 2:12

They broke away from Yahweh

The Israelites no longer obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if they physically broke away from him and left him.

their fathers

"their ancestors" or "their forefathers"

They went after other gods

The Israelites starting to worship false gods is spoken of as if the Israelites walked and went after the false gods.

bowed down to them

This is an act of worship and giving honor to someone.

They provoked Yahweh to anger

"They caused Yahweh to become angry"

Judges 2:13

Ashtoreths

This is the plural of Ashtoroth, who was worshiped as a goddess in many different forms.

Judges 2:14

The anger of Yahweh burned against Israel

The anger of Yahweh is described as burning like a fire. Alternate translation: "Yahweh became very angry with the people of Israel"

he gave them to the raiders who stole their possessions from them

"he let raiders steal their possessions"

He sold them as slaves who were held by the strength of their enemies around them, so they could no longer defend themselves against their enemies

Yahweh allowing the enemies to take the Israelites as slaves is spoken of as if he sold them into slavery. The phrase "who were held by" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He allowed their enemies to conquer them and take them as slaves, and they could no longer resist their powerful enemies"

Judges 2:15

Yahweh's hand was against them to defeat them

Here "hand" represents Yahweh's power. Alternate translation: "Yahweh helped their enemies defeat them"

they were in terrible distress

"they were suffering terribly"

Judges 2:16

Then Yahweh raised up judges

Yahweh appointing persons to be judges is spoken of as if he were raising or lifting the persons up.

out of the hand of those

Here "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "from the power of the enemies"

Judges 2:17

they would not listen to their judges

"they would not obey their judges"

gave themselves like prostitutes to other gods and worshiped them

The people betraying Yahweh and worshiping other gods is spoken of as if the people were prostitutes. Alternate translation: "betrayed him by worshiping false gods"

their fathers

"their ancestors" or "their forefathers"

Judges 2:18

When Yahweh raised up judges

Yahweh appointing persons to be judges is spoken of as if he raised or lifted up the persons.

judges for them ... delivered them

The word "them" refers to the Israelites.

the hand of their enemies

Here "hand" refers to power of the enemies to hurt Israel. Alternate translation: "the power of their enemies"

all the days the judge lived

"as long as the judge lived"

pity

to have compassion for someone or something

as they groaned

The sound made by a person who suffers is used to describe the pain of the Israelites as they suffer. Alternate translation: "as they suffered"

Judges 2:19

they would turn away

The people no longer obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if they would physically turn away from Yahweh.

their fathers

"their ancestors" or "their forefathers"

They would go after other gods to serve them and worship them

The Israelites worshiping other gods is spoken of as if they were walking and going after other gods. Alternate translation: "They would serve and worship other gods"

They refused to give up any of their evil deeds or their stubborn ways

"They refused to stop doing evil things and being stubborn." This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "They continued doing evil things and being stubborn"

Judges 2:20

The anger of Yahweh burned against Israel

The anger of Yahweh is described as burning like a fire. See how you translated this phrase in [Judges 2:14]

this nation has broken

Here "nation" represents the people. Alternate translation: "these people have broken" or "the Israelites have broken"

Judges 2:21

any of the nations

Here "nations" represents the people groups that lived in Canaan before the Israelites.

Judges 2:22

they will keep the way of Yahweh and walk in it

How Yahweh wants people to live or behave is spoken of as if it were a way or road. A person obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if they were walking in his way.

Judges 2:23

did not drive them out quickly and give them into the hand of Joshua

These two phrases mean the same thing and can be combined. Alternate translation: "he did not let Joshua quickly conquer them and drive them out"

into the hand of Joshua

Here "hand" is a metonym for power, and "Joshua" represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: "into the power of Joshua and his army"

Chapter 3

Judges 3 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The people worship false gods

Israel worshiped idols and false gods. Because of this, Yahweh allowed Aram and Moab to rule over them. In the period of Judges, when Israel sinned, they were often placed under the rule of a foreign power. (See: falsegod and sin)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"Blew a trumpet"

When Ehud "blew a trumpet," he was calling all of the men to come help him fight.

Judges 3:1

Now Yahweh

Here "Now" begins a new section of the story.

these nations

This refers to the people groups that the narrator will list in 3:3.

who had not experienced any of the wars fought in Canaan

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who had not fought in any of the wars in Canaan"

Judges 3:2

He did this to teach warfare to the new generation of the people of Israel who had not known it before

This changes from the main story. The narrator gives background information about why Yahweh left some of the people groups in Canaan. Alternate translation: "Yahweh left nations among the people of Israel to teach the young men who had not fought in battle before how to fight"

Judges 3:3

the five rulers

These five rulers represent themselves and their people. Alternate translation: "the five rulers and their people"

rulers

kings

Mount Baal Hermon

This is the highest mountain in Israel.

Lebo Hamath

This is the name of route between two mountains at the northern boundary of Canaan.

Judges 3:4

These nations were left

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh left these nations in Canaan" or "Yahweh allowed these nations to continue to live in Canaan"

as a means

"as a way"

whether they would ... gave their ancestors

The words "they" and "their" refer to the people of Israel.

the commands he gave

"the commands Yahweh gave"

Judges 3:5

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Judges 3:6

General Information:

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Judges 3:7

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [Judges 2:11]

forgot Yahweh their God

Here "forgot" is an idiom that means "they stopped obeying."

Judges 3:8

the anger of Yahweh was set on fire

Yahweh becoming very angry is spoken of as if his anger were something that could be set on fire. Alternate translation: "Yahweh became very angry"

sold them into the hand of Cushan-Rishathaim

Allowing the people of Israel to be conquered is spoken of as if Yahweh sold them to Cushan-Rishathaim. Alternate translation: "allowed Cushan-Rishathaim and his army to defeat them"

into the hand of Cushan-Rishathaim

Here "hand" is a metonym that represents power or control. Also, "Cushan-Rishathaim" is a synechdoche that represents himself and his army.

Cushan-Rishathaim

This is the name of a man.

Aram Naharaim

This is the name of a country.

Judges 3:9

Yahweh raised up someone

Yahweh appointing someone to do a special work for him is spoken of as if Yahweh raised or lifted up the person.

Othniel ... Kenaz

See how you translated these men's names in Judges 1:13.

Judges 3:10

empowered him

This phrase means that Yahweh helped Othniel to have and develop the qualities he needed to be a great leader.

he judged Israel

Here "judged" means he led the people of Israel.

he went out to war

Here "he" refers to Othniel who represents himself and the army of Israel. Alternate translation: "Othniel and the Israelite soldiers went to fight against the army of Cushan-Rishathaim"

Yahweh gave him victory over Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram

Here "Cushan-Rishathaim" represents his army. Alternate translation: "Yahweh helped the Israelite army defeat the army of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram"

The hand of Othniel

Here "hand" is a metonym for army. Alternate translation: "The army of Othniel"

Judges 3:11

The land had peace

"The land" is used to refer to the people who lived in the land. Alternate translation: "The people lived peacefully"

forty years

"40 years"

Judges 3:12

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [Judges 2:11]

Yahweh gave strength to Eglon king of Moab

The abstract noun "strength" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "Yahweh made Eglon king of Moab strong"

to Eglon king of Moab to overpower Israel

Here "Eglon king of Moab" represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: "to Eglon king of Moab and his soldiers as they attacked the Israelite army"

Eglon

This is the name of a king.

to overpower Israel

The name "Israel" here is a metonym for the army or the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "to defeat the army of Israel" or "to conquer the people of Israel"

Judges 3:13

the City of Palms

This is another name for the city of Jericho. See how you translated this in Judges 1:16.

Judges 3:14

eighteen years

"18 years"

Judges 3:15

called out to Yahweh

Here this means to shout or speak loudly to someone far away. It can also mean to ask someone for help, especially God.

raised up a deliverer

Yahweh appointing a deliverer to do a special service for him is spoken of as if he raised or lifted up the person.

Ehud ... Gera

These are names of men.

left-handed

Ehud was better able to hold a sword with his left hand.

Judges 3:16

one cubit

If it is necessary to use a modern measurement of length, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: "46 centimeters" or "about one half meter"

thigh

the part of the leg between the knee and the hip

Judges 3:17

Now Eglon was a very fat man

Here "Now" is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the narrator tells background information about Eglon.

Judges 3:18

General Information:

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Judges 3:19

when he reached the place where the carved images were made near Gilgal

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when he arrived at the place near Gilgal where people made carved images"

Judges 3:20

in the coolness of the upper room

This is a room above the lower level that was used for rest and to remain cool during the hot part of the day.

The king got up out of his seat

Standing up was a sign of honoring God will listening to his message.

Judges 3:21

General Information:

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Judges 3:22

The tip of the sword came out of his back

"The sharp end of the sword came out of his back"

Judges 3:23

porch

an outside room with low walls and a roof covering

Judges 3:24

Surely he is relieving himself

This is a polite way to speak about a person having a bowel movement

Judges 3:25

until they felt they were neglecting their duty

They waited until they became worried that something was wrong and it was their duty to open the doors to their king's private room.

took the key and opened them

"took the key and opened the doors"

Judges 3:26

While the servants were waiting ... Ehud escaped

This tells what happened before the servants opened the doors to the upper room and found the king dead. Alternate translation: "Meanwhile, as the servants were still waiting outside of the upper room ... Ehud escaped"

Seirah

This is the name of a city.

Judges 3:27

When he arrived

This could be made clearer. Alternate translation: "When he arrived in Seirah"

Judges 3:28

General Information:

Ehud speaks to the people of Israel in Ephraim.

for Yahweh is about to defeat your enemies

Yahweh helping the Israelites to defeat their enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh were a warrior who would fight and defeat their enemies.

captured the fords

"gained control of the fords"

fords

the areas of a river where it is shallow and easy to walk across to the other side

did not allow anyone to cross

"did not let anyone cross"

Judges 3:29

ten thousand men

"10,000 men"

capable men

"able men" or "men able to fight well"

Judges 3:30

Moab was subdued by the strength of Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Israelite army defeated the Moabites"

the strength of Israel

Here "strength" represents the Israelite army.

the land had rest

Here "land" represents the people. Alternate translation: "the Israelites lived peacefully"

eighty years

"80 years"

Judges 3:31

judge

God appointed judges to lead the people of Israel in times of trouble after they entered the Promised Land and before they had kings. Often judges rescued the Israelites from their enemies.

Shamgar

The name of a man.

Anath

The name of a man.

600 men

"six hundred men"

a stick used to goad oxen

Cattle farmers would poke their cattle with a sharp stick to make them move. Alternate translation: "a stick used to urge oxen to move" or "a stick used to direct oxen"

He also delivered Israel from danger

The word "danger" refers to enemies that tried to harm the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "He also delivered the people of Israel from their enemies"

Chapter 4

Judges 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapters 4 and 5 form one section about Barak and Deborah.

Special concepts in this chapter

Barak's leadership

At this time, it was very unusual for a woman to be a leader, especially a military leader. Barak lacked the strength to go into battle without Deborah. This indicates that Barak was a poor leader. If a woman won the battle for him, it would have brought Barak shame. It also indicates that Deborah was very well respected.

Judges 4:1

Ehud

See how you translated this man's name in Judges 3:15.

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [Judges 2:11]

Judges 4:2

Yahweh sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan

Here "hand" refers to Jabin's power over Israel. Yahweh's decision to give Jabin power over them is spoken of as if Yahweh had sold them to Jabin. Alternate translation: "Yahweh allowed them to be defeated by the power of Jabin king of Canaan"

Jabin ... Sisera

These are the names of men

Hazor ... Harosheth Haggoyim

These are the names of cities or places

Judges 4:3

nine hundred iron chariots

"900 iron chariots"

twenty years

"20 years"

Judges 4:4

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the narrator tells background information about Deborah.

Deborah

This is the name of a woman

Lappidoth

This is the name of a man

judge

God appointed judges to lead the Israelites in times of trouble. Often the judges rescued them from their enemies.

Judges 4:5

palm of Deborah

This tree was named after Deborah.

Judges 4:6

General Information:

The writer of Judges refers to men, a city, a mountain, and a river by their names.

Barak ... Abinoam

These are the names of men.

Mount Tabor

This is the name of a mountain.

ten thousand men

"10,000 men"

Judges 4:7

I will draw out

Here "I" refers to God.

draw out Sisera

Here "Sisera" represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: "draw out Sisera and his army"

draw out

to cause people to come away from a safe location

Sisera ... Jabin

See how you translated these men's names in Judges 4:2.

Kishon

This is the name of a river.

Judges 4:8

General Information:

Barak has a discussion with Deborah.

Barak

See how you translated this man's name in Judges 4:6.

Judges 4:9

the road on which you are going will not lead to your honor

The choice Barak makes is spoken of as if Barak were choosing a road on which to travel. And, "honor" is spoken of as if it were a destination to which one travels. Alternate translation: "no one will honor you for what you do"

for Yahweh will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman

Here "hand" refers to her power to kill him. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh will cause a woman to defeat Sisera"

Sisera

See how you translated this man's name in Judges 4:2.

Deborah

See how you translated this woman's name in Judges 4:4.

Judges 4:10

Ten thousand men

"10,000 men"

Judges 4:11

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the narrator tells background information about Heber the Kenite.

Heber ... Hobab

These are the names of men.

Kenite

See how you translated this in Judges 1:16

Moses' father-in-law

"the father of Moses' wife"

Zaanannim

This is the name of a city.

Judges 4:12

When they told Sisera

Here "they" does not identify anyone specifically. Alternate translation: "When someone told Sisera"

Sisera

See how you translated this man's name in Judges 4:2.

Barak ... Abinoam ... Mount Tabor

See how you translated these names in Judges 4:6.

Judges 4:13

Sisera called out all his chariots

Here "chariots" represents the soldiers who drove the chariots.

nine hundred iron chariots

"900 iron chariots"

Harosheth Haggoyim

See how you translated the name of this city in Judges 4:2.

Kishon River

See how you translated this in Judges 4:7.

Judges 4:14

Yahweh has given you victory

Because Deborah is certain of victory, she speaks as if Barak had already won the battle. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will give you victory"

Is not Yahweh leading you?

Deborah asks this question to remind Barak that they fight on the side of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "Remember, Yahweh is leading you."

with ten thousand

"with 10,000"

Judges 4:15

Yahweh confused Sisera and all his chariots and all his army

"Yahweh made Sisera and all his chariots and all his army unable to think clearly" or "Yahweh made Sisera and all his chariots and all his army panic"

all his chariots

Here the word "chariots" is a metonym for the soldiers driving the chariots. Alternate translation: "all the men driving chariots"

Judges 4:16

Barak pursued

Here "Barak" represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: "Barak and his soldiers chased"

Harosheth

Translate this the same way you did in Judges 4:2.

the whole army of Sisera was killed by the edge of the sword

Here "sword" represents the swords and other weapons that the soldiers used in battle. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Barak and his soldiers killed Sisera's whole army with their swords"

Judges 4:17

Sisera ... Jabin ... Hazor

See how you translated these names in Judges 4:2.

ran away on foot

This is an idiom that means he was walking rather than riding a horse or in a chariot.

Jael

This is the name of a woman.

Heber

See how you translated this man's name in Judges 4:11.

Kenite

See how you translated this in Judges 1:16.

Judges 4:18

Turn aside

This means to change course during a journey in order to rest. Alternate translation: "Come here"

blanket

a large covering for the body to sleep under for warmth, made of wool or animal skins

Judges 4:19

He said to her

"Sisera said to Jael"

Judges 4:20

General Information:

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Judges 4:21

tent peg

a pointed piece of wood or metal, like a large nail, that is hammered into the ground to hold down a corner of a tent

hammer

a heavy tool made of wood used to hit a tent peg into the ground

a deep sleep

Like a person in a deep hole cannot easily climb out, a person in a deep sleep cannot easily wake up.

Judges 4:22

Barak was pursuing

"Barak was chasing" or "Barak was following after"

Judges 4:23

God subdued Jabin, the king of Canaan, before the people of Israel

God causing the Israelites to defeat Jabin and his army is spoken of as is God himself defeated Jabin as the people of Israel watched.

Judges 4:24

The might

"The military power"

they destroyed him

Here "him" refers to Jabin who represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: "they destroyed Jabin and his army"

Chapter 5

Judges 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The account of Deborah and Barak continues in this chapter.

Some translations prefer to set apart quotations, prayers, and songs. The ULB and many other English translations set the lines of Chapter 5, which is a song, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

The flood

God caused rain and flooding to bog down Jaban's chariots making them vulnerable to soldiers on foot, even though it is not said.

Judges 5:1

On that day

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "On the day the Israelites defeated the army of King Jabin"

Deborah

See how you translated this name in Judges 4:4.

Barak ... Abinoam

See how you translated these names in Judges 4:6.

Judges 5:2

When the leaders take the lead ... the people volunteer

Possible meanings are 1) this refers to anytime this happens or 2) this refers to the specific battle that has just happened, "When the leaders took the lead ... the people volunteered."

when the people volunteer

The word "people" here probably refers to the men old enough to fight, and the word "volunteer" here implies going to war. Alternate translation: "when the men gladly agree to fight in battle"

praise Yahweh

This command is to the people of Israel and so is plural.

Judges 5:3

General Information:

Deborah and Barak's song continues using poetry.

Listen, you kings! Pay attention, you rulers

Deborah and Barak speak to the kings and rulers as if they were there listening to the song.

you kings ... you rulers

This refers to kings and rulers in general, not to specific kings or rulers.

Judges 5:4

when you went out from Seir, when you marched from Edom

This refers to the time when the Israelites left Edom to start conquering the people in Canaan. Yahweh empowering his people to defeat the people of Canaan is spoken of as if he were a warrior leading the Israelite army.

Seir

Seir is a mountain on the border of the land of Israel and Edom.

the earth shook, and the skies also trembled; also the clouds poured down water

Possible meanings are 1) this is poetic language that emphasizes Yahweh's power by describing it as causing earthquakes and storms or 2) the people of Canaan being terrified as the Israelites were about to attack them is spoken of as if the earth and sky were shaking.

Judges 5:5

General Information:

Deborah and Barak's song continues using poetry.

The mountains quaked

This probably refers to earthquakes and gives the impression that the mountains quaked because they were very afraid of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "The mountains trembled in fear"

before the face of Yahweh

Here "face" refers Yahweh's presence. Alternate translation: "in the presence of Yahweh"

even Mount Sinai quaked

When Moses and Israel were at Mount Sinai, it quaked. Alternate translation: "long ago, even Mount Sinai quaked"

Judges 5:6

In the days of

"During the lifetime of"

Shamgar ... Anath ... Jael

These are the names of people. See how you translated Shamgar and Anath in [Judges 3:31]

son of Anath

Shamgar's father is mentioned to help identify Shamgar and when he lived.

the main roads were abandoned

This can be stated in active form and you can make explicit why the roads were abandoned Alternate translation: "people stopped using the main roads; because they were afraid of Israel's enemies"

the winding paths

This refers to smaller roads that fewer people traveled on.

Judges 5:7

I, Deborah, arose—arose as a mother in Israel

Deborah speaks of becoming a leader in Israel as if she were a mother taking care of young children. Alternate translation: "I, Deborah, began to lead—I took care of the Israelites as a mother takes care of her children"

Judges 5:8

they chose new gods

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel worshiped new gods"

there was fighting at the city gates

Here "gates" represents the entire city. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "enemies attacked the people within the Israelite cities"

there were no shields or spears seen among forty thousand in Israel

This statement is probably an exaggeration about how few weapons the Israelites had. Alternate translation: "few weapons for battle remained in Israel"

forty thousand in Israel

"40,000 in Israel"

Judges 5:9

My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel

The word "heart" represents a person's emotions. The phrase "My heart goes out to" is a way of saying that Deborah feels gratitude or appreciation. Alternate translation: "I appreciate the commanders of Israel"

Judges 5:10

you who ride on white donkeys ... you who walk along the road

This contrast probably refers to rich people and poor people. Alternate translation: "you rich people who ride on white donkeys ... you poor people who walk along the road"

sitting on rugs for saddles

These rugs were probably used as saddles on the donkey's back to make the rider more comfortable.

Judges 5:11

General Information:

The song of Deborah and Barak continues.

Hear the voices of those

Here "voices" represents the people singing. Alternate translation: "Listen to those"

went down to the city gates

Here "gates" represents the whole city. Alternate translation: "returned to their cities"

Judges 5:12

General Information:

Deborah and Barak's song continues using poetry.

Awake, awake

Possible speakers are 1) the people of Israel or 2) Deborah who is speaking to herself or 3) the poet who wrote the song.

Deborah

See how you translated this name in Judges 4:4.

Barak ... Abinoam

See how you translated these names in Judges 4:6.

Judges 5:13

to me with the warriors

The word "me" refers to Deborah.

Judges 5:14

from Ephraim, whose root is in Amalek

The people of Ephraim living in the land where the descendants of Amalek originally lived is spoken of as if the people of Ephraim were planted and their roots grew into the land. Alternate translation: "from Ephraim, that land where the descendants of Amalek once lived"

followed you

Here "you" refers to the people of Ephraim. It can be stated in third person. Alternate translation: "followed them"

Makir

This is the place where the descendants of Makir live. Makir was the son of Manasseh and the grandson of Joseph.

from Zebulun those who carry an officer's staff

Military leaders are described by the staff, a symbol of their authority. Alternate translation: "military leaders from Zebulun"

Judges 5:15

My princes in Issachar were with Deborah

Here "My" refers to Deborah. This whole statement can be translated in first person. Alternate translation: "My princes in Issachar were with me"

Deborah

See how you translated this name in Judges 4:4.

Issachar was with Barak

Here "Issachar" refers to the tribe of Issachar. Alternate translation: "the tribe of Issachar was with Barak"

Barak

See how you translated this name in Judges 4:6.

rushing after him into the valley under his command

"obeying his command and rushing after him into the valley"

rushing after

"following after" or "hurrying after"

there were great searchings of heart

Here "heart" represents thoughts. The people discussing with each other but being unable to decide what they should do is spoken of as if they were searching their heart. Alternate translation: "there was a lot of discussing about what they should do"

Judges 5:16

Why did you sit between the fireplaces, listening to the shepherds playing their pipes for their flocks?

This question is asked to criticize the people of Reuben because they did not decide to come fight in the battle. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should have helped us fight, instead of staying at home and listening to the shepherds playing their pipes for their flocks"

the fireplaces

Some versions of the Bible have the translation "the sheepfolds" or "the sheep pens."

there were great searchings of heart

Here "heart" represents thoughts. The people discussing with each other but being unable to decide what they should do is spoken of as if they were searching their heart. See how you translated this in [Judges 5:15]

Judges 5:17

Gilead stayed

Here "Gilead" the men from Gilead who should have gone to fight in battle. Alternate translation: "The men of Gilead stayed"

the other side of the Jordan

This refers to the east side of the Jordan.

Dan, why did he wander about on ships?

This question is asked to express anger because the people of the tribe of Dan would not fight for Israel. Alternate translation: "the men of Dan should not have remained on their ships!" or "the people of the tribe of Dan did not help us in the battle. Instead they were wandering around on the sea in ships!"

Dan, why did he

Here "Dan" represents the men from Dan who should have gone to fight in battle. Alternate translation: "the men of Dan, why did they"

wander about on ships

The tribe of Dan was located near the Mediterranean sea. They sailed on the sea to make money through trade and fishing.

Asher remained on the coast and lived close to his harbors

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "The people of the tribe of Asher also failed to help us, they just remained on the coast near their harbors"

Asher remained

Here "Asher" represents the men who should have gone to fight in battle. Alternate translation: "The men of Asher remained"

harbors

places at the seacoast with deeper water where ships were kept

Judges 5:18

Naphtali, also

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "Naphtali was a tribe who would also risk their lives to the point of death"

Judges 5:19

The kings came, they fought ... the kings of Canaan fought

The king of a people group is used to refer to himself and the army he commands. Alternate translation: "The kings and their armies came and fought ... the kings of Canaan and their armies fought"

they fought ... fought

The word "us" is understood. Alternate translation: "they fought us ... fought us"

Taanach ... Megiddo

Translate the names of these places as you did in Judges 1:27.

no silver as plunder

Here "silver" represents any treasure in general. Alternate translation: "no silver or other treasures as plunder"

plunder

things taken by force, usually in battle or by thieves

Judges 5:20

From heaven the stars fought, from their paths across the heavens they fought against Sisera

Yahweh helping the Israelite to defeat Sisera and his army is spoken of as if the stars themselves fought against Sisera and his army. This may refer to Yahweh using natural elements, specifically rain storms, to defeat Sisera.

against Sisera

Here "Sisera" represents himself and his whole army. Alternate translation: "Sisera and his army"

Sisera

See how you translated this name in Judges 4:2.

Judges 5:21

The Kishon River swept them away

Because of the heavy rain the river flooded quickly causing the chariots to be stuck in the mud and drowning many soldiers. Alternate translation: "The Kishon River flooded and swept away Sisera's soldiers"

Kishon

See how you translated this in Judges 4:6.

March on my soul, be strong

Here "soul" refers to the whole person. The word "my" refers to Deborah. Alternate translation: "I tell myself to march on and to be strong"

Judges 5:22

Then came the sound of horses' hooves—galloping, the galloping of his mighty ones

This describes the sound of many horses running away from the battle. Alternate translation: "Then I heard the sound of horses running away. Sisera's mighty horses were running away"

galloping

runninb quickly

Judges 5:23

Curse Meroz

Here "Meroz" represents the people who lived there. Alternate translation: "Curse the people of Meroz"

Meroz

This is the name of a city.

Judges 5:24

Jael

See how you translated this name in Judges 4:18.

Heber

See how you translated this name in Judges 4:11.

Kenite

Translate the name of this people group as you did in Judges 1:16.

Judges 5:25

brought him butter

Here "butter" refers to curdled milk. This was the best milk and a favorite drink among Jael's people. Alternate translation: "brought him yogurt" or "brought him curds"

a dish fit for princes

This phrase means the dish was of the best quality because princes were given the best things.

Judges 5:26

She put her hand to the tent peg

"Jael grabbed the tent peg with her left hand"

tent peg

This is a pointed piece of wood or metal, like a large nail, that is hammered into the ground to hold down a corner of a tent. See how you translated this in Judges 4:21.

her right hand to the laborer's hammer

This can be stated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: "she grabbed a hammer with her right hand"

hammer

This is a heavy tool made of wood used to hit a tent peg into the ground. See how you translated this in Judges 4:21.

Sisera

See how you translated this man's name in Judges 4:2.

Judges 5:27

limp

without strength or movement

he was violently killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "she killed him" or "he died"

Judges 5:28

the lattice

This is a frame in the window made of crossed wood.

Why has it taken his chariot so long to come? Why have the hoofbeats of the horses that pull his chariots been delayed?

Both of these questions mean the same thing. These two statements can be combined. Alternate translation: "Why is it taking Sisera so long to arrive home"

taken his chariot ... Why have the hoofbeats of the horses that pull his chariots

Both of these represent Sisera. Alternate translation: "taken Sisera ... Why has he"

Judges 5:29

wisest princesses

A "princess" is the daughter of a king, but a "princess" can also mean female advisers to the king's family. Alternate translation: "wisest ladies"

she gave herself the same answer

"she said to herself the same thing"

Judges 5:30

Have they not found and divided up the plunder—a womb ... plunder?

The women use a question to emphasize that they believe this is what certainly happened. Alternate translation: "They must have so much plunder that it is taking a long time to divide it. They have ... plunder."

a womb, two wombs for every man ... of those who plunder?

The women use a question to emphasize that they believe this is what certainly happened. Alternate translation: "There must be a womb, two wombs for every man ... of those who plunder."

a womb, two wombs for every man

Here "womb" represents a woman. Sisera's mother believes Sisera's men have captured many women. Alternate translation: "Each soldier will receive a woman or two"

dyed fabric

"colored cloth" or "colored clothes"

embroidered

having designs made of colored threads

for the necks of those who plunder

Here "necks" represents Sisera's soldiers. Alternate translation: "for the soldiers who plunder to wear"

Judges 5:31

like the sun when it rises in its might

The people of Israel wish to be like the sun that rises because no nation's army is powerful enough to stop the sunrise.

the land had peace

Here "the land" represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "and the people of Israel lived peacefully"

for forty years

"for 40 years"

Chapter 6

Judges 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a section about Gideon. (Chapters 6-8)

Special concepts in this chapter
Israel's punishment

In Judges, Israel's actions are connected to their obedience to Yahweh. When Israel does evil, they are oppressed. (See: evil and oppress)

Judges 6:1

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [Judges 2:11]

the hand of Midian

Here "Midian" represents the people of Midian. Also, "hand" represents control. Alternate translation: "the control of the people of Midian" or "the control of the Midianites"

Judges 6:2

The power of Midian oppressed Israel

Here "the power of Midian" refers to the people of Midian. Alternate translation: "The people of Midian were more powerful than the people of Israel and they oppressed them"

dens

places in the rocky cliffs that would provide shelter

Judges 6:3

General Information:

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Judges 6:4

They would set up their camp

"The army would set up their tents"

Judges 6:5

Whenever they and their livestock and tents came up

The land of Midian was south of the land of Israel, near the Red Sea. It was common to use the phrase "came up" when speaking of traveling from Midian to Israel. Alternate translation: "Whenever the Midianites brought their livestock and tents to the land of Israel"

they would come as a swarm of locusts

The Midianites are compared to a swarm of locusts because they came in with a great number of people and their livestock ate everything that grew.

it was impossible to count

This is an exaggeration, a hyperbole, showing the number is very great.

Judges 6:6

Midian weakened

Here "Midian" represents the people of Midian.

called out to Yahweh

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "prayed to Yahweh for help"

Judges 6:7

called out to Yahweh

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "prayed to Yahweh for help"

because of Midian

Here "Midian" represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: "because of the Midianites"

Judges 6:8

I brought you up from Egypt

"I led you out of Egypt"

the house of slavery

Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. Alternate translation: "the place where you were slaves"

Judges 6:9

from the hand

In this phrase "hand" represents power or control.

Judges 6:10

obeyed my voice

Here "my voice" represents what Yahweh commanded. Alternate translation: "obeyed my command" or "obeyed me"

Judges 6:11

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the story. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.

Ophrah

This is the name of a town.

Abiezrite

This is a people group named after their ancestor Abiezer.

was threshing wheat in the winepress

Gideon was beating the wheat against the floor to separate the wheat grain from the rest of the wheat plant.

Judges 6:12

appeared to him

"went to him"

Judges 6:13

my master

Gideon uses the word "master" as a polite way to greet a stranger. He does not realize he is speaking to Yahweh in the form of an angel or a man.

Where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers told us about, when they said, 'Did not Yahweh bring us up from Egypt?'

Gideon uses a question to challenge the stranger's statement that Yahweh was with him. Also, the direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "We have not seen any wonderful deeds like the ones our fathers told us about when Yahweh brought them up from Egypt."

gave us into the hand of Midian

The phrase "gave us into" means Yahweh allowed the Israelites to be defeated. Alternate translation: "allowed the Midianites to defeat us"

gave us into the hand

Here "hand" represents power or control.

of Midian

Here "Midian" represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: "of the Midianites"

Judges 6:14

Yahweh looked at him

"Yahweh looked at Gideon"

from the hand

Here "hand" represents power or control.

of Midian

Here "Midian" represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: "of the Midianites"

Have I not sent you?

Yahweh uses a question to ensure Gideon that he is sending him. Here "sent" means Yahweh has appointed Gideon with a specific task. Alternate translation: "I, Yahweh, am sending you!"

Judges 6:15

Please, Lord

Gideon now calls the person "Lord" instead of "my master" as in Judges 6:13. Here it seems Gideon either knows or suspects that he is speaking with Yahweh.

how can I deliver Israel?

Gideon uses a question to emphasize that he does not think he can rescue the Israelites. Alternate translation: "I cannot possibly rescue the Israelites!"

See, my clan

"Look at my clan and me and you will see that it"

in Manasseh

"in the tribe of Manasseh"

in my father's house

Here "house" represents a family. Alternate translation: "in my father's family" or "in my family"

Judges 6:16

I will be with you

Here "be with you" is an idiom that means Yahweh will help and bless Gideon.

as one man

You can state the full meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: "as easily as if you were fighting only one man"

Judges 6:17

General Information:

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Judges 6:18

set it before you

"place it in front of you"

Judges 6:19

from an ephah of flour

If it is necessary to use a modern measurement; here is one way of doing it. Alternate translation: "with 22 liters of flour"

broth

water that has had food, such as meat, cooked in it

them to him

"them to the angel of God"

Judges 6:20

angel of God

This is the same as the angel of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "God, who was in the form of an angel" or "God"

Judges 6:21

angel of Yahweh

In 6:11-24 Yahweh appears to Gideon in the form of an angel. See how you translated this in Judges 6:11.

went away

"disappeared"

Judges 6:22

angel of Yahweh

In 6:11-24 Yahweh appears to Gideon in the form of an angel. See how you translated this in Judges 6:11.

Ah, Lord Yahweh!

The word "Ah" here shows that Gideon was very frightened.

seen the angel of Yahweh face to face

This phrase refers to two people being close to each other. Alternate translation: "really seen the angel of Yahweh"

Judges 6:23

Yahweh said to him

Apparently Yahweh spoke to Gideon from heaven.

Judges 6:24

To this day

This means to the time when the book of Judges was written.

Ophrah

Translate the name of this town as you did in Judges 6:11.

the clan of Abiezer

Translate the name of this people group as you did in Judges 6:11.

Judges 6:25

a second bull

The word "second" is the ordinal number for "two." Alternate translation: "another bull"

that is beside it

"that is beside the altar of Baal"

Judges 6:26

on the top of this place of refuge

The city of Ophrah was on top of a hill. Israelites fled there for refuge from the Midianites.

construct it the correct way

"place the stones in an orderly manner" or "and build it properly"

Judges 6:27

did as Yahweh had told him

This refers to Yahweh's command in Judges 6:25-26.

Judges 6:28

got up

"got up out of bed" or "woke up"

the altar of Baal was broken down, and the Asherah that was beside it was cut down, and the second bull had been offered on the altar that had been built

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they noticed that someone had broken down the altar of Baal, cut down the Asherah that was beside it, and built an altar and sacrificed the second bull on it"

Judges 6:29

General Information:

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Judges 6:30

he may be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we may kill him as punishment"

Judges 6:31

Will you plead the case for Baal?

Joash uses a question to emphasize that a human should not have to defend a god. Alternate translation: "You should not have to defend Baal."

plead the case

"make a defense" or "give an excuse"

Will you save him?

Joash uses a question to emphasize that a human should not have to rescue a god. Alternate translation: "You should not have to save Baal."

Judges 6:32

Jerub-Baal

This is another name for Gideon. It means "let Baal defend himself."

because he said

"because Joash said"

Judges 6:33

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the story. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.

gathered together

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "gathered together as an army"

Judges 6:34

clothed Gideon

The topic of this metaphor is that because of what the Spirit did, Gideon had special powers. Possible images are 1) the Spirit came over or came on or covered Gideon like a garment, thus giving Gideon special powers. Alternate translation: "came over Gideon" or "took control of Gideon" Or 2) the Spirit covered himself with Gideon and so acted through him.

clan of Abiezer

Translate the name of this people group as you did in Judges 6:11.

so they might follow him

The words "to battle" are understood. Alternate translation: "so they might follow him to battle"

Judges 6:35

and they too, were called out to follow him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "calling them out to follow him"

to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali

These all represent the people of each tribe. Alternate translation: "to the tribes of Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali"

Judges 6:36

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Judges 6:37

woolen fleece

the woolly coat of a sheep

dew

water that forms on plants during the night

then I will know that you will

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "this will be a sign from you, and then I will know that you will"

Judges 6:38

Gideon rose

"Gideon got out of bed"

wrung

twist and squeeze something to remove water

Judges 6:39

General Information:

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Judges 6:40

General Information:

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Chapter 7

Judges 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The account of Gideon continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

God gets all of the credit

God said, "There are too many soldiers for me to give you victory over the Midianites. Make sure that Israel will not boast against me, saying, 'Our own power has saved us.'" By lowering the number of fighting soldiers, it emphasizes that the victory is achieved through God's power. (See: glory)

Judges 7:1

Jerub-Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated his name in Judges 6:32.

they encamped

"they set up their camp"

spring of Harod ... hill of Moreh

These are the names of places.

The camp of Midian was to their north

Here "Midian" represents the Midianite army. Alternate translation: "The Midianite army set up their camp to the north of the Israelite army"

Judges 7:2

for me to give you victory over the Midianites

The word "victory" is an abstract noun that can be translated as a verb or an adjective. Alternate translation: "for me to allow you to defeat the Midianites" or "for me to cause you to be victorious over the Midianites"

Our own power has saved us

Here "power" represents the people themselves. Alternate translation: "We have saved ourselves without God's help"

Judges 7:3

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

proclaim in the ears of the people

Here "the ears" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "proclaim to the people"

Whoever is afraid, whoever trembles

Both of these phrases have the same meaning.

trembles

This word describes fear that causes a person to uncontrollably shake. Alternate translation: "shakes with fear"

let him return

You can make explicit where he will go. Alternate translation: "let him return to his home"

Mount Gilead

This is the name of a mountain in the region of Gilead.

twenty-two thousand

"22,000"

ten thousand remained

The word "people" or "men" is understood. Alternate translation: "10,000 people remained" or "10,000 men remained"

ten thousand

"10,000"

Judges 7:4

I will make their number smaller for you there

Here "number" represents the army. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "there, I will show you who to send home so the army will have less men"

Judges 7:5

Gideon brought

The word "brought" can be translated as "took" or "led."

laps

to drink by licking with the tongue

Judges 7:6

Three hundred men

"300 men"

Judges 7:7

three hundred men

"300 men"

I will rescue you and give you victory

Here "you" is plural and refers to Gideon and the Israelites.

Judges 7:8

So those who were chosen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So those whom Yahweh chose"

took their supplies and their trumpets

Here "their" refers to the Israelite soldiers who were leaving the army.

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the story. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.

Judges 7:9

Attack the camp, for I am going to give you victory over it

Here "camp" refers to the whole Midianite army. The word "victory" is an abstract noun that can be translated as a verb or an adjective. Alternate translation: "Attack the Midianites at their camp, for I am going to help you defeat them" or "Attack the Midianites at their camp, for I am going to cause you to be victorious over them"

Judges 7:10

afraid to go down

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "afraid to go down to attack"

Purah

This is the name of a man.

Judges 7:11

your courage will be strengthened

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what you hear will be encourage you"

guard posts

places around the edge of an area where soldiers stand to watch for an enemy army

Judges 7:12

as thick as a cloud of locusts

Here "cloud" means a swarm. The author speaks of the army as if it were a swarm of locusts to emphasize how many soldiers there were.

Their camels were more ... in number than the grains of the sand on the seashore

The author uses a hyperbole, an exaggeration, to emphasize that there were very many camels.

Their camels were more than could be counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Their camels were more than anyone could count"

Judges 7:13

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Judges 7:14

This is nothing other than the sword of Gideon

Here "the sword of Gideon" refers to Gideon's army attacking. Alternate translation: "The loaf of barley bread in your dream must be the army of Gideon"

God has given him victory over Midian

This future event is spoken of as if it were a past event. This emphasizes that it will certainly happen. Alternate translation: "God will certainly help the Israelites defeat the Midianites"

Judges 7:15

General Information:

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Judges 7:16

three hundred men

"300 men"

Judges 7:17

General Information:

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Judges 7:18

For Yahweh and for Gideon!

The words "we fight" are implied. Alternate translation: "We fight for Yahweh and for Gideon!"

Judges 7:19

hundred men

"100 men"

right at the beginning of the middle watch

The beginning of the middle watch would be around 10 o'clock at night.

Judges 7:20

The sword of Yahweh and of Gideon

Here "sword" refers to their fighting. Alternate translation: "We fight for Yahweh and for Gideon"

Judges 7:21

General Information:

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Judges 7:22

three hundred rams' horns

"300 rams' horns"

Yahweh set every Midianite man's sword against his comrades

Here "sword" refers to their attack with the use of the sword. Alternate translation: "Yahweh caused every Midianite man to fight against his fellow soldiers"

Beth Shittah ... Zererah ... Abel Meholah ... Tabbath

These are the names of towns and cities.

Judges 7:23

The men of Israel from Naphtali, Asher, and all Manasseh were called out

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Gideon called out the Israelites from the tribes of Naphtali, Asher, and all Mannasseh"

Judges 7:24

Beth Barah

This is the name of a town.

took control of the waters, as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan River

"took control of the area of the Jordan River as far south as Beth Barah"

Judges 7:25

at the rock of Oreb ... at the winepress of Zeeb

The places were given these names after the Israelites killed Oreb and Zeeb there.

Oreb ... Zeeb

These are names of men.

Chapter 8

Judges 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The account of Gideon concludes in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Sukkoth's refusal to help Gideon

The men of Sukkoth feared the Midianites more than Gideon. This is why they refused to help Gideon. By allying themselves with the Midianites, they aligned themselves against Yahweh. Because of this, Gideon treated them like he treated the Midianites.

Gideon refuses to be king

Gideon said to them, "I will not rule over you, neither will my son rule over you. Yahweh will rule over you." Although the book of Deuteronomy anticipates a king in Israel, it was sinful for Israel to desire to have a king. He did though take a share of everyone's plunder as a king would have done through taxes. This may serve as a warning to Israel about their desire to have a king. (See: sin)

Judges 8:1

What is this you have done to us?

The people of the tribe of Ephraim were rebuking Gideon with this rhetorical question for not including them in his army. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have not treated us fairly."

against Midian

Here "Midian" represents the Midianite army.

they had a violent argument with him

they argued angrily with him" or "they rebuked him severely"

Judges 8:2

General Information:

Gideon replies to the men from Ephraim.

What have I done now compared to you?

Gideon uses this question to honor the people of Ephraim. Alternate translation: "I have done very little compared with what you have done!"

Are not the gleanings of Ephraim's grapes better than the full grape harvest of Abiezer?

Gideon was calming the people of Ephraim with this rhetorical question. Alternate translation: "Certainly the grapes you people of Ephraim gleaned are better than what we the descendants of Abiezer gathered from the whole harvest!"

Are not the gleanings of Ephraim's grapes better than the full grape harvest of Abiezer?

Gideon and his army defeating the Medianites is spoken of as if it were a grape harvest. The people of Ephraim killing Oreb and Zeeb at the end of the battle is spoken of as if they were gleaning grapes at the end of the harvest. Alternate translation: "What you people of Ephraim did at the end of the battle is more important than what we descendants of Abiezer did at the beginning."

Abiezer

This is the name of one of Gideon's ancestors. Gideon used his name to refer to Abiezer's descendants and their land.

Judges 8:3

Oreb and Zeeb

See how you translated these names in Judges 7:25.

What have I accomplished compared to you?

Gideon uses this question to honor the people of Ephraim. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "What you have done is more important than what I have done."

died down

"became less"

Judges 8:4

the three hundred men

"the 300 men"

kept up the pursuit

The word "pursuit," an abstract noun, can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "continued to chase their enemies"

Judges 8:5

Zebah and Zalmunna

These are the names of men.

Judges 8:6

Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand?

The leaders use a question to emphasize that the Israelites have not yet captured Zebah and Zalumnna. Alternate translation: "You have not captured Zebah and Zalmunna yet."

Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna

Here "hands" refer to the whole body.

now in your hand

Here "hand" represents power or control.

Why should we give bread to your army?

The leaders use a question to emphasize that they have no reason to give bread to the Israelites. Alternate translation: "We see no reason to give bread to your army."

Judges 8:7

I will thresh your skin with desert thorns and briers

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "I will make whips out of desert thorns and briers and use them to beat you and cut you"

thorns and briers

sharp, pointed pieces on vines or tree limbs that stick out and can cut people and animals

Judges 8:8

He went up from there

Here "He" refers to Gideon. Gideon represents himself and the soldiers following him. Alternate translation: "They left there" or "Gideon and his 300 men left there"

Peniel

The name of a place.

spoke to the people there in the same way

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "asked for food there in the same way" or "he also asked them for food"

Judges 8:9

When I come again in peace

This is a polite way of referring to the defeat of his enemies. Alternate translation: "After I have completely defeated the Midian army"

I will break down this tower

Here "I" refers to Gideon and represents himself and his men. Alternate translation: "My men and I will break down this tower"

Judges 8:10

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the story. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.

Zebah and Zalmunna

See how you translated these names in Judges 8:5.

Karkor

This is the name of a city.

fifteen thousand men

"15,000 men"

had fallen

This is a polite way of referring to people who died in battle. Alternate translation: "had been killed" or "had died in battle"

120,000 men

"one hundred thousand men"

men who drew the sword

Here drawing the sword represents using the sword in battle. Possible meanings are 1) this phrase refers to soldiers who use swords in battle. Alternate translation: "swordsmen" or "men who fought with swords" or 2) this phrase refers to any soldiers. Alternate translation: "soldiers"

Judges 8:11

Gideon went up

Here "Gideon" represents himself and all of his soldiers. Alternate translation: "Gideon and his soldiers went up"

He defeated

Here "He" refers to Gideon and represents himself and all of his soldiers. Alternate translation: "Gideon and his soldiers defeated"

Nobah and Jogbehah

These are names of towns.

Judges 8:12

Zebah and Zalmunna

See how you translated these names in Judges 8:5.

panic

extreme fear or worry that makes someone unable to think or act normally

Judges 8:13

the pass of Heres

This is the name of a road that passes between two mountains.

Judges 8:14

questioned him

It can be stated explicitly what Gideon asked the young man. Alternate translation: "he asked him to identify all the names of the leaders in the town"

seventy-seven officials

"77 officials"

Judges 8:15

Zebah and Zalmunna

See how you translated these names in Judges 8:5.

Have you already conquered Zebah and Zalmunna?

Gideon quotes the people of Sukkoth as using a question to mock him. Alternate translation: "You have not yet conquered Zebah and Zalmunna."

Judges 8:16

Gideon took ... he punished

Here "Gideon" represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "Gideon and his soldiers took ... they punished"

thorns and briers

These are sharp, pointed pieces on vines or tree limbs that stick out and can cut people and animals. See how you translated this in Judges 8:7.

Judges 8:17

he broke

Gideon and his soldiers broke. Alternate translation: "Gideon and his soldiers broke"

Peniel

Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 8:8.

Judges 8:18

Zebah and Zalmunna

See how you translated these names in Judges 8:5.

Tabor

Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 4:6.

As you are, so were they

"They were just like you"

Judges 8:19

As Yahweh lives

This idiom is a religious oath used for emphasis that what he is about to say is true. Alternate translation: "I promise you that"

Judges 8:20

Jether

This is the name of Gideon's son.

Judges 8:21

For as the man is, so is his strength

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "It is a job for a man to do"

crescent

This is a curved shape with two points. This shape occurs when the moon is mostly covered in shadow.

ornaments

decorations

Judges 8:22

out of the hand of Midian

Here "hand" represents the power of Midian over Israel. Alternate translation: "from the power of Midian" or "from Midian"

of Midian

Here "Midian" represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: "of the Midianites"

Judges 8:23

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Judges 8:24

Gideon said to them

"Gideon said to the men of Israel"

earrings

jewelry worn on the ear

plunder

things stolen by force or taken off of people killed in war

The Midianites had golden earrings because they were Ishmaelites

Here the narrator tells background information about the Midianites.

Judges 8:25

cloak

clothing made from a large piece of fabric and worn over the shoulders as a coat

Judges 8:26

1,700 shekels of gold

"one thousand seven hundred shekels of gold." If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: "18.7 kilograms of gold" or "about 20 kilograms of gold"

crescent ornaments

See how you translated this in Judges 8:21.

pendants

pieces of jewelry that hang at the end of the chains or cords of necklaces

that was worn by the kings of Midian

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the kings of Midian wore"

Judges 8:27

Gideon made an ephod out of the earrings

"Gideon used the gold from the earrings to make an ephod"

Ophrah

Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 6:11.

all Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there

This speaks of worshiping a false god as if it were prostitution. Alternate translation: "the Israelites sinned against Yahweh by worshiping the ephod there"

all Israel

Here "all" is an exaggeration to emphasize that very many worshiped the garment. Alternate translation: "very many people in Israel worshiped the garment"

It became a trap for Gideon and for those in his house

This speaks of Gideon and his family being tempted to worship the ephod as if the ephod were a hunter's snare that would trap them. Alternate translation: "It became a temptation for Gideon and his family" or "Gideon and his family sinned by worshiping it"

for those in his house

Here "his house" represents Gideon's family. Alternate translation: "for his family"

Judges 8:28

So Midian was subdued before the people of Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So Yahweh subdued the Midianites before the people of Israel" or "So Yahweh helped the Israelites defeat the Midianites"

they did not raise their heads up again

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "they did not attack Israel again"

So the land had peace

Here "land" represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "So the Israelites lived peacefully"

forty years

"40 years"

in the days of Gideon

"during the life of Gideon"

Judges 8:29

Jerub-Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated his name in Judges 6:32.

Judges 8:30

seventy sons

"70 sons"

Judges 8:31

General Information:

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Judges 8:32

a good old age

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "when he was very old"

was buried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried him"

Ophrah

Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 6:11.

the clan of Abiezer

Translate the name of this people group as you did in Judges 6:11.

Judges 8:33

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

turned again

The people rejecting Yahweh is spoken of as if they physically turned away from him. Alternate translation: "they stopped worshiping Yahwheh"

prostituted themselves by worshiping the Baals

This speaks of worshiping false gods as if it were prostitution. Alternate translation: "they sinned against Yahweh by worshiping the Baals"

Baal-Berith

This is the name of a false god.

Judges 8:34

from the hand of all their enemies

Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "from the power of all their enemies" or "from all their enemies"

on every side

"who surrounded them"

Judges 8:35

the house of Jerub-Baal

Here "the house of" represents a person's family. Alternate translation: "the family of Jerub-Baal"

Jerub-Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.

Chapter 9

Judges 9 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Jotham's curse

Gideon's son, Abimelech, killed all of his brothers except Jotham in order to become king of Shechem. Jotham cursed Abimelech for having murdered Gideon's other sons. "Let fire come out from Abimelech and burn up the men of Shechem and the house of Millo. Let fire come out from the men of Shechem and Beth Millo, to burn up Abimelech." (See: curse)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Tree metaphor

This chapter contains an extended metaphor about trees. This metaphor functions as a parable instructing Israel about their sinful desire to have a king. (See: and sin)

Judges 9:1

Jerub-Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.

Judges 9:2

Please say this, so that all the leaders in Shechem may hear, 'Which is better for you, that all seventy sons of Jerub-Baal rule over you, or that just one rule over you?'

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "Please ask the leaders of Shechem if they would rather have all seventy sons of Jerub-Baal rule over them, or if they would rather have just one of his sons rule over them."

seventy

"70"

I am your bone and your flesh

Here "your bone and your flesh" represents being someone's relative. Alternate translation: "I am a member of your family"

Judges 9:3

His mother's relatives spoke for him to the leaders

This means that the relatives of the mother of Abimelek spoke to the leaders, suggesting that they make Abimelek their king.

they agreed to follow Abimelek

"they agreed to let Abimelek be their leader"

Judges 9:4

the house

Here "house" represents a temple.

seventy pieces of silver

This means seventy shekels of silver. A shekel weighs 11 grams. If it is necessary to translate this with modern measurements, you can translate it like this. Alternate translation: "almost one kilo of silver"

seventy

"70"

Baal-Berith

This is the name of a false god. See how you translated it in Judges 8:33.

worthless and reckless

"violent and foolish"

Judges 9:5

Ophrah

Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 6:11.

one stone

"1 stone"

seventy

"70"

Jerub-Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.

Judges 9:6

Beth Millo

This is the name of a place.

Judges 9:7

General Information:

Jotham begins telling a parable in which the trees try to find someone to rule them. The trees represent the Israelites.

When Jotham was told about this

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When Jotham heard that Abimelech had murdered his brothers"

Mount Gerizim

This is a mountain.

Judges 9:8

The trees once went out to anoint a king over them. For they said to the olive tree, 'Reign over us.'

In this parable Jotham describes the trees doing things that humans do.

to anoint a king over them

Here, to anoint with oil is a symbolic action that represents appointing a person to be king. Alternate translation: "to appoint a king to rule over all of them"

Reign over us

"Be our king"

Judges 9:9

General Information:

Jotham continues telling the parable he begins in Judges 9:7, where the trees represent the Israelites.

Should I give up my abundance ... over the other trees?

The olive tree is asking this question to refuse to be king. This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "I will not give up my abundance ... over the other trees."

abundance

This word for "wealth" is a metonym for the olives that come from the tree. People ate olives as food and crushed them to make oil for lamps. Alternate translation: "oil"

by which gods and men are honored

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "by which people honor both gods and other men"

gods

It is possible to translate the same Hebrew word as "god," "God," or "gods," so possible meanings here are 1) "gods" or 2) "God."

sway over

To sway is to move back and forth. Trees sway when the wind blows them. Here this is a metaphor for ruling over people. Jotham is also using irony, saying that the work of any ruler will be useless because the "trees," the people, will not obey anyone who rules them. Alternate translation: "rule over"

Judges 9:10

General Information:

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Judges 9:11

the fig tree said to them

Jotham continues describing the trees as doing things that humans do.

Should I give up my sweetness ... over the other trees?

The fig tree is asking this question to refuse to be king. This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "I will not give up my sweetness ... over the other trees."

my sweetness and my good fruit

The word "sweetness" is an abstract noun. It can be stated as an adjective that describes the fruit that grows on the tree. Alternate translation: "my good sweet fruit"

Judges 9:12

General Information:

Jotham continues telling the parable he begins in Judges 9:7, where the trees represent the Israelites.

The trees said to the vine

In this parable, Jotham describes the trees and the vine as doing things that humans do.

Judges 9:13

Should I give up my new wine ... over the other trees?

The vine is asking this question to refuse to be king. This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "I will not give up my new wine ... over the other trees."

Judges 9:14

thornbush

Thorns are sharp spikes or spurs that hurt. This bush has many sharp spikes along its branches.

Judges 9:15

General Information:

Jotham continues telling his parable, where trees represent various people groups, and makes the application.

The thornbush said to the trees

In this parable, Jotham describes the thornbush and the trees as doing things that humans do.

to anoint me as king over you

To anoint someone with oil is a symbolic action that appoints a person to be king. Alternate translation: "to appoint me as your king"

fire come out of the thornbush and let it burn up the cedars of Lebanon

This means to let the thornbush burn so that it will burn the cedars.

then let fire come out of the thornbush

The thornbush refers to itself as "the thornbush." Alternate translation: "then may fire come out from me, the thornbush"

Judges 9:16

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

Jerub-Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.

his house

Here "house" represents Gideon's family.

Judges 9:17

General Information:

Jotham makes the application to the situation at that time and place.

to think that my father fought for you ... out of the hand of Midian

Here Jotham is expressing that he cannot believe how badly the people of Shechem have treated Gideon and his family even after Gideon fought to save the people of Shechem.

out of the hand of Midian

Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "from the power of the Midianites" or "from the Midianites"

Judges 9:18

you have risen up against

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "you have opposed" or "you have rebelled against"

my father's house

Here "house" represents family. Alternate translation: "my father's family"

seventy

"70"

one stone

"1 stone"

his female servant

Here "his" refers to Gideon.

Judges 9:19

If you acted with faithfulness and integrity with Jerub-Baal and his house

Jotham offered the possibility that what they did was good, but he did not actually believe what they did was good. Alternate translation: "If you treated Jerub-Baal and his family with faithfulness and sincerity"

Jerub-Baal

This is another name for Gideon. It means "let Baal defend himself." See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.

his house

Here "house" refers to family. Alternate translation: "his family"

Judges 9:20

But if not

The rest of this phrase can be understood from what Jotham said in verse 19. Alternate translation: "But if you did not act with honesty and integrity with Jerub Baal and his house"

let fire come out from Abimelek and burn up the men of Shechem

Jotham is speaking a curse. He speaks of Abimelek destroying the people of Shechem as if he would burn them with fire.

Let fire come out from the men of Shechem and Beth Millo, to burn up Abimelek

Jotham is speaking a curse. He speaks of the people of Shechem and Beth Millo destroying Abimelek as if they would burn him with fire.

Beth Millo

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in Judges 9:6.

Judges 9:21

Beer

This is the name of a city.

Judges 9:22

General Information:

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Judges 9:23

God sent an evil spirit between Abimelek and the leaders of Shechem

This means that God applied the curse Jotham made by sending an evil spirit to cause trouble and animosity between Abimelek and the leaders of Shechem.

Judges 9:24

God did this so the violence done ... helped him murder his brothers

The passive phrases can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God did this to avenge the seventy sons whom Abimelech their brother murdered and the men of Shechem helped murder"

seventy

"70"

Jerub-Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.

Judges 9:25

positioned men to lie in wait on the hilltops that they might ambush him

"sent men to hide on the hilltops and wait to attack Abimelek"

This was reported to Abimelek

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Abimelek about the men waiting to attack him"

Judges 9:26

Gaal ... Ebed

These are names of men.

had confidence in him

The word "confidence" is an abstract noun that can be stated with the verb "trust." Alternate translation: "trusted him"

Judges 9:27

They went out into the field

Here "They" refers to Gaal and his relatives and the men of Shechem.

they trampled on them

They did this to squeeze out the grape juice to make wine with it.

trampled

"crushed" or "stomped"

in the house

Here "house" represents a temple.

Judges 9:28

Gaal ... Ebed

See how you translated these names in Judges 9:26.

Who is Abimelek, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him?

Gaal uses a question to emphasize that the people of Shechem should not serve Abimelek. Alternate translation: "We should not serve Abimelek!"

Who is Abimelek, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him?

Both of these questions means the same thing. Gaal refers to Abimelek as "Shechem" because Abimelek's mother was from Shechem. Alternate translation: "We should not serve Abimelek, that is, Shechem!"

Is he not the son of Jerub-Baal? Is Zebul not his overseer?

Gaal uses a question to emphasize that the people of Shechem should not serve Abimelek. Alternate translation: "He is just the son of Jerub-Baal, and Zebul is just his overseer."

overseer

Zebul oversaw Abimelek's slaves, servants, and laborers.

Jerub-Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.

Zebul

This is the name of a man.

Serve the men of Hamor, Shechem's father

Gaal means the people of Shechem should serve those who descended from Hamor, that is, those who are truly Canaanites, and not serve someone whose father was an Israelite.

Why should we serve Abimelek?

Gaal uses a question to emphasize that the people of Shechem should not serve Abimelek. Alternate translation: "We should not serve Abimelek!"

Judges 9:29

I wish that this people were under my command

"I wish that I ruled the people of Shechem"

Judges 9:30

Zebul

See how you translated this name in Judges 9:28.

heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed

"heard what Gaal son of Ebed said"

Gaal ... Ebed

See how you translated these names in Judges 9:26.

his anger was kindled

Becoming angry is spoken of as if a fire were starting. Alternate translation: "he became very angry"

the city

Here "city" represents the people of the city.

Judges 9:31

in order to deceive

Zebul is deceiving Gaal and the people of Shechem. Alternate translation: "secretly"

they are stirring up the city against you

This speaks of the people of the city becoming upset as if they were liquid in a pot moving around. Alternate translation: "they are persuading the people of the city to rebel against you"

Judges 9:32

General Information:

Zebul's messengers continue talking to Abimelech.

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

an ambush

"to hide and attack them suddenly"

Judges 9:33

do whatever you can to them

This means that they can do what they want to destroy the followers of Gaal.

Judges 9:34

all the men who were with him

"all the men accompanying Abimelech" or "all the men fighting for Abimelech"

dividing into four units

"separating into 4 groups"

Judges 9:35

Gaal ... Ebed

See how you translated these names in Judges 9:26.

Judges 9:36

Gaal

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Judges 9:26.

Zebul

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Judges 9:28.

You are seeing the shadows on the hills like they are men

Zebul is trying to confuse Gaal and keep him from preparing for battle. Alternate translation: "That is not people, it is only shadows on the hills"

Judges 9:37

one unit

"1 group" or "1 troop"

Judges 9:38

Zebul

See how you translated this name in Judges 9:28.

Where are your proud words now, you

Zebul is scolding Gaal with this rhetorical question. Alternate translation: "You are not speaking proudly now, you" or "You are not proud now, you"

you who said, 'Who is Abimelek that we should serve him?'

Zebul is quoting Gaal's boast back to Gaal. This can be translated as a statement and as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "you who said that we should not serve Abimelek."

Are these not the men you despised?

Zebul is challenging Gaal with this rhetorical question. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Here are the men that you despised."

despised

strongly disliked or hated

Judges 9:39

Gaal

See how you translated this name in Judges 9:26.

Judges 9:40

Many fell with deadly wounds

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "And many men died of wounds"

Judges 9:41

Arumah

This is the name of a city.

Zebul

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Judges 9:28.

Gaal

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Judges 9:26.

Judges 9:42

this was reported to Abimelek

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone reported this to Abimelek"

Judges 9:43

divided them into three units

"separated them into 3 groups"

they set an ambush in the fields

"they hid in the fields to attack the people by surprise"

he attacked

Here "he" refers to Abimelech who represents himself and all of his soldiers. Alternate translation: "they attacked"

Judges 9:44

the units

"the groups of soldiers"

other two

"other 2"

Judges 9:45

Abimelek fought ... He broke down

Here "Abimelek" represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "Abimelek and his soldiers fought ... They broke down"

against the city

Here "city" represents the people. Alternate translation: "against the people of Shechem"

broke down

"demolished"

sowed it with salt

Here salt is spoken of as if it were seeds. Spreading salt over land keeps anything from growing there. Alternate translation: "spread salt over the land"

Judges 9:46

the house

Here this represents a temple.

El-Berith

The word "El" means "god." This is the same false god as "Baal-Berith" in [Judges 8:33]

Judges 9:47

Abimelek was told

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Abimelek"

Judges 9:48

Mount Zalmon

This is the name of a mountain.

Judges 9:49

piled

This means to stack the branches into a large heap.

about a thousand men

"about 1,000"

Judges 9:50

Thebez

This is the name of a city.

encamped against Thebez

"camped outside the city of Thebez"

Judges 9:51

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Judges 9:52

fought against it

"attacked it"

Judges 9:53

upper millstone

Two large, flat, round stones were used to grind grain in a mill. An upper millstone was the top one that was rolled on the lower one to crush the grain in between them.

Judges 9:54

armor-bearer

This is the man who carried the weapons of Abimelech.

pierced him through

This means the young man put the sword right through the body of Abimelech.

Judges 9:55

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Judges 9:56

seventy

"70"

Judges 9:57

made all the evil of the men of Shechem turn back on their own heads

"Evil turn back on their heads" here is an idiom. Alternate translation: "punished the men of Shechem for all the evil they had done"

on them came the curse of Jotham son of Jerub-Baal

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "the curse of Jotham son of Jerub-Baal happened to them"

Jerub-Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this name in Judges 6:32.

Chapter 10

Judges 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the account of Jephthah (Judges 10-12).

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel's punishment

In Judges, Israel's actions are connected to their obedience to Yahweh. When Israel does evil, they are oppressed. (See: evil and oppress)

Judges 10:1

Tola ... Puah ... Dodo

These are names of men.

Shamir

This is the name of a place.

arose to deliver Israel

"came to deliver Israel" or "became the leader to deliver Israel"

deliver Israel

Here "Israel" represents the people of Israel.

Judges 10:2

He judged Israel

Here "judged" means he led the people of Israel.

twenty-three years

"23 years"

was buried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried him"

Judges 10:3

He was followed by Jair the Gileadite

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jair the Gileadite was leader after Tola"

Jair

This is the name of a man.

the Gileadite

Jair was from the tribe of Gilead.

He judged Israel

Here "judged" means he led the people of Israel.

Israel

Here "Israel" represents the people of Israel.

twenty-two years

"22 years"

Judges 10:4

thirty sons

"30 sons"

Havvoth Jair

This is the name of a region, which is named after a man.

to this day

This means to the time when the book of Judges was being written.

Judges 10:5

was buried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried him"

Kamon

This is the name of a place.

Judges 10:6

added to the evil they had done in the sight of Yahweh

This speaks of evil as if it were an object that a person could add to and make bigger. Alternate translation: "continued doing what Yahweh said was evil"

in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "according to Yahweh"

Ashtoreths

This is the plural of Ashtoroth, who was worshiped as a goddess in many different forms. See how you translated this in Judges 2:13.

They abandoned Yahweh and no longer worshiped him

The author basically said the same thing twice for emphasis. These can be combined. Alternate translation: "They completely stopped worshiping Yahweh"

They abandoned Yahweh

No longer obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if the people left Yahweh and went somewhere else.

Judges 10:7

Yahweh burned with anger toward Israel

Yahweh becoming angry is spoken of as if anger were a burning fire. Alternate translation: "Yahweh was very angry at Israel"

he sold them into the hand of the Philistines and into the hand of the Ammonites

Yahweh allowing the Philistines and the Ammonites to defeat the Israelites is spoken of as if he sold the Israelites to them.

into the hand

Here "hand" represents power or control.

Judges 10:8

crushed and oppressed

These two words basically mean the same and emphasize how much the Israelites suffered. Alternate translation: "terribly oppressed"

eighteen years

"18 years"

who were beyond the Jordan

This means on the east side of the Jordan River.

which is in Gilead

"this region is also called Gilead"

Judges 10:9

Judah ... Benjamin

"Judah" and "Benjamin" refer to the people belonging to those tribes. Alternate translation: "the people of the tribe of Judah ... the people of the tribe of Benjamin"

house of Ephraim

The "house" refers to the people of the tribe of Ephraim. Alternate translation: "the people of the tribe of Ephraim"

so that Israel was greatly distressed

"Israel" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "so that the people of Israel suffered much"

Judges 10:10

the people of Israel called out to Yahweh

This means the people of Israel desperately asked Yahweh for help.

because we abandoned our God

The people no longer obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if they left Yahweh and went somewhere else.

abandoned our God

The people are speaking to Yahweh and refer to him as "our God." This can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: "abandoned you, our God"

Judges 10:11

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Judges 10:12

and also from the Sidonians?

God is rebuking the people of Israel for their worship of other gods. The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Did I not deliver you" in verse 11 ends here. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am the one who delivered you ... and also from the Sidonians."

Maonites

These are the people from the clan or family of Maon.

from their power

Here "power" represents the Amalekites and the Maonites. Alternate translation: "from them"

Judges 10:13

you abandoned me again

The people no longer obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if they left Yahweh and went somewhere else.

I will not keep adding to the times I deliver you

The phrase "keep adding to the times" is an idiom that means to continue to do something. You can make explicit the implicit meaning of Yahweh's saying. Alternate translation: "I will not keep on delivering you again and again" or "You can be sure that I will stop delivering you"

Judges 10:14

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Judges 10:15

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Judges 10:16

foreign gods among them

You can make explicit the implicit meaning of this statement. Alternate translation: "foreign gods whose images they possessed"

Yahweh could bear Israel's misery no longer

Here Israel refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "And Yahweh did not want the people of Israel to suffer any longer"

Judges 10:17

the Ammonites were summoned and set

Possible meanings are 1) "the leaders of the Ammonites called them to come to fight, so they set" or 2) "the Ammonites gathered together."

Judges 10:18

Who is the man who will begin to fight the Ammonites?

"Who will lead our army to fight against the Ammonites?"

Chapter 11

Judges 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The account of Jephthah continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jephthah the leader

Jephthah was half Israelite and half Canaanite by birth. While all of the judges were called by Yahweh, it is the leaders who called Jephthah to help them, but Yahweh still used Jephthah to help them.

Judges 11:1

Gileadite

This is someone who is from the region of Gilead. It is a coincidence that his father's name is also Gilead. See how you translated this in [Judges 10:3]

Judges 11:2

When his wife's sons grew up

"When the sons of Gilead's wife became adults"

Judges 11:3

the land of Tob

Tob is the name of a region.

they traveled with him

"they followed him" or "they went everywhere together"

Judges 11:4

Some days later

"Some time later"

made war against Israel

The phrase "made war" is an idiom which means that they attacked Israel and were at war with them. Here "Israel" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "attacked the people of Israel"

Judges 11:5

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Judges 11:6

that we may fight with

"so that we can fight against"

Judges 11:7

my father's house

Here "house" refers to people living in the house. Alternate translation: "my family"

Judges 11:8

That is why we are turning to you now

The word "that" refers to what Jephthah said about about them being in trouble. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "We are turning to you now because we are in trouble"

fight with the people of Ammon

"fight against the people of Ammon"

Judges 11:9

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Judges 11:10

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Judges 11:11

leader and commander

These two words basically have the same meaning repeated to emphasize how important Jephthah had became. You can combine the two words. Alternate translation: "commander"

When he was before Yahweh in Mizpah, Jephthah repeated all the promises he made

This is an idiom. Here the phrase "before Yahwheh" means that he repeated his promises as a vow before Yahweh. Alternate translation: "When Jephthah was in Mizpah he repeated all of these promises as a vow before Yahweh"

all the promises he made

This refers to the promises he made to the leaders of Gilead about becoming their leader.

Judges 11:12

What is this conflict between us

"Why is there conflict between us?" Jephthah is asking the king why they are angry with Israel.

Why have you come with force to take our land

The word "you" refers to the King of Ammon and represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "Why have your soldiers come to seize our land"

come with force to take

"come to forcefully take"

Judges 11:13

Arnon ... Jabbok

These are the names of two rivers.

over to the Jordan

"on the other side of the Jordan River"

in peace

"peacefully" or "and do not try to defend them"

Judges 11:14

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Judges 11:15

he said

Here the word "he" refers to the messenger who was speaking to the king. This may be written with the word "they" as in the UDB, referring to the group of messengers. Alternate translation: "Jephthah told the messengers to say" or "they said"

Judges 11:16

they came up from Egypt

Whenever people traveled to the promised land it is referred to as going "up" to the promised land. When the Israelites left Egypt they were on their way to the promised land. Alternate translation: "they left Egypt"

Judges 11:17

General Information:

Jephthah's messengers continue to speak.

When Israel sent messengers

The messengers were sent by the leaders of Israel. Alternate translation: "When the leaders of Israel sent messengers"

pass through

"go through" or "cross"

would not listen

This phrase is an idiom that means to "refuse." Alternate translation: "refused" or "denied their request"

They also sent messengers to the king of Moab

The reason that Israel sent messengers to the king of Moab can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "They also send messengers to the king of Moab with the same request"

but he refused

The king of Moab refused Israel's request to pass through Moab. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "but he also refused and would not let them pass through the land of Moab"

Judges 11:18

Arnon

This is the name of a river. See how you translated this in Judges 11:13.

Judges 11:19

General Information:

Jephthah's messengers continue to speak.

Israel sent messengers to Sihon

The messengers were sent by the leaders of Israel. Alternate translation: "When the leaders of Israel sent messengers"

Sihon

This is the name of a person.

Heshbon

This is the name of a city.

Judges 11:20

Jahaz

This is the name of a city.

But Sihon did not trust Israel to pass through his territory

Sihon did not trust the people of Israel to pass through his land peacefully. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "But Sihon did not trust the people of Israel to pass through his territory peacefully"

there he fought

The word "he" refers to Sihon and represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: "there they fought" or "there his army fought"

Judges 11:21

General Information:

Jephthah's messengers continue to speak.

Sihon

See how you translated this man's name in Judges 11:19.

gave Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel

Here "hand" refers to power to defeat in battle. Alternate translation: "gave Israel power over Sihon and all his people"

Judges 11:22

Arnon ... Jabbok

See how you translated the names of these rivers in Judges 11:13.

Judges 11:23

General Information:

Jephthah's messengers continue to speak.

should you now take possession of their land?

Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with this rhetorical question. The word "their" refers to the Israel. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "therefore, you should not take possession of their land."

Judges 11:24

Will you not take over the land that Chemosh, your god, gives you?

Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should only take over the land that Chemosh, your god, gives you."

take over

This is an idiom which means to take control of something. Alternate translation: "take control of" or "take possession of"

Chemosh

This is the name of a false god.

Judges 11:25

Now are you really better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab?

Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are not better than Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab."

Balak ... Zippor

These are the names of men.

Did he dare to have an argument with Israel?

Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. This question can be translated with a statement. Alternate translation: "Yet he did not dare to have an argument with Israel."

Did he ever wage war against them?

Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. This question can be translated with a statement. Alternate translation: "Nor did he ever wage war against them."

Judges 11:26

General Information:

Jephthah's messengers continue to speak.

three hundred years

"300 years"

Heshbon

Translate the name of this city the same way that you did in Judges 11:19.

Aroer

This is the name of a city.

why then did you not take them back during that time?

Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "you should have taken them back during that time." or "now it is too late; you should have taken them back long ago."

Judges 11:27

I have not done you wrong, but you are doing me wrong by attacking me

Jephthah is speaking to the Sihon. Here Jephthah speaks about the Israelites as though they were himself and of the Ammonites as if they were Sihon their king. Alternate translation: "The Israelites have not done wrong to your people, but your people are doing us wrong by attacking us"

done you wrong ... doing me wrong

This is an idiom. To do someone wrong means to do something wrong to them. Alternate translation: "treated you wrongly ... treating me wrongly" or "treated you unfairly ... treating me unfairly"

Judges 11:28

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Judges 11:29

the Spirit of Yahweh came on Jephthah

This is an idiom which means that the Spirit influenced Jephthah's decisions. Alternate translation: "the Spirit of Yahweh took control of Jephthah"

he passed through Gilead and Manasseh ... from Mizpah of Gilead

Jephthah passed through these places enlisting men for his army to go to war with the people of Ammon. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "he gathered men for his army as he passed through Gilead and Manasseh ... from Mizpah of Gilead"

Judges 11:30

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Judges 11:31

I will offer it up

This is an idiom which means to give something as an offering. Alternate translation: "I will offer it to you" or "I will sacrifice it to you"

Judges 11:32

So Jephthah passed through ... Yahweh gave him victory

Since Jephthah was the leader of his army, he and his army are often spoken of as Jephthah himself. Alternate translation: "So Jephthah and his army passed through ... Yahweh gave them victory"

Judges 11:33

He attacked

Since Jephthah was the leader of his army, he and his army are often spoken of as Jephthah himself

Aroer

Translate the name of this city the same way you did in Judges 11:26.

Minnith ... Abel Keramim

These are the names of cities.

twenty cities

"including 20 cities"

Judges 11:34

tambourines

musical instruments with heads like drums that can be hit and with pieces of metal around their sides that sound when the instruments are shaken

Judges 11:35

he tore his clothes

This is an act that shows mourning or great sadness. Alternate translation: "he tore his clothes from grief"

You have crushed me with sorrow ... you have become one who troubles me

Jephthah said basically the same thing twice to emphasize that he was very sad.

You have crushed me with sorrow

Here Jephthah speaks of his great sorrow as something that crushes him. Alternate translation: "You have caused me great sorrow" or "You have filled me with sorrow"

you have become one who troubles me

Here Jephthah talks about his great distress and trouble as if it were pain. Alternate translation: "you have caused me great distress"

I cannot turn back on my promise

This is an idiom. To turn back on a promise means to not do what you have promised to do. Alternate translation: "I must do what I have promised" or "I cannot break my promise"

Judges 11:36

has taken vengeance for you against your enemies, the Ammonites

Yahweh has taken vengence for him by defeating his enemies. The meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "has taken vengeance for you against your enemies, the Ammonites, by defeating them"

Judges 11:37

Let this promise be kept for me

This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "Keep this promise for me" or "Keep this promise concerning me"

grieve over my virginity

"weep because I am a virgin" or "cry because I will never be married"

Judges 11:38

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Judges 11:39

had never known a man

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "had never had sexual relations with a man"

Judges 11:40

the Gileadite

This refers to someone from Gilead. See how you translated this in Judges 10:3.

Chapter 12

Judges 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The account of Jephthah concludes in this chapter.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Shibboleth

This is a word in Hebrew. Its importance in this chapter is because of its sounds, not its meaning. The translator should not translate the meaning of this word, but should transliterate or transfer it into the target language by substituting letters that have the same sounds.

Judges 12:1

A call went out to the men of Ephraim

Here the abstract noun "call" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "The men of Ephraim were called together" or "The men ... of Ephraim called together their soldiers"

Zaphon

This is the name of a city.

passed through ... pass through

or "traveled through ... travel" or "journeyed through ... journey"

We will burn your house down over you

This idiom means to burn down a house with people inside it. Alternate translation: "We will burn your house down with you still in it"

Judges 12:2

When I called you, you

Here the word "you" is plural and refers to the people of Ephraim.

did not rescue me

Jephthah uses the word "me" to refer to himself and all the people of Gilead. Alternate translation: "do not rescue us"

Judges 12:3

you did not rescue me

The word "you" is plural and refers to the men of Ephraim. Jephthah is referring to the people of Gilead, including himself, when he says "me." Alternate translation: "you did not rescue us"

I put my life in my own hand

This is an idiom which means to risk one's life and to rely only on one's own strength. Jephthah continues to refer to the people of Gilead as himself. Alternate translation: "We risked our lives, relying on our own strength"

Yahweh gave me victory

Jephthah is referring to Yahweh giving the men of Gilead victory over the Ammonites. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Yahweh gave us victory over them" or "Yahweh allowed us to defeat them in battle"

Why have you come to fight against me

The word "you" is plural and refers to the men of Ephraim. Jephthah is referring to the people of Gilead, including himself, when he says "me." Alternate translation: "Why have you come to fight against us"

passed through against the people of Ammon

This means that they fought against the Ammonites as they passed through Ammon. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "fought against the people of Ammon as we passed through their region"

Judges 12:4

he fought against Ephraim

The word "he" refers to Jephthah and all the fighting men of Gilead. Alternate translation: "they fought against Ephraim"

You Gileadites are fugitives

You can make the meaning of this insult explicit. Alternate translation: "You Gileadites do not really belong here. You are just people who came here to live"

Gileadites

people from Gilead

in Ephraim—in Ephraim and Manasseh

"in the regions of Ephraim and Manasseh" or "in the land of Ephraim and Manasseh." Here "Ephraim" and "Manasseh" refer to regions and are named after the tribes which live there.

Judges 12:5

to Ephraim

"to the land of Ephraim"

The Gileadites captured

"The Gileadites controlled" or "The Gileadites occupied"

fords

These are places where you can cross the river on foot because the water is shallow.

Ephraimite

person from the tribe of Ephraim

Judges 12:6

Shibboleth ... Sibboleth

These words have no meaning. Copy these words into your language, and make sure that the beginning of the words, that is the letters "Sh" and "S" are translated differently.

pronounce the word

"make the sound of the word"

Forty-two thousand

"42,000"

Forty-two thousand Ephraimites were killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They killed forty-two thousand Ephraimites"

Judges 12:7

Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jephthah the Gileadite died and they buried him"

Judges 12:8

Ibzan of Bethlehem

This is the name of a man from Bethlehem.

Judges 12:9

He gave away thirty daughters in marriage

Here "give away ... in marriage" is an idiom which means that he allowed his daughters to get married. Alternate translation: "He had thirty daughters and arranged a marriage for each of them"

he brought from the outside thirty daughters of other men for his sons

The idiom "bring them in from the outside" means that he had women from other clans marry his sons. Alternate translation: "he arranged for thirty daughters of other men from outside of his clan to marry his sons"

Judges 12:10

was buried at Bethlehem

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried him in Bethlehem"

Judges 12:11

Elon

This is the name of a man.

Zebulunite

someone from the tribe of Zebulun

Judges 12:12

Aijalon

Translate the name of this place the same way you did in Judges 1:35.

was buried in Aijalon

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried him in Aijalon"

Judges 12:13

Abdon ... Hillel

These are the names of men.

Pirathon

This is the name of a city.

Judges 12:14

They rode on seventy donkeys

These men owned seventy donkeys, which they did ride. Here the word "rode" is used instead of "owned." Alternate translation: "They owned seventy donkeys"

forty sons ... thirty grandsons ... seventy donkeys

"40 sons ... 30 grandsons ... 70 donkeys

Judges 12:15

Pirathonite ... Pirathon

Pirathon is the name of a place, someone who is from that place is called a Pirathonite.

Chapter 13

Judges 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the account of Samson (Judges 13-16).

Special concepts in this chapter

Warning not to cut his hair

The angel of the Lord prophesied about Samson and gave instructions to Samson's mother. Samson's mother was to offer up her son under a Nazarite vow. This was a special type of vow, dedicating Samson to Yahweh. Part of this vow prohibited the cutting of the person's hair. (See: prophet and vow)

Judges 13:1

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [Judges 2:11]

he gave them into the hand of the Philistines

Here "hand" refers to power to gain victory in battle. Alternate translation: "he allowed the Philistines to defeat them" or "he allowed them to be oppressed by the Philistines"

forty years

"40 years"

Judges 13:2

Zorah

This was the name of a town in Israel. It was in the region of Judah near the border of Dan.

Danites

people from the tribe of Dan

Manoah

This is the name of a man.

Judges 13:3

See now, you

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is an exhortation for the hearer to pay attention. "Listen carefully: you"

give birth to a son

This refers to childbirth. Alternate translation: "bear a son" or "have a baby boy"

Judges 13:4

anything unclean

Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

Judges 13:5

Look

"Pay attention" or "Listen"

No razor will be used upon his head

Here the word "head" refers to his hair. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one should ever cut his hair"

razor

a sharp knife used to cut hair close to the skin

a Nazirite to God

This means that he will be devoted to God as a Nazirite. Alternate translation: "a Nazirite devoted to God" or "devoted to God as a Nazirite"

from the womb

Here the word "womb" refers to the time before the child is born. Alternate translation: "from before he is born"

the hand of the Philistines

Here the word "hand" means control. Alternate translation: "the control of the Philistines" or "being under the Philistine's control"

Judges 13:6

A man of God

This means that the man was sent by God. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "A man that God sent"

his appearance was like that of an angel of God, very terrible

Here "terrible" means "frightening." Alternate translation: "I was very afraid of him because he looked like an angel of God"

Judges 13:7

Look

"Pay attention" or "Listen"

give birth to a son

This refers to childbirth. Alternate translation: "bear a son" or "have a baby boy"

any food that the law declares to be unclean

Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.

a Nazirite to God

This means that he will be devoted to God as a Nazirite. See how you translated this in [Judges 3:5]

from the time he is in your womb until the day of his death

This emphasizes that it would be for his entire life. Alternate translation: "all his life"

Judges 13:8

Manoah

See how you translated this man's name in Judges 13:2.

Judges 13:9

came to the woman

You can make explicit the implicit meaning of the author's words. Alternate translation: "came to Manoah's wife"

Judges 13:10

Look

"Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

The man

This refers to the angel of God in [Judges 13:3]

Judges 13:11

General Information:

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Judges 13:12

your words

"what you have said"

Judges 13:13

General Information:

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Judges 13:14

anything that comes from the vines

Here the angel refers to any food that grow on a vine as "coming" from the vine. Alternate translation: "anything that grows on a vine"

unclean

Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. See how you translated this phrase in [Judges 13:7]

Judges 13:15

prepare a young goat for you

You can make explicit the implicit meaning of Manoah's statement. Alternate translation: "cook a young goat for you to eat"

Judges 13:16

General Information:

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Judges 13:17

your words come true

"what you have said comes true"

Judges 13:18

Why do you ask my name?

The angel asks this question as a rebuke. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not ask me what my name is."

It is wonderful

It may be helpful to explain more explicitly why they should not ask his name. Alternate translation: "It is too wonderful for you to understand"

Judges 13:19

with the grain offering

This law requires a grain offering to be offered when a burnt offering is made. Alternate translation: "with the grain offering required with it" or "with the grain offering to accompany it"

on the rock

"on the altar." The altar Manoah sacrificed the offering on was a rock.

He did something

"The angel did something"

Judges 13:20

the angel of Yahweh went up in the flame of the altar

"the angel of Yahweh went back up into heaven through the flames on the altar"

lay facedown on the ground

"lay with their faces to the ground." This is a sign of respect and honor, but it also shows their fear of Yahweh.

Judges 13:21

that he was the angel of Yahweh

The word "he" refers to the man who Manoah and his wife had seen.

Judges 13:22

We are sure to die, because we have seen God

It is implied that they think God will cause them to die. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "God will cause us to die because we have seen him"

Judges 13:23

He would not have shown us all these things, nor at this time would he have let us hear such things

Manoah's wife said basically the same thing twice for emphasis. These two statements can be combined. Alternate translation: "He would not have told us what he wanted us to do"

Judges 13:24

the woman

"Manoah's wife"

gave birth to a son

This refers to childbirth. Alternate translation: "bore a son" or "had a baby boy"

grew up

"became an adult" or "matured"

Judges 13:25

Yahweh's Spirit began to stir him

The word "stir" here refers to causing Samson to act. "Yahweh's Spirit began to cause him to act" or "Yahweh's Spirit began to control him"

Mahaneh Dan ... Eshtaol

Mahaneh Dan is the name of a temporary camp that the tribe of Dan lived in while they looked for a permanent home. Eshtaol is the name of a town.

Zorah

Translate the name of this town the same way you did in Judges 13:2.

Chapter 14

Judges 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The account of Samson continues in this chapter.

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 14:14, 18.

Special concepts in this chapter
Intermarriage

It was considered sinful for an Israel to marry a Canaanite or anyone from a different people group. This is why Samson's parents did not want him to marry a Philistine woman. They use rhetorical questions to convince him that he is sinning. This woman caused Samson many problems.

Judges 14:1

Samson went down to Timnah

The phrase "went down" is used here because Timnah is lower in elevation than where his father's house was. Timah is the name of a city in the Sorek Valley.

one of the daughters of the Philistines

The word "daughter" is a polite way to refer to a young, unmarried woman. Alternate translation: "one of the unmarried women among the Philistine people" or "a Philistine girl"

Judges 14:2

Now get her for me to be my wife

This is an idiom. Samson was demanding his parents to speak to the Philistine woman's parents about marriage. Alternate translation: "Now arrange for her to become my wife" or "Make the arrangements for me to marry her"

Judges 14:3

Is there not a woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people?

They ask this question to suggest that they could find Samson a wife among their own people. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Surely there are women among your people whom you could marry."

the daughters of your relatives

The word "daughter" is a polite way to refer to a young, unmarried woman. Alternate translation: "one of the unmarried women among your relatives"

Are you going to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?

This question is asked to rebuke Samson. This question can be written as a statement. You can make explicit the reason his parents do not want him to marry a Philistine. Alternate translation: "You really should not marry a Philistine woman because the Philistine people do not worship Yahweh."

Get her for me

This is an idiom. Samson was demanding his parents to speak to the Philistine woman's parents about marriage. Alternate translation: "Now arrange for her to be my wife"

she pleases me

This means that Samson thinks she is beautiful. "I am pleased by how beautiful she is" or "she is beautiful"

Judges 14:4

this matter

This refers to Samson's request to marry the Philistine woman.

for he desired to create a conflict

The word "he" refers to Yahweh.

Judges 14:5

Samson went down to Timnah

The phrase "went down" is used here because Timnah is lower in elevation than where his father's house was. Timnah was a city in the Sorek Valley. Translate the name of this city the same way you did in [Judges 14:1]

And, look, there one of the young lions came up

Here the word "look" is used to draw the readers attention to a surprising event that happens in the story. The phrase "came up" means that the lion came near him. Alternate translation: "Suddenly, a young lion came near him"

was roaring at him

"threatened him." This is the kind of noise that a lion makes when it threatens to attack something.

Judges 14:6

Yahweh's Spirit suddenly came on him

The phrase "came on" means that Yahweh's Spirit influenced Samson. In this case, he made him very strong. Alternate translation: "Yahweh's Spirit made him very strong"

tore ... apart

tore into two pieces

had nothing in his hand

Here it states that he had nothing in his hand to emphasize that he was not holding a weapon. Alternate translation: "did not have a weapon"

Judges 14:7

she pleased Samson

This means that he thought she was very beautiful. Alternate translation: "he was pleased by how beautiful she was" or "he thought she was very beautiful"

Judges 14:8

he turned aside

This means that he left his path to do something. Alternate translation: "he left the path"

carcass

dead body

And, look, there was a swarm of bees

Here the word "look" is used to draw the reader's attention to something surprising that happens in the story. Alternate translation: "He found a swarm of bees"

swarm

large group of insects

Judges 14:9

scraped up

"gathered up"

Judges 14:10

Samson's father went down to where the woman was

The phrase "went down" is used to describe Timnah which is lower in elevation than where Samson's father lives. Alternate translation: "Samson's father went to where the woman lived"

the custom of the young men

It may be helpful to state that this was a marriage custom. Alternate translation: "the custom of young men who were getting married"

Judges 14:11

thirty of their friends

"30 of their friends"

Judges 14:12

riddle

a game in which the players must discover the answer to a difficult question

can find it out

This means to figure out the meaning of the riddle. Alternate translation: "can figure out its meaning"

thirty linen robes and thirty sets of clothes

"30 linen robes and 30 sets of clothes"

linen

a type of cloth

Judges 14:13

But if you cannot tell me

Here the word "you" is plural and refers to the guests at the feast.

Judges 14:14

General Information:

Samson tells his riddle. Since it is supposed to be hard to understand, do not translate it in a way that people will immediately know what it means.

Out of the eater was something to eat

"Out of the eater came something to eat" or "Something to eat came out of something that eats"

the eater

The noun "eater" can be expressed as a verb phrase. Alternate translation: "the thing that eats"

out of the strong was something sweet

"out of the strong came something sweet" or "Something that is sweet came out of something that is strong"

the strong

This refers to something that is strong. Alternate translation: "the strong thing"

his guests

"the men at his feast"

could not find the answer

Here figuring out the answer to the riddle is spoke of as if it were something hidden that the guest had to search for and find. Alternate translation: "could not figure out the answer"

Judges 14:15

the fourth day

"day 4"

Trick

mislead or fool someone into doing something they would not want to do

your father's house

These words could refer to 1) the actual house. Alternate translation: "the house your father and his family live in" Or 2) the people who live in the father's physical house. Alternate translation: "your family"

will burn up

The phrase "burn up" means to burn something completely. If a person is "burnt up," it means that person is burned to death.

Did you invite us here in order to make us poor?

They ask her this question to accuse her of doing evil. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have brought us here to make us poor!"

to make us poor

They would become poor if they had to buy him new clothes if they could not solve the riddle. Alternate translation: "to make us poor by forcing us to buy him new clothes"

Judges 14:16

All you do is hate me! You do not love me

Samson's wife basically said the same thing twice for emphasis. Alternate translation: "You do not really love me at all"

riddle

a game in which the players must discover the answer to a difficult question

Look here

This is used to get someones attention. Here "look" means to "listen." Alternate translation: "Listen to me" or "Pay attention to what I am about to say"

if I have not told my father or my mother, should I tell you?

Samson was rebuking her for demanding that he tell her the answer. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I have not even told my father or mother. I will not tell you." or "you should not demand that I tell you, since I have not even told my parents, and they are closer to me than you are."

Judges 14:17

during the seven days that their feast lasted

Possible meanings are 1) "during the seven days of their feast" or 2) "during the rest of the seven days of their feast."

the seventh day

"day 7"

she pressured him very much

Here the word "pressured" means "urged." Alternate translation: "she kept urging him to tell her"

Judges 14:18

the men of the city

This refers to Samson's wife's relatives. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the young men" or "her relatives"

the seventh day

"day 7"

What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?

This is the answer to the riddle. It may be written as a statement instead of as questions. If necessary it could be made clear how this relates to the riddle by adding more information. Alternate translation: "Honey is sweet and a lion is strong." or "Honey is sweet and it came out of a lion."

If you had not plowed with my heifer

Samson compares their using his wife to get the answer to someone using another person's heifer to plow his field. Alternate translation: "If you had not used my wife"

plowed

To plow is to use an animal to pull a blade through soil to prepare the soil for seeds.

Judges 14:19

came on Samson with power

The phrase "came on" means that Yahweh's Spirit influenced Samson. In this case, he made him very strong. Alternate translation: "made Samson very strong" or "made Samson very powerful"

killed thirty of their men

"killed 30 of their men"

their men

"the men who lived there"

plunder

things taken by force, usually after a fight or battle

their clothes

These were from the plunder he had taken from Ashkelon. Alternate translation: "the sets of clothing that he had taken"

Burning with anger

"Very angry"

went up to his father's house

The phrase "went up" is used here because Samson was at Timnah which is lower in elevation than where his father's house is located.

Judges 14:20

Samson's wife was given to his best friend

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his wife's father gave her to his best friend"

best friend

"closest friend"

Chapter 15

Judges 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The account of Samson continues in this chapter.

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 15:16.

Special concepts in this chapter

Samson's strength

The Spirit of Yahweh rushed upon Samson. This meant God gave Samson extraordinary strength. Samson's power is the power of Yahweh himself and he enacted the judgment of God on the Philistines. (See: holyspirit and judge)

Judges 15:1

He said to himself

This refers to thinking. Alternate translation: "He thought to himself"

I will go to my wife's room

Samson intended to sleep with his wife. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "I will go to my wife's room, so we may sleep together"

would not allow him to go in

The phrase "her room" is understood from what Samson said to himself. It can be repeated here. Alternate translation: "would not permit him to go into her room"

Judges 15:2

so I gave her to your friend

This means that he gave her to be his friend's wife. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "so I gave her to be married to your friend"

is she not?

He asks this question to imply that Samson should agree with him. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I hope you agree."

Take her instead

He is suggesting that Samson take her as his wife. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Take her to be your wife instead"

Judges 15:3

I will be innocent in regard to the Philistines when I hurt them

Samson thinks that he will be innocent if he attacks the Philistines because they wronged him. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "I will be innocent if I hurt the Philistines because they have wronged me"

Judges 15:4

three hundred foxes

"300 foxes"

foxes

Foxes are animals like dogs that have long tails and that eat nesting birds and other small animals.

each pair

a pair is two of anything, such as two foxes, or two tails

tail to tail

"by their tails"

torches

A torch is a stick of wood with something flammable attached to one end; a torch is often used to light other things or to be carried for light.

Judges 15:5

standing grain

grain that is still growing on its stalk in the field

stacked grain

the stalks of grain collected in piles after it has been harvested

orchards

An orchard is a place where fruit trees are grown.

Judges 15:6

the Timnite's son-in-law

The husband of a man's daughter is a "son-in-law."

Timnite

This is a person from Timnah.

took Samson's wife and gave her to his friend

Samson's wife's father gave her in marriage to Samson's friend. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "took Samson's wife and allowed her to marry Samson's friend"

burned up

The phrase "burned up" means to burn something completely. If a person is "burned up," it means that person is burned to death.

Judges 15:7

said to them

"said to the Philistines"

If this is what you do

"Because you have done this."

Judges 15:8

he cut them to pieces, hip and thigh

Here "hip and thigh" refers to the whole body. This is a graphic description of how Samson killed the Philistines. Alternate translation: "He cut their bodies to pieces"

he went down

Here the phrase "went down" does not likely mean that he changed elevation, but rather, it is a way to describe someone going to another place. Alternate translation: "he went"

cave

an opening in a hill or mountainside

cliff

a high, rocky hill or mountainside

Etam

This is the name of the rocky hill country near Jerusalem.

Judges 15:9

the Philistines came up ... in Judah

The phrase "came up" is used here because Judah is higher in elevation than Philistia.

encamped in Judah

They set up their tents in Judah. This synecdoche means that they prepared to make war against Judah. Alternate translation: "prepared to make war against Judah"

spread out

moved apart from each other so they could control as much land as possible

Lehi

This is the name of a town in Judah.

Judges 15:10

have you come up against

Possible meanings are 1) "have you come up to attack" (see verse 9) or 2) "are you attacking."

We have come up

Possible meanings are 1) "We have come up" (see verse 9) or 2) "We are attacking you."

do to him as he has done to us

The Philistines are comparing how they want to kill Samson to how he killed many of the Philistines. Alternate translation: "kill him like he killed many of our people"

Judges 15:11

three thousand men of Judah

"3,000 men of Judah"

cave in the cliff of Etam

See how you translated this phrase in Judges 15:8.

Do you not know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What is this you have done to us?

The men of Judah ask Samson these questions to rebuke him. This questions may be written as a statements. Alternate translation: "You know that the Philistines are rulers over us but you act like they are not. What you have done has caused us great harm."

They did to me, and so I have done to them

Samson is referring to how they killed his wife and how he killed them in revenge. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "They killed my wife, so I killed them"

Judges 15:12

the hands of the Philistines

Here "hands" refers to power. Alternate translation: "the Philistine's control"

Judges 15:13

hand you over to them

This means to cause someone to be under someone else's control. Alternate translation: "give you to the Philistines"

up from the rock

This refers to the cave in the cliff of Etam where Samson had gone in [Judges 15:8]

Judges 15:14

When he came

Samson was not travelling alone, he was being led by the men who had tied him with ropes. Alternate translation: "When they came"

Lehi

This is the name of a town in Judah. See how you translated this in Judges 15:9.

came on him with power

The phrase "came on" means that Yahweh's Spirit influenced Samson. In this case, he made him very strong. Alternate translation: "made Samson very strong"

The ropes on his arms became like burnt flax

Samson easily broken the ropes that bound his hands. The author describes how easily he broke the ropes by saying it was as if they had become burnt flax. Alternate translation: "He snapped the ropes on his arms as easily as if they had been stalks of burned flax"

flax

fibers from the flax plant used for making threads and cloth

Judges 15:15

a fresh jawbone

This means that the donkey had died very recently and its bones had not yet begun to decay. A jawbone is the bone in which the lower rows of teeth are set.

a thousand men

"1,000 men"

Judges 15:16

the jawbone of a donkey

"a donkey's jawbone"

heaps upon heaps

This phrase describes how many people Samson killed. There were enough bodies to make large piles of bodies. Alternate translation: "I have made heaps of dead bodies"

Judges 15:17

Ramath Lehi

This is the name of a place. It's name means "Jawbone Hill"

Judges 15:18

was very thirsty

"needed water to drink"

But now will I die of thirst and fall into ... uncircumcised?

Possible meanings are 1) Samson is so thirsty he could literally die. Alternate translation: "But now I will die of thirst and my body will fall into ... uncircumcised." or 2) Samson exaggerates how thirsty he is by asking if he will die of thirst. Alternate translation: "But now will you allow me to become so weak from my thirst that I fall into ... uncircumcised?"

die of thirst

This means to die because you have not drank enough and therefore, you do not have enough water in your body.

fall into the hands of those who are uncircumcised

The phrase "fall into the hands" means to be captured. "Those who are uncircumcised" refers to the Philistines and with the word "uncircumcised" emphasizing that they do not worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: "be captured by those godless Philistines"

Judges 15:19

split open the hollow place

"opened a hole in the ground" or "opened the low place." This refers to a low area of ground where Yahweh caused a spring of water to appear.

Lehi

See how you translated this in Judges 15:9

his strength returned and he revived

These two phrase mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Samson became strong again. These two statements can be combined. Alternate translation: "he became strong again" or "he was revived"

En Hakkore

This is the name of a spring of water. The name means "spring of him who prayed."

it is at Lehi to this day

This means that the spring did not dry up but that it remained. The phrase "to this day" refers to the "present" time. Alternate translation: "the spring can still be found at Lehi, even today"

Judges 15:20

in the days of the Philistines

This refers to the time period that the Philistines controlled the land of Israel. Alternate translation: "during the time the Philistines controlled Israel"

for twenty years

"for 20 years"

Chapter 16

Judges 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The account of Samson concludes in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Samson's mistake

Samson mistakenly thought that he was the source of his strength. He did not realize that Yahweh had left him and without Yahweh, he had no strength. This was not Samson's only mistake. His foreign wife created most of his problems.

Judges 16:1

he went to her

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with her. Alternate translation: he had sexual relations with her" or "he lay with her"

Judges 16:2

The Gazites were told

The word "Gazites" refers to people from Gaza. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told the people of Gaza"

The Gazites surrounded the place ... they waited for him all night at the city gate

This implies that some Gazites surrounded the place where Samson was staying and others waited at the city gate so that he could not leave.

They kept silent all night

Possible meanings are 1) "They did not make any noise all night" or 2) "They made no attempt to attack him all night."

Judges 16:3

until midnight

"until the middle of the night"

its two posts

These are supports for the city gate. These posts were probably made from tree trunks and were buried deep into the ground. The doors of the city gate were attached to these posts.

bar and all

The bar was probably a heavy rod of iron that connected the gate to the posts. The doors of the city gate were probably made of heavy wooden beams or iron bars.

shoulders

the part of the human body where the arms and the neck attach to the body

Hebron

This is the name of a city.

Judges 16:4

Valley of Sorek

This is the name of a valley near Samson's home.

Judges 16:5

Trick

to mislead or fool someone into doing something they would not want to do

to see

This is an idiom that means to learn something. Alternate translation: "to understand" or "to learn"

where his great strength lies

This is an idiom that refers to where his strength comes from. Alternate translation: "what causes him to be very strong"

by what means we may overpower him

"how we might overpower him""

1,100 pieces of silver

"one thousand one hundred pieces of silver."

Judges 16:6

bind you, so you might be controlled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "bind you to control you" or "bind you to restrain you"

Judges 16:7

fresh bowstrings

Bowstrings were often made from parts of an animal, often from the tendons. The words "fresh bowstrings" refer to those that come from a freshly slaughtered animal that have not yet dried.

that have not been dried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that have not yet dried" or "that are not dry yet"

Judges 16:8

that had not been dried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that had not yet dried" or "that were not dry yet"

she tied Samson up with them

"Delilah tied Samson up with the fresh bowstrings"

Judges 16:9

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author tells background information about Philistine men that Delilah had waiting to capture Samson.

The Philistines are upon you

The phrase "upon you" means that they are ready to capture him. Alternate translation: "The Philistines are here to capture you"

he broke the bowstrings like a thread of yarn when it touches the fire

The author describes how easily he broke the bowstrings by comparing them to how yarn breaks when it is burned. Alternate translation: "he broke the bowstrings as easily as if he were breaking burned yarn" or "he broke the bowstrings as easily as if they were made of thin yarn"

Judges 16:10

This is how you have deceived me and told me lies.

Deceiving and lying mean the same thing and are stated to emphasize how angry Delilah felt. Alternate translation: "You have greatly deceived me!"

you can be overpowered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people can overpower you"

Judges 16:11

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Judges 16:12

The Philistines are upon you

The phrase "upon you" means that they are there to capture him. Alternate translation: "The Philistines are here to capture you"

lying in wait

This means that they were hiding and waiting for the right moment to attack. Alternate translation: "waiting to attack him"

like they were a piece of thread

The author describes how easily Samson broke the ropes by comparing it to him breaking a piece of thread. Alternate translation: "as easily as if they were only a piece of thread"

Judges 16:13

you have deceived me and told me lies

Deceiving and lying mean the same thing and are stated to emphasize how angry Delilah felt. Alternate translation: "you have greatly deceived me"

you may be overpowered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people can overpower you"

weave

crossing pieces of material together so they hold each other in place

locks of my hair

small bunches of hair

fabric

cloth made from weaving material together

loom

a machine used for combining many threads of material into a cloth

then nail that to the loom

"then nail the fabric to the loom"

nail

to hammer a nail in order to hold something in one place

I will be like any other man

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "I will be as weak as any other man"

Judges 16:14

The Philistines are upon you

The phrase "upon you" means that they are there to capture him. Alternate translation: "The Philistines are here to capture you"

he pulled out the fabric and the pin from the loom

Samson pulled out the fabric from the loom when he pulled his hair away from the loom. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "pulled away his hair, taking with it the pin of the loom and the fabric in the loom"

the pin

This is the wooden nail or peg used to fasten the fabric to the loom.

Judges 16:15

How can you say, 'I love you,' when you do not share your secrets with me?

Delilah asks this question to say that if Samson really loved her he would tell her his secrets. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "When you say 'I love you,' you are lying because you do not share your secrets with me."

Judges 16:16

pressed him hard ... pressured him

Here the author speaks of how Delilah tries to persuade Samson as if she were putting pressure on him to convince him to tell her what she wants to know. Alternate translation: "tried hard to persuade him ... kept trying to persuade him"

with her words

"by what she said to him"

that he wished he would die

The author used a hyperbole, an exaggeration, to emphasize how miserable Sampson felt. Alternate translation: "that he was completely miserable" or "that he was very unhappy"

Judges 16:17

told her everything

everything about the source of his strength. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "told her the source of his strength" or "told her the truth"

razor

a sharp blade used to cut hair close to a person's skin

a Nazirite for God

This means that he is devoted to God as a Nazirite. See how you translated a similar phrase in Judges 13:5. Alternate translation: "a Nazirite devoted to God" or "devoted to God as a Nazirite"

from my mother's womb

Here "from my mother's womb" refers to to when he was born. This means that he has been a Nazirite since he was born. Alternate translation: "my entire life"

If my head is shaved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If someone shaves my head"

shaved

to have had the hair cut close to the skin with a razor

my strength will leave me

Samson speaks about his strength as if it were a person who could leave him. Alternate translation: "I will not be strong any more"

Judges 16:18

Delilah saw

Here the word "saw" is a idiom that means to realize something. Alternate translation: "Delilah realized" or "Delilah learned"

the truth about everything

Here the word "everything" refers to everything about why Samson was strong. Alternate translation: "the truth about why he is strong"

Come up again

Delilah is telling the rulers to come again to where she lives. Her home is likely at a higher elevation than where the rulers would be travelling from.

bringing the silver in their hands

This means that they brought to her the silver that they had promised to give her if she helped them capture Samson. Alternate translation: "bringing the silver that they had promised to give her"

Judges 16:19

She had him fall asleep

"She caused him to fall asleep"

in her lap

This means that he slept with his head on her lap. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "with his head on her lap"

lap

The lap is the level area of the upper legs when a person is sitting down.

the seven locks of his head

Samson had seven locks of hair on his head. Locks are small bunches of hair. Here his locks of hair are described as "belonging" to his head. Alternate translation: "the seven locks of hair on his head"

subdue him

"control him"

his strength had left him

Here Samson's strength is described as if it were a person who could leave him. Alternate translation: "his strength was gone" or "he was no longer strong"

Judges 16:20

The Philistines are upon you

The phrase "upon you" means that they are ready to capture him. Alternate translation: "The Philistines are here to capture you"

woke up

"awakened"

get out

"escape"

But he did not know that Yahweh had left him

It is implied that if Yahweh left Samson, he would no longer be strong. Alternate translation: "But he did not know that Yahweh had left him and that he would not be strong enough to defeat the Philistines"

Judges 16:21

put out his eyes

This means that they removed his eyes from his head. Alternate translation: "removed his eyes"

down to Gaza

The phrase "down to" is used here because they brought Samson to Gaza which is lower in elevation than his home where they captured him.

bound him with bronze shackles

"chained him with bronze shackles" or "tied him up using bronze shackles"

shackles

locks on the end of chains that hold a prisoner at his feet or hands, or both

turned the millstone

"pulled the millstone around in a circle"

millstone

This is a very large, heavy, circular stone. Normally, a large animal pulls the millstone around in a circle to crush grain. Here the Philistines humiliate Samson by making him pull it.

Judges 16:22

after it had been shaved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after the Philistines had shaved it"

Judges 16:23

Dagon

a major false god of the Philistines

has conquered

"has defeated"

put him in our hands

Here the word "hands" is a metaphor for the rulers' power. Alternate translation: "put him under our control"

Judges 16:24

the destroyer of our country

This refers to Samson. The word "destroyer" can be expressed with the verb "destroy." Alternate translation: "the man who has destroyed our country"

who killed many of us

Here the word "us" refers to the Philistine people. Those who are talking are not counting themselves among the people whom Samson killed. Alternate translation: "who killed many of our people"

Judges 16:25

Call for Samson ... They called for Samson

Since Samson was a prisoner, he would not be called directly, but rather the people were asking for the men in charge of the prison to bring him to them. Alternate translation: "Call for them to bring out Samson ... They brought Samson"

Judges 16:26

the boy

"the young man" This was not a young child, but rather a youth.

Permit me to touch the pillars on which the building rests

"Allow me to touch the pillars which hold up the building"

Judges 16:27

Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story while the writer tells background information.

three thousand men and women

"3,000 men and women"

looking on

"watching"

while Samson was entertaining them

It is unclear what Samson did to entertain them. It seems the Philistines were making him do things that would humiliate him so that they could make fun of him.

Judges 16:28

called to Yahweh

"prayed to Yahweh"

call me to mind

This means to remember him and his situation. Alternate translation: "remember me"

only this once

"one more time"

in one blow on the Philistines

This idiom means that he wants to have one more powerful act against the Philistines to get full revenge for what they did to him. Alternate translation: "with one strike against the Philistine" or "in one powerful act against the Philistines"

Judges 16:29

on which the building rested

"which held up the building"

Judges 16:30

He stretched out with his strength

When Samson stretched out his arms he pushed down the pillars of the building. Alternate translation: "He used his strength to push down the pillars" or "He used his strength to push over the pillars"

the dead

This refers to people who are dead. Alternate translation: "the dead people"

were more

"were a greater amount"

Judges 16:31

all the house of his father

Here the word "house" refers to his family. Alternate translation: "all of his father's family"

came down

The phrase "came down" is used here because the place that Samson's family traveled form was higher in elevation than Gaza.

Zorah ... Eshtaol

See how you translated the names of these places in Judges 13:2 and Judges 13:25.

in the burial place of Manoah, his father

"where his father, Manoah, is buried"

Manoah

See how you translated this man's name in [Judges 13:2]

Samson had judged Israel for twenty years

This same sentence is also in [Judges 15:20]

twenty years

"20 years"

Chapter 17

Judges 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a section explaining how Israel came to have a king.

Special concepts in this chapter

Idols and figures

According to the law of Moses, the Israelites were prohibited from making wooden figures or cast metal idols. This was a form of idolatry. This practice was common in Canaan and it shows the influence the Israelites allowed these people to have on them. (See: lawofmoses)

Judges 17:1

There was a man

This is a way to introduce a new person to the story.

Micah

This is the name of a man. It is not the same man who wrote the book of Micah.

Judges 17:2

1,100 pieces

"one thousand one hundred pieces"

that were taken from you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which someone stole from you"

I stole it

"I was the one who took it"

Judges 17:3

1,100 pieces

"one thousand one hundred"

set apart

This means to dedicate something to a specific purpose. Alternate translation: "dedicate"

cast metal

metal that has been melted and poured into a mold to form a special shape

I restore it to you

"I give it back to you"

Judges 17:4

two hundred pieces of silver

"200 pieces of silver"

they were placed in the house of Micah

The word "they" refers to the metal figures. This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Micah placed them in his house"

Judges 17:5

a house of idols

This refers to a house used specifically for worshiping idols. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "a house for worshiping idols"

Judges 17:6

everyone did what was right in his own eyes

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "each person did what he decided was right" or "each person did what he judged to be right"

Judges 17:7

of Bethlehem

"from Bethlehem"

of the clan of Judah

This means that he was living among the family of Judah, that is, the tribe of Judah. Alternate translation: "who was living among the tribe of Judah"

He stayed there to fulfill his duties

"He lived and worked there"

Judges 17:8

find a place to live

"find a different place to live"

Judges 17:9

where I might live

It is implied that he is looking for a place to live and work. Alternate translation: "where I might live and have a job"

Judges 17:10

a father and a priest

The word "father" is here used in the sense of an advisor, and not to a literal father. Alternate translation: "an advisor and a priest"

I will give you ten pieces of silver a year

"I will give you ten pieces of silver each year"

a suit of clothes

"a set of clothes"

So the Levite went into his house

It is implied that the Levite accepted Micah's offer, and therefore, entered Micah's house. Alternate translation: "So the Levite accepted his offer and went into his house"

Judges 17:11

the young man became to Micah like one of his sons

The relationship between the Levite and Micah became like the close relationship between a father and son. Alternate translation: "the young man became close to Micah and was like one of his sons"

Judges 17:12

Micah set apart the Levite

Here "set apart" means that Micah "dedicated" or "ordained" him. Alternate translation: "Micah dedicated the Levite"

was in Micah's house

Here living in Micah's house is spoken of as "being" in his house. Alternate translation: "lived in Micah's house"

Judges 17:13

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Chapter 18

Judges 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The tribe of Dan

The tribe of Dan lacked faith in Yahweh and had yet to conquer its inheritance. In this chapter, they begin to conquer their land, but they also started to worship an idol. Their conquering of the land is much different than the other tribes' victories. (See: faith and inherit)

Judges 18:1

In those days

This phrase introduces the beginning of another event in the story.

In those days ... from among the tribes of Israel

This is background information about Israel and the people of the tribe of Dan.

not received any inheritance from

This refers specifically to land inherited where they would live. Alternate translation: "not received a land inheritance from"

Judges 18:2

from the whole number of their tribe

The phrase "the whole number" refers to all of the men in the tribe. Alternate translation: "from among all of the men in their tribe"

experienced warriors

"experienced fighters"

Zorah

See how you translated the name of this town in Judges 13:2.

Eshtaol

See how you translated the name of this town in Judges 13:25.

to scout the land on foot

The phrase "on foot" means to walk. Alternate translation: "to scout the land by walking through it"

Micah

See how you translated this man's name in Judges 17:1.

Judges 18:3

they recognized the speech of the young Levite

They recognized the man by the sound of his voice. Here "speech" refers to his "voice." Alternate translation: "they heard the young Levite talking, and they recognized his voice"

Judges 18:4

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Judges 18:5

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Judges 18:6

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Judges 18:7

Laish

This is the name of a city.

There was no one who conquered

"There were no enemies living in their land who had conquered them"

had no dealings with anyone

"had no contact with any outsiders." This means they lived far enough away from any other city that they lived secluded from other people.

Judges 18:8

Zorah

Translate the name of this city the same as you did in Judges 13:2.

Eshtaol

Translate the name of this city the same as you did in Judges 13:25.

Judges 18:9

Are you doing nothing?

This rhetorical question is asked sarcastically and means that they should be doing the opposite. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should be acting now!"

Do not be slow to attack

"Hurry! Attack"

Judges 18:10

a secure people

"a people who think they are secure" "people who are not afraid that anyone will attack them"

the land is wide

"the land is large." This is a description of the size of the land.

that does not lack anything in the land

The men use a hyperbole, an exaggeration, to emphasize that it is a very desirable place to live. Alternate translation: "where we will have everything there that we need"

that does not lack anything

"that has everything"

Judges 18:11

Six hundred men

"600 men"

Judges 18:12

Kiriath Jearim

This is the name of a town.

Mahaneh Dan

Translate the name of this place the same as you did in Judges 13:25.

to this day

This means that something remains the same. It refers to the "present" time. Alternate translation: "and that is still its name"

Judges 18:13

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Judges 18:14

Laish

Translate the name of this town the same as you did in Judges 18:7.

in these houses there are an ephod, ... metal figure? Decide ... will do

The five men asked this question to suggest and encourage the men that they should steal the idols. This can be written as a statement, and the implied information may be given in a parenthetical phrase. Alternate translation: "these houses contain an ephod, ... metal figure.

in these houses there are

"in one of these house there is" or "among these houses is"

Judges 18:15

they turned in there

"they turned"

they greeted him

The word "him" refers to the Levite.

Judges 18:16

six hundred Danites

"600 Danites"

Judges 18:17

six hundred men

"600 men"

Judges 18:18

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Judges 18:19

Is it better for you to be priest for the house of one man ... a clan in Israel?

They ask this as a rhetorical question to imply that it is true. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is better for you to be priest for a tribe and a clan in Israel than for just the house of one man."

Judges 18:20

The priest's heart was glad

Here the priest is referred to by his "heart" to emphasize his emotions. Alternate translation: "The priest was glad"

Judges 18:21

putting the little children, their livestock and their valuable possessions in front of them

They traveled this way to protect the children. If Micah and his people attacked them the would reach the warriors first and not the children. Alternate translation: "putting the little children, their livestock and their possessions in front of them to protect them"

they turned

"the Danites turned around"

Judges 18:22

a good distance

"some distance." This refers a short distance but one that is long enough to be considered as measurable progress.

the men who were in the houses near Micah's house were called together

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he called together the men who were in the houses near his house"

they caught up with the Danites

This implies that they ran after them. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "running after the Danites, they caught up with them"

Judges 18:23

Why have you been called together?

This question is a rebuke. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not have called your men together to chase us."

been called together

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "called these men together"

Judges 18:24

the gods that I made

Micah did not make his gods; rather, the craftsman made them. Alternate translation: "the gods which I had made for me" or "the gods which a craftsman made for me"

What else do I have left?

Micah asks this question to emphasize that he no longer has the things that are important to him. Alternate translation: "I have nothing left." or "You have taken everything that is important to me."

How can you ask me, 'What is bothering you?'

Micah asks this question to emphasize that the Danites definitely know what is bothering him. Alternate translation: "You know that I am greatly distressed!'" or "You know how much I am bothered by what you have done to me!'"

Judges 18:25

let us hear you say anything

The phrase "us hear you say" refers to the Danites hearing Micah speaking about what had happened, but it also includes if they are told by others that Micah had spoken about what had happened. Alternate translation: "let us find out that you have said anything" or "say anything about this"

hear you say anything

The word "anything" refers to any information about the Danites coming to Micah's house and stealing his idols. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "hear you say anything about this matter" or "hear you say anything about what has happened"

you and your family will be killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "kill you and your family"

Judges 18:26

went their way

This means that they continued on their journey. Alternate translation: "continued on their journey" or "continued travelling"

they were too strong for him

This refers to the Danites being too strong for Micah and his men to fight against. Alternate translation: "they were too strong for him and his men to fight"

Judges 18:27

what Micah had made

Micah did not make his gods, rather a craftsman made them for him. Also, this can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the things that had been made for Micah" or "Micah's things"

Laish

See how you translated this in Judges 18:7.

with the edge of the sword

"with their swords." Here "the sword" represents the swords and other weapons that the soldiers used in battle.

Judges 18:28

they had no dealings with anyone

this means they lived far enough away from any other city, that they lived secluded from other people. See how you translated this phrase in Judges 18:7.

Beth Rehob

This is a name of a town.

Judges 18:29

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Judges 18:30

Jonathan son of Gershom, son of Moses

This is the name of the young Levite who used to serve as priest for Micah. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "The young Levite's name was Jonathan the son of Gershom, son of Moses"

until the day of the land's captivity

This refers to a time later on when the people of Dan would be captured by their enemies. Here the land being conquered is spoken of as if it were a prisoner taken captive by an enemy. Alternate translation: "until the day that their enemies conquered their land" or "until the day that their enemies took them captive"

Judges 18:31

that he made

Micah did not make his gods, rather the craftsman made them for him. Alternate translation: "that had been made for him" or "that his craftsman made for him"

Chapter 19

Judges 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The sin of Benjamin

People from a village of the tribe of Benjamin raped a visitor's wife to death. This was very evil, especially in the ancient Near East. The people of Israel considered mistreatment of a guest one of the worst crimes. (See: and evil)

Judges 19:1

In those days

This phrase introduces the beginning of another event in the story.

remote

far from where most people live

Judges 19:2

acted like a prostitute against him

This means that she was unfaithful in their relationship and that she began to have sexual relations with other men. This can be stated explicitly if necessary. Alternate translation: "began to have sexual relations with other men"

Judges 19:3

His servant was with him, and a yoke of donkeys

"He took with him his servant and two donkeys"

Judges 19:4

His father-in-law, the girl's father, persuaded

"His father-in-law, that is, the girl's father, persuaded" or "The girl's father persuaded"

persuaded him to stay

"spoke to him so he decided to stay"

Judges 19:5

he prepared

the Levite prepared

Strengthen yourself with a bit of bread

Here "bread" refers to "food." Alternate translation: "Eat some food so you will be strong enough to travel"

Judges 19:6

Please be willing to spend the night

"Please stay another night"

Judges 19:7

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Judges 19:8

Strengthen yourself, and wait until the afternoon

The father-in-law is suggesting that he strengthen himself by eating. He is also asking him to wait until the afternoon to leave. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Eat some food so you will be strong enough to travel, and wait until afternoon to leave"

Judges 19:9

See now, the day

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: the day"

the day is advancing toward evening

"the day is almost over" or "it is almost evening"

Judges 19:10

that is Jerusalem

"which was later called Jerusalem"

Judges 19:11

Come, let us

This is an idiom used to make a suggestion. Alternate translation: "I suggest that we"

turn aside to

This means to take a break from their journey and stop somewhere along the route. Alternate translation: "stop at"

Judges 19:12

turn aside into

This means to take a break from their journey and stop at a place along the route. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Judges 19:11]

Judges 19:13

Come, let us

This is an idiom used to make a suggestion. Alternate translation: "I suggest that we"

Judges 19:14

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Judges 19:15

turned aside

This means to take a break from their journey and stop at a place along the route. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Judges 19:11]

the city square

the marketplace where people gathered during the day

took them into his house

This phrase means for someone to invite them to spend the night in their home. Alternate translation: "invited them to stay in their house for that night"

Judges 19:16

Benjamites

A Benjamite was a descendant of Benjamin. See how you translated the name of this people group in Judges 3:15.

Judges 19:17

He raised his eyes

Here the man looked up and paid attention to what was around him. Alternate translation: "He looked up"

the city square

the marketplace where people gathered during the day. See how you translated this in Judges 19:14.

Judges 19:18

who will take me into his house

This phrase refers to someone inviting other people into his house to spend the night there. Alternate translation: "who has invited me to stay in his house"

will take me

Here the Levite says "me," but he is actually referring to himself along with his servant and his concubine. Alternate translation: "will take us"

Judges 19:19

there is bread and wine

Change to active voice. Alternate translation: "we have plenty of bread and wine"

me and your female servant here, and for this young man with your servants

The Levite speaks of himself and the others as servants and in the third person to show respect. Alternate translation: "me, my concubine, and my servant"

We lack nothing

This can be written as a positive statement. Alternate translation: "We have everything we need"

Judges 19:20

Only do not

"Do not." The word "only" is used here to emphasize what he did not want the Levite to do.

square

This refers to the city square. See how you translated this Judges 19:17.

Judges 19:21

brought the Levite into his house

This means that he invited the Levite to spend the night in his house. Also, by inviting the Levite he was inviting the man's concubine and servant as well. Alternate translation: "invited the Levite and his servants to stay in his house"

Judges 19:22

they were making their hearts glad

The phrase "making their hearts glad" is an idiom that means to have a good time with someone else. Alternate translation: "they were have a good time together" or "they were enjoying themselves"

some men of ... surrounded the house

Some men stood on all sides of the house.

so we can know him

The phrase "know him" is a polite way of saying "have sexual relations with him." The men probably were not trying to be polite.

Judges 19:23

act of disgraceful folly

a senseless, disgraceful act

Judges 19:24

See

This word is used to get the peoples' attention. Alternate translation: "Listen"

act of disgraceful folly

a senseless, disgraceful act. See how you translated this in Judges 19:23

Judges 19:25

the men would not listen to him

Here the author speaks of "agreeing" as if it were "listening." Alternate translation: "the men would not accept his offer"

the man seized his concubine

there could be confusion as to the identity of the man. Alternate translation: "the Levite seized his concubine"

at dawn

"when the sun was coming up" or "at first light" This refers to when the sun begins to rise.

Judges 19:26

it was light

This refers to morning when it is bright outside. Alternate translation: "the sun was fully risen"

Judges 19:27

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Judges 19:28

But there was no answer

The woman did not answer because she was dead. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "But she did not answer because she was dead"

Judges 19:29

limb by limb

"section by section." The author uses this graphic description of how the Levite cut up her body into specific pieces to emphasize what he did. "Limbs" refers to a person's arms and legs. If there is not a similar phrase in your language, this description may be left out of the translation.

twelve pieces

"12 pieces"

sent the pieces everywhere throughout Israel

This means that he sent sent the different pieces to twelve different areas of Israel. Alternate translation: "sent each piece to a different place throughout Israel"

Judges 19:30

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Chapter 20

Judges 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Benjamin destroyed

The army of Israel destroys all the tribe of Benjamin except 600 men. After this point in time, the tribe of Benjamin becomes mostly insignificant.

Judges 20:1

as one man

This simile speaks of the group as acting as a single person. It refers to a group of who people do everything together in the same way. Alternate translation: "as if they were a single man"

from Dan to Beersheba

This refers to the land as a whole. Alternate translation: "from all the eleven tribes"

Judges 20:2

God—400,000 footmen

"God, and also 400,000 regular soldiers came"

ready to fight

"capable of going to war." They were not going to fight each other.

Judges 20:3

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author of the book tells background information about what the people of Benjamin knew.

had gone up to Mizpah

Mizpah was located high in the mountains.

Judges 20:4

to spend the night

"for the night" or "to stay for a night"

Judges 20:5

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Judges 20:6

wickedness and an act of disgraceful folly

The phrase "act of disgraceful folly" describes the "wickedness." Alternate translation: "outrageous wickedness"

act of disgraceful folly

a senseless, disgraceful act. See how you translated this in Judges 19:23

Judges 20:7

Now

This word is used to introduce the conclusion of the speech of the Levite.

give your advice and counsel here

The words "advice" and "counsel" refer to the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. They can be combined. Alternate translation: "decide what we need to do about this"

Judges 20:8

as one

This simile speaks of the group as acting as a single person. They all acted together in exactly the same way. Alternate translation: "as if they were a single man"

None of us will go to his tent ... none of us will return to his house

These two clauses say basically the same thing twice for emphasis. They can be combined. The words "none ... go" and "none ... return" emphasizes how the people will continue to stay there. They can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "We will all stay here"

Judges 20:9

But now

These words introduce the main portion of what the people say after the initial exclamation.

as the lot directs

This involved tossing or rolling small marked stones to determine what God wants.

Judges 20:10

ten men of a hundred ... one hundred of a thousand ... one thousand of ten thousand

"10 men out of 100 ... 100 out of 1,000 ... 1,000 out of 10,000"

provisions

food and other things the people need

act of disgraceful folly

a senseless, disgraceful act. See how you translated this in Judges 19:23

Judges 20:11

assembled against the city

"came together to attack the city"

Judges 20:12

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Judges 20:13

put them to death

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "kill them" or "execute them"

the voice of their brothers

Here "voice" refers to the message that they spoke. Alternate translation: "what their brother said"

Judges 20:14

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Judges 20:15

twenty-six thousand

"26,000"

seven hundred

"700"

Judges 20:16

left-handed

A left-handed person is someone who is more skilled with their left hand than with their right hand.

could sling a stone at a hair and not miss

This show how amazingly well they could aim and hit their target. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "could throw a stone at even a hair and hit it" or "could throw a stone at something as small as a hair and hit it"

Judges 20:17

not counting

"not including"

400,000

"four hundred thousand men"

Judges 20:18

asked for advice from God

"asked God what to do" or "asked God how to continue"

Judges 20:19

moved their camp near Gibeah

There is some question about the meaning of the Hebrew text. Instead of meaning that they set up their camp near Gibeah, it could mean that the army went out and stood across from Gibeah ready to fight.

Judges 20:20

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Judges 20:21

twenty-two thousand

"22,000"

Judges 20:22

strengthened themselves

Here "strengthened" is an idiom that means they encouraged each other.

they formed the battle line

This probably means that the Israelites prepared their battle lines for the next day's fighting. Alternate translation: "they got ready to fight the next day"

Judges 20:23

they sought direction from Yahweh

The method they used is not stated. The priest may have cast lots to determine God's will.

Judges 20:24

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Judges 20:25

eighteen thousand

"18,000"

Judges 20:26

before Yahweh

"in Yahweh's presence" or "to Yahweh"

Judges 20:27

for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days

This is background information that the author inserted to help the reader understand how the people asked Yahweh for an answer.

was there in those days

"was at Bethel in those days"

Judges 20:28

and Phinehas ... was serving before the ark in those days

This is background information that the author inserted to help the reader understand how the people asked Yahweh for an answer.

was serving before the ark

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "was serving as priest before the ark"

Attack

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Attack the army of Benjamin"

Judges 20:29

Israel set men

Here "Israel" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the Israelites"

secret places

"in ambush"

Judges 20:30

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Judges 20:31

fought against the people

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "fought against the people of Israel"

they were drawn away from the city

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel drew them away from the city"

They began to kill some of the people

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "The people of Benjamin began to kill some of the men of Israel"

Judges 20:32

just as at first

"just as before" or "just like the first two times"

Judges 20:33

Baal Tamar

This is the name of a city.

Maareh Gibeah

This is the name of a place. Other translations may read "fields of Gibeah" or "west of Gibeah" or "Maareh Geba."

Judges 20:34

Ten thousand

"10,000"

chosen men

This is an idiom that means these were particularly good soldiers. Alternate translation: "well-trained soldier"

disaster was close to them

Here immanent disaster is spoken of as if it was standing very close by them. Alternate translation: "they would soon be completely defeated"

Judges 20:35

25,100 men

"twenty-five thousand one hundred men"

men of Benjamin

"soldiers of Benjamin"

Judges 20:36

The men of Israel had given ground to Benjamin, because they were trusting in the men ... outside Gibeah

From this sentence until the end of verse 41 is background information that the writer inserted to explain to the readers how the ambush defeated the Benjamites.

had given ground to Benjamin

This is an idiom that means they intentionally retreated. Alternate translation: "had allowed Benjamin to move forward"

Judges 20:37

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Judges 20:38

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Judges 20:39

General Information:

This verse continues to give background information that the writer inserted to explain to the readers how the ambush defeated the Benjamites.

would turn from the battle

"would retreat from the fight"

they are defeated before us

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we have defeated them"

Judges 20:40

General Information:

This verse continues to give background information that the writer inserted to explain to the readers how the ambush defeated the Benjamites.

Judges 20:41

disaster

great harm, trouble, misery

come on them

This idiom means it happened to them. Alternate translation: "happened to them"

Judges 20:42

But the fighting overtook them

This speaks about fighting as if it were a person who could overtake someone. Alternate translation: "But the soldiers of Israel caught up to them" or "But they were not able to escape the fighting"

Judges 20:43

Nohah

This is the name of a place.

trampled them down

The completed destruction of the Benjamites is spoken of as if the Israelites stomped on their bodies. Alternate translation: "they completely destroyed them"

Judges 20:44

eighteen thousand

"18,000"

were distinguished in battle

"had fought bravely in the battle"

Judges 20:45

They turned and fled

"The remaining Benjamites turned and fled"

five thousand ... two thousand

"5,000 ... 2,000"

Gidom

This is the name of a place.

Judges 20:46

twenty-five thousand

"25,000"

Judges 20:47

six hundred

"600"

Judges 20:48

turned back against the descendants of Benjamin

These people of Benjamin are not the soldiers who fled to the rock of Rimmon, but the ones who were still in the city.

the entire city

Here "the entire city" refers to all the people in that city. Alternate translation: "everyone who was in the city"

in their path

"along the way"

Chapter 21

Judges 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter concludes the account of the previous chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Sin and immorality

At the end of Judges, there is much sin and immorality. The people are doing wrong and fixing their wrongs by doing more evil things. This period of Judges is typified by this final account and summarized by the statement, "everyone did what was right in his own eyes." (See: sin and evil and righteous)

Judges 21:1

Now the men of Israel had sworn ... marry a Benjamite."

This background information tells the reader about the promise that the Israelites made before the battle with the Benjamites.

Benjamite

This is the name of the descendants of Benjamin. See how you translated this in Judges 3:15.

Judges 21:2

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Judges 21:3

Why, Yahweh, God of Israel, has this happened to Israel, that one of our tribes should be missing today?

The people of Israel used this rhetorical question to express their deep sadness. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Oh Yahweh, we are so sad that one of the tribes of Israel has been completely destroyed."

Judges 21:4

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Judges 21:5

The people of Israel said, "Which of all the tribes of Israel did not come up in the assembly to Yahweh?"

The people are referring back to the assembly of the Israelites at Mizpah before they attacked the Benjamites.

For they had made an important oath concerning anyone who did not come up to Yahweh at Mizpah. They said, "He would certainly be put to death."

This is background information to explain to the reader the promise that the Israelites had made at Mizpah before they attacked the Benjamites.

He would certainly be put to death

Here "He" refers to anyone who did not go to Mizpah. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We will certainly kill that person"

Judges 21:6

their brother Benjamin

This speaks of the tribe of Benjamin as if it were Israel's brother to show their closeness to the tribe. Alternate translation: "the surviving Benjamites"

one tribe has been cut off from Israel

The destruction of the tribe of Benjamin is spoken of as if it had been cut off from Israel by a knife. This was an exaggeration because 600 men were still left. However, the women of Benjamin had been killed, so the future of the tribe was in question. Alternate translation: "one tribe has been removed"

Judges 21:7

Who will provide wives for those who are left, since we have made an oath to Yahweh that we will not let any of them marry our daughters?

The Israelites wanted to provide wives for the few surviving Benjamites, but their promise at Mizpah prevented them from doing that.

Judges 21:8

Jabesh Gilead

This is the name of a city.

Judges 21:9

people were set out in an orderly manner

"people that were assembled at Mizpah were accounted for"

none of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead were there

This refers back to the earlier assembly at Mizpah. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "none of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead had been present at Mizpah"

Judges 21:10

twelve thousand

"12,000"

strike the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead with the edge of the sword, including the women and children

The next verse will add an exception to this general instruction.

strike ... with the edge of the sword

"kill ... with their swords"

Judges 21:11

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Judges 21:12

Jabesh Gilead

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Judges 21:8.

four hundred young virgins

"400 young virgins"

who had not known a man by lying with him

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "who had not had sexual relations with a man"

Judges 21:13

they were offering them peace

The abstract noun "peace" can be translated with a verb phrase. Alternate translation: "they wanted to stop fighting with them"

Judges 21:14

Jabesh Gilead

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Judges 21:8.

there were not enough women for all of them

There were six hundred Benjamite men, and only four hundred women from Jabesh Gilead.

Judges 21:15

made a division between the tribes of Israel

"had caused the tribes of Israel not to be unified"

Judges 21:16

Benjamites

This refers to the descendants of Benjamin. See how you translated this in Judges 3:15.

the women of Benjamin have been killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we killed all the Benjamite women"

Judges 21:17

There must be an inheritance ... is not destroyed from Israel

The Israelites are exaggerating. They had already given wives to four hundred of the Benjamites, so the tribe would not be completely destroyed.

Judges 21:18

a wife to Benjamin

Here Benjamin refers to the male descendants of Benjamin. Alternate translation: "a wife to the men of Benjamin"

Judges 21:19

which is north of Bethel, east of the road that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah

This is background information to explain to the reader where the city of Shiloh is located.

Lebonah

This is the name of a city.

Judges 21:20

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Judges 21:21

each one of you should grab a wife ... go back to the land of Benjamin

It it understood that the Benjamites would take these women back to their own land with them. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "each one of you should seize one of the girls of Shiloh, and then take her back with you to the land of Benjamin to become your wife"

Judges 21:22

Show us favor

The abstract noun "favor" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "Act kindly toward us"

because we did not get wives for each man during the war

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "because we did not get wives for each of them during the war with Jabesh Gilead"

You are innocent ... not give your daughters to them

This refers to the men of Shiloh. They did not voluntarily give their daughters to the Benjamites, and therefore did not break their promise not to do that.

Judges 21:23

the number of wives that they needed

This refers to one wife for each of the two hundred Benjamite men who did not receive wives from Jabesh Gilead (Judges 21:14).

Judges 21:24

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Judges 21:25

there was no king in Israel

"Israel did not yet have a king"

what was right in his own eyes

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "what he judged to be right" or "what he considered to be right"

Book: Ruth

Chapter 1

Ruth 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

"It happened in the days when the judges ruled"

The events of this book occur during the period of Judges. The book is concurrent with the book of Judges. To understand the historical context of the book, the translator may wish to review the book of Judges.

Special concepts in this chapter

Women without a husband or children

In the ancient Near East, if a woman lacked a husband or sons, she was considered to be in a dire circumstance. She would not have been able to provide for herself. This is why Naomi told her daughters to remarry.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Contrast

The actions of Ruth the Moabite are intended to contrast with the actions of Naomi the Jew. Ruth shows great faith in Naomi's god, while Naomi does not trust in Yahweh. (See: faith and trust)

Ruth 1:1

It happened in the days when the judges ruled that

"It happened that" was a common way of beginning to tell about something that happened. Alternate translation: "In the days when the judges ruled" or "In the days when the judges ruled, this is what happened."

in the days when the judges ruled

"during the time when judges led and governed Israel"

in the land

This refers to the land of Israel. Alternate translation: "in the land of Israel"

a certain man

"a man." This is a common way of introducing a character into a story.

Ruth 1:2

Ephrathites of Bethlehem of Judah

They were people from the tribe of Ephraim who settled at Bethlehem in the region of Judea.

Ruth 1:3

she was left alone with her two sons

"Naomi had only her two sons with her"

Ruth 1:4

took wives

"married women." This is an idiom for marrying women. They did not take women who were already married.

from the women of Moab

Naomi's sons married women who were from the tribe of Moab. The Moabites worshiped other gods.

the name of one ... the name of the other

"the name of one woman ... the name of the other woman"

ten years

Ten years after Elimelek and Naomi came to the country of Moab, their sons Mahlon and Kilion died.

Ruth 1:5

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Ruth 1:6

she arose with her daughters-in-law and returned

The word "arose" here means that Naomi began to act, and her daughters-in-law saw her, so they began to act also. Alternate translation: "she started to return, and her daughters-in-law also returned"

she had heard in the country of Moab

"while Naomi was living in Moab she heard." It is implied that the news came from Israel. Alternate translation: "she heard from Israel while in the country of Moab"

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

had provided for his people's needs

God saw their need and provided good harvests for them.

daughters-in-law

the women who married Naomi's sons

Ruth 1:7

they walked down the road

"they walked along the road." To walk down a road is an expression for walking away.

Ruth 1:8

daughters-in-law

"sons' wives" or "sons' widows"

each of you

Naomi was talking to two people, so languages that have a dual form of "you" would use that throughout her talk.

your mother's house

"to the home of each of your mothers"

shown kindness

"demonstrated that you are loyal"

kindness

"kindness" includes the ideas of love, kindness, and faithfulness.

toward the dead

"to your husbands, who died." Naomi was referring to her two sons that died.

Ruth 1:9

grant you

"give you" or "allow you to have"

you find rest

"Rest" here includes security in marriage.

in the house of another husband

with their new husbands, not someone else's husband. This refers to both a physical house that belongs to the husband, and to the protection from shame by being married.

they raised their voices and cried

To raise the voice is an idiom for speaking loudly. The daughters cried out loud or wept bitterly.

Ruth 1:10

We will return

When Orpah and Ruth said "we," they were referring to themselves and not Naomi. So languages that have inclusive and exclusive "we" would use the exclusive form here.

with you

Here "you" is the singular form referring to Naomi.

Ruth 1:11

Why will you go with me?

This is a rhetorical question. Alternate translation: "It does not make sense for you to go with me." or "You should not go with me."

Do I still have sons in my womb for you, so that they may become your husbands?

Naomi uses this question to say she cannot have other sons for them to marry. Alternate translation: "Obviously it is not possible for me to have any more sons who could become your husbands."

Ruth 1:12

too old to have a husband

The reason a husband would be important can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "too old to marry again and bear more children"

give birth to sons

"bear children" or "deliver baby boys"

Ruth 1:13

would you therefore wait until they were grown? Would you choose not to marry a husband?

These are rhetorical questions, which do not expect an answer. Alternate translation: "you would not wait until they were grown up so that you could marry them. You would choose to marry a husband now."

It is exceedingly bitter to me

Bitterness is a metaphor for grief, and what grieves her can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "It greatly grieves me that you have no husbands"

the hand of Yahweh has gone out against me

The word "hand" refers to Yahweh's power or influence. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has caused terrible things to happen to me"

Ruth 1:14

lifted up their voices and cried

This means that they cried out loud or wept bitterly.

Ruth held on to her

"Ruth clung to her." Alternate translation: "Ruth refused to leave her" or "Ruth would not leave her"

Ruth 1:15

Listen, your sister-in-law

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important, your sister-in-law"

your sister-in-law

"the wife of your husband's brother" or "Orpah"

her gods

Before Orpah and Ruth married Naomi's sons, they worshiped the gods of Moab. During their marriage, they began to worship Naomi's God.

Ruth 1:16

where you stay

"where you live"

your people will be my people

Ruth is referring to Naomi's people, the Israelites. Alternate translation: "I will consider the people of your country as being my own people" or "I will consider your relatives as my own relatives"

Ruth 1:17

Where you die, I will die

This refers to Ruth's desire to spend the rest of her life living in the same place and town as Naomi.

May Yahweh punish me, and even more, if

This refers to Ruth asking God to punish her if she does not do what she said like the english idiom "God forbid, if."

Ruth 1:18

she stopped arguing with her

"Naomi stopped arguing with Ruth"

Ruth 1:19

It happened

"It came about." This is used here to mark a new part of the story with new people.

the entire town

The "town" refer to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "everyone in the town"

Is this Naomi?

Since it has been many years since Naomi lived in Bethlehem and no longer has her husband and two sons, it is likely the women were expressing doubt as to if this woman was actually Naomi. Treat this as a real question, not a rhetorical question.

Ruth 1:20

Do not call me Naomi

The name "Naomi" means "my delight." Since Naomi lost her husband and sons, she no longer feels her life matches her name.

Bitter

This is a translation of the meaning of the name. It is also often translated according to its sound as "Mara."

Ruth 1:21

I went out full, but Yahweh has brought me back again empty

When Naomi left Bethlehem, her husband and two sons were living, and she was happy. Naomi blames Yahweh for the death of her husband and sons, saying that he has caused her to return to Bethlehem without them, and now she is bitter and unhappy.

testified against me

Another possible meaning is "judged me guilty."

has afflicted me

"has brought calamity on me" or "has brought tragedy to me"

Ruth 1:22

So Naomi and Ruth

This begins a summary statement. English marks this by the word "so." Determine how your language marks concluding or summary statements and do the same.

at the beginning of the barley harvest

The phrase "the barley harvest" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "when the farmers were just beginning to harvest barley"

Chapter 2

Ruth 2 General Notes

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"Do not go and glean in another field"

Boaz said this because he could not guarantee their safety in another person's field. It is assumed that not everyone was as gracious and obedient to the law of Moses as Boaz.

Ruth 2:1

Now Naomi had a relative of her husband

This phrase introduces new information before the story continues. Your language may have a way to introduce new information.

a man of great wealth

"a prominent, wealthy man." This means that Boaz was prosperous and well known in his community, with a good reputation.

Ruth 2:2

Ruth, the Moabite woman

Here the story resumes. You need to see how your language restarts a story after a break.

the Moabite woman

This is another way of saying the woman was from the country or tribe of Moab.

Now

"Please." This word shows that Ruth was making a polite request.

glean what remains among the ears of grain

"gather kernels of grain left behind by the harvesters" or "pick up kernels of grain left behind by the harvesters"

the ears

"the heads" or "the stalks." The "ears" are the parts of a grain plant that contain the grain.

in whose eyes I will find favor

The phrase "found favor" is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Ruth speaks of gaining someone's favor as gaining permission or approval. Also, the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts and judgement. Alternate translation: "who will grant me permission to glean"

daughter

Ruth was caring for Naomi as if she were her own mother. Make sure it is possible in your language to use this word for someone who is not an actual daughter.

Ruth 2:3

She happened to come

Ruth was not aware that the field she picked to glean in belonged to Naomi's relative Boaz.

Ruth 2:4

Behold, Boaz

The word "behold" alerts us to the important event of Boaz arriving at the field. Your language may also have a specific way of introducing important events or characters.

came from Bethlehem

The fields were an unspecified distance outside of Bethlehem.

bless you

"give you good things" or "make you happy"

Ruth 2:5

What man does this young woman belong to?

Possible meanings are 1) Boaz was asking about Ruth's husband or 2) Boaz was asking about Ruth's parents or current guardians.

was supervising

"was in charge of" or "was managing"

Ruth 2:6

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Ruth 2:7

glean and gather

You may need to make explicit that Ruth would be gathering grain. Alternate translation: "glean and gather grain"

the house

"the hut" or "the shelter." This was a temporary shelter or garden hut in the field that provided shade from the sun.

Ruth 2:8

Are you not listening to me, my daughter

This rhetorical question can be reworded as a command. Alternate translation: "Listen to me, my daughter" or "Note well what I am telling you, my daughter"

my daughter

This was a kind way of addressing a younger woman. Ruth was not the actual daughter of Boaz, so make sure the translation of this does not make it sound like she was.

Ruth 2:9

Keep your eyes only on the field

The eyes represent watching something or paying attention to something. Alternate translation: "Watch only the field" or "Pay attention only to the field"

Have I not instructed the men ... you?

Boaz used this question to emphasize what he had already done to help Ruth. Alternate translation: "I have given the men strict instructions ... you."

men ... the other women

"young male workers ... young female workers." The word "men" is used three times to refer to the young men who are harvesting in the field. Some languages can say this using one word, and they have a different word that means young women workers.

not to touch you

Possible meanings are 1) the men were not to harm Ruth or 2) the men were not to stop her from gleaning in his field.

the water that the young men have drawn

To draw water means to pull up water from a well or to take it out of a storage vessel.

young men

You may need to make explicit that these were Boaz's servants, as do many versions. Alternate translation: "servants"

Ruth 2:10

she fell on her face before Boaz and bowed to the ground

This hendiadys describes an act of respect and reverence. She was showing honor to Boaz out of gratefulness for what he had done for her by kneeling or lying on the ground and putting her face on the ground. It was also a posture of humility. Alternate translation: "she bowed before Boaz with her face to the ground" (See: and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-symaction])

bowed to the ground

Some modern translations read, "lay on the ground."

Why have I found such favor ... a foreigner?

Ruth is asking a real question.

foreigner

Ruth had pledged her loyalty to the God of Israel in private, but she was known publicly as "the Moabitess."

Ruth 2:11

It has been reported to me

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People have reported to me" or "People have told me"

to come to a people

Boaz is referring to Ruth coming to dwell with Naomi in a village and community, a country, and religion she did not know.

Ruth 2:12

reward you

"repay you" or "pay you back"

for your deed

This is an act of faith, choosing to live with Naomi in Bethlehem and trusting Naomi's God.

May you receive full payment from Yahweh

This is a poetic expression that is very similar to the previous sentence. Alternate translation: "May Yahweh give back to you even more than you have given"

under whose wings you have found refuge

Boaz uses the picture of a mother bird gathering her chicks under her wings to protect them, in order to describe God's protection for those who trust in him. Alternate translation: "in whose safe care you have placed yourself"

Ruth 2:13

Let me find favor in your eyes

Here "find favor" is an idiom that means be approved of or that he is pleased with her. Here "eyes" are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: "Please accept me"

I am not one of your female servants

Possible meanings are 1) Ruth was not one of Boaz's female servants or 2) Ruth did not think her marriage to Naomi's son granted her any privilege in Bethlehem.

Ruth 2:14

At mealtime

This refers to the noontime meal.

dip your morsel in the wine vinegar

This was a simple meal eaten in the field. People would sit on the ground around a cloth that had a bowl of wine vinegar on it and plates of broken bread. They would dip their bread in the vinegar bowl to wet it and add flavor before they ate it.

wine vinegar

a sauce that bread was dipped in. The Israelites further fermented some of their wine to make vinegar.

Ruth 2:15

As she got up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men

In the context of the commands, it is likely that Ruth was far enough away not to hear Boaz's instructions. Alternate translation: "And when Ruth got up to glean, Boaz privately told his young men"

As she got up

"As she stood up"

even among the bundles

Here "even" denotes "above and beyond what one normally does." Boaz instructs his workers to let Ruth glean around the bundles of grain. People who were gleaning were normally forbidden from working that close to the harvested grain.

Ruth 2:16

pull out for her some ears of grain from the bundles

"take some stalks of grain out of the bundles and leave them for her" or "leave behind stalks of grain for her to collect"

do not rebuke her

"do not cause her shame" or "do not dishonor her"

Ruth 2:17

beat out

She separated the edible part of the grain from the hull and stalk, which is thrown away.

ears of grain

This refers to the eatable part of the grain.

about an ephah of barley

An ephah is a unit of measurement equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: "about 22 liters of barley"

Ruth 2:18

She lifted it up and went into the city

It is implied that Ruth carried the grain home.

her mother-in-law saw

"Naomi saw"

Ruth 2:19

Where have you gleaned today? Where did you go to work?

Naomi said almost the same thing in two different ways to show that she was very interested in knowing what had happened to Ruth that day.

Ruth 2:20

he be blessed by Yahweh

Naomi is asking God to reward Boaz for his kindness to Ruth and herself.

who has not left off his loyalty

"who has continued to be loyal." Possible meanings are 1) Boaz remembered his obligations to Naomi as a family member or 2) Naomi is referring to Yahweh, who was acting through Boaz or 3) Yahweh has continued to be faithful to the living and the dead.

to the living

"to the people who are still living." Naomi and Ruth were the "living."

the dead

Naomi's husband and sons were the "dead." This can be stated differently to remove the nominal adjective "the dead." Alternate translation: "the people who have already died"

near of kin to us, one of our kinsman-redeemers

The second phrase repeats and expands the first. This is a Hebrew style of emphasis.

kinsman-redeemers

A kinsman-redeemer was a close male relative who could rescue a childless widow from financial ruin by marrying her and having a child with her. He would also reacquire the land his relatives had lost due to poverty and redeem family members who had sold themselves into slavery.

Ruth 2:21

Indeed, he said to me

"He even said to me." This indicates that what follows is the most important part of Boaz's words to Ruth.

keep close to my young men

Boaz was referring to the physical protection his men can provide her.

Ruth 2:22

go out with

"work with"

they do not harm you in another field

You may need to make explicit that Naomi was afraid men would harm Ruth or to translate in passive form. Alternate translation: "the men in another field do not harm you" or "you are not harmed in some other field"

Ruth 2:23

she stayed close

Ruth worked in Boaz's fields with his workers during the day, so she would be safe.

She lived with her mother-in-law

Ruth went to Naomi's home to sleep at night.

Chapter 3

Ruth 3 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Boaz's integrity

Boaz showed great integrity in this chapter by not having sexual relations with Ruth. He was also concerned with how people would see Ruth if they caught her in this position. Boaz's character is important for this story.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"So that things may go well for you"

Naomi attempted to make Ruth desirable to Boaz so that he would want to marry her. Even though she was a Gentile by birth, Boaz could marry her because she was, by marriage, Naomi's daughter.

Ruth 3:1

mother-in-law

Naomi is the mother of Ruth's dead husband.

My daughter

Ruth became Naomi's daughter by marrying her son and further by her actions in caring for Naomi after returning to Bethlehem.

should I not seek a place for you to rest ... for you?

Naomi uses this question to tell Ruth what she planned to do. Alternate translation: "I must look for a place for you to rest ... for you." or "I must find a husband to care for you ... for you."

a place for you to rest

Possible meanings are 1) literally in finding a house for her to live in or 2) figuratively in finding a husband to care for her. Naomi probably had both senses in mind.

Ruth 3:2

female workers you have been with

The translation can make explicit that she was working in the fields with these female workers. Alternate translation: "female workers you have been with in the fields"

is he not our kinsman?

Naomi probably used this question to remind Ruth of something she had already told her. Alternate translation: "he is our relative."

Look

This term indicates that the following statement is very important.

winnowing

To winnow means to separate grain from the unwanted chaff by tossing both the grain and chaff into the air, allowing the wind to blow the chaff away.

Ruth 3:3

anoint yourself

This is probably a reference to rubbing sweet-smelling oil on oneself, much as women put on perfume today.

go down to the threshing floor

This refers to leaving the city and heading to the threshing area.

Ruth 3:4

uncover his feet

This means to remove the cloak or blanket covering his feet so that they would be exposed to the cold.

lie down there

"lie down at his feet"

Then he will explain to you what to do

The specific custom of that time is unclear, but this is usually understood as a culturally acceptable way for a woman to tell a man that she was willing to marry him. Boaz would understand the custom and accept or reject her offer.

Then he will

"When he wakes up, he will"

Ruth 3:5

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Ruth 3:6

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Ruth 3:7

his heart was merry

Here Boaz is referred to by his heart. It does not imply Boaz was overly drunk. Alternate translation: "he was satisfied" or "he was in a good mood"

she came softly

"she sneaked in" or "she came in quietly so no one would hear her"

uncovered his feet

"removed his blanket from his feet"

lay down

"lay down at his feet"

Ruth 3:8

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

at midnight

"in the middle of the night"

was startled

It is not clear what startled Boaz. Perhaps he suddenly felt the cold air on his feet.

He turned over

He looked to see what startled him.

a woman was lying at his feet

The woman was Ruth, but Boaz could not recognize her in the darkness.

Ruth 3:9

your female servant

Ruth spoke with humility to Boaz.

Spread your cloak over your female servant

This was a cultural idiom for marriage. Alternate translation: "Marry me"

near kinsman

a close relative with special responsibilities toward their extended family

Ruth 3:10

You have made your latest kindness better than the first

"You have shown me even more kindness now than you did before"

your latest kindness

This refers to Ruth asking Boaz to marry her. By marrying Naomi's relative, Ruth would provide for Naomi and demonstrate great kindness to Naomi.

because you have not gone after

"you have not pursued marriage with." Ruth could have ignored Naomi's need and looked for a husband for herself outside of Naomi's relatives.

Ruth 3:11

my daughter

Boaz used this expression as a sign of respect toward Ruth as a younger woman.

all the city of my people knows

Bethlehem is a town, or small city, that belonged to the tribe that Boaz belonged to. Here "city" represents the people who live in that city. Alternate translation: "all the people in the city know" or "everyone in town knows"

Ruth 3:12

kinsman nearer than I

It was the duty of the closest male relative to help the widow.

Ruth 3:13

if he will perform for you the duty of a kinsman

Boaz is referring to the expectation that the closest male relative of Ruth's dead husband would marry her and help carry on his family name.

by the life of Yahweh

"as surely as Yahweh lives." This was a common Hebrew vow.

Ruth 3:14

she lay at his feet

Ruth slept at Boaz' feet. They did not have sex.

before anyone could recognize another person

This time of day can be spoken of in terms of darkness. Alternate translation: "while it was still dark"

Ruth 3:15

shawl

a piece of cloth worn over the shoulders

six large measures of barley

The actual amount is not stated. It was enough to be considered generous, yet small enough for Ruth to carry alone. Some think it was about 30 kilograms.

put the load on her

The amount of grain was so great that Ruth needed help picking it up to carry it.

Then he went into the city

Most ancient copies have "he went," but some have "she went." There are English versions with both. The better choice is "he went."

Ruth 3:16

How did you do, my daughter?

What Ruth meant by this question can be made more clear. Alternate translation: "What happened, my daughter?" or "How did Boaz act toward you?"

all that the man had done

"all that Boaz had done"

Ruth 3:17

Do not go empty

"Do not go empty-handed" or "Do not go with nothing" or "Be sure to take something"

Ruth 3:18

finished this thing

This refers to the decision about who will buy Naomi's property and marry Ruth.

Chapter 4

Ruth 4 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

King David

Despite being a Moabitess, Ruth became an ancestor of David. David was Israel's greatest king. It is shocking a Gentile would become a part of such an important lineage. She had great faith in Yahweh. (See: and faith)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"You must also take Ruth the Moabitess"

Because Naomi had no son, her daughter-in-law Ruth needed to be provided for. Therefore, the relative who wanted to use her land had to also help Ruth to have a son who would come to provide for her.

"This was the custom in former times"

This is a comment made by the writer of the text. He functions as a narrator in this instance. It indicates that there was a considerable period of time between the events that occurred and the time they were written down.

Ruth 4:1

the gate

"the gate of the city" or "the gate of Bethlehem." This was the main entrance to the walled town of Bethlehem. There was an open area by the gate that was used as a meeting place to discuss community matters.

the near kinsman

This was the closest living relative to Elimelek.

came over

stopped going to where he had planned to go and went toward Boaz

Ruth 4:2

elders of the city

"leaders of the city"

Ruth 4:3

Naomi ... is selling the parcel of land

It was the responsibility of the kinsman to buy back his relative's land and to care for his family. In this case, it meant the man must buy Naomi's land, marry Ruth, and care for Naomi.

Ruth 4:4

uncover your ears

"inform you"

in the presence of

This would make the transaction legal and binding.

redeem it

This meant to buy the land to keep it within their family.

I am after you

Boaz was the next kinsman in line to redeem the land.

Ruth 4:5

On the day that you buy ... you must also

Boaz uses this expression to inform his relative of the additional responsibility he will have if he buys the land.

from the hand of Naomi

Here the word "hand" represents Naomi, who owns the field. Alternate translation: "from Naomi"

you must also take Ruth

"you must also marry Ruth"

Ruth ... the widow of a dead man

"Ruth ... the widow of Elimelek's son"

to raise up the name of the dead

"that she may have a son to inherit the property and carry on the name of her dead husband"

Ruth 4:6

destroying my own inheritance

He would have to give some of his own wealth to the children that Ruth might bear.

You take my right of redemption for yourself

"You redeem it yourself" or "You yourself redeem it instead of me"

Ruth 4:7

Now this was the custom

The writer of the book explains of the custom of exchange during the time of Ruth.

in former times

"in earlier times." This implies that the customs had changed from when the story took place until the book was written.

his neighbor

This refers to the person with whom he was making the agreement. In this situation the near kinsman gave Boaz his shoe.

Ruth 4:8

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Ruth 4:9

to the elders and to all the people

This refers to all the people who were present at the meeting place, not to everyone in the town.

all that was Elimelek's and all that was Kilion's and Mahlon's

This refers to all the land and possessions of Naomi's dead husband and sons.

from the hand of Naomi

The hand of Naomi represents Naomi. She was responsible for the money exchange. Alternate translation: "from Naomi"

Ruth 4:10

in order that I might raise up the name of the dead man on his inheritance

The first son that Ruth bore would be legally considered Mahlon's son and would inherit the land that Boaz bought from Naomi. Alternate translation: "so that I might give her a son who will inherit the dead man's property"

so that his name will not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his place

Being forgotten is spoken of as if one's name were being cut off from a list of people who had lived earlier. Alternate translation: "so that he will not be forgotten by his brothers' descendants and the people of this town"

the gate of his place

The gate of the town is where important legal decisions were made, such as decisions about who owns a piece of land.

Ruth 4:11

people who were in the gate

"people who were meeting together near the gate"

come into your house

This has literal and figurative meaning. As Ruth marries Boaz, she will move into his house. House can also refer to becoming part of Boaz's family by being his wife.

like Rachel and Leah

These were the two wives of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel.

built up the house of Israel

"bore many children who became the nation of Israel"

may you prosper in Ephrathah

Ephrathah is the name of the clan to which Boaz belonged in Bethlehem.

Ruth 4:12

May your house be like

God abundantly blessed Judah through his son Perez. The people were asking God to bless Boaz in a similar way through Ruth's children.

Tamar bore to Judah

Tamar was also a widow. Judah fathered a son with her, which continued the family name.

through the offspring that Yahweh will give you

Yahweh would give Boaz children through Ruth.

Ruth 4:13

Boaz took Ruth

"Boaz married Ruth" or "Boaz took Ruth as a wife"

He went to her

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations. Alternate translation: "He had sexual relations with her" or "He lay with her"

Ruth 4:14

who has not left you today without a near kinsman

This phrase can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: "who has provided you today with a near kinsman"

May his name be famous

This refers to the reputation and character of Naomi's grandson.

Ruth 4:15

a restorer of life

This phrase probably refers to how Naomi will again experience joy and hope in her life as a result of having a new grandson. Alternate translation: "one who brings joy to you again" or "one who will make you feel young again"

a nourisher of your old age

"he will take care of you when you become old"

better to you than seven sons

"Seven" was the Hebrew number of completeness. Naomi's sons both died before they produced any offspring, but Ruth bore a grandson to Naomi by Boaz. Alternate translation: "better to you than any son"

Ruth 4:16

Naomi took the child

This refers to Naomi holding the child. Make sure it does not sound like she took him away from Ruth.

laid him in her bosom

"held him close against her chest." This is a statement of love and affection for the child.

bosom

chest, shoulders, and arms

Ruth 4:17

A son has been born to Naomi

"The child is like a son to Naomi." It was understood that the child was Naomi's grandson, not her physical son.

father of David

"father of King David." Though "king" is not stated, it was clear to the original audience that David was King David.

Ruth 4:18

the descendants of Perez

"the successive descendants." Because it was mentioned earlier that Perez was the son of Judah, the writer continues listing the family line that came from Perez.

Ruth 4:19

Hezron ... Ram

Ruth 4:20

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Ruth 4:21

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Ruth 4:22

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Book: 1 Samuel

Chapter 1

1 Samuel 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter introduces Samuel. It is the beginning of the section 1 Samuel 1-7 which tells about Samuel, the religious leader of Israel.

Special concepts in this chapter

Two wives

This was a common practice in the ancient Near East. It was against the law of Moses. The men of Israel would have sinned if they married more than one woman. This type of marriage always creates problems because of jealousy. (See: lawofmoses and sin and jealous)

"Pay his vow"

It was customary for Israelites to promise God to make a sacrifice to him if God answered special prayers. Making such a sacrifice was called paying one's vow. (See: vow)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idioms

When Hannah wanted to assure Eli she was telling the truth, she used the idiom "as you live." This is a type of oath formula meaning "I promise you I am telling the truth."

The author also uses the phrase "call to mind." This is a common idiom meaning "remember."

1 Samuel 1:1

Ramathaim

This is the name of a small village possibly located eight kilometers northwest of Jerusalem.

the Zuphites

This is the name of a people group that descended from Zuph.

Elkanah ... Jeroham ... Elihu ... Tohu ... Zuph

These are the names of men.

1 Samuel 1:2

Peninnah

This is the name of a woman.

1 Samuel 1:3

This man

"This man" refers to Elkanah.

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

Eli, Hophni and Phinehas

These are the names of men.

1 Samuel 1:4

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1 Samuel 1:5

Hannah

This is a woman's name. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 1:2]

closed her womb

"made her barren" or "prevented her from becoming pregnant"

1 Samuel 1:6

Her rival provoked her severely

The other wife would often grieve and shame Hannah.

1 Samuel 1:7

her rival

This is Peninnah, the other wife of Elkanah. A rival is someone who competes against another person. In this case Peninnah was competing against Hannah to try to get Elkanah to love her best.

1 Samuel 1:8

Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?

These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements, if necessary. Alternate translation: "Hannah, you should not weep. You should eat, and your heart should be glad because I am better to you than ten sons!" or "You have little reason for sadness. I favor you and that should be enough."

than ten sons

Elkanah is exaggerating to emphasize how important Hannah is to him. Alternate translation: "than any son could be"

1 Samuel 1:9

General Information:

Hannah begins to pray to Yahweh, and Eli watches.

Hannah rose up after

Implicit information here can be made explicit. Either Hannah's tent was next to the tabernacle tent or she walked from her tent to the tabernacle to pray. Alternate translation: "Hannah rose up and went to the house of Yahweh to pray after"

Now Eli the priest

"Now" is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author tells about a new person in the story. This person is the priest Eli.

the temple of Yahweh

The "temple" was actually a tent, but it was where the people worshiped, so it is best to translate as "temple" here.

1 Samuel 1:10

She was deeply distressed

Hannah was deeply troubled or grieved because of not having any children and being ridiculed regularly by Peninnah, her husband's other wife.

1 Samuel 1:11

Connecting Statement:

Hannah's prayer to Yahweh continues.

the affliction of your servant

The abstract noun "affliction" can be translated as a verb phrase. This refers either to 1) Hannah being unable to become pregnant. Alternate translation: "how I am suffering because I cannot become pregnant" or 2) the way Peninnah always insulted her. Alternate translation: "how that woman is afflicting me"

call me to mind

This is a special plea to God to take action on Hannah's behalf. God does know what is happening to Hannah; he has not forgotten.

do not forget your servant

This phrase says almost the same thing as "call me to mind."

1 Samuel 1:12

Eli watched her

Eli was the chief priest, so he was in the tabernacle of God and in charge of it.

1 Samuel 1:13

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1 Samuel 1:14

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1 Samuel 1:15

I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit

"I am a woman who is deeply sad"

pouring out my soul before Yahweh

This is an idiom that means "telling Yahweh my deepest emotions."

1 Samuel 1:16

Do not consider your servant to be

Hannah speaks of herself in the second person to show her humility. It can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "Do not consider me, your servant, to be" or "Do not consider me"

I have been speaking out of the abundance of my great concern and provocation

This is another way of saying that she has a "sorrowful spirit," as in 1:15. The abstract nouns "abundance," "concern," and "provocation" can be translated as adjectives and verbs. Alternate translation: "I have been speaking because I am very sad, and my rival has greatly provoked me"

concern and provocation

These words both mean that Hannah is sad and annoyed because her rival has been provoking her.

concern

Peninnah irritates and annoys her.

provocation

Hannah is referring to the grief and shame she feels because Peninnah is being cruel to her.

1 Samuel 1:17

Then Eli answered

Eli was the head priest residing over the tabernacle.

1 Samuel 1:18

Let your servant find

Hannah speaks of herself in the second person to show respect for Eli, the head priest. This can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: "Let me, your servant, find" or "Let me find"

find favor in your eyes

Here "find favor" is an idiom that means be approved of or that he is pleased with her. Here the eyes are a metonym for sight, and seeing represents judging or deciding the value of something. Alternate translation: "evaluated me and approve"

ate; her face was

Here "her face" represents Hannah herself. You can make this a separate sentence, if needed. Alternate translation: "ate. She was" or "ate. People could see that she was"

1 Samuel 1:19

Elkanah knew Hannah

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "Elkanah had sexual relations with Hannah"

remembered her

God knew what was happening to Hannah; he had not forgotten her. See how you translated similar words in 1 Samuel 1:11.

1 Samuel 1:20

Hannah conceived

"Hannah became pregnant"

1 Samuel 1:21

his house

The word "house" is a metonym for the people who lived in the house. Alternate translation: "his family"

1 Samuel 1:22

is weaned

stops drinking milk and starts eating only solid food

he may appear before Yahweh and live there forever

Hannah had promised God that she would allow Samuel to live and work with Eli the priest in the temple (1 Samuel 1:11).

1 Samuel 1:23

nursed her son

"gave her son milk"

1 Samuel 1:24

ephah

An ephah is about 22 liters of dry material.

bottle

Wine was kept in animal skins, not glass bottles.

1 Samuel 1:25

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1 Samuel 1:26

Oh, my master! As you live, my master

Here the idiom "As you live" shows that Hannah is being sincere and truthful. Alternate translation: "Sir, what I am going to tell you is certainly true"

1 Samuel 1:27

has given me my petition which I asked of him

The noun "petition" refers to a formal request for another person to do something. It can be translated with a verb. The idiom "to give a petition" means to do what the person requests. Alternate translation: "has agreed to do what I solemnly requested that he do"

1 Samuel 1:28

he is lent to Yahweh

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I am loaning him to Yahweh"

he worshiped Yahweh

Possible meanings: 1) "He" refers to Elkanah or 2) "he" is a synecdoche referring to both Elkanah and his family. Alternate translation: "Elkanah and his family"

Chapter 2

1 Samuel 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with Hannah's poetic prayer in 2:1-10 .

Special concepts in this chapter

Hannah's song of praise to God

This song is about how God protects the weak and strengthens them. He humbles the rich, provides for the poor, and defeats his enemies.

Eli's Sons

Eli, the chief priest, had two sons. They were ungodly priests who continually sinned and did not honor God. Eli corrected them but they did not listen. A prophet warned Eli that God would stop his family from being priests and his sons would both die on the same day. At the same time, Samuel was growing up and serving God. (See: sin and godly and prophet)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

This chapter has many figures of speech because the first part of the chapter is a song and the last part of the chapter is a prophecy. Songs and prophecy tend to have many figures of speech.

Synecdoches

"My heart" and "my mouth" are synecdoches referencing the speaker.

Metonymies

Body parts are often used to stand for activities involving that part of the body. "The feet of his faithful people" is a metonym meaning what they are doing or where they are going. Place names are often used for people in that place such as "the ends of the earth" meaning the people living in the ends of the earth.

Metaphors

Hannah used many military metaphors: "rock," representing protection; "the bows of the mighty men are broken," representing military defeat; "the horn of his anointed," representing the power of the one that God has chosen to be king.

Rhetorical questions

God used three rhetorical questions to correct and condemn Eli. "Did I not reveal myself to the house of your ancestor, when they were in Egypt in bondage to Pharaoh's house?" "Why then do you scorn my offerings that I required in the place where I live?" "Why do you honor your sons above me by making yourselves fat with the best of every offering of my people Israel?"

1 Samuel 2:1

General Information:

Hannah recites a song to Yahweh.

My heart rejoices

The word "heart" here is a metonym for the whole person. Alternate translation: "I rejoice"

in Yahweh

"because of who Yahweh is" or "because Yahweh is so great"

My horn is exalted

A horn is a symbol of strength. Alternate translation: "I am now strong"

1 Samuel 2:2

Connecting Statement:

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh.

there is no rock like our God

This is another way of saying that God is strong and faithful.

rock

This is a rock large enough to hide behind or to stand on and so be high above one's enemies.

1 Samuel 2:3

Connecting Statement:

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh. She speaks as if other people were listening to her.

no arrogance

"no arrogant words"

by him acts are weighed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he weighs people's acts" or "he understands why people act as they do"

1 Samuel 2:4

Connecting Statement:

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh.

The bows of the mighty men are broken

Possible meanings are 1) the bows themselves are broken or 2) the men who carry the bows are prevented from acting. Alternate translation: "Mighty bowmen are kept from acting"

The bows of the mighty men are broken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh breaks the bows of the mighty men" or "Yahweh can make even the strongest of people weak"

those who stumble are girded with strength

"those who stumble put on strength like a belt." This metaphor means they will no longer stumble, but their strength will remain with them as tightly as a belt. Alternate translation: "he will make those who stumble strong"

are girded

This means that they have put something around their waist to prepare for work.

1 Samuel 2:5

Connecting Statement:

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh.

gives birth to seven

"gives birth to seven children"

1 Samuel 2:6

Connecting Statement:

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh.

Yahweh kills ... brings to life ... brings down ... raises up

Yahweh is in control of everything.

1 Samuel 2:7

Connecting Statement:

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh.

makes some people poor ... some rich ... humbles ... lifts up

Yahweh is in control of everything.

1 Samuel 2:8

Connecting Statement:

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh.

out of the dust ... from the ash heap

These are metaphors for the lowest position in society.

the needy

people who do not have the things that they need

1 Samuel 2:9

Connecting Statement:

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh.

guard the feet of his faithful people

Here "feet" is a metonym for the way a person walks, which in turn is a metaphor for the way a person decides how to live his life. Alternate translation: "keep his faithful people from making foolish decisions" or "enable his faithful people to make wise decisions"

the wicked will be put to silence in darkness

This polite way of saying that Yahweh will kill the wicked can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will put the wicked to silence in darkness" or "Yahweh will put the wicked in the dark and silent world of the dead"

the wicked will be put to silence

The words "be put to silence" are an idiom for "be made silent." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will make them silent"

by strength

"because he is strong"

1 Samuel 2:10

Connecting Statement:

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh.

Those who oppose Yahweh will be broken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will break those who oppose him"

broken to pieces

This idiom means "defeated."

the ends of the earth

This is an idiom that means everywhere. Alternate translation: "the whole earth"

exalt the horn of his anointed

A horn is a symbol of strength. See how you translated similar words in [1 Samuel 2:1]

his anointed

This speaks of the person that Yahweh chose and empowered for his purposes as if Yahweh had anointed the person with oil. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one he has anointed" or "the one he has chosen"

1 Samuel 2:11

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1 Samuel 2:12

General Information:

When people would offer animals as sacrifices, they would first burn the animal's fat and then boil the meat and eat it.

did not know Yahweh

"did not listen to Yahweh" or "did not obey Yahweh"

1 Samuel 2:13

custom

A custom is an action that people regularly do.

1 Samuel 2:14

into the pan, or kettle, or cauldron, or pot

These are containers in which food could be cooked. If your language does not have separate words for these items it can be stated more generally. Alternate translation: "into whatever the people were cooking the meat in"

pan

a small metal container for boiling and cooking

kettle

a large, heavy metal container for boiling and cooking

cauldron

a large, heavy metal container for boiling and cooking

pot

a clay container for cooking

1 Samuel 2:15

General Information:

When people would offer animals as sacrifices, they would first burn the animal's fat and then boil the meat, give some to the priest, and eat the rest.

Worse, before

"They even did something worse than that. Before"

they burned

The person who actually did the burning can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "the man who was sacrificing took his sacrifice to the priests and the priests burned"

Give meat to roast for the priest

"Give me some meat so I can give it to the priest so he can roast it"

roast

cook over a fire

boiled

cooked in water

raw

not cooked

1 Samuel 2:16

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1 Samuel 2:17

despised Yahweh's offering

The young men did not like and paid no attention to Yahweh's instructions regarding what people would offer to him.

1 Samuel 2:18

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1 Samuel 2:19

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1 Samuel 2:20

because of the request she made of Yahweh

Hannah had asked Yahweh for a baby and promised him that she would give the baby to serve in the temple.

1 Samuel 2:21

before Yahweh

This means where Yahweh could see him and Samuel could learn about Yahweh.

1 Samuel 2:22

they were lying with the women

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "they were having sexual relations with the women"

1 Samuel 2:23

Why do you do such things?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is terrible that you do such things!"

1 Samuel 2:24

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1 Samuel 2:25

who will speak for him?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "there is certainly no one who can speak for him."

speak for him

"ask Yahweh to have mercy on him"

the voice of their father

Here the father's "voice" represents the father. Alternate translation: "their father" or "what their father said"

1 Samuel 2:26

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1 Samuel 2:27

man of God

This phrase usually means a prophet of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "a man who hears and tells words from God"

Did I not reveal myself ... house of Pharaoh?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should know that I revealed myself ... house of Pharaoh."

the house of your father

The word "house" is a metonym for the people who lived in the house, and "father" refers to a distant ancestor. Alternate translation: "the family of your ancestor"

your father

Aaron

1 Samuel 2:28

to go up to my altar, and to burn incense

This refers to making an offering to Yahweh.

to wear an ephod before me

The words "wear an ephod" are a metonym for the work of the priests who wear the ephod. Alternate translation: "to do what I had commanded the priests to do"

1 Samuel 2:29

Connecting Statement:

The man of God continues to speak to Eli.

Why, then, do you scorn my sacrifices ... live?

This rhetorical question is a rebuke. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not scorn my sacrifices ... where I live."

the place where I live

"the place where my people bring offerings to me"

making yourselves fat with the best of every offering

The best part of the offering was to be burned up as an offering to Yahweh, but the priests were eating it.

1 Samuel 2:30

the house of your father

The word "house" is a metonym for the people who lived in the house, and "father" in this case refers to a distant ancestor. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 2:27]

should walk before me

This is an idiom that means "live in obedience to me."

Far be it from me to do this

"I will certainly not allow your family to serve me forever"

those who despise me will be lightly esteemed

The words "lightly esteemed" is an ironic euphemism for "greatly despised." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will lightly esteem those who despise me" or "I will greatly despise those who despise me"

1 Samuel 2:31

See

"Listen carefully to what I am about to say" or "What I am about to say is very important"

I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father's house

The words "cut off ... strength" are probably a euphemism for the death of strong, young men; the words "your father's house" are a metonym for "your family." Alternate translation: "I will kill you and all strong, young male descendants in your family"

be any old man

"be any old men" or "be any men who grow old"

1 Samuel 2:32

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1 Samuel 2:33

cause your eyes to fail

"cause you to lose your eyesight" or "cause you to go blind"

all the increase of your house

This metaphor speaks of children born into the "house," the family, as if they were the "increase" of fruit or grain growing in a field. Alternate translation: "all the children born into your family"

while men

while they are the strongest they can be

1 Samuel 2:34

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1 Samuel 2:35

I will raise up ... a faithful priest

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "I will cause a man to become priest"

for myself

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "to serve me"

what is in my heart and in my soul

"what I want him to do and what I tell him to do"

I will build him a sure house

Here "house" is an idiom used for "descendants." Alternate translation: "I will ensure that he always has a descendant who serves as high priest"

1 Samuel 2:36

him

the faithful priest whom God will raise up

so I can eat a piece of bread

Here "piece of bread" is used for "food. "Alternate translation: "so I can have something to eat"

Chapter 3

1 Samuel 3 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God speaks to Samuel

God spoke at night to Samuel when he was a small boy, telling him that he would punish Eli's family. As Samuel grew up, God gave him many messages. People came from all over Israel to find out what God had to say.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metonymy

In order to show respect when talking to God, Samuel calls himself "your servant" when referring to himself.

Idioms

One characteristic of prophecy is the use of figures of speech. In this passage there are two idioms: "ears will shake," meaning "will shock everyone who hears" and "carry out," meaning "do."

In order to be sure Samuel would tell him the whole truth, Eli used the standard formula for a curse: "may God do to you, and even more, if," meaning "God will punish severely if the person does what the curse says he will do." (See: curse)

1 Samuel 3:1

Yahweh's word was rare

"Yahweh did not often speak to people"

1 Samuel 3:2

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1 Samuel 3:3

The lamp of God

This is the seven-candle lampstand in the holy place of the tabernacle that burned every day and through the night until it was empty.

the temple of Yahweh

The "temple" was actually a tent, but it was where the people worshiped, so it is best to translate the word as "temple" here. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 1:9.

1 Samuel 3:4

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1 Samuel 3:5

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1 Samuel 3:6

my son

Eli was not Samuel's true father. Eli speaks as if he were Samuel's father to show Samuel that he is not angry but that Samuel needs to listen to him.

1 Samuel 3:7

nor had any message from Yahweh ever been revealed to him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "nor had Yahweh ever revealed any message to him" or "and Yahweh had never revealed any message to him"

1 Samuel 3:8

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1 Samuel 3:9

your servant is

Eli tells Samuel to speak to Yahweh as if Samuel were another person so that Samuel would show respect to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "I am"

1 Samuel 3:10

Yahweh came and stood

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh actually appeared and stood before Samuel or 2) Yahweh made his presence known to Samuel.

your servant is

Samuel speaks to Yahweh as if Samuel were another person to show respect to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "I am"

1 Samuel 3:11

at which the ears of everyone who hears it will tingle

Here "ears ... will tingle" is an idiom that means everyone will be shocked by what they hear. Alternate translation: "that will shock everyone who hears it"

tingle

This means to feel like someone is gently poking with small, sharp objects, usually because of the cold or because someone has slapped that body part with their hand.

1 Samuel 3:12

from beginning to end

This is a merism for completeness. Alternate translation: "absolutely everything"

1 Samuel 3:13

brought a curse upon themselves

"did those things which Yahweh had said he would punish those who did them"

1 Samuel 3:14

the iniquity of his house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "there is no sacrifice or offering that anyone can offer that will atone for the iniquity of his house"

the iniquity of his house

Here the word "house" is a metonym for the family living in the house. "the iniquity that the people in his family have committed"

1 Samuel 3:15

the house of Yahweh

The "house" was actually a tent, but it would be best to translate "house" here.

1 Samuel 3:16

my son

Eli was not Samuel's true father. Eli speaks as if he were Samuel's father to show Samuel that he is not angry but that Samuel needs to answer him. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 1:6]

1 Samuel 3:17

the word he spoke

"the message Yahweh gave"

May God do so to you, and even more

This is an idiom to emphasize how serious Eli is. Alternate translation: "May God punish you the same way he said he will punish me, and even more"

1 Samuel 3:18

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1 Samuel 3:19

he let none of his prophetic words fall to the ground

Here messages that do not come true are spoken of as if they fell to the ground. This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "he made all the things he prophesied happen"

1 Samuel 3:20

All Israel

"All the people in Israel"

from Dan to Beersheba

This is a merism for "in every part of the land." Alternate translation: "from one end of the land to the other" or "from Dan in the very north to Beersheba in the very south"

Samuel was appointed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh had appointed"

1 Samuel 3:21

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Chapter 4

1 Samuel 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The Ark of the Covenant in Philistine country

This chapter begins a new section on the Ark and the Philistines. It recounts two battles between Israel and the Philistines. In both battles, Israel was badly defeated and, in the second, the Ark was captured.

Special concepts in this chapter

The Ark is captured

The Philistine army invaded Israel, and Israel's army went to fight them but was defeated. Israel decided that if they took the Ark into the next battle, God would cause them to win. When Eli's sons took the Ark into the next battle and the Philistines won the battle, they killed Eli's two sons and captured the Ark. When Eli heard the Ark was captured, he fell over, broke his neck, and died. Hearing this news, his daughter-in-law named her baby "the glory has departed."

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Question

The Philistines expressed their fear using a rhetorical question: "Who will protect us from the strength of this mighty God?"

1 Samuel 4:1

Ebenezer ... Aphek

These are the names of places.

1 Samuel 4:2

Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Philistines defeated the Israelites and killed"

about four thousand men

Here the number four thousand is a round number. There may have been a few more than that or a few less than that. The word "about" shows that it is not an exact number. Alternate translation: "about 4,000 men"

1 Samuel 4:3

the people

the soldiers who had been fighting the battle

Why has Yahweh defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring ... enemies

The elders truly did not know why Yahweh had defeated them, but they wrongly thought they knew how to make sure it did not happen again, by bringing the ark to be with them.

1 Samuel 4:4

who sits above the cherubim

You may need to make explicit that the cherubim are those on the lid of the ark of the covenant. The biblical writers often spoke of the ark of the covenant as if it were Yahweh's footstool upon which he rested his feet as he sat on his throne in heaven above. Alternate translation: "who sits on his throne above the cherubim on the ark of the covenant"

Phinehas

This Phinehas is not the same as the grandson of Aaron in Exodus and Numbers.

were there

were in Shiloh

1 Samuel 4:5

When the ark of the covenant of Yahweh came into the camp

"When the people carried the ark of the covenant of Yahweh into the camp" Some languages may need to add understood information to make the meaning clear. Alternate translation: "The people, along with Hophni and Phinehas, picked up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh and carried it into the camp. When the people carried the ark into the camp"

1 Samuel 4:6

the ark of Yahweh had come into the camp

"the people had carried the ark of Yahweh into the camp"

1 Samuel 4:7

they said ... They said

"they said to themselves ... They said to each other" or "they said to each other ... They said to each other." The second clause clearly refers to what the Philistines said to each other. The first clause probably refers to what they thought, though it could also refer to what they said to each other. If possible, avoid stating who was spoken to.

A god has come

The Philistines worshiped many gods, so they probably believed that one of those gods, or one whom they did not worship, had come into the camp. Another possible meaning is that they were speaking the proper name of the God of Israel: "Yahweh has come." Because 4:8 speaks of "gods," some translations read, "Gods have come," that is, "It is gods who have come."

1 Samuel 4:8

Who will protect us from the strength of these mighty gods?

This rhetorical question is an expression of deep fear. It can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "There is no one who can protect us from these mighty gods."

these mighty gods ... the gods who attacked

Because the word "god"

1 Samuel 4:9

be men

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "be strong and fight"

1 Samuel 4:10

Israel was defeated

This can be stated in active form. Also, "Israel" refers to the army of Israel. Alternate translation: "they defeated the army of Israel"

his tent

"his home." The Israelites were living in houses in those days.

1 Samuel 4:11

The ark of God was taken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Philistines also took the ark of God"

1 Samuel 4:12

clothes torn and earth on his head

This is a way to express deep mourning in Israelite culture.

1 Samuel 4:13

his heart trembled with concern

This is an idiom which means he was very fearful or terribly concerned about something.

the whole city

This is a metonym for "all the people in the city."

1 Samuel 4:14

The man

"The man of Benjamin"

1 Samuel 4:15

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1 Samuel 4:16

my son

Eli was not the other man's true father. Eli speaks as if he were the man's father to show the man that he is not angry but that the man needs to answer him.

1 Samuel 4:17

Israel fled from the Philistines

This is a general statement about what happened. The rest of the man's words give details.

Also, there has been ... people. Also, your two sons

"I will now tell you something worse ... I will now tell you something worse" or "Not only has there been ... people, but your two sons"

the ark of God has been taken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Philistines have taken the ark of God"

1 Samuel 4:18

When he mentioned

"When the man of Benjamin mentioned"

mentioned

"spoke of"

His neck was broken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "His neck broke because he fell" or "He broke his neck when he fell"

1 Samuel 4:19

his daughter-in-law

Eli's daughter-in-law

the ark of God was captured

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Philistines had captured the ark of God"

1 Samuel 4:20

take what they said to heart

"pay any attention to what they said" or "allow herself to feel better"

1 Samuel 4:21

She called

"she named"

Ichabod

The name is actually a phrase that means "no glory." The name of a person sometimes reveals information about the person, place, or thing it refers to.

for the ark of God had been captured

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for the Philistines had captured the ark of God"

1 Samuel 4:22

the ark of God has been captured

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because the Philistines have captured the ark of God"

Chapter 5

1 Samuel 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of the Ark of the Covenant in Philistia continues.

Special concepts in this chapter

The Ark in the Philistine Cities

The Philistines took the Ark of God to Ashdod and put it in their idol temple, but their idol fell down in front of the Ark and the people got sick with bubonic plague. They took it to Gath next, and the people of Gath began dying of the plague. When they took the Ark to Ekron, the people of Ekron were afraid of it too and did not want it there. Finally they decided to send it back to Israel. (See: temple)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idioms

There are two slightly different idioms used in the same way: the "hand was heavy" and the "hand was hard." Both idioms mean "was severely punished."

1 Samuel 5:1

Now

This word marks the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a word or phrase that does the same, you could use it here.

ark of God

See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 3:3. This is the a same as the "ark of the covenant of Yahweh" in 1 Samuel 4:3.

1 Samuel 5:2

house of Dagon

This refers to the temple of Dagon, the god of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 5:3

behold, Dagon

"they were very surprised to see that Dagon"

Dagon had fallen facedown on the ground

The reader should understand that Yahweh had caused the statue to fall on its face during the night.

1 Samuel 5:4

Dagon had fallen

The reader should understand that Yahweh had caused Dagon to fall.

The head of Dagon and both of his hands were lying cut off

It was as if Yahweh were a soldier who had defeated his enemy and cut off the enemy's head and hands.

on the threshold

You may need to make explicit that this was the threshold in the doorway of the entrance to the temple. Alternate translation: "on the threshold of the doorway of the entrance to the temple"

1 Samuel 5:5

This is why, even today

The writer is about to give some background information separate from the main story.

even today

Here "today" means up to the day when the author was writing this book.

the threshold of Dagon

You may need to make explicit the relationship between the threshold and Dagon. Alternate translation: "the threshold of the doorway of the temple of Dagon"

1 Samuel 5:6

Yahweh's hand was heavy upon

This is an idiom. "Yahweh severely judged"

tumors

Possible meanings are 1) painful swelling under the skin or 2) hemorrhoids.

both Ashdod and its territories

The name of the town is a metonym for the people living in the town. "both the people of Ashdod and the people in the land surrounding Ashdod"

1 Samuel 5:7

the men of Ashdod realized

"the men of Ashdod understood"

ark of the God of Israel

See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 3:3. This is the a same as the "ark of the covenant of Yahweh" in 1 Samuel 4:3.

1 Samuel 5:8

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1 Samuel 5:9

Yahweh's hand was against

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Yahweh punished"

both small and great

Possible meanings are 1) this is a merism that refers to age. Alternate translation: "men of all ages" or 2) this is a merism that refers social class. Alternate translation: "from the poorest and weakest men to the richest and most powerful men"

tumors

Possible meanings are 1) painful swelling under the skin or 2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6

1 Samuel 5:10

cried out

Why they cried out can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "cried out in fear"

1 Samuel 5:11

the ark of the God of Israel

See how you translated similar words in 1 Samuel 3:3. This is the a same as the "ark of the covenant of Yahweh" in 1 Samuel 4:3.

the God of Israel

Possible meanings are 1) they were speaking the proper name of the God of Israel or 2) they believed that Israel worshiped one of many gods, "the god of Israel." See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:7.

there was a deathly tumult throughout the city

"people all over the city were afraid that they were going to die"

the hand of God was very heavy there

The hand is a metonym for God punishing the people. "Yahweh was punishing the people there very severely"

1 Samuel 5:12

The men who did not die

This implies that many men actually died.

tumors

Possible meanings are 1) painful swelling under the skin or 2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6.

the cry of the city went up to the heavens

The word "city" is a metonym for the people of the city. Possible meanings are 1) the words "went up to the heavens" is an idiom for "was very great." Alternate translation: "the people of the city cried out very loudly" or 2) the words "the heavens" is a metonym for the people's gods. Alternate translation: "the people of the city cried out to their gods"

Chapter 6

1 Samuel 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter ends the story of the Ark of the Covenant among the Philistines.

Special concepts in this chapter

The Philistines send the Ark back to Israel

The Philistine leaders asked their priests what they should do with the Ark. The priests said to send it off with an offering. The Philistines put the Ark on a cart drawn by cows and let them go wherever they wanted to go. The cows went straight toward Israel. When some people peeked into the Ark, God killed them. Because of this, the people sent the Ark to Kiriath Jearim.

1 Samuel 6:1

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1 Samuel 6:2

the priests and the diviners

These were pagan priests and diviners who worshiped Dagon.

Tell us how we should send it

The Philistines wanted to know how to get rid of the ark without angering Yahweh any further.

1 Samuel 6:3

the God of Israel

Possible meanings are 1) they were speaking the proper name of the God of Israel or 2) they believed that Israel worshiped one of many gods, "the god of Israel." See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:7.

by all means send him a guilt offering

The words "by all means" are a forceful way of saying something. Alternate translation: "you must send a guilt offering"

you will be healed

"you will no longer be ill"

you

The pronoun "you" is plural, referring to all of the Philistines.

why his hand has not been lifted off of you

Here "hand" is a metonym used to represent God's power to afflict or discipline. Alternate translation: "why he has not relieved your suffering"

1 Samuel 6:4

tumors

Possible meanings are 1) painful swelling under the skin or 2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6.

mice

more than one mouse

1 Samuel 6:5

models

A model is something that looks like a real thing.

tumors

Possible meanings are 1) painful swelling under the skin or 2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6.

the God of Israel

Possible meanings are 1) they were speaking the proper name of the God of Israel or 2) they believed that Israel worshiped one of many gods, "the god of Israel." See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:7.

lift his hand from you, from your gods, and from your land

Here "hand" is a metonym used to represent God's power to afflict or discipline. Alternate translation: "stop punishing you, your gods and your land"

1 Samuel 6:6

Why should you harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts?

The priests and diviners use a rhetorical question to urge the Philistines to think very seriously about what will happen if they refuse to obey God. This can be translated as a warning. Alternate translation: "Do not be stubborn like the Egyptians and Pharaoh were!"

harden your hearts

This is an idiom that means to be stubborn or unwilling to obey God. Alternate translation: "refuse to obey God"

did not the Egyptians send away the people, and they left?

This is another rhetorical question used to remind the Philistines how the Egyptians finally sent the Israelites out of Egypt so that God would stop afflicting the Egyptians. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "remember that the Egyptians sent the Israelites out of Egypt."

1 Samuel 6:7

two nursing cows

"two cows that have calves that are still drinking milk"

1 Samuel 6:8

Send it off and let it go its way

Normally the two cows would head back home to their calves.

1 Samuel 6:9

If it goes ... toward Beth Shemesh, then it is Yahweh

It is unlikely that the cows would choose to wander to Beth Shemesh when their calves are back in the Philistine area.

1 Samuel 6:10

two nursing cows

"two cows that have calves that are still drinking milk" See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 6:7.

1 Samuel 6:11

mice

Translated this as in 1 Samuel 6:4.

castings of their tumors

"models of their tumors"

tumors

Possible meanings are 1) painful swelling under the skin or 2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6.

1 Samuel 6:12

The cows went straight in the direction of Beth Shemesh

Nursing cows would normally return to their calves, but these cows went to Beth Shemesh.

lowing as they went

Lowing is the noise cows make with their voices.

they did not turn aside either to the right or to the left

"they did not wander off of the highway." This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "they stayed on the highway" or "they went straight ahead"

1 Samuel 6:13

Now

The writer is introducing a new part of the story. If your language has a way of marking the beginning of a new part of the story, you could use it here.

people of Beth Shemesh

These were Israelites.

lifted up their eyes

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "looked up"

1 Samuel 6:14

A great stone was there

The people used this stone as an altar when they offered the cows as sacrifices.

1 Samuel 6:15

The Levites took down the ark of Yahweh

This actually happened before they chopped the cart into firewood to use in offering the cows to Yahweh.

The Levites took down the ark

According to the law of Moses, only the Levites were permitted to handle the ark.

the box that was with it, where the golden figures were

"the box containing the gold models of the rats and the tumors"

1 Samuel 6:16

the five rulers of the Philistines

"the five Philistine kings"

1 Samuel 6:17

tumors

Possible meanings are 1) painful swelling under the skin or 2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6.

1 Samuel 6:18

mice

Translated this as in 1 Samuel 6:4.

fortified cities

These are cities with high walls around them to protect the people inside from attack by their enemies.

The great stone ... remains a witness

The stone is referred to as if it is a person who can see. Alternate translation: "The great stone ... is still there, and people remember what happened on it"

Joshua

This is a man's name.

the Bethshemite

This is what a person from Beth Shemesh is called. Alternate translation: "from Beth Shemesh"

to this day

to the time at which the writer wrote the book

1 Samuel 6:19

they had looked into the ark

The ark was so holy that no one was permitted to look inside it. Only the priests were allowed to even see the ark.

50,070 men

"fifty thousand and seventy men"

1 Samuel 6:20

Who is able to stand before Yahweh, this holy God?

Possible meanings are 1) this is a rhetorical question that expresses the people's fear of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "There is no one who can resist Yahweh because he is so holy!" or 2) this is a question asking for information. The phrase "stand before Yahweh" may refer to priests who serve Yahweh. It is implied that the people were looking for a priest whom Yahweh would permit to handle the ark. Alternate translation: "Is there a priest among us who serves this holy God, Yahweh, and is able to handle this ark?"

To whom will the ark go up from us?

This is a question asking for information. It is implied that the people want Yahweh and the ark to go somewhere else so he will not punish them again. Alternate translation: "Where can we send this ark so that Yahweh will not punish us again?"

1 Samuel 6:21

Kiriath Jearim

This was a town in Israel.

Chapter 7

1 Samuel 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter completes the section on Samuel leading Israel.

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel begins to worship Yahweh again

Samuel told the people to get rid of all their idols and worship Yahweh alone. The people were obedient. When the Philistines heard the Israelites were all gathered together, the Philistines attacked, but God defeated them. There was a time of peace during which Samuel settled disputes between the people as the judges had done before.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idioms

Whenever Samuel spoke to a group of people, he used many idioms: "to turn to" means "to worship"; "with your whole heart" means "completely"; and "rescue from the hand" means "rescued from the power."

1 Samuel 7:1

Kiriath Jearim

This is the name of a place.

Abinadab ... Eleazar

These are the names of men.

1 Samuel 7:2

twenty years

"20 years"

1 Samuel 7:3

the entire house of Israel

The word "house" is a metonym for the people who live in the house and their descendants. Alternate translation: "all of the descendants of Israel" or "all of the Israelite people"

return to Yahweh with your whole heart

Here "with your whole heart" is an idiom that means to be completely devoted to something. Alternate translation: "become completely devoted to worshiping and obeying Yahweh only"

1 Samuel 7:4

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1 Samuel 7:5

all Israel

"all the people of Israel" or "all the Israelites"

1 Samuel 7:6

drew water and poured it out before Yahweh

Possible meanings are 1) the people denied themselves water as part of fasting or 2) they got water out of a stream or well and poured it on the ground as an outward sign of being sorry for their sin.

1 Samuel 7:7

the rulers of the Philistines attacked Israel

It can be stated plainly that it was the army and not the rulers by themselves who attacked Israel. Alternate translation: "the Philistine rulers led their army and attacked Israel"

1 Samuel 7:8

save us from the hand of the Philistines

The "hand" is a metonym for the power of the person. Alternate translation: "save us from the Philistine army" or "keep the Philistine army from harming us"

1 Samuel 7:9

nursing lamb

a lamb that is still drinking its mother's milk

cried out

"cried out for help"

Yahweh answered him

"Yahweh did what Samuel asked him to do"

1 Samuel 7:10

As Samuel ... they were routed before Israel

This begins to explain what the writer means by "Yahweh answered him" in (1 Samuel 7:9).

threw them into confusion

The word "confusion" here is used as a casual way of saying the Philistines were unable to think clearly. Alternate translation: "made them unable to think clearly"

they were routed before Israel

This can be translated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "Yahweh routed them before Israel" or 2) "Israel routed them"

routed

To rout people is to defeat them before they can cause any harm.

1 Samuel 7:11

The men of Israel ... Beth Kar

This finishes explaining what the writer means by "Yahweh answered him" in (1 Samuel 7:9).

Beth Kar

This is the name of a place.

1 Samuel 7:12

took a stone and set it

The Israelites and other peoples in that land would place a large stone where important events had happened as a reminder of God's help.

Mizpah ... Shen

These are the names of places.

1 Samuel 7:13

So the Philistines were subdued

The writer has just finished telling how the Philistines were subdued. If your language has a way of marking the end of a description, you could use it here.

the Philistines were subdued

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh subdued the Philistines" or "Yahweh kept the Philistines from causing harm"

they did not enter the border of Israel

The Philistines did not enter Israel's border to attack them.

The hand of Yahweh was against the Philistines

The word "hand" is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: "Yahweh used his power against the Philistines"

1 Samuel 7:14

The towns ... from Israel were restored to Israel

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) Here "Israel" refers to the "land" of Israel. "Yahweh restored to the land of Israel the towns ... from Israel" or 2) "Israel" is a metonym for the people who live there. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel were able to reclaim the towns ... from Israel"

1 Samuel 7:15

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1 Samuel 7:16

went on a circuit

traveled from place to place in a rough circle

He decided disputes

Disputes are arguments or disagreements between two or more people.

1 Samuel 7:17

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Chapter 8

1 Samuel 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Saul and Samuel

The section including chapters 8-16 begins a new part of the story. The people wanted a king, and God chose Saul, the man the people wanted, to be their king. He was not the king Yahweh wanted.

Special concepts in this chapter

The people want a king

When Samuel was old, he appointed his sons to be judges. They were corrupt and took bribes, so the people came and asked Samuel to appoint a king for them. Samuel asked God, who gave them a king but warned them what a king would be like. Despite Samuel's warning that a king would oppress them, the people still wanted a king. This was sinful because they were rejecting God as their king. (See: appoint, oppress and and sin)

1 Samuel 8:1

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1 Samuel 8:2

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1 Samuel 8:3

chased after dishonest gain

The writer speaks of money that people would give Samuel's sons as if it were a person or animal running away from Samuel's sons, and he speaks of Samuel's sons as if they were physically chasing that person or animal. Alternate translation: "they worked hard to gain money by being dishonest"

perverted justice

"judged in favor of those who did evil"

1 Samuel 8:4

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1 Samuel 8:5

do not walk in your ways

The way a person lives is spoken of as walking on a path. Alternate translation: "do not do the things you do" or "do not do what is just the way you do"

Appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations

Possible meanings are 1) "Appoint for us a king like the kings of all the nations so that he can judge us" or 2) "Appoint for us a king who will judge us the way the kings of the nations judge them"

Appoint for us a king to judge us

The leaders wrongly believed that a king, and his sons after him, would rule justly.

1 Samuel 8:6

But it displeased Samuel ... Give us a king to judge us

Samuel was unhappy that the people did not just want him to remove his corrupt sons and to appoint honest judges, but they wanted a king to rule over them like other countries had.

1 Samuel 8:7

Obey the voice of the people

Here "the voice" is a metonym for the will or the desire of the people. Alternate translation: "Do what the people say"

but they have rejected me

Yahweh knew that the people were not just rejecting corrupt judges, but they were rejecting Yahweh as their king.

1 Samuel 8:8

I brought them out of Egypt

This refers to Yahweh freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt many years before.

1 Samuel 8:9

Now listen to them

"Now do what they are asking you to do"

warn them solemnly

"be very serious as you warn them"

by what ordinances the king will reign over them

"how the king who reigns over them will treat them" or "what the king who rules over them will require them to do"

1 Samuel 8:10

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1 Samuel 8:11

These will be the ordinances ... He will take

The practice of the king will be to take. This begins the list of things he will take.

These will be the ordinances of the king who will reign over you

The abstract noun "ordinances" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "This is how the king who will reign over you will act" or "This is what the king who will reign over you will do"

ordinances

See how you translated this word in 1 Samuel 8:9.

appoint them to his chariots

"have them drive chariots in battle"

be his horsemen

They will ride horses into battle.

1 Samuel 8:12

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1 Samuel 8:13

Connecting Statement:

Samuel continues to tell what things the king will take.

to be perfumers

"to make good-smelling oils to put on his body"

1 Samuel 8:14

olive orchards

"fields of olive trees"

1 Samuel 8:15

a tenth of your grain

They will have to divide their grain into ten equal parts and give one of those parts to the king's officers and servants.

a tenth ... of your vineyards

They will have to divide the wine that they produce in their vineyards into ten equal parts and give one of those parts to the king's officers and servants.

officers

These are the leaders of the king's army.

1 Samuel 8:16

Connecting Statement:

Samuel continues to tell what things the king will take.

1 Samuel 8:17

the tenth of your flocks

They will have to divide their flocks into ten equal parts and give one of those parts to the king's officers and servants. See how you translated "tenth" in [1 Samuel 8:15]

you will be his slaves

"you will feel as if you are his slaves"

1 Samuel 8:18

you will cry out

Possible meanings are 1) the people will ask Yahweh to rescue them from the king or 2) the people will ask the king to stop treating them so badly .

1 Samuel 8:19

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1 Samuel 8:20

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1 Samuel 8:21

he repeated them in the ears of Yahweh

Here "the ears of Yahweh" refers to Yahweh. Samuel prayed to Yahweh repeating all that the people said. Alternate translation: "he repeated them to Yahweh"

1 Samuel 8:22

Obey their voice

Here the metonym "their voice" refers to the will of the people. Alternate translation: "Obey the people"

cause a king to reign over them

"make someone king over them." Use the common term in your language for making someone king.

go to his own city

"go home"

Chapter 9

1 Samuel 9 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Samuel chooses Saul to be their king

When the donkeys of Saul's father strayed away, Saul went looking for them. When he could not find them, he asked Samuel to ask God where they were. Samuel said the donkeys had been found. He invited Saul as the guest of honor to a feast and gave him a place to sleep for the night.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Saul uses two rhetorical questions to convince Samuel he is not important: "Am not I a Benjamite, from the smallest of the tribes of Israel? Is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin?"

1 Samuel 9:1

General Information:

If your language has a way of telling the reader that the writer is giving background information in these verses, you could use it here.

a man of great wealth

Possible other meanings are 1) he was a nobleman or 3) he was a mighty and brave man.

Kish ... Abiel ... Zeror ... Bekorath ... Aphiah

These are names of the men of Saul's family line.

Benjamite

A Benjamite is someone who belongs to the tribe of Benjamin.

1 Samuel 9:2

handsome

someone who looks good

From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people

The other tall people in Israel did not even come up to his shoulders.

1 Samuel 9:3

Now

The writer has ended the background information that began in (1 Samuel 9:1) and starts a new main part of the story.

arise and go

"stop what you are doing and go"

1 Samuel 9:4

the hill country of Ephraim ... the land of Shalisha ... the land of Shaalim ... the land of the Benjamites

These are all areas in Israel.

did not find them ... they were not there ... did not find them

The words "them" and "they" all refer to the donkeys.

1 Samuel 9:5

land of Zuph

This is an area in Israel just north of Jerusalem.

1 Samuel 9:6

See now, there

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: there"

man of God

This phrase usually means a prophet of Yahweh. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 2:27. Alternate translation: "a man who hears and tells words from God"

which way we should go on our journey

"which way we should go to find the donkeys"

1 Samuel 9:7

what can we bring the man?

Giving a gift is a sign of respect for the man of God.

man of God

This phrase usually means a prophet of Yahweh. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 2:27. Alternate translation: "a man who hears and tells words from God"

1 Samuel 9:8

one-fourth of a shekel

"1/4 of a shekel." A shekel is a type of money used in the Old Testament.

1 Samuel 9:9

Formerly in Israel ... seer

This is cultural information added by the Hebrew author. If it is not natural in your language to state this information here, it can be moved to the end of verse 11.

For today's prophet was formerly called a seer

"Seer is the old name for what we call a prophet today"

1 Samuel 9:10

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1 Samuel 9:11

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1 Samuel 9:12

the people are sacrificing today

These are likely the feast or first-fruit sacrifices, not the sin sacrifices, which must be held at the tabernacle.

1 Samuel 9:13

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1 Samuel 9:14

to go up to the high place

This is a place that the people had designated as holy to make sacrifices and offerings to Yahweh. The writer writes as though it were outside the wall that was around the city.

1 Samuel 9:15

General Information:

The writer stops telling the story and gives background information so the reader can understand what happens next.

1 Samuel 9:16

you will anoint him to be prince

The term prince is used here instead of king. This is the man whom God has chosen to be king of Israel.

the land of Benjamin

"the land where people from the tribe of Benjamin live"

from the hand of the Philistines

Here the word "hand" is a metonym for control. Alternate translation: "from the control of the Philistines" or "so the Philistines will no longer control them"

For I have looked on my people with pity

"My people are suffering and I want to help them"

1 Samuel 9:17

Yahweh told him

"Yahweh told Samuel"

1 Samuel 9:18

the seer

"the prophet of Yahweh"

1 Samuel 9:19

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1 Samuel 9:20

Then on whom are all the desires of Israel set? Is it not on you and all your father's house?

These questions are an expression of deep conviction that Saul is the one whom Yahweh wants to be the king that the Israelites are looking for. The questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "You should know that it is on you that all the desires of Israel are set. They are set on you and your father's family."

1 Samuel 9:21

Am I not a Benjamite ... of Israel? Is not my clan ... Benjamin? Why then have you spoken to me in this manner?

Saul is expressing surprise because Benjamin was the smallest tribe in Israel, and other Israelites considered the tribe unimportant. Also, Benjamites considered the clan of which Saul was a member as unimportant. These questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "I am from the tribe of Benjamin, the least important of all tribes. And my clan is the least important clan in our tribe. I do not understand why you are saying that the Israelite people want me and my family to do something important."

1 Samuel 9:22

the hall

The writer assumes that the reader knows that near the place where they would offer sacrifices there was a large building in which people would eat together.

head place

This is the seat of honor.

thirty people

"30 people"

1 Samuel 9:23

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1 Samuel 9:24

what was on it

Possible meanings are 1) the other food that Saul was to eat along with the meat or 2) other parts of the bull.

Then Samuel said

In the original language it is not clear who is speaking. It is possible that the cook is speaking to Saul. Alternate translation: "Then the cook said"

1 Samuel 9:25

on the rooftop

This is a normal place for family and guests to eat, visit, and sleep. It tends to be cooler in the evening and at night than the inside of the house.

1 Samuel 9:26

Samuel called to Saul on the rooftop and said

What Saul was doing on the rooftop can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "while Saul was sleeping on the rooftop, Samuel called to him and said"

1 Samuel 9:27

ahead of us"—and he went ahead—"but you must stay

It is possible that Samuel speaks all of these words. Alternate translation: "ahead of us, and when he has gone ahead, you must stay"

that I may announce the message of God to you

"so that I can tell you God's message for you"

Chapter 10

1 Samuel 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the first chapter about King Saul.

Special concepts in this chapter

Saul as the New King

Samuel told Saul that God had chosen him to be king, and on the way home he would meet some prophets. Saul would then begin prophesying and God would give him the Holy Spirit to help him to know what to do. Samuel told everyone to come to Mizpah where he announced that God had chosen Saul to be their king. (See: prophet and holyspirit)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

This chapter uses rhetorical questions to express different ideas: to state a fact

Idioms

Samuel frequently uses idioms when prophesying: "going to God" means "going to worship God"; "take it from their hands" means "accept their gift"; "rush upon you" means "control you"; "hand finds to do" means "what you think you should do"; "God is with you" means "God is directing you"; "another heart" means "a different way of thinking"; "came to pass" means "happened"; "before Yahweh" means "to do work for Yahweh"; and "hearts God had touched" means "God had made them want to help Saul."

1 Samuel 10:1

took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul's head

In Israelite culture, when a prophet poured oil on someone's head, that person received a blessing from Yahweh.

flask

a small container made from baked clay

Has not Yahweh anointed you to be a ruler over his inheritance?

Samuel knows the answer to his question. He is reminding Saul that Yahweh has chosen him to be king of Israel. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has certainly anointed you to be a ruler over his inheritance."

1 Samuel 10:2

Zelzah

This is the name of a place.

What should I do about my son?

Saul's father is now concerned about Saul and wants to find him.

1 Samuel 10:3

Tabor

This is the name of a place.

1 Samuel 10:4

take from their hands

The hands are a synecdoche for the person. "take from them" or "accept"

1 Samuel 10:5

tambourine

This is a musical instrument with a head like a drum that can be hit and with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instrument is shaken.

1 Samuel 10:6

The Spirit of Yahweh will rush upon you

The phrase "rush upon" means that Yahweh's Spirit will influence Saul. In this case it means it means he will make Saul prophesy and act like a different person.

1 Samuel 10:7

do whatever your hand finds to do

Here Samuel speaks of Saul's hand as if it were a person trying to find things. Alternate translation: "do whatever you think is right to do"

1 Samuel 10:8

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1 Samuel 10:9

God gave him another heart

God enabled Samuel to think differently from the way he had thought before.

1 Samuel 10:10

the Spirit of God rushed upon him

Samuel speaks as if the Spirit of Yahweh were a person running up to Saul and taking complete control of him. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 10:6]

1 Samuel 10:11

What has happened to the son of Kish?

Possible meanings are 1) the people are asking for information or 2) this is a rhetorical question that means Saul is not important. Alternate translation: "Kish is not an important person, so it cannot be true that his son has become a prophet!"

the son of Kish

"Saul, the son of Kish"

1 Samuel 10:12

Then who is their father?

This man uses a rhetorical question to remind people that being a prophet has nothing to do with who one's parents are. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "It does not matter who the parents of these other prophets are. What matters is that, amazingly, Saul is speaking messages from God."

Because of this, it became a saying, "Is Saul also one of the prophets?"

This became a proverb among the Israelites. Apparently people said this to express surprise when a person unexpectedly did something that he had not done before. The implied meaning of the question can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "And that is why, when people cannot believe some report, they think about what happened to Saul and say, 'Is Saul really one of the prophets?'"

1 Samuel 10:13

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1 Samuel 10:14

Then Saul's uncle said to him

"Then the brother of Saul's father said to Saul"

1 Samuel 10:15

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1 Samuel 10:16

he did not tell him about the matter of the kingdom

"Saul did not tell his uncle that God had appointed him to be the king of Israel"

1 Samuel 10:17

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1 Samuel 10:18

I brought up Israel out of Egypt

The name "Israel" is a metonym for the people of Israel. "I brought the people of Israel out of Egypt"

the hand of the Egyptians ... the hand of all the kingdoms

The word "hand" is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: "the power of the Egyptians ... the power of all the kingdoms"

1 Samuel 10:19

today

Samuel is speaking of the time since Israel had begun to reject God, not only the time since the sun had last set.

Set a king over us

"Give us a king to rule us"

present yourselves before Yahweh by your tribes and by your clans

"gather together by tribes and clans and come to stand before Yahweh"

1 Samuel 10:20

the tribe of Benjamin was chosen

This can be translated in active form. It is probably best not to say how the people knew whom Yahweh had chosen. Alternate translation: "Yahweh chose the tribe of Benjamin"

1 Samuel 10:21

the clan of the Matrites was chosen ... Saul son of Kish was chosen

This can be translated in active form. It is probably best not to say how the people knew whom Yahweh had chosen. Alternate translation: "Yahweh chose the clan of the Matrites ... Yahweh chose Saul son of Kish"

1 Samuel 10:22

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1 Samuel 10:23

he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward

The other tall people in Israel did not even come up to his shoulders. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 9:2.

1 Samuel 10:24

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1 Samuel 10:25

the customs and rules of kingship

The abstract noun "kingship" can be translated with a noun clause. Alternate translation: "the customs and rules that a king would be required to follow"

1 Samuel 10:26

whose hearts God had touched

God touching a person's heart is an idiom that means God put something in their mind or moved them to do something. Alternate translation: "who wanted to go with Saul because God had changed their thinking"

1 Samuel 10:27

How can this man save us?

This is a rhetorical question that is used to express sarcasm. Alternate translation: "This man has no power to save us!"

despised

strongly disliked or hated

Chapter 11

1 Samuel 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the story of King Saul by telling of his first victory in war.

Special concepts in this chapter

Saul rescues the people of Jabesh Gilead

Nahash, king of the Ammonites, and his army surrounded the Israeli town of Jabesh Gilead. When the city's leaders asked for peace terms, Nahash demanded the right to poke out one eye of every man in order to show Israel their weakness. When Saul heard this, he called for all of Israel to help save this city. Many people came to help Saul's army. Israel was victorious and everyone wanted Saul as their king. At this time, Israel was not a truly unified country, even though it is often spoken of as one country.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idioms

The idioms in this chapter explain the effect God has on his people: "rushed upon him" means "empowered him"; "terror ... fell" means "they became afraid"; "as one man" means "they all agreed"; and "put to death" means "kill."

1 Samuel 11:1

Nahash

This is a man from Ammon, a descendent of Lot, Abraham's nephew.

Jabesh Gilead

This is the name of a place.

1 Samuel 11:2

I gouge out

"I cut out" or "I pluck out"

bring disgrace on

"bring shame on" or "bring a bad reputation to"

1 Samuel 11:3

seven days

"7 days"

1 Samuel 11:4

Gibeah

This is the name of a place.

1 Samuel 11:5

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1 Samuel 11:6

the Spirit of God rushed upon him

The phrase "rushed upon" means Yahweh's Spirit influenced Saul. In this case he enabled Saul to cause the people to fearfully respect him as their king and to join his army. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Samuel 10:6.

1 Samuel 11:7

does not come out after

Saul was calling all the men of Israel to come fight against Nahash and the Ammonites.

Then the terror of Yahweh fell on the people

Yahweh enabled people to fearfully respect Saul as their king. The result was that the men rallied together with Saul at Bezek.

1 Samuel 11:8

Bezek

This is the name of a town near Jabesh Gilead.

the people of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand

"the people of Israel were 300,000, and the men of Judah were 30,000"

1 Samuel 11:9

They said to the messengers

"They" refers to Samuel and Saul.

by the time the sun is hot

"before the hottest part of the day" or "before noon"

Jabesh Gilead ... Jabesh

These are the names of places. See how you translated them in 1 Samuel 11:1.

1 Samuel 11:10

Nahash

This is the name of a king. See how you translated this name in 1 Samuel 11:1.

1 Samuel 11:11

the morning watch

This was before dawn when most people in the camp were still asleep.

1 Samuel 11:12

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1 Samuel 11:13

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1 Samuel 11:14

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1 Samuel 11:15

made Saul king before Yahweh

"made Saul king while Yahweh watched"

There they sacrificed peace offerings before Yahweh

Part of Samuel's service to Yahweh is to offer sacrifices even though he is not from the line of Aaron or Levi.

Chapter 12

1 Samuel 12 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Samuel's farewell address

This chapter serves as a type of farewell address. This is a way for leaders to give instructions to their followers before they leave or die. Samuel first established his holiness before calling on the people to repent of their desire to have a king. (See: holy and repent)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

It is common in Scripture to use Israel's history to show how faithful God has been. This gives the readers evidence to trust in Yahweh in their current situation. (See: faithful and trust)

1 Samuel 12:1

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1 Samuel 12:2

the king walking before you ... I have walked before you

These expressions mean that people can actually see the kind of lives Saul and Samuel are living. Alternate translation: "the king's life was seen ... My life was seen"

1 Samuel 12:3

Here I am; testify against me before Yahweh and before his anointed one

By this statement, Samuel is challenging the people to speak up if he has done anything wrong to anyone. Alternate translation: "I stand in front of you now. I ask you to speak in front of Yahweh and his anointed king if I have done you any wrong"

Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken?

Samuel uses rhetorical questions to remind the people that he has never stolen their animals. Alternate translation: "I have never stolen a prized animal from anyone."

Whom have I defrauded?

Samuel uses another rhetorical question to say he has always been honest. Alternate translation: "I have never cheated or bribed any man."

Testify against me, and I will restore it to you

"If I have done any of these evil things, speak now, and I will pay back what I owe. I will make right any wrong"

1 Samuel 12:4

from any man's hand

This phrase means what a person possesses or what they have done to obtain favor from others. This is a polite way of saying he has not stolen, nor has he given or taken bribes.

1 Samuel 12:5

in my hand

This phrase means what a person possesses or what they have done to obtain favor from others. This is a polite way of saying he has not stolen, nor has he given or taken bribes.

1 Samuel 12:6

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1 Samuel 12:7

all of the righteous deeds of Yahweh

Samuel is calling their attention to the history of Yahweh's dealing with Israel, which has been filled with goodness and purpose.

1 Samuel 12:8

Jacob ... Moses ... Aaron

These are names of men.

1 Samuel 12:9

into the hand of Sisera ... Philistines ... king of Moab

"into the power of Sisera ... Philistines ... king of Moab"

Sisera

This is the name of a man.

Hazor

This is the name of a place.

he sold them

This is an expression for God giving them over to their enemies to be their slaves.

1 Samuel 12:10

They cried out to Yahweh

"They" refers to the nation of Israel.

have served the Baals and the Ashtoreths

Serving here is referring to acting worshipful towards the false gods. Alternate translation: "have worshiped false gods and goddesses"

the hand of our enemies

This statement is using "hand" to refer to power. Alternate translation: "the power or control of our enemies"

1 Samuel 12:11

Jerub-Baal

This is sometimes translated in other versions, as Jerubbaal. This is a name of godly honor and strength to fight the false god.

Yahweh sent ... and gave you victory

Samuel is telling the story of what God did after the people's confession of sin and plea for help.

Jerub-Baal, Bedan, Jephthah, and Samuel

These are the names of some judges that God raised up. Samuel included himself in this list.

1 Samuel 12:12

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1 Samuel 12:13

whom you have chosen, whom you have asked for

These two phrases have similar meanings and emphasize that this is the king whom the people wanted.

1 Samuel 12:14

fear ... serve ... obey ... not rebel

These similar words are used to emphasize how important this is.

1 Samuel 12:15

Yahweh's hand will be against you, as it was against your ancestors

This speaks of Yahweh punishing the people as his "hand" being against them. The word "hand" here represents Yahweh's power and control. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will punish you, just as he punished your ancestors"

1 Samuel 12:16

before your eyes

The word "eyes" here represents the people of the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: "out in the open where all of the nation of Israel may see"

1 Samuel 12:17

Is it not the wheat harvest today?

Samuel knows it is harvest time. He is using a rhetorical question to emphasize that it does not usually rain at this time so the people will know that the rain that will ruin their harvest is a judgment from Yahweh. Alternate translation: "It is harvest time and does not usually rain at this time"

he may send thunder and rain

Samuel is asking Yahweh to punish Israel for asking for a king by sending a rainstorm during the harvest which will ruin the grain.

1 Samuel 12:18

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1 Samuel 12:19

so that we do not die

The ultimate punishment for sin is death. The nation of Israel had seen Yahweh destroy the nations that had oppressed them. They were concerned that they had become "dedicated for destruction" like those nations.

1 Samuel 12:20

Do not be afraid

The people did evil and were afraid of God destroying them. Alternate translation: "Do not be afraid that God will be angry and destroy you because of this sin"

1 Samuel 12:21

turn away after empty things

"pursue worship of false gods"

1 Samuel 12:22

For the sake of his great name

Here "name" refers to the reputation of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "So that people will continue to honor and respect Yahweh"

1 Samuel 12:23

far be it from me that I should sin against Yahweh by ceasing to pray for you

The people are filled with fear because of the rain and thunder that Yahweh sent when Samuel prayed. Some people may believe Samuel would use his prayers to harm them.

1 Samuel 12:24

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1 Samuel 12:25

General Information:

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Chapter 13

1 Samuel 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is the beginning of a story about Jonathan's victory over the Philistines.

Special concepts in this chapter

Preparation for the battle

Saul sent most of his army home before Jonathan attacked and defeated a Philistine garrison. This attack made the Philistines very angry, and they brought a huge army into Israel and camped at the top of a hill. Most of Saul's army ran away in fear and hid from the Philistines. There are many aspects of this story that give the reader the impression that Israel was unprepared for battle.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Hyperbole

Wanting to express the vast number of enemy soldiers, the author uses a hyperbole: "as numerous as the sand on the seashore," meaning "too many to count."

1 Samuel 13:1

General Information:

Samuel has renewed Saul's kingdom at Gilgal and Samuel has reminded the people to follow the Lord.

Saul was thirty years old ... over Israel

The text of this verse in ancient copies is uncertain, so modern versions have many different translations. They are all attempts to represent the most probable meaning of the original text.

1 Samuel 13:2

chose three thousand men

"chose 3,000 men"

Two thousand were with him

"2,000 men were with him"

Mikmash

This is the name of a city.

Gibeah of Benjamin

Gibeah is a town. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 10:26.

The rest of the soldiers he sent home

"He sent the rest of the soldiers home"

1 Samuel 13:3

garrison of the Philistines

"military base of the Philistines" or "military camp of the Philistines"

Geba

This is the name of the town that the Philistine garrison was stationed in.

1 Samuel 13:4

All Israel heard that Saul had defeated

Possible meanings are that 1) Saul was taking responsibility for Jonathan's actions or 2) Saul was taking credit for Jonathan's actions.

Israel had become a rotten smell to the Philistines

The Philistines hating the Israelites is spoken of as if the Israelites had become a bad smell that offended the Philistines. Alternate translation: "the Philistines hated the Israelites"

the soldiers were summoned together to join Saul at Gilgal

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Saul called the soldiers together to join him at Gilgal"

1 Samuel 13:5

three thousand ... six thousand

"3,000 ... 6,000"

troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore

This is an exaggeration that means a group of soldiers so large that it was difficult to count them.

Mikmash

This is the name of a place.

Beth Aven

This is the name of a place.

1 Samuel 13:6

General Information:

The Philistines had gathered together to fight against Israel.

the people

This phrase refers to the nation of Israel.

the people were distressed

"the people worried greatly"

1 Samuel 13:7

followed him trembling

The people were greatly afraid.

1 Samuel 13:8

the time Samuel had set

"according to the time Samuel had told them he would come"

the people were scattering from Saul

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people had started to leave Saul"

1 Samuel 13:9

Then he offered the burnt offering

Only the line of Aaron was permitted to perform the burnt offering sacrifice to God.

1 Samuel 13:10

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1 Samuel 13:11

What have you done

Samuel was not really asking a question, but giving a rebuke to Saul. Saul sought to defend his actions even though they were wrong.

Mikmash

Michmash is the name of a place. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 13:2.

1 Samuel 13:12

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1 Samuel 13:13

the command of Yahweh your God that he commanded you

This may sound better in your language: "the command of Yahweh your God that he gave you."

You have not kept the command of Yahweh

Saul was to wait for Samuel to come and sacrifice the burnt offering to God. He was not to perform the sacrifice himself.

established your rule

"set up your rule" or "authorized your rule" or "appointed your rule"

1 Samuel 13:14

your rule will not continue

This is a litotes that can be stated in the positive form. Alternate translation: "your rule will end soon"

a man after his own heart

Here "heart" represents Yahweh's desire or will. The phrase "man after his own heart" is an idiom that means to be a person who does what Yahweh desires. Alternate translation: "a man who is the kind of person he wants" or "a man who will obey him"

1 Samuel 13:15

Samuel arose and went up

This is an idiom for "Samuel left and went up."

went up from Gilgal

Gilgal is a city. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 7:15.

Gibeah of Benjamin

Gibeah is a town. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 10:26.

six hundred men

"600 men"

1 Samuel 13:16

Geba of Benjamin

Geba is a town. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 13:3.

Philistines camped at Mikmash

Michmash is the name of a place. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 13:2.

1 Samuel 13:17

Raiders came

Raiders are normally military people who attack enemy villages for their food and other supplies.

Ophrah, to the land of Shual

These are the names of places.

1 Samuel 13:18

Beth Horon ... Valley of Zeboyim

These are the names of places.

1 Samuel 13:19

General Information:

The narrative shifts to background information regarding blacksmiths in Israel.

No blacksmith could be found

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one could find a blacksmith"

blacksmith

Here "blacksmith" refers to someone who made or sharpened metal tools and weapons.

1 Samuel 13:20

sharpen his plow points

The words "plow points" refer to the point of a metal tool used for digging up the ground for planting crops.

mattock ... ax ... sickle

These are common garden tools.

mattock

A "mattock" is a broad-bladed axe, with a horizontal blade that is used for breaking up hard soil.

sickle

a curved blade for cutting grasses and grain stalks

1 Samuel 13:21

two-thirds of a shekel

The shekel is divided into 3 parts, 2 of 3 parts are given. "2/3 of a shekel"

straightening the goads

"taking out the bend and making the ox goad straight again so it could be used"

1 Samuel 13:22

General Information:

The narrative continues.

there were no swords or spears

This explains in part why Saul's army was afraid. They did not have any weapons to fight.

1 Samuel 13:23

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Chapter 14

1 Samuel 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter completes the story of Jonathan's victory over the Philistines.

Special concepts in this chapter

The battle against the Philistines

Jonathan took his armor bearer to where the Philistines were on the top of the hill. He said God could use a few people just as easily as he could use many people to win his battles. He and his armor bearer started killing the Philistines, and suddenly the Philistines began fighting each other or running away. The rest of Israel, who had hidden, came and chased the Philistines. Even though Israel had a king, God was still in control of the nation of Israel.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Special reference

The people of Israel often used the term "uncircumcised" to refer to Gentiles. Here it is used to mean the Philistines. (See: circumcise)

1 Samuel 14:1

General Information:

Jonathan begins his second raid on the Philistines' army.

the young man who was his armor bearer

a teenage boy who is responsible for caring for his master's weapons of war

Philistines' garrison

This is an outpost staffed by the Philistine army.

1 Samuel 14:2

Gibeah

This is the name of a hill north of Jerusalem.

under the pomegranate tree

a tree whose fruit is thick skinned, round, red and has many seeds to eat

that is in Migron

"Migron" is the name of a place north of Jerusalem.

six hundred men were with him

"600 men were with him"

1 Samuel 14:3

son of Ahitub (Ichabod's brother)

"Ahitub" and "Ichabod" are names of men.

Phinehas son of Eli

Phinehas was one of the priests. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 1:3.

1 Samuel 14:4

One rocky cliff was named Bozez

A "cliff" is a rocky height with a steep drop. The cliff was well-known and given the name "Bozez."

the other rocky cliff was named Seneh

This was the name of the other cliff.

1 Samuel 14:5

Mikmash ... Geba

towns north of Jerusalem

1 Samuel 14:6

his young armor bearer

This was a teenage boy who was responsible for caring for his master's weapons of war. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 14:1.

uncircumcised fellows

a derogatory term used for non-Jewish men

work on our behalf

"work for our support" or "help us"

nothing can stop Yahweh from saving

"Yahweh can gain victory" or "Yahweh can win the battle"

by many or by few people

These extremes also include everything in between. Alternate translation: "by any number of people"

1 Samuel 14:7

everything that is in your heart

Here "heart" refers to Jonathan's desires. Alternate translation: "everything that you desire to do"

1 Samuel 14:8

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1 Samuel 14:9

will not cross over to them

"will not go over to the other side of the valley where the Philistines are"

1 Samuel 14:10

has given them into our hand

Here "hand" refers to the power to defeat them. Alternate translation: "will enable us to defeat them"

This will be the sign to us

"This will confirm that the Lord will be with us"

1 Samuel 14:11

revealed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines

"allowed the Philistine soldiers to see them"

the garrison

the army camp

coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves

The Philistines implied that the Hebrews had been hiding in holes in the ground like animals.

1 Samuel 14:12

we will show you something

This is an idiom that means "we will teach you a lesson."

has given them into the hand of Israel

Here "hand" refers to power to defeat the Philistines. Alternate translation: "will enable Israel to defeat them"

1 Samuel 14:13

Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet

He did this because it was very steep. This could be made explicit. Alternate translation: "So Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and his feet because it was very steep"

The Philistines were put to death before Jonathan

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jonathan killed the Philistines"

his armor bearer put some to death behind him

"Jonathan's armor bearer followed him and also killed Philistine soldiers"

1 Samuel 14:14

half an acre

An acre of land was the area that a farmer could plow in a day with two oxen yoked together.

1 Samuel 14:15

There was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among the people

The abstract noun "panic" can be translated as a verb or as an adjective. Alternate translation: "The Philistine soldiers in the camp and in the field, and all the people with them, panicked" or "The Philistine soldiers in the camp and in the field, and all the people with them, became very afraid"

the raiders

the Philistines who were raiding Israelite cities

The earth quaked

It may be helpful to state the cause. Alternate translation: "God caused the ground to shake"

1 Samuel 14:16

Gibeah

This was the town where Saul was born. Translated "Gibeah" as in [1 Samuel 10:26]

was dispersing ... going here and there

These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that the soldiers were running away in every direction.

1 Samuel 14:17

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1 Samuel 14:18

Bring the ark of God here

A few versions have "ephod" here instead of "ark of God."

1 Samuel 14:19

commotion

great noise and confusion

Withdraw your hand

This seems to be an idiom the means "Stop what you are doing." Saul did not want Ahijah to continue to use the ark to ask God for direction. Alternate translation: "Do not bring the sacred chest at this time"

1 Samuel 14:20

the people who were with him

the remnant of the Israelite army that remained with Saul

Every Philistine's sword was against his fellow countrymen

The swords are spoken of as if they were living people. Alternate translation: "The Philistine soldiers were striking each other with their swords"

1 Samuel 14:21

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1 Samuel 14:22

the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hills

This does not refer to an ambush. These soldiers were hiding because they were afraid of the Philistines. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "the Israelite soldiers who were afraid and had hidden themselves in the hills"

1 Samuel 14:23

Beth Aven

This is a place in Israel. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 13:5]

1 Samuel 14:24

So none of the troops tasted food

It was understood by the troops that no refreshment was permitted under Saul's oath.

1 Samuel 14:25

the people entered the forest

The Philistine soldiers fled through the forests and the Israelite soldiers followed them there.

1 Samuel 14:26

the honey flowed

This is an exaggeration to emphasize how much honey there was in the forest. Alternate translation: "there was a lot of honey everywhere"

no one put his hand to his mouth

Here putting one's "hand to his mouth" is a metonym that means to eat. Alternate translation: "no one ate any"

1 Samuel 14:27

General Information:

Jonathan learns of his father's oath.

bound the people with an oath

Here the obligation to obey an oath is spoken of as if the people were bound with ropes. Alternate translation: "commanded that the people obey his oath"

He raised his hand to his mouth

Here "hand to his mouth" is a metonym that means to eat. Alternate translation: "He ate some honey"

his eyes brightened

This idiom means that he was strengthened. Alternate translation: "he regained his strength"

1 Samuel 14:28

General Information:

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1 Samuel 14:29

for the land

This is a metonym that represents the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: "for Israel"

my eyes have become brightened

This idiom means that he was strengthened. Alternate translation: "I regained my strength"

1 Samuel 14:30

How much better if the people ... that they found?

Jonathan uses this rhetorical question to say that the people should have been allowed to eat the food in the plunder they had taken. Alternate translation: "It would have been much better if the people had eaten freely today of the plunder that they took from their enemies."

plunder

This word refers to the things the people had taken from the battle with their enemy.

Because now the slaughter has not been great

Because the troops were not able to eat during the battle, as the day progressed, they became weaker. Because of this, they were not able to kill as many of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 14:31

General Information:

Jonathan's words lead the army to sin against God in their great hunger.

Mikmash

This is the name of a town. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 13:2.

Aijalon

a place in Zebulun in Israel

The people

This refers to the Israelites.

1 Samuel 14:32

ate them with the blood

The were so hungry they did not drain the blood first before eating. This was a violation of the Law which was given to Moses for the nation of Israel. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "ate them without draining the blood first as required by the law"

1 Samuel 14:33

by eating with the blood

This was a violation of the Law which was given to Moses for the nation of Israel. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "by eating meat without draining the blood first as required by the law"

You have acted unfaithfully

Saul is accusing his whole army of acting unfaithfully though this is a generalization because not every soldier acted unfaithfully.

Now, roll a big stone here to me

The stone would hold the animals up and make it easier to drain the blood from them.

1 Samuel 14:34

slaughter them here and eat them

This would allow Saul to observe if the blood was properly drained from the animals.

1 Samuel 14:35

General Information:

Saul had told the people to bring their animals to a big stone to kill and eat.

Saul built an altar to Yahweh

It is unclear if Saul built this altar with the large stone that the people brought to him in 1 Samuel 14:33.

1 Samuel 14:36

General Information:

Saul seeks to continue the fight against the Philistines.

let us not leave one of them alive

This is stated in a negative way to emphasize the slaughter. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "let us kill every one of them"

Do whatever seems good to you

Saul had the support of his army to continue the fight.

Let us approach God here

Here "approaching God" is associated with asking him counsel. Alternate translation: "Let us ask God what we should do"

1 Samuel 14:37

give them into the hand of Israel

Here "hand" refers to the power to defeat them. Alternate translation: "enable us to defeat them"

But God did not answer him that day

This implies that God was not willing to help Saul.

1 Samuel 14:38

the people

This refers to the Israelites.

learn and see how this sin has happened

"find who sinned"

1 Samuel 14:39

even if it is in Jonathan my son, he will surely die

The word "it' refers to the guilt. Alternate translation: "Even if Jonathan my son is the guilty one, he will surely die"

But none of the men among all the people answered him

The people remained silent because most of them knew that Jonathan had broken Saul's oath. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "His men knew who was guilty, but none of them said anything to Saul"

1 Samuel 14:40

Then he said to all Israel

This was a generalization since only the Israelite soldiers were present. Alternate translation: "Then he said to the Israelite soldiers who were there"

1 Samuel 14:41

give the Thummim

The Israelites at that time used special stones called the Urim and the Thummim to receive direction from God. Alternate translation: "Show us by means of the Thummim"

Thummim

This is a borrowed word from the original language.

Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot, but the army was exonerated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The lots indicated that either Jonathan or Saul was guilty, but the army was not guilty"

1 Samuel 14:42

Then Jonathan was taken by lot

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then the lot indicated that Jonathan was guilty"

1 Samuel 14:43

General Information:

The lots had just showed that Jonathan had sinned.

Tell me what you have done

"Tell me how you have sinned" or "Tell me what you have done that was wrong"

I will die

Possible meanings are 1) "I am willing to die" or 2) "do I deserve to be executed because of doing that?"

1 Samuel 14:44

God do so and more also to me, if you do not die, Jonathan

Saul makes a second foolish oath in less than one day. Alternate translation: "May God kill me if I do not kill you, Jonathan"

1 Samuel 14:45

General Information:

The Army defends and protects Jonathan from Saul.

Should Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great salvation for Israel? Far from it!

The people scold Saul. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Jonathan has just accomplished this great salvation for Israel. He should surely not die."

accomplished this great salvation

This is a metonym for winning the victory that brought about the salvation. Alternate translation: "won this great victory"

As Yahweh lives

The people were expressing their certainty that they would not let anything happen to Jonathan.

not one hair of his head will fall to the ground

This exaggeration shows how the people of Israel would protect Jonathan and keep him safe. This litotes can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "we will protect him from any harm"

1 Samuel 14:46

General Information:

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1 Samuel 14:47

General Information:

For a brief period Saul served with great courage in defeating Israel's enemies.

Israel

This is a metonym that represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the Israelites"

Moab

This refers to the people of Moab. Alternate translation: "the Moabites"

Edom

This refers to the people of Edom. Alternate translation: "the Edomites"

Wherever he turned

"Wherever he sent his army"

1 Samuel 14:48

out of the hands

The word "hand" represents control. Alternate translation: "out of the control"

1 Samuel 14:49

General Information:

This is background information on Saul's family.

Ishvi ... Malki-Shua

These are names of men.

Merab ... Michal

These are names of women.

1 Samuel 14:50

Ahinoam

This is the name of a woman.

Ahimaaz ... Abner ... Ner

These are names of men.

1 Samuel 14:51

Kish ... Ner ... Abner ... Abiel

These are names of men.

1 Samuel 14:52

all the days of Saul

"all of Saul's life"

he attached him to himself

"he forced him to join his army"

Chapter 15

1 Samuel 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the end of the section on Saul and Samuel (8-15).

Special concepts in this chapter

God wants total obedience

Samuel told Saul that God wanted him to completely destroy the Amalekite people and animals. Saul fought the Amalekites and killed all the people except the king. He destroyed the animals that were not very good but saved the best animals. Saul told Samuel he had obeyed God's command. Samuel asked him about the animals Saul had. Saul said he had saved them for a sacrifice to God. God said that obedience was better than sacrifice. Because Saul had disobeyed him, God had chosen someone else to become king.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

"He has turned back from following me" is an idiom meaning "he has stopped obeying me."

Rhetorical questions

When Saul insisted that he had obeyed God, Samuel rebuked him with these rhetorical questions: "What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?"; "Though you are little in your own sight, were you not made the head of the tribes of Israel?"; "Why then did you not obey the voice of Yahweh, but instead you seized the booty and did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh?"; and "Has Yahweh as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh?"

1 Samuel 15:1

the words of Yahweh

"the message of Yahweh"

1 Samuel 15:2

General Information:

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1 Samuel 15:3

completely destroy all that they have ... put to death both man and woman, child and infant, cattle and sheep, camel and donkey

These two phrases mean the same thing. The second phrase gives specific details about what they are to destroy completely.

Do not spare them

"Do not allow any of them to live"

1 Samuel 15:4

the people

"the army"

numbered them

"counted them"

two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah

"200,000 footmen, and 10,000 men of Judah"

1 Samuel 15:5

General Information:

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1 Samuel 15:6

Kenites

a nomad people group that had always been friendly to the nation of Israel

1 Samuel 15:7

Havilah ... Shur

These are the names of places.

1 Samuel 15:8

General Information:

Yahweh had told Saul to destroy everything, but here Saul disobeys Yahweh's command.

he took Agag

Here Saul represents himself accompanied by his army. Alternate translation: "Saul and his army took Agag" or "Saul and his army captured Agag"

he completely destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword

The "edge of the sword" represents the swords and other weapons that soldiers used in battle. Here Saul represents himself accompanied by his army. Alternate translation: "they completely destroyed all of the people with their swords" or "they killed all of the people with their swords"

1 Samuel 15:9

Saul ... spared Agag

Saul disobeyed God by letting Agag live.

as well as the best of the sheep

Saul disobeyed God by keeping the best of the livestock.

1 Samuel 15:10

the word of Yahweh came to Samuel, saying,

The idiom "the word of Yahweh came to" is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: "Yahweh gave a message to Samuel. He said," or "Yahweh spoke this message to Samuel:"

1 Samuel 15:11

I regret

"I am sorry"

he has turned back from following me

Saul not obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if Saul had physically turned away from walking behind God. Alternate translation: "he has stopped following me"

has not performed my commandments

"has not obeyed what I commanded him to do." Saul was to completely destroy everything and everyone. God had placed a ban on the Amalekites. But Saul permitted some livestock to live.

Samuel was angry

Possible meanings are 1) Samuel was angry with Saul for his disobedience or 2) Samuel was disturbed.

1 Samuel 15:12

Samuel was told

"Someone told Samuel"

he set up a monument to himself

Saul was full of pride.

down to Gilgal

Gilgal was lower in elevation than Carmel.

1 Samuel 15:13

I have fulfilled the command of Yahweh

It is not clear if Saul understood that he had not fully obeyed God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites.

1 Samuel 15:14

General Information:

Samuel questions why Saul did not utterly destroyed the Amalekites.

bleating of sheep ... lowing of the cattle

These are the sounds that these animals make. Your language may have different terms for these.

in my ears ... that I hear

These two phrases mean the same thing. Here "in my ears" refers to hearing.

1 Samuel 15:15

They have brought ... the people spared

The word "they" and the phrase "the people" here both represent Saul's army. Saul is blaming the people rather than himself.

to sacrifice to Yahweh your God

Saul is arguing that animals for sacrifice were an exception to Yahweh's command to destroy everything.

Yahweh your God

Saul here does not describe Samuel's God as his own God.

1 Samuel 15:16

General Information:

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1 Samuel 15:17

in your own sight

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in your own opinion" or "in your judgment"

were you not made the head of the tribes of Israel?

Samuel uses this question to remind Saul of now much God had given him. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Yahweh made you the ruler of the tribes of Israel!"

1 Samuel 15:18

General Information:

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1 Samuel 15:19

Why did you not obey the voice of Yahweh?

Samuel asks this question to rebuke Saul for disobeying Yahweh. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should have obeyed the voice of Yahweh!"

the voice of Yahweh

Here "voice" refers to the commands that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: "the things that Yahweh commanded"

Why did you rush to the plunder and do what was evil in the sight of Yahweh?

Samuel asks this question to rebuke Saul for disobeying Yahweh. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not have rushed to the plunder and done what was evil in the sight of Yahweh!"

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

Here "sight" refers to Yahweh's thoughts or opinion. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh considers to be evil" or "what is evil in Yahweh's judgment"

1 Samuel 15:20

I have indeed obeyed the voice of Yahweh

This is an emphatic statement. It is unclear if Saul thought this was true, or if he was simply making excuses for his sin.

the voice of Yahweh

Here "voice" refers to the commands that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: "the things that Yahweh commanded"

Agag

This is the name of the king of the Amalekites.

1 Samuel 15:21

But the people took

This appears to be shifting the blame to the people.

things devoted to destruction

"animals that Yahweh commanded them to destroy"

Gilgal

This is the name of a place.

1 Samuel 15:22

Has Yahweh as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh?

Samuel asks this question to emphasize that obedience is much more important than sacrifice. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Yahweh does not delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying his voice!"

the voice of Yahweh

Here "voice" refers to the commands that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: "the things that Yahweh commanded"

Obedience is better than sacrifice

God wanted Saul's complete obedience in the destruction of the Amalekites. Nothing in the land was fit for sacrifice.

better than the fat of rams

"better than to sacrifice the fat of rams as a burnt offering"

1 Samuel 15:23

rebellion is like the sin of divination

The abstract noun "rebellion" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "to rebel is as sinful as practicing divination"

stubbornness is like wickedness and idolatry

The abstract noun "stubbornness" can be translated with a verb and the abstract noun "wickedness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "being stubborn is as bad as doing wicked things and practicing idolatry"

the word of Yahweh

"Yahweh's message" or "Yahweh's command"

rejected you from being king

"decided that you will no longer be king"

1 Samuel 15:24

I have broken Yahweh's commandment

This is an idiom that means he had disobeyed the commandment. Alternate translation: "I have disobeyed what Yahweh commanded"

because I was afraid of the people

This is the reason Saul gives for not obeying God. Alternate translation: "because I was afraid of the soldiers"

obeyed their voice

Here "voice" refers to what the soldiers asked Saul to do. Alternate translation: "did what they asked"

1 Samuel 15:25

return with me

Saul and Samuel were apparently talking in private away from the other people.

1 Samuel 15:26

for you have rejected the word of Yahweh

Samuel made it clear that Saul understood that he was disobeying God at the time when he spared the best animals and did not kill Agag.

rejected the word of Yahweh

"rejected Yahweh's command" or "rejected Yahweh's message." This means that he refused to obey Yahweh's command. Alternate translation: "refused to obey Yahweh's command"

1 Samuel 15:27

Saul took hold of the hem of his robe

Saul did this to try to stop Samuel from leaving. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "Saul tried to stop him by grabbing the edge of Samuel's robe"

the hem of his robe

"the edge of his robe" or "the fringe of his robe"

1 Samuel 15:28

Yahweh has torn the kingdom of Israel

This refers back to when Saul tore Samuel's robe in [1 Samuel 15:27]

has given it to a neighbor of yours, one who is better than you

God had already decided who would be the next king after Saul.

1 Samuel 15:29

the Strength of Israel

Here Yahweh is referred to as "the Strength of Israel" because he gives strength to the Israelites. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, who is the strength of Israel"

will not lie nor change his mind

This is stated as a negative to emphasize that God tells the truth. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "will always tell the truth and do what he says"

his mind

This refers to his thoughts and decisions. Alternate translation: "what he has decided to do"

he is not a man, that he should change his mind

This is stated as a negative to emphasize that God is trustworthy. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "he is God, and will do what he says he will do"

1 Samuel 15:30

But please honor me now before the elders

Saul may have been more interested in being honored by the people than in actually worshipping God.

before the elders of my people and before Israel

Here "Israel" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "before the people of Israel and the elders who lead them"

Turn again with me

"Come back with me" or "Return with me"

1 Samuel 15:31

So Samuel turned again after Saul

This implies that Samuel changed his mind, and that they went together to where the people were. Alternate translation: "So Samuel finally agreed to do that, and they went together back to where the people were"

1 Samuel 15:32

Agag came to him confined with chains and said, "Surely death is bitter."

The text here is unclear. Possible meanings are 1) Agag knows that Samuel will not spare his life, as Saul had, or 2) Agag no longer thinks he will be killed. Alternate translation: "Agag came to him confidently, thinking to himself, 'Surely I am no longer in danger of dying.'"

Agag came to him confined with chains and said

"They brought Agag to him bound by chains and Agag said"

1 Samuel 15:33

As your sword has made women childless, so must your mother be childless among women

Both of these phrases have similar meaning and may be intended to be in poetic form. Alternate translation: "Since you have killed people, you will also be killed"

made women childless, so must your mother be childless

This is a polite way of referring to killing people. Alternate translation: "killed the sons of other women, so shall I kill your mother's son"

Then Samuel chopped Agag to pieces

Samuel is the one who completed this task that Yahweh commanded Saul to do. Alternate translation: "Then Samuel cut Agag into pieces with his sword"

1 Samuel 15:34

Ramah ... Gibeah

These are the names of places.

went up to his house at Gibeah

Gibeah was higher in elevation than Gilgal where Saul and Samuel had been talking.

1 Samuel 15:35

Samuel did not see Saul until the day of his death

"Samuel did not see Saul again for as long as he lived"

Chapter 16

1 Samuel 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1 Samuel 16-31 Saul and David

Chapter 16 establishes God's choice of David to be the next king. David receives the Holy Spirit to empower and guide him as the king. This chapter also records the Holy Spirit leaving Saul because of his disobedience. (See: holyspirit)

Special concepts in this chapter

David chosen to be the next king

Humans judge others by what they look like, but God judges people by their true inner character. God rejected David's older brothers in favor of David, who truly loved and obeyed him. (See: judge and love)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Question

God scolds Samuel with this rhetorical question for his unwillingness to accept God's decision: "How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel?" It was wrong to mourn because it was God's punishment of Saul.

1 Samuel 16:1

How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel?

This rhetorical question is a rebuke from God and can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Stop mourning that I rejected Saul from being king over Israel."

Fill your horn with oil

The term "horn" was sometimes used to refer to a "flask" that was shaped like a horn and was used for holding water or oil. A flask of oil was used for anointing a king.

1 Samuel 16:2

How can I go?

Samuel uses a question to emphasize that he is worried about going to Bethlehem. Alternate translation: "I cannot go!" or "I am afraid to go."

Take a heifer with you and say

You can state the understood information. Alternate translation: "Take a heifer with you to Bethlehem and say to the people there"

say, 'I have come to sacrifice to Yahweh.'

This has a quotation within a quotation. The direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "say to the people there that you have come to sacrifice to Yahweh."

1 Samuel 16:3

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1 Samuel 16:4

The elders of the city were trembling as they came to meet him

It seems the elders were trembling because they were worried that Samuel came to rebuke them.

1 Samuel 16:5

In peace

This can be stated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: "Yes, I have come in peace"

to set ... apart

To set someone apart means to get that person ready for Yahweh's purposes by making sure that person is ritually clean according to the law of Moses.

1 Samuel 16:6

When they came

Here "they" refers to Jesse and his sons.

he looked at Eliab

Here "he" refers to Samuel.

Eliab

This is the name of Jesse's oldest son.

standing before him

Here "him" refers to Yahweh.

1 Samuel 16:7

Yahweh does not see as man sees

Here "see" means to evaluate something.

For Yahweh does not see ... Yahweh looks

Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "For I, Yahweh, do not see ... I, Yahweh, look"

on the heart

Here "heart" represents a person's inner being.

1 Samuel 16:8

Abinadab

This is the name of one of Jesse's sons.

made him pass before Samuel

"told him to go to Samuel"

1 Samuel 16:9

Jesse then made Shammah pass by

It is understood that Shammah passed by Samuel. Alternate translation: "Jesse then made Shammah pass before Samuel" or "Jesse then told Shammah to go to Samuel"

Shammah

This is the name of one of Jesse's sons.

1 Samuel 16:10

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1 Samuel 16:11

There remains yet the youngest

"There is still my youngest son"

we will not sit down

It is understood that they were waiting to sit down and eat. Alternate translation: "we will not sit down to eat"

1 Samuel 16:12

Now ... appearance

The word "Now" is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the narrator tells about a new person in the story.

this son was ruddy

The word "ruddy" means David was healthy looking.

1 Samuel 16:13

the horn of oil

The term "horn" was sometimes used to refer to a "flask" that was shaped like a horn and was used for holding water or oil. A flask of oil was used for anointing a king. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Samuel 16:1.

Samuel rose up and went

It is implied that he rose up after they sat down to eat.

The Spirit of Yahweh rushed on David

The phrase "rushed on" means Yahweh's Spirit influenced David. In this case it means he enabled David to fulfill whatever Yahweh wanted him to do. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Samuel 10:6.

1 Samuel 16:14

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.

harmful spirit

This may refer to either a "spirit that causes trouble" or an "evil spirit."

1 Samuel 16:15

See now, a harmful spirit

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. Alternate translation: "Please listen carefully: a harmful spirit"

a harmful spirit

See how you translated similar words in 1 Samuel 9:6.

1 Samuel 16:16

Let our master now command

The servants refer to Saul in the third person as "our master." Alternate translation: "We ask that you, our master, command"

command your servants who are before you to search

The servants refer to themselves in the third person as "your servants." Alternate translation: "command us, your servants who attend to you, to search"

is on you

"troubles you"

1 Samuel 16:17

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1 Samuel 16:18

a strong, courageous man

Possible meanings are 1) "a great warrior" or 2) "a very brave man."

one prudent in speech

"one wise in speech" or "one who speaks wisely"

Yahweh is with him

Here "with him" means Yahweh helps and blesses David.

1 Samuel 16:19

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1 Samuel 16:20

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1 Samuel 16:21

David came to Saul

Here "came" can be translated as "went."

entered his service

The abstract noun "service" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "began to serve him"

he became his armor bearer

"David became Saul's armor bearer"

1 Samuel 16:22

Let David stand before me

Here "stand before me" is an idiom that means to continue in Saul's service. Alternate translation: "Let David stay in my service"

he has found favor in my eyes

Here "eyes" are a metonym for sight, and "my sight" represents how Saul judges or evaluates David. Alternate translation: "he has found favor in my judgment" or "I am pleased with him"

1 Samuel 16:23

harmful spirit

Here "harmful spirit" may refer to either a "spirit that causes trouble" or an "evil spirit." See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 16:14.

was upon Saul

"troubled Saul"

Saul would be refreshed and well

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the music would refresh Saul and make him well"

Chapter 17

1 Samuel 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter introduced David as a soldier, a skill that will be important for the rest of his life.

Special concepts in this chapter

David kills Goliath

Trust in God is more powerful than physical might or military training and equipment. David, trusting in the Lord and armed only with a sling, defeats Goliath who is well-armed and physically strong but who did not believe in Yahweh. (See: trust and believe)

Uncircumcised

The people of Israel often used the term "uncircumcised" to refer to Gentiles. Here it is used to describe the Philistines. (See: circumcise)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

David uses rhetorical questions to state his desire to fight the giant: "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

His brother uses rhetorical questions to show his disdain for his younger brother, whom he thinks is pretending to be bigger than he really is: "Why did you come down here? With whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness?" David defends himself with some questions: "What have I done now? Was it not just a question?"

Goliath also uses a rhetorical question to show his contempt for young David: "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?"

1 Samuel 17:1

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1 Samuel 17:2

the Valley of Elah

This is the name of a place.

1 Samuel 17:3

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1 Samuel 17:4

six cubits and a span

A cubit is a unit of measurement equal to about 46 centimeters. A span is a unit of measurement equal to about 23 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 3 meters"

1 Samuel 17:5

clothed in scale armor of bronze

A "coat of chainmail" is a flexible piece of body armor covered with protective scales or small plates. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he protected himself by wearing a coat of chainmail" or "he wore a coat of chainmail"

five thousand shekels

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 55 kilograms"

1 Samuel 17:6

a javelin of bronze

A "javelin" is a small spear that is meant to be thrown.

1 Samuel 17:7

staff of his spear

"the handle of his spear"

loop of cord

"rope rolled up into a circle"

His spear's head

"The point of his spear"

six hundred shekels of iron

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 7 kilograms"

1 Samuel 17:8

Why have you come out to draw up for battle?

"Why have you come to fight in battle against us?" Goliath uses this question to mock the Israelites. Alternate translation: "You are fools if you think you can fight in battle against us!"

Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul?

Goliath uses this question to mock the Israelites. When he says that he is a Philistine, he is implying that he is strong. Alternate translation: "I am a great Philistine, and you are merely servants of Saul."

1 Samuel 17:9

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1 Samuel 17:10

I defy the ranks of Israel

"I defy the army of Israel"

1 Samuel 17:11

all Israel

This refers to the Israelite soldiers who were there.

they were discouraged and greatly afraid

The words "discouraged" and "greatly afraid" mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of their fear.

1 Samuel 17:12

He had eight sons

"He" refers to Jesse.

Jesse was an old man ... very old among men

The two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.

1 Samuel 17:13

second to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah

"Abinadab the second born, and Shammah the third born." This phrase shows birth order.

1 Samuel 17:14

The three oldest

The implied information is that these are the sons of Jesse. Alternate translation: "The three oldest sons of Jesse"

1 Samuel 17:15

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1 Samuel 17:16

For forty days

"For 40 days"

to present himself for battle

"to show that he was ready to fight"

1 Samuel 17:17

ephah

An ephah is a unit of measurement equal to about 22 liters.

1 Samuel 17:18

the captain of their thousand

"the captain of your brothers' thousand." Possible meanings are 1) the word "thousand" represents the exact amount of soldiers that this captain led. Alternate translation: "the captain of your brothers' unit of 1,000 soldiers" or 2) the word translated as "thousand" does not represent exact number, but is the name of a large military division. Alternate translation: "the captain of your brothers' military division"

Look to the well-being of your brothers

"Check and find out how your brothers are doing"

1 Samuel 17:19

all the men of Israel

"all the soldiers of Israel"

the Valley of Elah

This is the name of a place. See how you translated it in [1 Samuel 17:2]

1 Samuel 17:20

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1 Samuel 17:21

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1 Samuel 17:22

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1 Samuel 17:23

Goliath by name

"whose name was Goliath"

came out of the ranks of the Philistines

"stepped forward from the Philistines' battle line"

1 Samuel 17:24

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1 Samuel 17:25

Have you seen this man who has come up?

The soldiers were saying this to draw one another's attention to the man Goliath. Alternate translation: "Look at this man who has come up!"

The king

This refers to the king of Israel. Alternate translation: "Our king"

his daughter

This refers to the king's daughter.

to him ... his father's house

The words "him" and "his" refer to the man who kills Goliath.

will make his father's house free from taxation in Israel

The word "house" refers to the household or family. Alternate translation: "will no longer require his family to pay taxes"

1 Samuel 17:26

takes away the disgrace from Israel

This can be expressed with the verb "disgrace." Alternate translation: "stops Israel from being disgraced" or "stops him from disgracing Israel"

Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?

David said this to show his anger that this Philistine was defying God's army. Alternate translation: "This uncircumcised Philistine certainly has no power that he should defy the armies of the living God!"

this uncircumcised Philistine

This phrase is an insult and indicates that Goliath does not belong to the living God.

1 Samuel 17:27

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1 Samuel 17:28

Eliab's anger was kindled against David

Here anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that could be kindled. Alternate translation: "Eliab became angry with David"

Why did you come down here?

Eliab uses this question to show that he is angry that David came down. He was probably implying that David did not have a good reason for coming. Alternate translation: "You had no good reason to come here"

With whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness?

Eliab uses this question to insult David by making his work seem unimportant and by accusing him of not taking care of his father's sheep. Alternate translation: "You simply had the responsibility of watching over a few sheep in the wilderness. You could not even carry out that simple responsibility!"

your pride, and the mischief in your heart

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.

1 Samuel 17:29

What have I done now? Was it not just a question?

David used these questions to express his frustration and to justify himself. Alternate translation: "I have done nothing wrong. I was only asking a question!"

1 Samuel 17:30

He turned away from him

"He" refers to David and the word "him" refers to Eliab.

1 Samuel 17:31

When the words that David said were heard

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When the soldiers heard what David said"

1 Samuel 17:32

Let no man's heart fail

The heart failing represents being terrified and losing confidence. Alternate translation: "Do not let anyone be terrified" or "Do not let anyone lose their confidence"

your servant will go

David spoke of himself as "your servant" to show respect to Saul. Alternate translation: "I, your servant, will go"

1 Samuel 17:33

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1 Samuel 17:34

Your servant used to shepherd his father's sheep

David spoke of himself as "your servant" to show respect to Saul. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 17:32]

used to shepherd his father's sheep

"used to take care of his father's sheep"

a bear

A bear is a large animal with thick fur and long claws and that walks on four legs but can stand on two legs as a person does.

1 Samuel 17:35

chased after him and attacked him

Here "him" refers to the lion or bear. Some languages would use the word "it" instead of "him."

rescued it out of his mouth

Here "it" refers to the lamb.

he rose up against me

Here "rose up against" is an idiom that refers to attacking. Alternate translation: "it attacked me"

caught him by his beard

The "beard" refers to the lion's mane or the hair on the bear's face.

1 Samuel 17:36

Connecting Statement:

David continues speaking to King Saul.

This uncircumcised Philistine

This phrase is an insult and indicates that Goliath does not belong to the living God. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 17:26.

will be like one of them

David is saying that he will be able to kill the Philistine just as he was able to kill the lion and bear.

1 Samuel 17:37

from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear

Bears and lions use their paws when they attack, so the word "paw" represents the attack. Alternate translation: "from the attack of the lion and from the attack of the bear" or "from the lion and the bear"

the hand of this Philistine

The Philistine's hand represents his power in fighting. Alternate translation: "the power of this Philistine" or "the Philistine"

1 Samuel 17:38

coat of chainmail

a flexible piece of body armor covered with protective scales or small plates

1 Samuel 17:39

his sword on his armor

"Saul's sword on the armor"

1 Samuel 17:40

his staff in his hand

Here "his" refers to David.

His sling was in his hand

A sling is a weapon for throwing stones.

1 Samuel 17:41

with his shield bearer in front of him

"and his shield bearer walked in front of him"

1 Samuel 17:42

he despised him

"he hated him"

and ruddy

"and healthy looking"

1 Samuel 17:43

Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?

Here a dog represents a small animal that a person can easily kill. The word "sticks" refers to David's staff and shows Goliath's opinion that it is not a good weapon. Goliath uses this question to accuse David of insulting him. Alternate translation: "You insult me by coming at me with mere sticks as if I were just a dog!"

1 Samuel 17:44

I will give your flesh to the birds of the heavens and to the wild animals of the field

Goliath speaks of killing David and leaving his body on the ground for the animals to eat it as if he were to give David's body to the animals. Alternate translation: "I will kill you, and the birds of the heavens and the wild animals of the field will eat your body"

birds of the heavens

"birds of the sky" or "birds"

1 Samuel 17:45

in the name of Yahweh

Here "name" represents God's power or authority. Alternate translation: "with the power of Yahweh" or "with the authority of Yahweh"

whom you have defied

"whom you have provoked" or "whom you have insulted"

1 Samuel 17:46

Connecting Statement:

David continues speaking to Goliath.

I will give the dead bodies ... to the birds ... and to the wild beasts of the earth

David speaks of leading the Israelites in killing the Philistines and leaving their bodies on the ground for the animals to eat them as if he were to give their bodies to the animals. Alternate translation: "We Israelites will kill the Philistine army, and the birds of the heavens and the wild beasts of the earth will eat them"

all the earth may know

The word "earth" refers to the people on earth. Alternate translation: "all the people of the earth may know"

1 Samuel 17:47

Yahweh does not save with sword or spear

"Yahweh can save his people without anyone's sword or spear"

sword or spear

These words are a synecdoche for any weapon used in battle. Alternate translation: "the weapons people use"

the battle is Yahweh's

Winning the battle is spoken of as owning the battle. Alternate translation: "Yahweh always wins the battle" or "the victory belongs to Yahweh"

he will give you into our hand

Giving the Philistines into Israel's hand represents helping Israel to defeat the Philistines in battle. Alternate translation: "he will help us defeat you"

1 Samuel 17:48

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1 Samuel 17:49

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1 Samuel 17:50

David defeated ... He hit ... put him to death ... There was no sword in David's hand

Verse 50 is a summary of David's amazing victory over Goliath. The details about how he hit and killed Goliath are in 1 Samuel 17:49 and 17:51. Some languages do not use summary statements like this. In those situations, translators may restructure the verses as they are in the UDB.

1 Samuel 17:51

Then David ran and stood over the Philistine

David did this after Goliath fell to the ground in 1 Samuel 17:49.

took his sword

"took the Philistine's sword." Here the word "his" refers to Goliath.

1 Samuel 17:52

The dead Philistines lay along the way to Shaaraim

It can be stated clearly that the Israelites were killing the Philistines as they chased them. Alternate translation: "And they killed the Philistines as they chased them, and the bodies of the dead Philistines were on the ground along the way to Shaaraim"

1 Samuel 17:53

they plundered their camp

"the Israelites plundered the Philistines' camp"

1 Samuel 17:54

he put his armor in his tent

"he put Goliath's armor in his own tent"

1 Samuel 17:55

When Saul saw David

The conversation in 17:55-56 happened before David killed Goliath. Alternate translation: "When Saul had seen David" or "Earlier when Saul saw David"

go out against the Philistine

"go to fight against the Philistine"

whose son is this youth

"who is this youth's father"

As you live

This was a way of swearing that what he was about to say was true.

1 Samuel 17:56

whose son the boy is

"who the boy's father is"

1 Samuel 17:57

in his hand

Here "his" refers to David.

1 Samuel 17:58

Whose son are you

"Who is your father"

I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite

"My father is your servant Jesse, the Bethlehemite"

your servant Jesse

David referred to his father as "your servant" to show that his father was faithful to King Saul.

Chapter 18

1 Samuel 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the first chapter of a section explaining why Saul wants to kill David.

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetic song in 18:7.

Special concepts in this chapter

Saul is jealous of David's popularity

Saul's son, Jonathan, loves David. David is successful in battling the Philistines, and Saul is happy until the women give David more attention than they give him. He fears that David will replace him as king. This is potentially confusing because the author has already established that David will be the next king. It is probably that Saul feared David would kill him in order to be the next king sooner, or that he did not really believe David would be the next king. (See: love)

Jonathan's love of David

Some scholars believe Jonathan loved David as a man loves his wife. There is no reason to translate this as if Jonathan were a homosexual. Instead, treat this as a brotherly type of love.

1 Samuel 18:1

the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David

Very close friendship is spoken of as if it were binding together the souls of two people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jonathan felt a strong affection towards David" or "Jonathan committed himself to David"

Jonathan loved him as his own soul

Here "loved" refers to the love between friends, not romantic love. The word "soul" represents the person or the person's life. Alternate translation: "Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself" or "Jonathan loved David as he loved his own life"

1 Samuel 18:2

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1 Samuel 18:3

Jonathan loved him as his own soul

Here "loved" refers to the love between friends, not romantic love. The word "soul" represents the person or the person's life. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 18:1]

1 Samuel 18:4

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1 Samuel 18:5

he succeeded

"he prospered"

This was pleasing in the eyes of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants

The phrases "in the eyes of" and "in the sight of" mean the same thing. The opinion of the people is spoken of as something that they view as either good or bad. Alternate translation: "This was pleasing in the opinions of all the people and of Saul's servants" or "This pleased all the people and Saul's servants"

1 Samuel 18:6

from all the cities of Israel

This is generalization that emphasizes the great number of women who came from many cities. Alternate translation: "from many of the cities throughout Israel"

with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments

"joyfully playing tambourines and other musical instruments"

with tambourines

A "tambourine" is a small handheld drum.

1 Samuel 18:7

his thousands ... his ten thousands

"thousands of enemy soldiers ... ten thousand enemy soldiers"

David his ten thousands

The verb may be supplied from the previous line. Alternate translation: "David has killed his ten thousands"

1 Samuel 18:8

They have ascribed

"They have credited"

What more can he have but the kingship?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "The only thing left for him to have is the kingship."

1 Samuel 18:9

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1 Samuel 18:10

a harmful spirit from God

Here "harmful spirit" may refer to either "a spirit that causes trouble" or "an evil spirit." See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 16:15.

a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul

The phrase "rushed upon" means the harmful spirit influenced Saul. In this case it means it caused Saul to be troubled and act crazy. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Samuel 10:6.

he prophesied

"a spirit caused him to speak." Here it appears that what Saul said was of no benefit to the hearers, so some modern English versions read, "he spoke words that made no sense."

1 Samuel 18:11

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1 Samuel 18:12

Yahweh was with him

"Yahweh was with David"

1 Samuel 18:13

So Saul removed him from his presence

"So Saul removed David from his presence"

a commander of a thousand

Possible meanings are 1) the word "thousand" represents the exact amount of soldiers that he would lead. Alternate translation: "a commander of 1,000 soldiers" or 2) the word translated as "thousand" does not represent exact number, but is the name of a large military division. Alternate translation: "a commander of a large military division" See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Samuel 17:18]

David went out and came in before the people

Here "the people" refers to the soldiers under David's command. The phrases "went out" and "came in" are idioms that refer to leading the people into battle and leading them home from battle. Alternate translation: "David led his soldiers into battle and led them home from battle"

1 Samuel 18:14

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1 Samuel 18:15

he stood in awe of him

Here "stood in awe" is an idiom that means to fear. Alternate translation: "he feared David"

1 Samuel 18:16

all Israel and Judah loved David

Here "Israel and Judah" represent the people of all of the tribes. Alternate translation: "all the people in Israel and Judah loved David"

went out and came in before them

The phrases "went out" and "came in" are idioms that refer to leading the people into battle and leading them home from battle. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 18:13]

1 Samuel 18:17

Let not my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him

Harming someone is spoken of as if it were placing one's hand on that person. Here, Saul is referring to killing David. Alternate translation: "I will not be the one to kill him; I will let the Philistines kill him"

1 Samuel 18:18

Who am I, and who are my relatives, or my father's clan in Israel ... to the king?

David uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he is not worthy of being Saul's son-in-law. Alternate translation: "I am nobody and neither my relatives nor my father's family are important enough in Israel ... to the king."

son-in-law to the king

"husband of the king's daughter"

1 Samuel 18:19

when Merab, Saul's daughter, should have been given to David

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when Saul should have given his daughter Merab to David"

she was given to Adriel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Saul gave her to Adriel"

1 Samuel 18:20

Michal ... loved David

Here "loved" means she had romantic feelings for David.

They told Saul

Here "they" refers to people who found out about Michal's feelings, not to David and Michal.

1 Samuel 18:21

that the hand of the Philistines may be against him

Harming someone is spoken of as if it were placing one's hand on that person. Here, Saul is referring to killing David. See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Samuel 18:17]

You will be my son-in-law

"You will be the husband of my daughter"

1 Samuel 18:22

all his servants love you

"all of his servants admire you"

Now then

"For these reasons you should"

1 Samuel 18:23

Is it a small matter to you to be the king's son-in-law, since I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?

David asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that he is not worthy to be the king's son-in-law. Alternate translation: "It is a great matter to be the king's son-in-law, and I am too poor and unimportant for that."

1 Samuel 18:24

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1 Samuel 18:25

The king does not desire any price for the bride except a hundred foreskins

This double negative emphasizes that a hundred foreskins is the only price that the king desires. The verb for the second phrase may be supplied from the first. Alternate translation: "The king desires only a hundred foreskins as price for the bride" or "The king does not desire any price for the bride; he desires only that you bring to him a hundred foreskins"

a hundred

100

foreskins

The foreskin is a fold of skin on a man's private part that is removed during circumcision.

to be avenged from the king's enemies

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to get revenge on the king's enemies"

to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines

Here "fall" means to die. The phrase "by the hand" is an idiom that tells us the means by which something will happen, in this case, David will be killed by the Philistines. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to have the Philistines kill David"

1 Samuel 18:26

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1 Samuel 18:27

two hundred Philistines

This can be rendered numerically. Alternate translation: "200 Philistines"

they gave them in full number to the king

"David and his men gave all of them to the king"

1 Samuel 18:28

Saul saw, and he knew

Here the words "saw" and "knew" share similar meanings and emphasize that Saul knew with certainty. Alternate translation: "Saul recognized"

Michal, Saul's daughter, loved him

Here "loved" means she had romantic feelings for David.

1 Samuel 18:29

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1 Samuel 18:30

behaved more prudently

Many modern English translations understand this phrase as a metonym for the success that his prudent behavior gave him, so they read, "had more success."

so that his name was highly regarded

Here "name" is a metonym for David. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that people greatly respected David"

Chapter 19

1 Samuel 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God protects David

Jonathan persuades Saul not to kill David, but Saul again becomes jealous and orders his servants to bring David to him to be killed. God uses Michal to save David. David flees to Samuel and they begin prophesying. When Saul sends servants to capture David, they begin prophesying. This causes Saul to go himself and he begins to prophesy. (See: jealous and save and prophet)

1 Samuel 19:1

to all his servants

Here "his" refers to Saul.

took great pleasure in David

Jonathan greatly enjoyed being with David.

1 Samuel 19:2

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1 Samuel 19:3

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1 Samuel 19:4

Do not let the king sin against his servant

Jonathan speaks as if Saul is another person to show Saul that Jonathan respects Saul. Alternate translation: "Do not sin against your servant"

1 Samuel 19:5

he took his life in his hand

Here "life in his hand" is an idiom that refers to risking his life. Alternate translation: "he risked his life"

Yahweh brought about great salvation

The words "brought about great salvation" is a metonym for allowing the Israelites to win the battle. Alternate translation: "Yahweh gave us a great victory"

Why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?

Jonathan asks this question to rebuke Saul. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not sin against innocent blood and kill David without cause."

sin against innocent blood

Here "blood" is a metonym for the life of an innocent person. Alternate translation: "commit the sin of murder"

1 Samuel 19:6

he will not be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will not put him to death" or "I will not kill him" or "I will certainly keep him alive"

1 Samuel 19:7

he was in his presence

David was in Saul's presence.

1 Samuel 19:8

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1 Samuel 19:9

A harmful spirit from Yahweh

Here "harmful spirit" may refer to either "a spirit that causes trouble" or "an evil spirit." See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 16:14.

1 Samuel 19:10

pin David to the wall with the spear

throw his spear so it would go through David and into the wall

1 Samuel 19:11

he might kill him

"Saul might kill David"

Michal ... told him

Michal told David

If you do not save your life

Here "save your life" is an idiom that refers to escape. Alternate translation: "If you do not escape"

you will be killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone will kill you"

1 Samuel 19:12

General Information:

Michal helps David escape King Saul. She uses a household idol to make David's bed look like he is sleeping in it.

1 Samuel 19:13

she put a pillow of goats' hair at its head, and covered it with the clothes

Possible meanings are 1) the head of the idol was lying on the goat's hair pillow and Michal dressed the idol in David's clothes or 2) Michal used David's clothes as a blanket to completely cover the idol and made the "pillow" of goat's hair look like David's hair sticking out from under the blanket of clothes.

1 Samuel 19:14

General Information:

Saul acts out his desire to kill David.

take David

"take David back to Saul"

she said

Here "she" refers to Michal.

1 Samuel 19:15

Bring him up to me in the bed

The reason why the men thought David was in bed can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "If he really is too sick to come to me, bring me the bed with him in it"

1 Samuel 19:16

pillow of goats' hair

See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 19:13.

behold

The word "behold" here shows that the messengers were surprised by what they saw.

1 Samuel 19:17

Why have you deceived me and let my enemy go, so that he has escaped?

Possible meanings are 1) Saul really wants to know why Michal did what she did or 2) Saul uses this question to rebuke Michal. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not have deceived me and let my enemy go, so that he has escaped."

Let me go. Why should I kill you?

Although David did not actually say this, Michal tells Saul that David threatened her with this question. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I will kill you if you do not help me to escape."

1 Samuel 19:18

General Information:

David flees to Samuel.

Now

This word is used here to show that the writer has started to tell a new part of the story.

1 Samuel 19:19

It was told to Saul

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Saul"

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

1 Samuel 19:20

standing as head over them

Here "head" refers to a position of authority. Alternate translation: "acting as their leader"

1 Samuel 19:21

When Saul was told this

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When someone told Saul this"

1 Samuel 19:22

Ramah ... Seku ... Naioth

These are place names.

1 Samuel 19:23

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1 Samuel 19:24

This is why they ask, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"

This became a proverb among the Israelites. Apparently people said this to express surprise when a person unexpectedly did something that he had not done before. The implied meaning of the question can be stated explicitly. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 10:12]

they ask

Here "they" refers to people in general. The question became a proverb among the people.

Chapter 20

1 Samuel 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Jonathan warns David

David tells Jonathan that Saul is still trying to kill him. Jonathan promises to find out if this is true. When David misses dinner two consecutive days, Saul asks about him. Jonathan says that David went home for an annual sacrifice. Saul gets angry at Jonathan, telling him he will never be king unless they kill David. Saul throws his spear at Jonathan. Jonathan warns David to run away, but first they both promise to always be friends. It was usually a king's son who became king after his death in the ancient Near East.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

David uses a powerful metaphor and an oath to impress Jonathan with the danger he is in: "But as truly as Yahweh lives, and as you live, there is but a step between me and death."

1 Samuel 20:1

What have I done? What is my iniquity? What is my sin before your father, that he seeks to take my life?

These three questions mean basically the same thing. David uses them to emphasize that he has done nothing wrong to Saul. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I have done nothing wrong. I have not committed any iniquity. I have not sinned against your father. He has no reason to take my life."

that he seeks to take my life?

Here "take my life" is an idiom for "kill me."

1 Samuel 20:2

Far from it

Here "far from it" is an idiom that refers to that it is not true. Alternate translation: "This is certainly not true"

nothing either great or small

The words "great or small" include everything in between. Alternate translation: "nothing at all"

Why should my father hide this thing from me?

Jonathan uses this question to emphasize that Saul would have told him if he planned to kill David. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "My father has no reason to hide this thing from me!" or "If this thing were true, my father would certainly let me know!"

It is not so

"It is not true"

1 Samuel 20:3

I have found favor in your eyes

Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "I have pleased you" or "you consider me favorably"

he will be grieved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "this will grieve him" or "he will be very sad"

there is but a step between me and death

Here "step between me and death" is an idiom that refers to being very close to death. Alternate translation: "I am very close to death"

1 Samuel 20:4

General Information:

David proposes a test against King Saul to Jonathan.

1 Samuel 20:5

Tomorrow is the new moon

On the first of every month the people would celebrate and offer sacrifices to God.

until the third day at evening

"until the evening of the day after tomorrow"

1 Samuel 20:6

Connecting Statement:

David continues to describe the test he proposes.

asked leave of me

"asked me if I would allow him to leave"

1 Samuel 20:7

he says ... he is ... he has decided

The word "he" refers to Saul.

your servant will have peace

David speaks of himself as if he were another person to show that he respects Jonathan. Alternate translation: "I, your servant, will have peace"

1 Samuel 20:8

Connecting Statement:

David continues speaking to Jonathan.

with your servant ... have brought your servant

David speak of himself in the third person as a form of humility. Alternate translation: "with me, your servant ... have brought me, your servant" or "with me ... have brought me"

you have brought your servant into a covenant of Yahweh with you

What it was that the two men agreed on can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Yahweh heard you when you made a solemn agreement with me that you and I will always be good friends"

for why then should you bring me to your father?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "then there would be no reason for you to bring me to your father"

1 Samuel 20:9

Far be it from you!

This is an idiom that means it will never happen to you. Alternate translation: "This will never happen to you!"

would I not tell you?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I would certainly tell you."

1 Samuel 20:10

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1 Samuel 20:11

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1 Samuel 20:12

see

"look" or "listen" or "pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

if there is good will

"if my father wants to do good things for you"

will I not then send to you and make it known to you?

Jonathan uses this question to emphasize that he will tell David if Saul intends to harm him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "then I will certainly send to you and make it known to you"

1 Samuel 20:13

may Yahweh do to Jonathan and more also

This is an idiom. Jonathan uses this oath for emphasis and speaks of himself as if he were another person. Alternate translation: "may Yahweh do to me whatever harm my father intends to do to you, and even more than that"

1 Samuel 20:14

General Information:

Jonathan asks David not to completely kill all his offspring so that a remnant will remain.

will you not show me the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh, that I may not die?

Jonathan asks this question to confirm that David will do this. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "please show me the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh, that I may not die"

show me the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithful." Possible meanings for "of Yahweh" are 1) "be faithful to me as Yahweh is faithful" or 2) "be faithful to me as Yahweh requires"

1 Samuel 20:15

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1 Samuel 20:16

house of David

The word "house" is a metonym for the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: "David's family"

May Yahweh require an accounting from the hand of the enemies of David

The hand is a synecdoche for the person. Possible meanings are 1) "May Yahweh use David's enemies to punish David if David breaks this promise" or 2) "May Yahweh destroy the enemies of David."

1 Samuel 20:17

he loved him as he loved his own soul

Here "his own soul" refers to himself. Alternate translation: "Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself"

1 Samuel 20:18

You will be missed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "My father will miss you"

1 Samuel 20:19

the stone Ezel

"Ezel" was the name of the stone. Alternate translation: "the stone that people call Ezel"

1 Samuel 20:20

Connecting Statement:

Jonathan continues to speak to David.

to the side of it

Here the word "it" refers to the stone by which David was to hide.

1 Samuel 20:21

my young man ... the young boy

These refer to the same person.

Look

"Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

then come

"then you, David, come"

1 Samuel 20:22

Connecting Statement:

Jonathan continues to speak to David.

1 Samuel 20:23

see, Yahweh

Possible meanings are 1) "we know that Yahweh" or 2) "pay attention because this is important: Yahweh."

Yahweh is between you and me

Possible meanings are 1) "Yahweh is a witness between you and me" or "Yahweh will be watching how we treat each other" or 2) "May Yahweh be a witness between you and me" or "May Yahweh watch how we treat each other"

1 Samuel 20:24

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1 Samuel 20:25

Jonathan stood up

Some ancient copies have "Jonathan sat across from him."

1 Samuel 20:26

He is not clean; surely he is not clean

According to the law of Moses, a person who is ceremonially unclean is not to participate in the feast until the priest declares that he is clean. Saul repeats this phrase as if he is trying to convince himself.

1 Samuel 20:27

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1 Samuel 20:28

asked permission from me to go

"asked me to allow him to go"

1 Samuel 20:29

if I have found favor in your eyes

Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 20:3]

the king's table

Jonathan speaks of Saul as if he is another person to show that he respects Saul. Alternate translation: "your table"

1 Samuel 20:30

Saul's anger burned against Jonathan

Here "anger burned" is a metonym that refers to becoming very angry. Alternate translation: "Saul became very angry with Jonathan"

You son of a perverse, rebellious woman!

This is an idiom. Saul uses this phrase as a harsh rebuke to Jonathan and his concern for David. Alternate translation: "You stupid son of a prostitute" or "You stupid traitor"

Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse ... mother's nakedness?

Saul uses this question to emphasize that he knows that Jonathan and David are friends. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I know that you have chosen the son of Jesse ... mother's nakedness."

to the shame of your mother's nakedness

Here "mother's nakedness" is an idiom that refers to the mother who gave birth to you. Alternate translation: "to the shame of your mother who gave birth to you"

1 Samuel 20:31

neither you nor your kingdom will be established

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will not become king and will not establish your kingdom"

1 Samuel 20:32

For what reason should he be put to death? What has he done?

Jonathan is trying to get Saul to think carefully about what he is doing. This can be translated as a statement, and the words "should he be put to death" can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You have no good reason to put him to death. He has done nothing wrong." or "You have no good reason to kill him. He has done nothing wrong."

1 Samuel 20:33

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1 Samuel 20:34

the second day of the month

This "second" is an ordinal number which refers to two. Alternate translation: "the second day of the new moon festival"

he was grieved over David

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he was grieving over David"

had dishonored him

Here "him" refers to David.

1 Samuel 20:35

a young man was with him

Here "him" refers to Jonathan.

1 Samuel 20:36

he shot an arrow beyond him

"Jonathan shot an arrow beyond the young man"

1 Samuel 20:37

Is not the arrow beyond you?

Jonathan uses this question to emphasize that the arrow is farther ahead of the young man. The uses of litotes also emphasizes this. The rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should know that the arrow is beyond you." or "The arrow is far beyond you."

1 Samuel 20:38

called after the young man, "Hurry

"called out to the young man, who was running away from him, 'Hurry"

1 Samuel 20:39

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1 Samuel 20:40

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1 Samuel 20:41

the mound

It seems that David had hidden behind a pile of earth or stones.

lay facedown on the ground, and bowed himself three times.

David bowed before Jonathan, who was still the King's son, worthy of such respect. Also, this was the last time David met with Jonathan.

1 Samuel 20:42

May Yahweh be between you and me

Possible meanings are 1) "Yahweh is a witness between you and me" or "Yahweh will be watching how we treat each other" or 2) "May Yahweh be a witness between you and me" or "May Yahweh watch how we treat each other." See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 20:23.

Chapter 21

1 Samuel 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetic song in 21:11.

Special concepts in this chapter

David and the chief priest

David visits the chief priest and lies to him about being on a special mission for the king. He asks for food, weapons, and prayer. The chief priest gives him some sacred bread and Goliath's sword and prays for him.

David and the king of Gath

David flees to Gath. The advisers to the king tell him that David is almost the king of Israel. David becomes afraid of the king and pretends to be insane.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

The king of Gath's advisers use two rhetorical questions to warn him about how dangerous David could be: "Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another about him in dances, 'Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands?'"

1 Samuel 21:1

Nob

This is the name of a place.

Ahimelek

This is a man's name.

trembling

shaking in fear

1 Samuel 21:2

on a mission

"to do work for him"

I have directed the young men to a certain place

"I have told the young men to go to another place, and I will meet them there later"

1 Samuel 21:3

Now then

David is starting a new part of the conversation.

what do you have on hand?

Here "on hand" is a metonym meaning "available." Alternate translation: "What food do you have that you can give me?"

Give me five loaves of bread

This is a polite request.

1 Samuel 21:4

ordinary bread

bread that the priests have not used in worship

if the young men have kept themselves from women

This can be translated as a complete sentence by supplying the understood information. Alternate translation: "Your men may eat it if they have not slept with women recently"

1 Samuel 21:5

women have been kept from us

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "we have kept ourselves from women"

three days

"3 days"

when I set out

"when I begin a journey"

The things belonging to the young men have been set apart

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The young men have set what belongs to them apart"

How much more today will what they have be set apart

This is a statement, not a question. It can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "It is especially true today that they will set apart what they have"

1 Samuel 21:6

there was no bread there except the bread of the presence

This double negative emphasizes that the bread of the presence was the only bread that was there. Alternate translation: "the only bread that was there was the bread of the presence"

the bread that was set apart

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the bread that the priests had set apart"

which was removed from before Yahweh, in order to put

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "which the priests had removed from before Yahweh so that they could put"

1 Samuel 21:7

detained before Yahweh

Possible meanings are that 1) Doeg had some religious work regarding Yahweh to do there. Alternate translation: "for some work before Yahweh" or 2) Yahweh detained Doeg there. Alternate translation: "because Yahweh had detained him there"

Doeg ... shepherds

You may need to say clearly that Doeg saw what David did. Alternate translation: "Doeg ... herdsmen, and he saw what Ahimelech did"

Doeg the Edomite

This is the name of a man from the land of Edom.

1 Samuel 21:8

Now is there not here on hand any spear or sword?

Here "on hand" is a metonym meaning "available." See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 21:3]

weapons

a general name for such things as swords, knives, bows and arrows, and spears

1 Samuel 21:9

Valley of Elah

This is the name of a place in Israel.

1 Samuel 21:10

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1 Samuel 21:11

Is not this David, the king of the land?

They were probably exaggerating when they said that David was king of the land. They used this question to imply that David was a powerful enemy and Achish should not let him stay there. Alternate translation: "You know that this is David, who is as dangerous as the king of the land"

Did they not sing to one another about him in dances, 'Saul ... thousands?'

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that when the people of the land were dancing, they sang to each other about him, 'Saul ... thousands.'"

1 Samuel 21:12

David took these words to heart

Here "took ... to heart" is a metonym to think seriously about what was said. Alternate translation: "David thought seriously about what the servants said"

1 Samuel 21:13

in their hands

Here "hands" are a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "in their presence"

1 Samuel 21:14

Why have you brought him to me?

Possible meanings are 1) Achish demands that his servants explain why they have brought David to him or 2) Achish is scolding them with a rhetorical question. Alternate translation: "You should have known not to bring him to me."

1 Samuel 21:15

Do I lack madmen, so that you have brought this fellow to behave like one in my presence?

This rhetorical question is a rebuke. Alternate translation: "There are enough madmen here who waste my time. You should not have brought this fellow to behave like one in my presence."

Will this fellow really come into my house?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Do not allow this fellow to enter my house."

Chapter 22

1 Samuel 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

There are two stories in this chapter: David gathering a group of followers and Saul having all the priests and their families killed. (See: priest)

Special concepts in this chapter

David assembles a force of unhappy people

David hides in the wilderness, and people in trouble come to him. Soon he has a force of 500 men. The prophet then tells him to leave the wilderness. (See: prophet)

Saul and the chief priest's family

Doeg tells Saul that Ahimelech the priest gave David food and a sword and prayed for him. Saul accuses the priests of encouraging David to rebel. This is a serious accusation because the priests are God's representatives and are rebelling against God's king if the accusation is true. Saul has the priests and all their families killed except those who escape to David. (See: highpriest)

1 Samuel 22:1

cave

a hollow space under the ground, generally opening into the side of a hill, large enough for people to enter

Adullam

This is the name of a town near the city of Gath.

heard it

heard that David had gone to hide in the cave

1 Samuel 22:2

Everyone who was in distress ... everyone who was discontented

This is a generalization. Alternate translation: "Many people who were distressed ... many people who were unhappy"

captain

military officer who leads soldiers

four hundred

"400"

1 Samuel 22:3

Then David went from there

"Then David went from the cave at Adullam"

Mizpah

This is the name of a city.

go out with you

David wanted his parents to live with the king of Moab so that King Saul would not be able to harm them. Translators can express his basic meaning by using the ideas of "come to stay with you," "stay with you," or "live here with you," as in the UDB.

1 Samuel 22:4

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1 Samuel 22:5

go into the land of Judah

"go to your home land of Judah"

Hereth

This is the name of a city.

1 Samuel 22:6

David had been discovered, along with the men who were with him

Saul was most interested in David, so the writer mentions the other men separately. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone had discovered where David and all the men who were with him were hiding"

the tamarisk tree

This is a type of tree. Alternate translation: "a large shade tree"

1 Samuel 22:7

Will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards?

Saul uses a question to emphasize that David, who is from the tribe of Judah, does not desire to do this for the people of the tribe of Benjamin. Alternate translation: "The son of Jesse will not give you fields or vineyards."

Will the son of Jesse give

The time when he will give can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "When the son of Jesse becomes king, will he give"

the son of Jesse

"David"

Will he make you all captains of thousands and captains of hundreds

Saul uses a question to emphasize that David, who is from the tribe of Judah, does not desire to do this for the people of the tribe of Benjamin. Alternate translation: "He will not make you captains of thousands and captains of hundreds"

Will he make you all captains

You may need to make explicit when he will make them captains. Alternate translation: "When he becomes king, will he make you all captains"

captains of thousands and captains of hundreds

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these captains led. Alternate translation: "captains of 1,000 soldiers and captains of 100 soldiers" or 2) the words translated as "thousands" and "hundreds" do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: "captains of large military divisions and captains of smaller military divisions" See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Samuel 17:18]

1 Samuel 22:8

Connecting Statement:

This continues what Saul said to his servants.

1 Samuel 22:9

Doeg the Edomite

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 21:7]

Nob ... Ahimelek

This is a place name and the name of a man. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 21:1]

Ahitub

This is the name of a man.

1 Samuel 22:10

He prayed to Yahweh that he might help him, and he gave him

Ahitub prayed to Yahweh that Yahweh might help David, and Ahitub gave David

1 Samuel 22:11

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1 Samuel 22:12

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1 Samuel 22:13

in that you have given

"by giving"

rise up

"rebel" or "fight"

1 Samuel 22:14

Who among all your servants is so faithful as David ... house?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "None of your servants is as faithful as David ... house."

bodyguard

a person or group of people who protect someone

is honored in your house

The word "house" is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom your family honors"

1 Samuel 22:15

Is today the first time I have prayed to God to help him?

Ahimelech asks himself this question before Saul can ask it, then immediately answers it. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "This is not the first time I have prayed to God to help David."

Far be it from me!

This idiom means "Absolutely not!"

Do not let the king impute anything to his servant or to all the house of my father. For your servant knows nothing

Ahimelech speaks of himself in the third person as the "servant." Ahimelech also refers to Saul in the third person as "the king." Ahimelech speaks this way to show respect to Saul. Alternate translation: "Please, King Saul, do not consider me, your servant, or anyone in the house of my father to be guilty. For I know nothing"

impute

to consider someone guilty

to all the house of my father

Here "house" represents "family." Alternate translation: "to all my father's family"

1 Samuel 22:16

your father's house

The word "house" is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. Alternate translation: "your father's family" or "your father's descendants"

1 Samuel 22:17

the guard that stood around him

"the soldiers standing nearby to protect him"

Turn and kill

Here "Turn" means to turn around or turn away from the king. Alternate translation: "Go and kill" or "Kill"

their hand also is with David

The word "hand" is a metonym for the work done with the hand. Alternate translation: "they also help David"

would not put out their hand to kill

The word "hand" is a metonym for the work done with the hand. Alternate translation: "did not do anything to kill" or "refused to kill"

1 Samuel 22:18

Turn and kill the priests ... turned and attacked the priests

Here "Turn" means to turn around or turn away from the king. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 22:17]

Doeg the Edomite turned and attacked ... he killed

Possible meanings are 1) Doeg killed all the priests himself or 2) the word "Doeg" is a synecdoche for Doeg and the men who went with him. Alternate translation: "Doeg the Edomite and his men turned and attacked ... they killed"

Doeg the Edomite

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 21:7]

eighty-five persons

"85 men" or "85 priests"

1 Samuel 22:19

He also put to the sword ... he put to the sword

Possible meanings are 1) Doeg killed all the priests himself or 2) the word "Doeg" is a synecdoche for Doeg and the men who went with him. Alternate translation: "They also put to the sword ... they put to the sword"

put to the sword

"killed with the sword"

Nob

Nob is the name of a city. Here the name "Nob" represents the people of that city. Alternate translation: "the people in the city of Nob" or "the people of Nob"

1 Samuel 22:20

Abiathar

This is a man's name.

1 Samuel 22:21

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1 Samuel 22:22

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1 Samuel 22:23

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Chapter 23

1 Samuel 23 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Saul chases David

Saul wants to kill David, but David trusts in God who keeps rescuing him. David rescues the town of Keilah from the Philistines who are stealing their harvest. Saul goes to Keilah to capture David, but David flees to the wilderness near Ziph. When David goes deeper into the wilderness, Saul follows but he has to leave to fight the Philistines who have invaded the land. Saul's pursuit of David shows that Saul cares more about killing his enemies than pleasing God. (See: trust)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Synecdoche

Jonathan strengthens David with a synecdoche: "For the hand of Saul my father will not find you." This helps to strengthen David's faith. (See: and faith)

1 Samuel 23:1

fighting against Keilah

"Keilah" is the name of a town. Here "Keilah" represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: "fighting against the people of Keilah"

threshing

separating the grain or seeds, generally from a cereal plant or wheat by some mechanical means

1 Samuel 23:2

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1 Samuel 23:3

How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "We will be even more fearful if we go to Keilah to fight the armies of the Philistines."

1 Samuel 23:4

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1 Samuel 23:5

went ... fought ... led ... struck ... saved

The writer pays the most attention to David, so these words are all singular, though David's men helped him do all these things.

1 Samuel 23:6

Ahimelek

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 21:1]

1 Samuel 23:7

Saul was told

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Saul" or "They told Saul"

1 Samuel 23:8

summoned

officially called. The reader should understand that Saul probably told his officials to gather the soldiers. He did not call with a loud voice to get them to come.

all his forces

"all his soldiers"

1 Samuel 23:9

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1 Samuel 23:10

David said

"David asked" or "David prayed"

your servant has indeed heard

David speaks as if he were someone else to show his respect for Yahweh. Alternate translation: "I have indeed heard"

destroy the city

make the city so no one could live in it and kill all the people who live there

1 Samuel 23:11

as your servant has heard ... tell your servant

David speaks as if he were someone else to show his respect for Yahweh. Alternate translation: "as I have heard ... tell me"

surrender me into his hand

Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "give me over to Saul"

1 Samuel 23:12

David said

or "David asked" or "David prayed"

surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul

Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "give me and my men over to Saul"

1 Samuel 23:13

six hundred

"600"

It was told Saul

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Saul" or "They told Saul"

had escaped

"had run away from"

1 Samuel 23:14

wilderness of Ziph

This is the name of a deserted area near the city of Ziph.

did not give him into his hand

The word "hand" is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: "did not allow Saul to have power over David" or "did not allow Saul to do as he desired with David" or "did not allow Saul to capture David"

1 Samuel 23:15

seek his life

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "try to kill him"

Horesh

This is the name of city near Ziph.

1 Samuel 23:16

strengthened his hand in God

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "encouraged him to trust in God"

1 Samuel 23:17

For the hand of Saul my father will not find you

Here "hand" is a metonym for Saul and his power. Alternate translation: "For Saul my father will not find you" or "For Saul my father will never be able to have power over you"

1 Samuel 23:18

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1 Samuel 23:19

Ziphites

This is the name of the people group from Ziph.

Is not David hiding among us in ... Jeshimon?

This rhetorical question can be translated as an exclamation. Alternate translation: "David is hiding among us in ... Jeshimon!"

the hill of Hakilah

This is the name of a hill in the wilderness of Judah.

Jeshimon

This is the name of a desert area near the Dead Sea. It can also be translated as "the Judean Wilderness" or "the wasteland."

1 Samuel 23:20

surrender him into the king's hand

The word "hand" is a metonym for power. The Ziphites speak to Saul as if he were another man to show him that they respect him. Alternate translation: "give David to you so you can do whatever you desire with him"

1 Samuel 23:21

May you be blessed by Yahweh

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I hope that Yahweh blesses you"

you have had compassion on me

The abstract noun "compassion" can be translated with the adjective "kind." Saul says this because they had told him about David and they were willing to help Saul capture David. Alternate translation: "you have been kind to me" or "you have kindly told this to me"

1 Samuel 23:22

Learn and find out

These two words mean almost the same thing and can be translated as one phrase. Alternate translation: "Know for sure"

who has seen him

"who saw him"

It is told to me

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "People tell me" or "I have heard"

1 Samuel 23:23

among all the thousands of Judah

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "even if I have to arrest every man in Judah" or "among all the clans of Judah"

1 Samuel 23:24

Then they rose up

They stopped what they had been doing. The reader should not believe that they were sitting or lying.

Then they

"Then the Ziphites"

Ziph

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 23:14.

Jeshimon

This is the name of a desert area near the Dead Sea. It can also be translated as "the Judean Wilderness" or "the wasteland." See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 23:19]

the wilderness of Maon

This is the name of the deserted area around the city of Maon in southern Judah.

1 Samuel 23:25

David was told of it

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told David that they were coming" or "David learned that they were coming"

rocky hill

a hill covered with many rocks or boulders

1 Samuel 23:26

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1 Samuel 23:27

Hurry and come

The words "hurry" and "come" can be combined into one idea. Alternate translation: "Come quickly"

1 Samuel 23:28

pursuing David

"chasing David, trying to catch him"

Sela Hammahlekoth

The name means "Rock of Escape." This was a memorial or marker of David's escape from Saul.

1 Samuel 23:29

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Chapter 24

1 Samuel 24 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Even though Saul tries again and again to kill David, David does not avenge himself on Saul because God had chosen Saul as king. This is meant to contrast with Saul's treatment of David, the future king. Saul represents the king the people wanted, a selfish man. David is the king God wanted, a godly man. (See: avenge and elect and godly)

1 Samuel 24:1

he was told

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone told him"

wilderness of En Gedi

Engedi is a place in Israel west of the Dead Sea where there is water with dry land all around it.

1 Samuel 24:2

three thousand

3,000

chosen men

men whom he had chosen because of their superior military abilities

1 Samuel 24:3

sheep pens

"sheep corrals" or "sheep enclosures"

cover his feet

This is a euphemism for "relieve himself" or "defecate" or "empty his intestines."

cave

generally a natural hole under the ground, often with an opening in the side of a hill or cliff

1 Samuel 24:4

David arose and quietly crept

The word "arose" is an idiom for taking action. Alternate translation: "David took action; he quietly crept"

crept

approached slowly, carefully or quietly

1 Samuel 24:5

David's heart afflicted him

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "David was sad because he had done something wrong"

1 Samuel 24:6

Yahweh's anointed

"the one whom Yahweh has chosen to lead his people" or "the one Yahweh has made king"

to put out my hand against him

The hand is a metonym for the ability to cause harm. Alternate translation: "to harm him in any way"

1 Samuel 24:7

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1 Samuel 24:8

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1 Samuel 24:9

Why do you listen to the men who say, 'See, David is seeking your harm?

This is a rhetorical question. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not listen to the men who say, 'See, David is seeking to harm you."

1 Samuel 24:10

your eyes have seen

Here "your eyes" represent King Saul. Alternate translation: "you have seen with your own eyes"

put you into my hand

The word "hand" is a metonym for control. Alternate translation: "put you where I could kill you or allow you to live"

1 Samuel 24:11

my father

Saul was not David's real father. David calls him "father" to show that he respects Saul.

there is no evil or treason in my hand

David speaks as if evil and treason were physical objects he could hold in his hand. Here "hand" represents a person acting or doing something. Alternate translation: "I have done no evil deed against you, nor have I rebelled against you"

1 Samuel 24:12

my hand must not be against you

The hand is a metonym for the ability to cause harm. See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Samuel 24:6]

1 Samuel 24:13

ancients

This nominal adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "people who lived long ago"

1 Samuel 24:14

After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue?

These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. When David asks the questions, he knows that he will answer the questions himself. Alternate translation: "Let me tell you who the king of Israel has come out after. Let me tell you who it is that you are pursuing."

After a dead dog

The words "dead dog" are a metaphor for a powerless person. This sentence can be made complete. Alternate translation: "You are pursuing a person who is as powerless as a dead dog"

After a flea

The word "flea" is a metaphor for a person whom others do not consider important. Alternate translation: "You are pursuing a person who is as unimportant as a flea"

1 Samuel 24:15

see to it, and plead my cause

Possible meanings are 1) "do what is right, and plead my cause" or 2) "see that my cause is right and fight for me."

from your hand

The word "hand" is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: "so that you have no power over me"

1 Samuel 24:16

my son David

Saul speaks as if David were his son to show David that he loves him.

lifted up his voice and wept

The writer writes as if a voice were something a person could lift up with his hands. Alternate translation: "wept loudly"

1 Samuel 24:17

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1 Samuel 24:18

you have done good to me

Saul acknowledges that David did show that he supported King Saul and was loyal to him by not killing him.

for you did not kill me when Yahweh had put me at your mercy

Saul acknowledges that David chose to show mercy and demonstrated his loyalty to King Saul as Yahweh's anointed.

1 Samuel 24:19

For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go safely?

A rhetorical question with the answer included in the question. Alternate translation: "For if a man finds his enemy, he will not let him go safely."

For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go safely?

Where Saul had believed David was his enemy, he learns that even though David will be king, David will not take over the throne from Saul by force, but will wait for Yahweh's appointed time.

1 Samuel 24:20

the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hand

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) David will cause the kingdom of Israel to prosper through his power as king. Alternate translation: "the kingdom of Israel will prosper as you rule the Israelite people" or 2) Yahweh will cause David to have complete control over the kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: "you will have complete rule over the kingdom of Israel"

in your hand

The word "hand" is a metonym that represents power or control.

1 Samuel 24:21

you will not cut off my descendants after me

"you will not kill my sons and their families." It was common for a new king who was not from the previous family line to kill off all the children of the former king to prevent any of them from challenging him for the throne.

you will not destroy my name out of my father's house

It is important for each family in Israel to have descendants from generation to generation carrying on the family name and land inheritance. Alternate translation: "you will not destroy my family and descendants" or "you will allow my family to live"

1 Samuel 24:22

David and his men

"David and his army"

Chapter 25

1 Samuel 25 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Revenge

When David decides to kill all of the men in Nabal's household, Abigail convinces David not to avenge himself but to leave revenge to God. (See: avenge)

1 Samuel 25:1

All Israel gathered together and mourned for him

This is likely a generalization. A large number of the people of Israel were probably there, but some were probably unable to attend.

gathered together

"met together"

buried him in his house at Ramah

Possible meanings are that they buried Samuel 1) in his home town of Ramah or 2) on his family's land in Ramah but not physically in the house or 3) in his house in Ramah.

David rose and went down

"David and his men moved on and they went down"

1 Samuel 25:2

There was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel. The man was very wealthy.

Some translators may need to put the ideas in these verses in a different order. Alternate translation: "There was a very wealthy man in Maon whose possessions were in Carmel."

Maon

This is the name of a town.

Carmel

This is the name of a town. This is different from Mount Carmel.

three thousand

3,000

one thousand

1,000

shearing his sheep

"shaving the wool off his sheep"

1 Samuel 25:3

The man's name was Nabal, and the name of his wife was Abigail. The woman was intelligent and beautiful in appearance. But the man was harsh and evil in his dealings. He was a descendant of the house of Caleb.

This verse give some background information about the man Nabal and his character. Some translators may need to put the ideas in this verse in a different order. Alternate translation: "Now the man was a descendant of the house of Caleb. His name was Nabal, and the name of his wife was Abigail. She was intelligent and beautiful in appearance. But the man was harsh and evil in his dealings."

Nabal

This is the name of a man.

Abigail

This is the name of a woman.

He was a descendant of the house of Caleb

Here "house" represents family. Alternate translation: "He was a descendant of the family of Caleb" or "He was a descendant of Caleb"

1 Samuel 25:4

shearing his sheep

"shaving the wool off his sheep"

1 Samuel 25:5

greet him in my name

"greet him as I would greet him if I were there"

1 Samuel 25:6

Live in prosperity

"I desire that you may live in prosperity." The abstract noun "prosperity" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "I desire that you possess many good things as long as you live"

Peace to you and peace to your house, and peace be to all that you have

"I desire that peace may come to you, your household and your possessions"

1 Samuel 25:7

you have shearers

"your shearers are working" or "your shearers have sheep to shear." David wants his men to speak so that Nabal understands that his sheep were well because David's men helped guard them.

we did them no harm, and they missed nothing

David is pointing out how he and his men offered protection to Nabal's servants and flocks. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "we kept them and all their property from harm"

1 Samuel 25:8

let my young men find favor in your eyes

Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "may you be pleased with my young men" or "may you consider my young men favorably"

to your servants

David was expressing respect toward Nabal by calling his men Nabal's servants.

your son David

David spoke as if he were Nabal's son to show that he respected Nabal, who was an older man.

1 Samuel 25:9

David's young men

"David's army"

said all of this to Nabal in David's name

"told Nabal that this message had come from David"

1 Samuel 25:10

Who is David, and who is the son of Jesse?

Nabal used questions to emphasize that he had no reason to help David. These two rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "This David son of Jesse you speak of—I do not know him." or "I do not know who this David is, so I will not do as he says. I do not know who Jesse is, so I do not care what happens to his son."

breaking away from

"running away from" or "rebelling against"

1 Samuel 25:11

my bread

Here "bread" is an idiom for any kind of food.

men who come from I do not know where

"men when I do not know where they have come from" or "men whom I do not know"

1 Samuel 25:12

that was said

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Nabal had said"

1 Samuel 25:13

said to his men

"said to his army"

"Every man strap on his sword." So every man strapped on his sword. David also strapped on his sword

If swords are not known in your language, you can treat "strap on his sword" as a metonym meaning to prepare for war. Alternate translation: "'Every man, prepare for war.' And every man prepared for war. David also prepared for war"

four hundred

400

two hundred

200

stayed by the baggage

They remained at their base camp to prevent other raiders from stealing their possessions.

1 Samuel 25:14

But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife

You may need to make explicit what the young man did before he spoke with Abigail. Alternate translation: "One of Nabal's servants found out what David and his men were planning to do, so he went to Nabal's wife Abigail"

1 Samuel 25:15

We were not harmed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Nobody harmed us" or "We were safe"

did not miss anything as long as we went with them

"we did not lose anything when we were with them." David's men kept wild animals and other people from stealing Nabal's flocks.

1 Samuel 25:16

They were a wall

David's men were like a wall around a city that protects the people in the city from their enemies.

1 Samuel 25:17

evil is plotted against our master

The speaker is careful not to name the one plotting the evil. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone is plotting to do evil things to our master"

our master

The speaker speaks of David as if David were another person to show that he respects David. Alternate translation: "you"

1 Samuel 25:18

two hundred

200

loaves

A loaf is like a cake. You may need to make explicit what the loaves consisted of. Alternate translation: "loaves of bread"

already prepared

"that someone had already cooked" or "ready for someone to cook"

measures

This is a generic term as none is given.

parched grain

"grain that someone had cooked"

clusters of raisins

"cakes of raisins" or "masses of raisins"

1 Samuel 25:19

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1 Samuel 25:20

David and his men

"David and his army"

by the cover of the mountain

Possible meanings are 1) into a low, narrow stream bed or 2) to where the men were hiding.

1 Samuel 25:21

Connecting Statement:

The writer gives background information before he continues with the story.

Now David had said, "Surely ... for good.

The reader needs to understand that David had said these things before he said, "Every man strap on his sword" in 1 Samuel 25:13.

Now David had said

The word "Now" is used here to mark a break in the story. The author stops telling about Abigail going to David and tells about what David had said sometime before Abigail went to him.

nothing was missed of all that belonged to him

This can be stated positively and in active form. Alternate translation: "he still has everything that was his"

1 Samuel 25:22

May God do so to the enemies of David ... belong to him

The reader needs to understand that David had said these things before he said, "Every man strap on his sword" in 1 Samuel 25:13.

May God do so to the enemies of David

Many modern English translations read, "May God do so to David." This follows the reading in some ancient manuscripts and translations, as well as the more common wording of such statements.

all who belong

"all the people who belong to him" or "those in his family"

1 Samuel 25:23

Connecting Statement:

The writer has finished giving background information, so he continues the story.

lay before David facedown and bowed herself to the ground

Abigail was being humble and showing that she would obey David because he was a powerful leader.

1 Samuel 25:24

listen to

"hear"

my master ... your servant ... words of your servant

"David ... me ... my words." Abigail speaks of herself and David as if they are two other people, to show that she respects David.

1 Samuel 25:25

Connecting Statement:

Abigail continues to advise David not to take revenge.

Let not my master regard ... I your servant ... the young men of my master

Abigail speaks of herself and David as if they are other people to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: "Do not regard ... I ... your young men"

But I ... did not see ... whom you sent

You may need to make explicit what Abigail would have done. Alternate translation: "But if I ... had seen ... whom you sent, I would have given them food"

1 Samuel 25:26

Connecting Statement:

Abigail continues to advise David not to take revenge.

my master ... my master

Abigail speaks of David as if he is another person to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: "David ... you"

bloodshed

murder

avenging yourself with your own hand

The hand is a metonym for what a person does with the hand. Abigail assumes that David should allow Yahweh to take vengeance for him. Alternate translation: "taking vengeance yourself instead of letting Yahweh do it"

let your enemies ... be like Nabal

Abigail speaks as if Yahweh has already punished Nabal. Alternate translation: "I hope that Yahweh will punish your enemies ... as he will punish Nabal"

1 Samuel 25:27

Connecting Statement:

Abigail continues to tell David not to be angry.

let this present that your servant has brought to my master be given to the young men

Abigail uses the passive to show her respect for David. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "please give this present, which your servant has brought to my master, to the young men" or "please let my master give this present, which your servant has brought to my master, to the young men"

this present

"these gifts." The "present" was actually many different things.

your servant has ... my master ... my master

Abigail speaks of herself and David as if they are two other people to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: "I have ... you ... you"

1 Samuel 25:28

Connecting Statement:

Abigail continues to reason with David.

the trespass of your servant ... my master ... my master is

Abigail speaks of herself and David as if they are two other people, to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: "my trespass ... you ... you are"

Yahweh will certainly make my master a sure house

Here "house" is an idiom used for "descendants." Alternate translation: "Yahweh will ensure that my master always has a descendant who serves as king"

fighting the battles of Yahweh

"fighting against Yahweh's enemies"

evil will not be found in you

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will ever see you do any evil thing" or "you will never do anything evil"

1 Samuel 25:29

Connecting Statement:

Abigail continues to reason with David.

pursue

chase and try to catch

the life of my master will be bound in the bundle of the living by Yahweh your God

Abigail speaks of David's life as if it were a long and thin object that a person could put with other long and thin objects and then tie together into a bundle with a rope. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh your God will bind the life of my master in the bundle of the living" or "Yahweh your God will keep you alive with those who are alive"

the life of my master

Abigail speaks of herself and David as if they are two different people to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: "your life"

he will sling away the lives of your enemies, as from the pocket of a sling

Abigail speaks of David's enemies' lives as if they were small objects like a stone that could be put in a sling and shot a long distance. Alternate translation: "he will kill your enemies as easily as a man slings a stone a long distance"

a sling

a piece of animal skin with long cords at both ends in which a person can put a stone or other small, hard object and throw it a long distance

1 Samuel 25:30

Connecting Statement:

Abigail continues to reason with David.

my master

Abigail speaks of David as if he is another person, to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: "you"

1 Samuel 25:31

Connecting Statement:

Abigail finishes reasoning with David.

This will not cause grief or a troubled heart to my master—that you have poured out innocent blood, or because my master attempted to rescue himself

The word “This” refers to David’s actions. This implies that if David were to pour out blood needlessly or attempt to avenge himself, he would feel grief and have a troubled heart. But since he will not do those things, he will not feel grief and have a troubled heart. Alternate translation: “Your action will not cause you the grief or the troubled heart that pouring out blood needlessly or trying to avenge yourself would cause you.”

This will not cause grief or a troubled heart to my master

A troubled heart is a metonym for feelings of guilt. Alternate translation: "Your action will not give you sorrow or guilty feelings" or "You will not do something that causes you to regret what you did and to feel guilty"

that you have poured out innocent blood

Pouring out blood is a metonym for killing people. Alternate translation: "that you have killed innocent people" or "that you have killed people needlessly"

my master ... my master ... himself ... my master ... your servant

Abigail speaks of herself and David as if they are two other people, to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: "you ... you ... yourself ... you ... me"

when Yahweh will do good for my master

That is, when Yahweh actually makes him king after Saul's reign is over.

1 Samuel 25:32

General Information:

David accepts Abigail's counsel and gifts.

May Yahweh ... be blessed, he who

This can be translated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "I praise Yahweh ... who" or 2) "May all people praise Yahweh ... who."

1 Samuel 25:33

Your wisdom is blessed and you are blessed, because

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I thank Yahweh because he has blessed you by making you wise and because"

bloodshed

murder. The same word appears in 1 Samuel 25:26.

with my own hand

The word "hand" here is a metonym for the action taken by the hand. Alternate translation: "by my own actions"

1 Samuel 25:34

General Information:

David accepts Abigail's gifts and agrees to do as she has advised him.

there would certainly have not been left to Nabal so much as one male baby

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I would not have left to Nabal even one male baby"

1 Samuel 25:35

received from her hand

This is an idiom. Abigail did not unload all gifts from the donkeys herself. Alternate translation: "accepted all the gifts that she had brought"

have listened to your voice

The word "voice" is a metonym for the message the person speaks and a synecdoche for the person who speaks. Alternate translation: "have listened to what you have told me" or "will do as you have advised me"

1 Samuel 25:36

morning light

dawn

Nabal's heart was merry within him

Nabal was very happy

1 Samuel 25:37

General Information:

Yahweh's judgment on Nabal

the wine had gone out of Nabal

Nabal was no longer drunk and so was no longer feeling happy.

his heart died within him

Nabal was unable to move because was so afraid that he was no longer physically healthy, probably because he had suffered a stroke.

1 Samuel 25:38

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1 Samuel 25:39

General Information:

David offers to protect Abigail by marrying her.

May Yahweh be blessed

This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 25:32]

has avenged the scorn I have received from the hand of Nabal

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "has defended me after Nabal insulted me"

has kept back his servant from doing wrong

David speaks as if he were another person to show his respect for Yahweh. Alternate translation: "has kept me from doing evil deeds"

has turned Nabal's evil action back on his own head

The abstract noun "action" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "has done to Nabal what Nabal planned to do to me"

on his own head

The head is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "on him"

sent and spoke to Abigail, to take her to himself as wife

You may make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "sent men to speak to Abigail and tell her that David wanted to take her to be his wife"

1 Samuel 25:40

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1 Samuel 25:41

She arose, bowed herself

Abigail responded by bowing. The reader should understand that she was probably already standing when the men were talking to her in [1 Samuel 25:40]

See, your female servant is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my master

Abigail speaks as if she were another person to show that she is humble. She shows that she desires to be David's new wife by offering to wash the feet of David's servants. Alternate translation: "See, I will serve you, the servants of my master David, by washing your feet"

1 Samuel 25:42

hurried and arose, and rode

You may need to make explicit what Abigail did after she arose and before she rode. Alternate translation: "quickly did what she needed to do to prepare for the journey, and then she rode"

five servant girls of hers who followed her

Abigail was riding a donkey, but the servant girls were walking.

1 Samuel 25:43

Now David had also taken Ahinoam

This event took place before David married Abigail.

Ahinoam

This is the name of a woman.

1 Samuel 25:44

Saul had given Michal

This event took place before David married Abigail.

Michal

This is the name of a woman.

Paltiel ... Laish

These are names of men.

Gallim

This is a town north of Jerusalem.

Chapter 26

1 Samuel 26 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Vengeance

David has another opportunity to kill Saul but he refuses to kill the one God had chosen as king. This contrasts with Saul, who tried to find David and kill him. Saul came to admit that David was more righteous than he was because he did not kill his enemy. (See: elect and righteous)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical question

David put his reason for not killing Saul in a rhetorical question: "Do not destroy him; for who can extend his hand against Yahweh's anointed one and be guiltless?"

1 Samuel 26:1

Is not David hiding ... Jeshimon?

This rhetorical question can be translated as an exclamation. Alternate translation: "David is hiding ... Jeshimon!"

before Jeshimon

"from which we can see Jeshimon"

Jeshimon

This is the name of a desert area near the Dead Sea. It can also be translated as "the Judean Wilderness" or "the wasteland." See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 23:19]

1 Samuel 26:2

Then Saul arose and went

The word "arose" is an idiom for taking action. Alternate translation: "Then Saul took action and he went"

three thousand

3,000

chosen men

men whom he had chosen because of their superior military abilities

1 Samuel 26:3

before Jeshimon

"from which they could see Jeshimon"

Jeshimon

This is the name of a desert area near the Dead Sea. It can also be translated as "the Judean Wilderness" or "the wasteland." See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 23:19]

1 Samuel 26:4

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1 Samuel 26:5

David arose and went

"David took action and he went"

Abner ... Ner

These are the names of men.

1 Samuel 26:6

Ahimelek ... Abishai

These are the names of men.

Zeruiah

These are the names of women.

go down ... to

David and his men were probably on higher ground than Saul.

I! I will go down

"I want to be the one who goes down"

1 Samuel 26:7

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1 Samuel 26:8

God has put your enemy into your hand

Abishai speaks as if the enemy were a small object that God had put into David's hand. The word "hand" is a metonym for the power the hand can wield. Alternate translation: "God has given you complete control over your enemy"

pin him to the ground with the spear

This is a metonym that refers to "kill with a spear"

I will not strike him a second time

"I will kill him the first time I strike him" or "I will not need to strike him a second time"

1 Samuel 26:9

who can extend his hand against Yahweh's anointed one and be guiltless?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "No one can strike Yahweh's anointed one and be without guilt." or "Anyone who strikes Yahweh's anointed one will be guilty of murder."

1 Samuel 26:10

As Yahweh lives

"as certainly as Yahweh lives" or "as surely as Yahweh lives"

his day will come to die

"he will die a natural death"

1 Samuel 26:11

extend my hand against

The hand is a metonym for the harm a hand can do. Alternate translation: "do anything to harm"

let us go

David includes Abishai, so the word "us" here is inclusive.

1 Samuel 26:12

a deep sleep from Yahweh had fallen on them

Yahweh had caused them to sleep deeply.

1 Samuel 26:13

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1 Samuel 26:14

Do you not answer, Abner?

David uses a question to shame Abner into answering. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Answer me, Abner!"

David shouted

"David spoke as loudly as he could" so Saul and his men could hear him

1 Samuel 26:15

Are not you a courageous man?

David uses a question to rebuke Abner for not guarding Saul. Alternate translation: "You are a very brave man."

Who is like you in Israel?

David uses a question to rebuke Abner for not guarding Saul. Alternate translation: "You are the greatest soldier in Israel."

Why then have you not kept watch over your master the king?

Possible meanings are 1) this is a real question and David wants Abner to answer him or 2) this is a rhetorical question and David is rebuking Abner. Alternate translation: "Therefore you should have kept watch over your master the king!"

to destroy the king

The word "destroy" here is hyperbole for "kill." Alternate translation: "to kill the king"

1 Samuel 26:16

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1 Samuel 26:17

my son

Saul was not David's true father. Saul speaks as if he were David's father to show David that he wants David to trust and respect him as David would trust and respect his own father.

1 Samuel 26:18

Why does my master pursue his servant?

Possible meanings are 1) David really does want Saul to answer the question or 2) this rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "My master has no reason to pursue his servant."

Why does my master pursue his servant?

Here David speaks of Saul in third person calling him "my master," and he speaks of himself in third person calling himself "his servant." David speaks this way to show respect to Saul. Alternate translation: "Why are you, my master, pursuing me, your servant?" or "Why are you pursuing me?"

What have I done?

Possible meanings are 1) David really does want Saul to answer the question or 2) this rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that I have done nothing to harm you."

What evil is in my hand?

This speaks of evil as if it were an object that is held in the hand. Here "hand" represents a person acting or doing something. Possible meanings are 1) David really does want Saul to answer the question. Alternate translation: "What have I done wrong?" or 2) this rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I have done nothing wrong!"

1 Samuel 26:19

you, let my master the king listen to the words of his servant

David speaks as if he and the king were other people to show respect to Saul. Alternate translation: "you my king, listen to my words"

stirred you up against me

"caused you to be angry with me"

may he be pleased with an offering

You may need to make explicit the reason he will give an offering. Alternate translation: "I will give him an offering and hope he will accept it so he will no longer cause you to be angry with me"

may they be cursed in the sight of Yahweh

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "may Yahweh decide to punish them"

for they have today driven me out, that I should not cling to the inheritance of Yahweh; they have said to me, 'Go worship other gods.'

"for they have today driven me out. It is as if they want me to stop clinging to the inheritance of Yahweh. It is as if they have said to me, 'Go worship other gods.'"

that I should not cling to the inheritance of Yahweh

"so that I will no longer trust that Yahweh will give me what he has promised me"

1 Samuel 26:20

the king of Israel has

David speaks as if the king was another person to show respect to Saul. Alternate translation: "you have"

do not let my blood fall to the earth

This is a polite way of saying "do not kill me."

the one flea

David uses the word "flea" as a metaphor for a person, himself, who cannot do any great harm. Alternate translation: "this single flea" or "me, and I cannot harm you any more than one flea can"

as when one hunts a partridge in the mountains

Saul is chasing David as if he were hunting a valuable wild bird.

1 Samuel 26:21

Return

Possible meanings are 1) "Return to serve me in my palace" or "Return to your home."

my son

Saul was not David's true father. Saul speaks as if he were David's father to show David that he wants David to trust and respect him as David would trust and respect his own father.

my life was precious in your eyes today

Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "today you have considered my life to be very valuable" or "today you showed me that you really do respect me"

played the fool

"been very foolish"

1 Samuel 26:22

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1 Samuel 26:23

Yahweh put you into my hand today

The word "hand" is a metonym for the person's power. "Yahweh gave me an opportunity to attack you today" or "Yahweh placed me where I could easily have killed you"

pay each man

"give what is proper to each man"

his anointed

David speaks as if Saul were another person to show that he respects Saul because Saul is king. Alternate translation: "the one he has chosen to be king"

1 Samuel 26:24

your life was precious in my eyes today

Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated similar words in [1 Samuel 26:21]

so may my life be much valued in the eyes of Yahweh

Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "so may Yahweh consider my life very valuable as well" or "so may Yahweh value my life as much as I have valued your life"

1 Samuel 26:25

May you be blessed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "May Yahweh bless you"

my son

Saul was not David's true father. Saul speaks as if he were David's father to show David that he wants David to trust and respect him as David would trust and respect his own father.

Chapter 27

1 Samuel 27 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This begins a section about David living with the Philistines.

Special concepts in this chapter

David's move

David is afraid Saul will someday catch him and kill him, so he moves to the Philistine city of Gath. This is a type of exile David creates for himself out of fear. It is caused by his lack of trust in God. This is the same reason his descendants would come to be exiled. (See: trust)

1 Samuel 27:1

David said in his heart

Here "his heart" is a metonym that means to himself. Alternate translation: "David thought to himself"

escape out of his hand

The word "hand" is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "escape from him"

1 Samuel 27:2

David arose and passed over

"David took action; he passed over"

passed over

"passed over the border between Israel and Philistia"

six hundred men

600

Achish

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 21:10]

Maok

This is the name of a man.

1 Samuel 27:3

Ahinoam

This is the name of a woman. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 14:50]

Abigail

This is the name of a woman. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 25:3]

Nabal

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 25:3]

1 Samuel 27:4

Saul was told

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Saul" or "Saul heard"

1 Samuel 27:5

If I have found favor in your eyes

Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 20:3]

let them give me a place

Since Achish was the one who would "give," this is a metonym for "please give me a place."

one of the cities in the country

"one of the outlying towns" or "one of the towns outside the city"

Why should your servant live in the royal city with you?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I do not need to live in the city with you." or "I am not important enough to live here with you in the royal city."

your servant

David speaks as if he were another person to show that he respected Achish.

1 Samuel 27:6

Ziklag

This is the name of a city in the southwest part of Judah.

1 Samuel 27:7

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1 Samuel 27:8

making raids on

attacking and taking property many times

Girzites

A people group who apparently lived somewhere between Philistia and Egypt.

as you go to Shur

Here "you" is being used as an indefinite pronoun that refers to anyone. Alternate translation: "on the way most people travel to Shur"

Shur

region on the northeast border of Egypt

1 Samuel 27:9

Achish

the king of Gath

1 Samuel 27:10

Achish

the king of Gath

Jerahmeelites

a clan from the tribe of Judah

Kenites

a people group who lived in the land of Midian

1 Samuel 27:11

Gath

one of five Philistine city-states.

1 Samuel 27:12

Achish

the king of Gath

Chapter 28

1 Samuel 28 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Talking to the dead

Talking to the dead was against the law of Moses. God or the Holy Spirit left Saul because of his sin and would not help him. (See: death, lawofmoses and holyspirit and sin)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical question

Samuel uses a rhetorical question to say it was useless to ask his advice since there was no way Saul could be successful with God against him: "What then do you ask me, since Yahweh has left you, and he has become your enemy?"

1 Samuel 28:1

to fight with Israel

"to fight against Israel"

1 Samuel 28:2

That being the case, you will know ... "Then I will make

The phrases "That being the case" and "Then" show that the speaker agrees with what the other person has just said. Alternate translation: "Very well, I will go with you so that you will know ... Very well, I will make"

you will know what your servant can do

David probably wanted Achish to think that David would kill many Israelites, but "what your servant can do" could also mean that David was planning to kill Philistines instead. Try to translate so that the reader can see both of these possible meanings.

your servant

David speaks as if he is another person so that Achish will think David respects him. Alternate translation: "I"

make you

The word "you" refers to David and so is singular.

bodyguard

a person who protects another person

1 Samuel 28:3

Now Samuel ... spiritists

The writer provides background information to prepare the reader for the events that follow.

banned ... from the land

He had officially removed them from the country or region, or prevented from entering. Alternate translation: "expelled ... from Israel"

sorcerers and spiritists

"those who talked with the dead and those who talked with spirits." If your language has one word for those who talk with the dead and one word for those who talk with spirits, or if your language has only one word for those who talk with the dead and with spirits, you should use those words here.

1 Samuel 28:4

Then the Philistines gathered

after David and Achish spoke (1 Samuel 28:2)

gathered all Israel together

"gathered all his armies in Israel together"

Shunem ... Gilboa

these are names of places

1 Samuel 28:5

he was afraid, and his heart trembled very much

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of his fear. Here Saul is referred to by his "heart." Alternate translation: "he was terrified"

1 Samuel 28:6

Urim

The high priest carried the sacred lots called Urim and Thummin in his breastplate, in a marked pouch, next to his heart.

1 Samuel 28:7

Endor

This is the name of a place.

1 Samuel 28:8

Saul disguised himself ... and went ... to the woman by night

Saul disguised himself because the way from Gilboa (1 Samuel 28:4) to Endor (1 Samuel 28:7) was through land that the Philistines were living in. He traveled all day and reached the woman after the sun had gone down.

disguised

changed his usual appearance no one would know who he was

Divine for me by a spirit

Saul was requesting that the woman call on the familiar spirit she used to contact the dead and have that spirit call up the spirit of the dead person Saul would name.

1 Samuel 28:9

sorcerers and spiritists

"those who talked with the dead and those who talked with spirits." If your language has one word for those who talk with the dead and one word for those who talk with spirits, or if your language has only one word for those who talk with the dead and with spirits, you should use those words here. See how you translated similar words in 1 Samuel 28:3.

my life

The word "life" represents the person. Alternate translation: "me"

1 Samuel 28:10

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1 Samuel 28:11

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1 Samuel 28:12

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1 Samuel 28:13

a god

Other possible meanings are 1) "one like God" or 2) "a judge" (1 Samuel 7:15).

1 Samuel 28:14

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1 Samuel 28:15

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1 Samuel 28:16

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1 Samuel 28:17

torn the kingdom out of your hand

Samuel speaks as if the kingdom were a physical object that could be held in the hand and grabbed out by another person. Alternate translation: "made you so you are no longer king" or "made another person king in your place"

1 Samuel 28:18

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1 Samuel 28:19

Yahweh will give Israel along with you into the hand of the Philistines

Samuel speaks as if the people of Israel were a small object that Yahweh would give to the Philistines, whom he speaks of as if they were one person. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will allow the Philistines to do whatever they want to do to you and the people of Israel"

will be with me

This is a polite way to say that Saul will die. Alternate translation: "will be dead"

Yahweh will also give the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines

Samuel speaks as if the army of Israel were a small object that Yahweh would give to the Philistines, whom he speaks of as if they were one person. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will allow the Philistines to do whatever they want to do to the army of Israel"

1 Samuel 28:20

he had eaten no food all that day, neither that whole night

Saul had not eaten during the night before he traveled from Gilboa (1 Samuel 28:4) to Endor (1 Samuel 28:7), nor during the day as he journeyed, nor during the night on which he visited the woman.

1 Samuel 28:21

I have put my life in my hand and have listened

This is an idiom. "I could die because I listened" or "Someone could kill me because I listened"

1 Samuel 28:22

the voice of your woman servant

The woman speaks as if she is another person to show that she respects Saul. She refers to herself by her "voice" to emphasize what she says. Alternate translation: "my voice" or "me speak to you"

1 Samuel 28:23

Saul refused

"Saul would not do what they asked"

compelled him

"forced him"

1 Samuel 28:24

fatted calf

a calf that has been grown and fed to be available for a special feast

she ... kneaded it

She mixed flour and oil, working and rolling the mixture thoroughly with her hands to produce dough for baking.

1 Samuel 28:25

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Chapter 29

1 Samuel 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetic song in 29:5.

Other possible translation difficulties

It is unclear whether David wanted to go into battle with the Philistines. He would have been fighting against Saul, but he also would have been fighting against Israel's soldiers. It is probably best to see that David is conflicted over this issue, but some scholars believe that David planned on turning against the Philistines in the battle.

1 Samuel 29:1

spring

a small stream of water flowing naturally from the Earth

1 Samuel 29:2

passed on by hundreds and by thousands

"divided their men into groups; some groups had one hundred soldiers and some groups had one thousand soldiers"

hundreds ... thousands

100s ... 1,000s

David and his men passed on in the rear guard with Achish

The groups of hundreds and thousands passed on first, then Achish and his helpers, and then David, his men, and the other Philistine soldiers, who were guarding Achish.

1 Samuel 29:3

What are these Hebrews doing here?

Possible ways to translate this rhetorical question as a statement are Alternate translation: 1) "You should not have allowed these Hebrews, our enemies, to be here with us." or 2) "Tell us who these Hebrews are."

Is not this David ... these years, and I have found ... this day?

Another possible translation is "Is not this David, ... these years? I have found ... this day." The rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should know that this is David ... these years. I have found ... this day."

I have found no fault with him

"I know of nothing that he has done wrong"

1 Samuel 29:4

He will not go down with us into battle

The person here is a synecdoche for the army he commands. Alternate translation: "Do not let his army join with our army against our enemies"

For how else could he make himself acceptable to his master than by taking the heads of our own men?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Here "taking the heads" is a metonym for killing. Alternate translation: "The best way for David to make peace with his master would be by killing our soldiers!"

1 Samuel 29:5

Is this not David of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, 'Saul ... ten thousands'?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not trust David—he is the one of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, 'Saul ... ten thousands'!"

thousands ... ten thousands

"1,000s ... 10,000s"

1 Samuel 29:6

As Yahweh lives

This is an idiom. "As certainly as Yahweh lives" or "This is a true statement"

your going out and your coming in with me in the army is good

"I am happy to have you go out and come in with me and my army" or "It is good that you go everywhere with me and my army"

1 Samuel 29:7

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1 Samuel 29:8

my master the king

David speaks as if Achish were another person so that Achish will think David respects him. Alternate translation: "you, my master and king"

1 Samuel 29:9

nevertheless, the princes

"even though that is true, this is more important: the princes" or "however, the princes"

1 Samuel 29:10

your master

The reader should understand that Achish is speaking of Saul.

have light

"can see with the morning sun"

1 Samuel 29:11

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Chapter 30

1 Samuel 30 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

David fights the Amalekites

When David and his men arrive home, they find the Amalekites have raided Ziklag and taken everything. They catch and destroy them and bring back all of their goods and families. Then David sends gifts to all the cities in Judah through which they had traveled.

1 Samuel 30:1

Ziklag

Ziklag is a city in the southern part of Judah. This was where David and his men kept their families.

1 Samuel 30:2

they

the Amalekites

both small and great

Possible meanings are 1) "both unimportant people and important people" or 2) "both physically small and physically large."

1 Samuel 30:3

their wives ... sons ... daughters

belonging to David and his men

it was burned, and their wives ... daughters were taken captive

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "they saw that someone had burned it and taken their wives ... captive"

1 Samuel 30:4

the people that were with him

These were mainly his army of men.

1 Samuel 30:5

General Information:

David finds strength in Yahweh after the raid.

Ahinoam the Jezreelite woman

"Ahinoam from Jezreel"

Nabal the Carmelite

"Nabal the man from Carmel"

Ahinoam ... Abigail

women's names

1 Samuel 30:6

distressed

suffering

all the people were bitter in spirit

The word "bitter" is a metaphor for the desire to rebel. The word "spirit" is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "all the people were ready to rebel against David" or "all the people were very unhappy"

David strengthened himself in Yahweh, his God

Possible meanings are 1) "David took courage because he knew Yahweh his God would help him" or 2) "Yahweh his God made David strong."

1 Samuel 30:7

General Information:

David seeks Yahweh's direction in dealing with the raid on his people.

1 Samuel 30:8

David prayed to Yahweh for direction

The abstract noun "direction" can be translated as a clause. Alternate translation: "David prayed that Yahweh would tell David what David should do"

pursue

chase and try to catch

1 Samuel 30:9

six hundred men

600 men

brook

small stream

1 Samuel 30:10

kept pursuing

"kept chasing them, trying to catch them"

four hundred men

400 men

two hundred

200 men

who were so weak

They were tired from their own raids and now in pursuit of the Amalekites. They no longer had the strength to continue.

1 Samuel 30:11

an Egyptian in a field

He was left there to die from the Amalekite raiding party.

1 Samuel 30:12

clusters of raisins

"clusters of dried grapes"

1 Samuel 30:13

David said to him

David questioned the Egyptian slave.

three days ago

"three days in the past"

three days

3 days

1 Samuel 30:14

a raid

an attack on a town to take property

1 Samuel 30:15

raiding party

a group of armed warriors who attack people or places unexpectedly

you will not ... betray me up into the hands of my master

Here "hands" refers to control. Alternate translation: "you will not ... violate the trust I have in you by allowing my master to control me again"

1 Samuel 30:16

booty

the goods they had stolen in the raid

1 Samuel 30:17

twilight

the time just after the sun goes down until the sky is dark

Not a man escaped except for four hundred young men

This double negative emphasizes that the four hundred young men were the only ones who escaped. Alternate translation: "The only ones who escaped were four hundred young men"

four hundred

400

1 Samuel 30:18

recovered ... rescued

"got back ... got back." These two words translate the same Hebrew word. Your language may also have a word for a person getting his own property back from the person who stole it that is different from the word for a person getting his wife back from those who have captured her.

rescued his two wives

"got his two wives back" or "saved his two wives from danger"

1 Samuel 30:19

Nothing was missing

"None of the items the Amalekites had stolen were lost"

neither small nor great

Possible meanings are 1) "neither unimportant people nor important people" or 2) "neither physically small nor physically large." See how you translated similar words in 1 Samuel 30:2.

booty

goods that the Amelekites had stolen. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 30:16.

1 Samuel 30:20

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1 Samuel 30:21

two hundred

200

the brook Besor

a small stream or creek named Besor. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 30:9]

greeted them

spoke to them in a friendly way

1 Samuel 30:22

the booty

the goods they had taken from the enemy in battle. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 30:16.

we have recovered

"we have regained" or "we have gotten back"

1 Samuel 30:23

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1 Samuel 30:24

Who will listen to you in this matter?

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement: Alternate translation: "No one will listen to you in this matter."

as the share is for anyone who goes

The abstract noun "share" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "as what belongs to anyone who goes"

anyone who goes into battle

the warriors who actually fought the enemy in war

will share and share alike

"will make sure that all receive the same amount"

anyone who waits by the baggage

the people who supported the warriors by managing and guarding their supplies

baggage

belongings that the soldiers left behind when they went into battle

1 Samuel 30:25

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1 Samuel 30:26

Ziklag

This is the name of a town.

booty

goods that David had taken from the Amalekites after the battle. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 30:16.

a present

"a gift"

1 Samuel 30:27

Connecting Statement:

The writer begins a list of towns whose elders received gifts from David.

Bethel ... Jattir

These are names of towns.

1 Samuel 30:28

Connecting Statement:

The writer continues the list that began in 1 Samuel 30:27 of towns whose elders received gifts from David.

Aroer ... Siphmoth ... Eshtemoa

These are names of towns.

1 Samuel 30:29

Connecting Statement:

The writer continues the list that began in 1 Samuel 30:27 of towns whose elders received gifts from David.

Rakal

This is the name of a town.

Jerahmeelites ... Kenites

These are the names of people groups.

1 Samuel 30:30

Connecting Statement:

The writer continues the list that began in 1 Samuel 30:27 of towns whose elders received gifts from David.

Hormah ... Bor Ashan ... Athak

These are names of towns.

1 Samuel 30:31

Connecting Statement:

The writer finishes the list that began in 1 Samuel 30:27 of towns whose elders received gifts from David.

Chapter 31

1 Samuel 31 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the end of the section on Saul, but the book continues in 2 Samuel 1.

Special concepts in this chapter

Saul's punishment

Saul receives his punishment from God: death for his disobedience and resisting the will of God. (See: willofgod)

1 Samuel 31:1

Now the Philistines fought against Israel

This battle was the result of the conflict between David and the Philistines in 1 Samuel 29:11. The writer has finished telling the story of David that began in 1 Samuel 30:1, and now he tells about the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines.

against Israel

"Israel" refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "against the people of Israel"

Mount Gilboa

This is the name of a mountain

1 Samuel 31:2

closely pursued Saul and his sons

"chased Saul and three of his sons"

Abinadab, and Malki-Shua

These are names of men.

1 Samuel 31:3

The battle went heavily against Saul

This is an idiom. "Saul's army began to lose the battle"

1 Samuel 31:4

armor bearer

The armor bearer carried the large shield of his commanding officer and other weapons. He protected the commanding officer during a battle.

these uncircumcised

The nominal adjective "uncircumcised" can be translated as an adjective. Not being circumcised is a metonym for being foreigners. Alternate translation: "these men who have not been circumcised" or "these non-Israelite men"

would not

The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: "would not do what Saul had told him to do"

took his own sword and fell on it

"killed himself with his own sword"

1 Samuel 31:5

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1 Samuel 31:6

that same day

"on that one day"

1 Samuel 31:7

lived in them

lived in the cities the men of Israel had left

1 Samuel 31:8

strip the dead

take the armor and weapons off the dead Israelites' bodies

Mount Gilboa

a mountain range overlooking the Valley of Jezreel in northern Israel, south of Nazareth

1 Samuel 31:9

the land of the Philistines throughout

"all areas of the land of the Philistines"

to carry the news to their idols' temples and to the people

"to speak the news inside the temples and to the people"

their idols' temples

the buildings where they worshiped their idols

1 Samuel 31:10

Ashtoreths

ancient false goddesses and idols, also called "Asherah" or "Astarte"

fastened

attached, probably with a large spike or nail

Beth Shan

the name of a city

1 Samuel 31:11

Jabesh

This is the name of a town. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 11:1]

what the Philistines had done to Saul

"how the Philistines had dishonored Saul"

1 Samuel 31:12

all night

"throughout the whole night"

1 Samuel 31:13

a tamarisk tree

This is a type of tree. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 22:6]

Book: 2 Samuel

Chapter 1

2 Samuel 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetic song in 1:19-27.

This chapter continues the material from 1 Samuel.

Special concepts in this chapter

David's funeral song

David praised Saul and Jonathan as great warriors and Jonathan as his dearest friend.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Synecdoche

David used two figures of speech to express that Jonathan and Saul were great warriors: "the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, and the sword of Saul did not return empty."

2 Samuel 1:1

Ziklag

This is the name of a city in the southern part of Judah.

2 Samuel 1:2

On the third day

"After three days"

with his clothes torn and with dirt on his head

In this culture, tearing one's own clothes and putting dirt on one's head was an act of mourning.

he fell to the ground and bowed down

This was an act of showing submission to David, who was now the king of Israel.

2 Samuel 1:3

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2 Samuel 1:4

Many have fallen and many are dead

Possible meanings are 1) "Many were wounded and many were killed" or 2) "Many were wounded and killed."

2 Samuel 1:5

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2 Samuel 1:6

By chance I happened to be

This statement emphasizes that the man did not plan to meet Saul.

Saul was leaning on his spear

Possible meanings are 1) Saul was weak and using the spear to support himself or 2) Saul was attempting to kill himself by falling on his own spear.

2 Samuel 1:7

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2 Samuel 1:8

He said to me, 'Who are you?' I answered him, 'I am an Amalekite.'

These direct quotations could be stated as indirect speech. Alternate translation: "He asked me who I was, and I told him that I am an Amalekite"

I am an Amalekite

These are the same people David just finished attacking in 2 Samuel 1:1.

2 Samuel 1:9

great suffering has taken hold of me

Saul's suffering is spoken of as something terrible that has grabbed hold of him. Alternate translation: "I am suffering terribly"

life is still in me

This idiom means he is still alive. Alternate translation: "I am still alive"

2 Samuel 1:10

he would not live after he had fallen

"he would die anyway"

2 Samuel 1:11

David tore his clothes ... the men with him did the same

David and his men tore their clothes as a sign of mourning for the death of King Saul.

2 Samuel 1:12

for the people of Yahweh, and for the house of Israel

Both statements mean basically same thing. The word "house" is a metonym that represents the descendants of Israel. But, both "people" and "house" probably are a synecdoche representing the soldiers of Israel. Alternate translation: "for the Israelite soldiers"

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

they had fallen by the sword

Here "fallen" is a polite way of referring to being killed. Also, "sword" represents a battle. This here means "had been killed." Alternate translation: "they had died in battle" or "enemies had killed them in battle"

2 Samuel 1:13

Where are you from?

The man had already stated that he is an Amalekite in 2 Samuel 1:8. David apparently asks the man to confirm this because of the serious judgment that David was going to pronounce on the man.

2 Samuel 1:14

Why were you not afraid to destroy Yahweh's anointed king with your own hand?

This rhetorical question is used to rebuke the man. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should have feared Yahweh and not killed his anointed king with your own hand!"

Yahweh's anointed king

This refers to Saul.

with your own hand

This phrase refers to doing something yourself. Alternate translation: "yourself" or "personally"

2 Samuel 1:15

struck him down

This idiom means "killed him."

2 Samuel 1:16

Your blood is on your head

Here "blood" is a metonym that implies "shed blood" and is associated with death. Here "your head" is a synecdoche referring to the man and means that he is responsible. Alternate translation: "You are responsible for your own death" or "You have caused your own death"

your own mouth has testified against you

Here "your own mouth" refers to the man himself. Alternate translation: "you have testified against yourself"

2 Samuel 1:17

General Information:

David sings a song of mourning for Saul and Jonathan.

2 Samuel 1:18

Song of the Bow

This was the title of the song.

which has been written in the Book of Jashar

This is background information added to tell the reader what happened to the song in the future.

the Book of Jashar

The word "Jashar" means "upright." Alternate translation: "the Book of the Upright"

2 Samuel 1:19

Your glory, Israel, is dead

"Your glory" refers to Saul.

the mighty

The phrase "the mighty" refers to both Saul and Jonathan. This nominal adjective is plural, and can be stated as "the mighty ones."

have fallen

The word "fallen" here means "died."

2 Samuel 1:20

Do not tell it in Gath ... do not proclaim it in the streets of Ashkelon

These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated as part of the poetry of the song.

Gath ... Ashkelon

Gath and Ashkelon are two of the Philistines' major cities. The Philistines killed Saul and Jonathan.

so that the daughters of the Philistines may not rejoice ... so that the daughters of the uncircumcised may not celebrate

These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated as part of the poetry of the song.

the daughters of the uncircumcised

This phrase refers to people who do not follow Yahweh, such as the Philistines.

2 Samuel 1:21

Mountains of Gilboa

David speaks directly to the "Mountains of Gilboa" as if they were listening to his song.

let there not be dew or rain on you

David curses the ground where King Saul died in the battle. This was out of reverence for Saul, who was God's anointed king.

the shield of the mighty was defiled

The "mighty" here refers to Saul. The shield was defiled because it fell on the ground, and because the king's blood was shed on it.

The shield of Saul is no longer anointed with oil

Saul's shield was made of leather. To care for the shield, it was rubbed with oil. Alternate translation: "No one will care for Saul's shield anymore"

2 Samuel 1:22

From the blood of those who have been killed, from the bodies of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, and the sword of Saul did not return empty

Saul and Jonathan are shown here to have been fierce and valiant warriors.

the sword of Saul did not return empty

Saul's sword is spoken of as if it were a living thing that could return on its own. Rather than return empty, it was carrying the blood of Saul's enemies that it killed.

2 Samuel 1:23

in their death they were not separated

The phrase "were not separated" is used to emphasize that they were always together. Alternate translation: "even in death they were together"

They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

Saul and Jonathan were spoken of as if they were faster than eagles and stronger than lions.

2 Samuel 1:24

who clothed you in scarlet as well as jewels, and who put ornaments of gold on your clothing

"who provided you nice clothes and jewelry." These two phrases share similar meanings that describe providing the women with expensive, attractive clothing.

2 Samuel 1:25

How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle

This phrase is repeated in verse 27 to emphasize that Israel's best warriors are dead. Alternate translation: "The mighty men have died in battle"

the mighty

Here "mighty" is plural and may refer to only Saul and Jonathan, or to all of the soldiers of Israel. Alternate translation: "the mighty warriors"

have fallen

This is a polite way to say "have died."

Jonathan is killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jonathan has died in battle" or "The enemy has killed Jonathan"

on your high places

David continues to address this part of the song to the mountains of Gilboa as he started in [2 Samuel 1:21]

2 Samuel 1:26

my brother Jonathan

Here "brother" is used in the sense of a very close friend.

Your love to me was wonderful, exceeding the love of women

Here "love" is used in the sense of friendship and loyalty. Jonathan's loyalty to David was even greater than the loyalty a woman has for her husband and children.

2 Samuel 1:27

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Chapter 2

2 Samuel 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the story of the civil war between Saul's son and David.

Special concepts in this chapter

Civil war

There was a civil war in Israel. David was made king of Judah and Saul's uncle (Abner) made Saul's son (Ishbosheth) king of the rest of Israel. When they fought each other, Abner killed Joab's brother, but David's army was victorious.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical question

Abner finally stopped the battle with a rhetorical question to David's army. "Must the sword devour forever?"

2 Samuel 2:1

After this

"After David mourned the deaths of Saul and Jonathan in battle"

go up to one of the cities of Judah

At this time David was in the city of Ziklag. David used the phrase "go up" because Ziklag was lower in elevation than Judah. Alternate translation: "travel to one of the cities of Judah"

2 Samuel 2:2

David went up with his two wives

At this time David was in the city of Ziklag. The narrator uses the phrase "went up" because Ziklag was lower in elevation than Hebron. Alternate translation: "David traveled to Hebron with his two wives"

2 Samuel 2:3

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2 Samuel 2:4

anointed David king

In this symbolic act, they poured oil on David's head to show that he was selected to be the king.

the house of Judah

Here "house" is used in the sense of "tribe." Alternate translation: "the tribe of Judah"

Jabesh Gilead

This is the name of a town in the region of Gilead.

2 Samuel 2:5

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2 Samuel 2:6

General Information:

David speaks to the people of Jabesh Gilead.

Now may Yahweh show you steadfast love and faithfulness

The abstract nouns "love" and "faithfulness" can be expressed with the verb "loves" and the adjective "faithful." Alternate translation: "Now may Yahweh show you that he loves you without ceasing and is faithful"

this thing

They buried Saul.

2 Samuel 2:7

let your hands be strong

Here "hands" refers to the people of Jabesh Gilead. Alternate translation: "be strong"

anointed me king

In this symbolic act, they poured oil on David's head to show that he was selected to be the king.

2 Samuel 2:8

Ner ... Ish-Bosheth

These are the names of men.

Mahanaim

This is the name of a place.

2 Samuel 2:9

Gilead ... Jezreel

These are the names of places.

2 Samuel 2:10

the house of Judah followed David

Obeying David's rule is spoken of as "following" him. Alternate translation: "the tribe of Judah obeyed David as their king"

house of Judah

Here "house" is used to mean "tribe."

2 Samuel 2:11

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2 Samuel 2:12

Abner ... Ner ... Ish-Bosheth ... Saul

These are the names of men.

2 Samuel 2:13

Zeruiah

This is the name of a man.

2 Samuel 2:14

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2 Samuel 2:15

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2 Samuel 2:16

they fell down together

This is a polite way of saying they died. Alternate translation: "they both died"

Helkath Hazzurim

This is a name given to remind people what happened there.

2 Samuel 2:17

The battle was very severe that day

It may be helpful to explicitly state that this was the large battle that followed the contest of the young men. Alternate translation: "Then the others started to fight also. It was a very fierce battle that day"

2 Samuel 2:18

Zeruiah ... Joab ... Abishai ... Asahel

These are the names of men.

Asahel was swift in his feet like a wild gazelle

Here Asahel is compared to a gazelle, an animal that runs very fast. Alternate translation: "Asahel could run very fast"

wild gazelle

This small, four-legged animal, with two long horns on its head, runs very fast.

2 Samuel 2:19

Abner

This is the name of a man.

followed him without turning away in any direction

Here "without turning away" is stated in negative form to emphasize how closely he followed Abner's path. Alternate translation: "followed him wherever he went"

2 Samuel 2:20

Asahel

This is the name of a man.

2 Samuel 2:21

Turn aside to your right or to your left ... turn aside

"Stop chasing me ... stop chasing Abner"

seize one of the young men and take his armor

Abner was asking Asahel to kill and plunder another younger soldier who would not be as dangerous as Abner. He did not want to kill Asahel. Alternate translation: "fight with another soldier and take his equipment as plunder"

2 Samuel 2:22

Why should I strike you to the ground?

This rhetorical question is used to warn Asahel of the danger he faced. "Strike to the ground" is a polite way of saying "to kill." Alternate translation: "I do not wish to kill you"

How then could I hold up my face to Joab, your brother?

This rhetorical question emphasizes that Abner does not want to fight and kill Asahel because it would destroy Abner's relationship with Joab. Here "hold up my face to Joab" is an idiom that means that he would be too ashamed to look at Joab. Alternate translation: "I would be too ashamed to look at your brother, Joab"

2 Samuel 2:23

turn aside

This means to "halt" or "stop chasing."

the blunt end of his spear

This refers to the handle, which is not sharp or designed to pierce anything. It can be implied that Abner was only trying to stop Asahel from following him, and did not intend to kill him.

2 Samuel 2:24

Abishai

This is the name of a man.

hill of Ammah ... Giah

These are the names of places.

2 Samuel 2:25

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2 Samuel 2:26

Abner called

"Abner shouted" or "Abner yelled"

Must the sword devour forever?

This rhetorical question emphasizes that the battle had already continued too long. Here "sword" refers to the fighting. The killing in the battle is spoken of as if a wild animal was eating the soldiers. Alternate translation: "We do not need to keep using our swords to fight and kill each other."

Do you not know it will be bitter in the end?

This rhetorical question is used to force Joab to acknowledge that continued fighting could only result in more suffering. Here "bitter" is a euphemism for the terrible suffering that would occur. Alternate translation: "You know very well that there will be a terrible result if this continues!"

How long will it be before you tell your men to stop pursuing their brothers?

This rhetorical question is intended to convince Joab to stop fighting their fellow Israelites. Here "brother" is used to represent the members of the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: "Stop this now so that Israelites will not have to kill each other!"

2 Samuel 2:27

Just as God lives

This is a very strong vow. Alternate translation: "With God as my witness" or "God will affirm that I mean what I say"

if you had not said that ... pursued their brothers until the morning

Joab spoke about what did not happen to show how good it was that Abner said what he said. Because Abner said what he said, Joab would tell his soldiers to stop chasing their brothers.

2 Samuel 2:28

blew the ram's horn

Trumpets were used to signal orders to the armies across great distances.

did not pursue Israel

Here "Israel" refers to the Israelite soldiers. Alternate translation: "did not continue to chase the Israelite soldiers"

2 Samuel 2:29

Arabah ... Mahanaim

These are the names of places.

2 Samuel 2:30

his people

"his men" or "his fighting men"

Asahel

This is the name of a man.

David's servants

"David's soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22.

2 Samuel 2:31

from Benjamin and of Abner's men 360 men

"360 men from Benjamin who followed Abner." Abner did not die.

360 men

"three hundred and sixty men"

from Benjamin

This phrase means "from the tribe of Benjamin."

2 Samuel 2:32

took up Asahel

"carried Asahel's body with them"

the day dawned on them at Hebron

"they arrived at Hebron by dawn the next morning"

Chapter 3

2 Samuel 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the first attempt to end the civil war.

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetic song in 3:33-34.

Special concepts in this chapter

David never wanted to hurt Saul's family. Isbosheth criticized Abner and Abner became angry. He decided to help David become king of all of Israel. Abner came and made a treaty with David. As he left, Joab arrived and told him he wanted to talk to him and he murdered Abner. David was very unhappy that Abner had been killed.

2 Samuel 3:1

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here Samuel gives information about the war between David and the supporters of Saul.

house

Here "house" is used to mean "supporters."

grew stronger and stronger

This metaphor means the number of people supporting David increased.

grew weaker and weaker

This metaphor means the number of people supporting Saul's family decreased.

2 Samuel 3:2

Sons were born to David

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "David's wives gave birth to six sons"

Ahinoam

This is the name of a woman, a wife of David.

2 Samuel 3:3

second son ... third

These two sons were born after the "firstborn"

Abigail ... Maakah

These are women's names. They are the wives of David.

Kileab ... Nabal ... Talmai

These are men's names.

2 Samuel 3:4

fourth son ... fifth son

This is the numerical order of David's sons.

Adonijah ... Shephatiah

These are the names of David's sons.

Haggith ... Abital

These are names of David's wives.

2 Samuel 3:5

the sixth

This is the numerical order of David's sons.

Ithream

This is the name of one of David's sons.

Eglah

This is the name of one of David's wives.

2 Samuel 3:6

It came about

This introduces a new event in the story of the struggle between David's supporters and Saul's family.

house of Saul

This refers to Saul's family and supporters who assumed control of his estate after he died.

house of David

This refers to the supporters of David.

Abner made himself strong in the house of Saul

Abner's increasing power over Saul's family is spoken of as if he became physically stronger. Alternate translation: "Abner gained more power over the family and supporters of Saul"

2 Samuel 3:7

Rizpah ... Aiah

These are names of women.

Ish-Bosheth

This is a male name, a son of Saul.

Why have you gone to my father's concubine?

Ish-Bosheth asked this question to rebuke Abner who was acting like he was the king. Alternate translation: "You did not have the right to go to father's concubine!"

gone to

This is a euphemism for sexual relations. Alternate translation: "had sexual relations with"

2 Samuel 3:8

Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah?

This question is used by Abner as an angry denial of Ish-Bosheth's accusation. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am not a traitor working for David!"

Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah?

Abner speaks of himself as the head of a dog, which the Israelites considered to be loyal to anyone who fed them. Here "belongs to Judah" implies that Abner's loyalty is to Judah, to which David belonged, and not to Saul's house. Alternate translation: "Am I a traitor for Judah?" or "I am not a traitor working for David!"

into the hand of David

Here "hand" represents the power to defeat. Alternate translation: "to be defeated by David"

But now you accuse me of iniquity concerning this woman?

Abner asks this question to rebuke Ishbosheth. It is unclear if Abner actually slept with Rizpah, or if he was falsely accused, but it appears that he is denying that he is guilty. Alternate translation: "You should not think that I have slept with this woman!"

2 Samuel 3:9

May God do so to me ... and more also, if I do not

This is the form of a solemn vow in that time. Abner is asking God to judge him severely if he does not keep his vow. Your language may have a way of expressing vows. Alternate translation: "I am asking God to punish me if I do not"

2 Samuel 3:10

the house of Saul

Here "house" refers to Saul's family and supporters who survived Saul's death. Alternate translation: "the family and supporters of Saul"

throne of David

This phrase refers to the authority of David as king.

2 Samuel 3:11

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2 Samuel 3:12

to David

Some versions have "to David when he was at Hebron." You may want to include "when he was at Hebron" if it is present in your national version.

Whose land is this?

The original meaning of this question is not clear. Possible meanings are 1) Abner had the power to give the land to David. Alternate translation: "This land is mine!" or 2) David is chosen by God to rule the land: Alternate translation: "This land rightfully belongs to you!"

my hand is with you

Here "hand" represents Abner's assistance that he is offering to David. Alternate translation: "I will assist you"

2 Samuel 3:13

you cannot see my face unless you first bring Michal

David is stating the condition under which he will meet Abner. Here "face" refers to David himself. Alternate translation: "you cannot see me unless you bring Michal to me first"

Michal

This is the name of a daughter of Saul. She was David's first wife.

2 Samuel 3:14

one hundred Philistine foreskins

This represents the number of men David killed so that Saul would allow him to marry Michal. These men are represented here by their "foreskins." The "foreskin" is the fold of skin that covers the male reproductive organ.

2 Samuel 3:15

took her from her husband

Paltiel was Michal's second husband. Saul gave her to him after David fled from Saul.

Paltiel ... Laish

These are the names of men.

2 Samuel 3:16

Bahurim

This is the name of a village.

2 Samuel 3:17

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2 Samuel 3:18

Now do it

"So now make David your king"

By the hand of my servant David

Here "hand" refers to David's power to defeat the Philistines. Alternate translation: "I will empower my servant David and"

the hand of the Philistines

Here "hand" refers to power over Israel. Alternate translation: "the power of the Philistines"

the hand of all their enemies

Here "hand" refers to power over Israel. Alternate translation: "the power of all of their enemies"

2 Samuel 3:19

the people of Benjamin ... the whole house of Benjamin

Both of these statements refer to the descendants of Benjamin, who were one of the tribes of Israel.

2 Samuel 3:20

twenty of his men

The number of men who came with Abner.

2 Samuel 3:21

all Israel

This phrase means "all of the nation of Israel."

So David sent Abner away

They parted as friends. David was not angry with Abner.

2 Samuel 3:22

servants of David

"David's soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22.

plunder

These are items taken from the enemy.

Abner was not with David in Hebron

Abner had already left to return home.

2 Samuel 3:23

they told Joab

"someone told Joab"

Ner

This is a man's name. He is the grandfather of Saul.

2 Samuel 3:24

What have you done?

Joab asks this question to rebuke David for letting Abner go in peace. Alternate translation: "You should not have done this!"

Why have you sent him away, and he is gone?

Joab asks this question to rebuke David for letting Abner escape. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Abner was here and you let him leave!"

2 Samuel 3:25

Do you not know ... everything you are doing?

Joab asks this question to convince David that Abner is plotting against David. Alternate translation: "Surely you know ... everything you are doing."

2 Samuel 3:26

well of Sirah

"Sirah" is the name of a place where the well was located.

2 Samuel 3:27

the middle of the gate

This refers to one of the gates in the city wall at Hebron. As the UDB implies, city gates were constructed as part of buildings set into the city walls. Inside the passageway were doors leading to side rooms, where guests could be received and business and judicial proceedings could be conducted. It was probably in one of these rooms that Joab murdered Abner.

the blood of Asahel

Here "blood" is associated with the death of Asahel. Alternate translation: "the death of Asahel"

Asahel

This is the name of a male person.

2 Samuel 3:28

the blood of Abner

Here "blood" refers to violent death. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Samuel 3:27]

Ner

This is the name of a man.

2 Samuel 3:29

fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father's house

This phrase means the results of the guilt will happen to Joab and his family as if something heavy had collapsed on them. Alternate translation: "always cause suffering for Joab and for all his father's house"

all his father's house

Here "house" refers to descendants. Alternate translation: "all the descendants of Joab's father"

May Joab's house never be without someone

This double negative emphasizes that there will always be someone with the problems listed. Alternate translation: "May Joab's house always have someone" (See: )

is killed by the sword

Here "sword" refers to violent death. Alternate translation: "dies violently"

does not have enough food

"is hungry"

2 Samuel 3:30

Abishai ... Asahel

These are the names of men.

2 Samuel 3:31

Tear your clothes, gird yourselves with sackcloth

These were symbolic actions to demonstrate their grief and sadness.

2 Samuel 3:32

The king wept and cried loudly

The words "wept" and "cried loudly" mean basically the same thing and emphasize how much David mourned for Abner.

2 Samuel 3:33

Should Abner die as a fool dies?

This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that his death was not fair. Alternate translation: "Abner should not have died in disgrace!"

2 Samuel 3:34

Your hands were not bound. Your feet were not shackled

These two sentences express similar ideas. They can be combined into one sentence. Alternate translation: "You were in no way a criminal in prison" or "You were completely innocent of doing wrong"

Your hands were not bound

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one had tied your hands"

Your feet were not shackled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one had attached your feet to chains"

the sons of injustice

This refers to people who are unjust or wicked. Alternate translation: "wicked men"

2 Samuel 3:35

All the people came

This deliberate exaggeration is used to show that the nation of Israel wanted to take care of David in his grief. Alternate translation: "Many people came"

May God do so to me, and more also, if

This is the form of a solemn vow in that time. David is asking God to judge him severely if he eats anything before sunset. Your language many have a way of expressing vows. Alternate translation: "I am asking God to punish me if"

2 Samuel 3:36

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2 Samuel 3:37

Ner

This is the name of a man.

2 Samuel 3:38

Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?

This rhetorical question is used to show how much David respected Abner. Here "fallen" is a euphemism that means "died." It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is certainly true that a great prince has died today in Israel!"

a prince and a great man

These two phrases both refer to Abner. Alternate translation: "a great prince"

2 Samuel 3:39

Zeruiah

This is the name of a man.

are too severe

"are too much like animals" or "are too violent"

Chapter 4

2 Samuel 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

While the end of the civil war occurs in this chapter, David still only reigned over Judah (1-4).

Special concepts in this chapter

David and Ishbosheth

David never sought revenge against Saul's family. When two men snuck into Ishbosheth's room, cut off his head and brought it to David, David had them killed for killing an innocent man. (See: avenge)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

When two men brought Ishbosheth's head to David and expected to get a reward for it, David condemned them with the rhetorical question: "should I not now require his blood from your hand, and remove you from the earth?" (See: and condemn and reward)

2 Samuel 4:1

Ish-Bosheth

This is the name of a man.

his hands became weak

In this phrase "his hands" represents Ishbosheth himself. Alternate translation: "Ishbosheth became weak" or "Ishbosheth lost all strength"

2 Samuel 4:2

Baanah ... Rekab ... Rimmon

These are names of men.

Now Saul's son had two men

This introduces the men Baanah and Rechab into the story.

for Beeroth is also considered part of Benjamin

Here the author begins to provide background information about Beeroth for the reader. The area of Beeroth was part of the land that belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.

Beeroth

This is the name of a place.

2 Samuel 4:3

and the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have been living there until this very time

Here the author finishes providing background information about Beeroth for the reader. The area of Beeroth was part of the land that belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.

Gittaim

This is the name of a place.

2 Samuel 4:4

General Information:

This verse pauses the main story to provide background information about Mephibosheth, a descendent of Saul through Jonathan instead of through Ishbosheth. Mephibosheth will become an important character later in the book.

crippled in his feet

This phrase means "unable to walk."

five years old

This was the age of Jonathan's son at the time of his father's death.

the news about Saul and Jonathan

This refers to the news about their death.

nurse

This is a woman or girl who is hired to care for young children.

became lame

This explains how Mephibosheth was injured so he was unable to walk.

Mephibosheth

This is the name of Jonathan's young son, the grandson of Saul.

2 Samuel 4:5

General Information:

The story returns to the actions of Rechab and Baanah who were introduced in 2 Samuel 4:2.

the heat of the day

the middle of the day, the part of the day when it is the hottest

2 Samuel 4:6

sifting wheat

"cleaning chaff from wheat"

2 Samuel 4:7

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2 Samuel 4:8

sought your life

This idiom means "was trying to kill you."

2 Samuel 4:9

As Yahweh lives

This is one of the strongest oaths David could swear, as Yahweh is the witness. Alternate translation: "I swear on the life of Yahweh"

who delivered my life

Here "life" refers to David himself. This means that Yahweh has kept David alive. Alternate translation: "who rescued me"

2 Samuel 4:10

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2 Samuel 4:11

How much more ... should I not now require his blood from your hand and completely remove you from the earth?

This question is used to show that the men had committed an especially serious crime. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are even more guilty! It is my duty to require his blood from your hand and to remove you from the earth."

require his blood from your hand

The phrase "his blood" represents the life of Ishbosheth. Here "from your hand" represents Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, introduced in [2 Samuel 4:5]

2 Samuel 4:12

cut off their hands and feet and hung them up

These were symbolic actions to show contempt for the men.

they took the head of Ish-Bosheth and buried it in the grave

This was a symbolic act to honor Ish-Bosheth. This could be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "they honored Ish-Bosheth by burying his head in the grave"

Chapter 5

2 Samuel 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This records the beginning of the kingdom's expansion.

Special concepts in this chapter

David conquers Jerusalem

David brought the combined army to Jerusalem and conquered it by going in through the water shaft. He enlarged the city and strengthened the defenses, and made it his capital. Jerusalem is an important place in the plans of God.

David consulting God

David always consulted God before fighting a battle. The Philistines invaded Israel trying to capture David. David asked God if he should attack the Philistines, and God said yes; so he defeated them. They invaded again and God told him to attack them from the rear and he defeated them again.

2 Samuel 5:1

we are your flesh and bone

This phrase means "a relative." Alternate translation: "we are related to you" or "we are of the same family"

2 Samuel 5:2

In the recent past

This is historical information. Saul had been their king before David.

You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become ruler over Israel

These two clauses mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh had chosen David to be king.

You will shepherd my people Israel

Here ruling over the people is spoken of as shepherding them. Alternate translation: "You will care for my people Israel" or "You will rule over my people Israel"

2 Samuel 5:3

They anointed David king over Israel

To "anoint" is a symbolic act to show that they recognized that God had chosen David as king.

2 Samuel 5:4

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2 Samuel 5:5

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2 Samuel 5:6

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David and the army of Israel attack Jerusalem.

You will not come here except to be turned away by the blind and the lame

This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "If you come here, even the blind and the lame will be able to turn you away"

the blind and the lame

Here "the blind" and "the lame" are nominal adjectives. Alternate translation: "those people who cannot see and those who cannot walk"

2 Samuel 5:7

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2 Samuel 5:8

David said, "Those who attack the Jebusites

David was speaking to his soldiers. Alternate translation: "David said to his soldiers, 'Those who want to get rid of the Jebus people"

The 'blind and the lame'

These words could be either 1) a literal reference to people who are truly lame and blind or 2) a metonym that speaks about the Jebusites inside the city of Jerusalem as if they were all weak and handicapped.

2 Samuel 5:9

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2 Samuel 5:10

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2 Samuel 5:11

Hiram

This is the name of a man.

carpenters

those who work with wood

masons

those who work with stone or brick

2 Samuel 5:12

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2 Samuel 5:13

more sons and daughters were born to him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he had more sons and daughters" or "they bore him more sons and daughters"

2 Samuel 5:14

Shammua ... Shobab ... Nathan ... Solomon

These are the names of David's sons.

who were born to him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that his wives bore for him" or "he had"

2 Samuel 5:15

Ibhar ... Elishua ... Nepheg ... Japhia

These are the names of David's sons.

2 Samuel 5:16

Elishama ... Eliada ... Eliphelet

These are the names of David's sons.

2 Samuel 5:17

David had been anointed as king over Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Israel had anointed David as king"

they all went out looking for him

Here "all" is a generalization that means the Philistine army. Alternate translation: "the Philistine army went looking for him"

2 Samuel 5:18

Valley of Rephaim

This is the name of a place.

2 Samuel 5:19

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2 Samuel 5:20

Baal Perazim

This is the name of a place.

Yahweh has burst through my enemies before me like a bursting flood of water

Here David speaks of the victory that Yahweh brought as if it were a flood of water that overflowed its banks and covered the land, causing destruction. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has overwhelmed my enemies like a flood overwhelms the land"

2 Samuel 5:21

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2 Samuel 5:22

the Philistines came up again

They "came up" because the Philistines lived at a lower elevation than David's stronghold.

Valley of Rephaim

This is the name of a place.

2 Samuel 5:23

balsam woods

"Balsam" here is a type of tree, and the "woods" describe many balsam trees growing together.

2 Samuel 5:24

When you hear ... Yahweh will have gone out before you to attack the army of the Philistines

This is the continuation of Yahweh's instruction to David that began in [2 Samuel 5:23]

When you hear the sound of marching in the wind blowing through the balsam treetops

This speaks of the sound of the leaves rustling as wind blows through them as if it were the sound of marching. Alternate translation: "When the wind blowing through the tops of the balsam trees sounds like men marching"

2 Samuel 5:25

Geba ... Gezer

These are the names of places.

Chapter 6

2 Samuel 6 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem

David organized a procession with many musical instruments to bring the ark to Jerusalem. They put it on a cart; but when the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady it so it would not fall. God killed him for touching the ark. David was angry at God for killing Uzzah and was afraid to bring the ark any further. Uzzah died because the ark was perfectly holy. (See: holy)

Dancing

David danced for joy in front of the ark. His wife, Michal, criticized David for uncovering himself as he danced, but David did not care. (See: joy)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Irony

Michal criticized David by using irony: "How honored the king of Israel was today, who undressed himself today before the eyes of the slave girls among his servants, like one of the crude fellows who shamelessly undresses himself!"

2 Samuel 6:1

Now

This word marks a new part of the story.

all the chosen men of Israel

This metonym represents the army of the nation of Israel.

thirty thousand

"30,000"

2 Samuel 6:2

from Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God

It is implied that they are taking the ark to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "from Baalah in Judah to take to Jerusalem the ark of God"

to bring up from there the ark of God

Jerusalem was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of going up to Jerusalem and going down from it.

to bring up

The word "bring" can be translated as "take."

Baalah

This is the name of a place.

which is called by the name of Yahweh of hosts

Yahweh's name was written on the ark.

who sits enthroned over the cherubim

You may need to make explicit that the cherubim are those on the lid of the ark of the covenant. The biblical writers often spoke of the ark of the covenant as if it were Yahweh's footstool upon which he rested his feet as he sat on his throne in heaven above. Alternate translation: "who sits on his throne above the cherubim on the ark of the covenant"

enthroned

to sit on a throne

2 Samuel 6:3

General Information:

David and the army of the nation of Israel move the ark of the covenant.

Abinadab ... Uzzah ... Ahio

These are names of men.

2 Samuel 6:4

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2 Samuel 6:5

all the house of Israel

This metonym represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "all the other Israelites with him"

tambourines

A tambourine is a musical instrument like the head of a drum with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instrument is shaken or hit.

rattles

musical instruments with many small, hard objects inside a hard shell, making rhythmic noise when shaken

cymbals

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound

2 Samuel 6:6

Nakon

This is the name of a man.

2 Samuel 6:7

anger of Yahweh burned

Here the "anger of Yahweh" is spoken of as if it were fire.

for his sin

It was a sin for Uzzah to touch the ark because Yahweh had commanded that no one should touch the ark.

2 Samuel 6:8

Perez Uzzah

This is the name of a place. Translator may add a footnote that says, "The name 'Perez Uzzah' means 'the punishment of Uzzah.'"

to this day

This means to the time when this was being written, not to the present time in the twenty-first century.

2 Samuel 6:9

How can the ark of Yahweh come to me?

David uses this question to emphasize that he is afraid to take the ark to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "I am too afraid to bring the ark of Yahweh with me to Jerusalem."

2 Samuel 6:10

Obed-Edom the Gittite

This is the name of a man.

2 Samuel 6:11

blessed him

Here "him" refers to Obed-Edom the Gittite.

2 Samuel 6:12

Now

This word starts a new part of the story.

King David was told

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people told King David"

Obed-Edom's house

Here "house" represents a family. Alternate translation: "Obed-Edom and his family"

brought up the ark of God

Jerusalem was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of going up to Jerusalem and going down from it. Alternate translation: "moved the ark of God" or "took the ark of God"

brought up

The word "brought" can be translated as "took."

2 Samuel 6:13

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2 Samuel 6:14

David danced before Yahweh with all his might

Dancing here is a form of joyfully worshiping Yahweh.

linen

a cloth made from fibers of the flax plant

2 Samuel 6:15

all the house of Israel

Here "house" represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "all the other Israelites with him"

2 Samuel 6:16

Now ... in her heart

The word "Now" marks a stop in the story. Here the narrator gives information about Michal.

Michal

Michal was the daughter of King Saul and also David's first wife. See how you translated this name in 2 Samuel 3:13.

she despised him in her heart

Here "heart" represents thoughts or emotions. Alternate translation: "she looked at him with disdain" or "she sneered at him"

before Yahweh

"to Yahweh"

2 Samuel 6:17

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2 Samuel 6:18

he blessed the people in the name of Yahweh of hosts

To bless "in the name of Yahweh of hosts" means to bless with Yahweh's power and authority or as his representative.

2 Samuel 6:19

cake of raisins

a baked sweet bread made with dried grapes

2 Samuel 6:20

came out

Here "came" can be translated as "went."

How honored the king of Israel was today

This is an ironic statement. Michal means the opposite of what she said, and she does not believe David acted honorably. Michal speaks disrespectfully to King David about his dancing attire and behavior.

before the eyes of the slave girls

Here "eyes of the slave girls" represents the slave girls. Alternate translation: "in front of the slave girls"

crude fellows

Michal is comparing David to vulgar and foolish men.

2 Samuel 6:21

who chose me above your father

Here "your" refers to Michal.

over the people of Yahweh, over Israel

Here "the people of Yahweh" and "Israel" mean the same thing.

2 Samuel 6:22

I will be even more undignified than this

David is being ironic and means the opposite of what he said. He does not believe what he did was actually undignified or that his actions in the future will be undignified.

I will be humiliated in my own eyes

Here "in my own eyes" represents what a person considers or thinks about something. Alternate translation: "I will consider myself humiliated" or "I will consider myself a fool"

But by these slave girls you have spoken about, I will be honored

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But the slave girls of whom you have spoken will honor me"

2 Samuel 6:23

had no children to the day of her death

"was never able to bear any children"

Chapter 7

2 Samuel 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the finishing of a small interruption about the house of God. (See: houseofgod)

Special concepts in this chapter

David wanted to honor God by building him a temple. God told David that he would not build it, but his son would build it. (See: temple)

Covenant of David

God made a covenant with David that was not conditioned upon anything David or his descendants did. God promised that one of David's descendants would rule Israel forever. Because Israel would not have a king in the future, this promise did not begin at this time. The descendant, who would rule forever, is Jesus. (See: covenant and promise and eternity)

2 Samuel 7:1

It happened

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

given him rest from all his surrounding enemies

"given him safety from all his surrounding enemies." Here "rest" is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: "caused the enemy people groups to stop attacking Israel"

2 Samuel 7:2

I am living in a house of cedar

Cedar is a kind of tree that is known for its strength. If you have an equivalent type of tree in your culture, you can use that name, otherwise you can reword this. Alternate translation: "I am living in a strong, permanent house"

the ark of God is staying in the middle of a tent

Tents are temporary dwellings. If you do not have tents in your culture, you can word this differently. Alternate translation: "the ark of God is staying in a temporary place"

2 Samuel 7:3

do what is in your heart

Here "heart" represents the mind. Alternate translation: "do what you think you should"

for Yahweh is with you

Here "with you" means God is helping and blessing David.

2 Samuel 7:4

the word of Yahweh came to Nathan, saying:

The idiom "the word of Yahweh came to" is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: "Yahweh gave a message to Nathan. He said," or "Yahweh spoke this message to Nathan:"

2 Samuel 7:5

Go and tell David my servant, 'This is what Yahweh says: Will you build me a house in which to live?

This is the beginning of a quotation that contains quotations within it.

Will you build me a house in which to live?

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that David is not the one to build a house for Yahweh. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You will not build a house for me"

build me a house

Here the word "house" means a temple. Later Yahweh will say that he will build a house for David, but there the word "house" means a family. If your language has a word that can express both ideas, use it here.

2 Samuel 7:6

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2 Samuel 7:7

did I ever say anything to anyone from the tribes of Israel whom I appointed to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?"

This has a quotation within a quotation and one rhetorical question inside another rhetorical question. The direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation, and the rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "did I ever ask any of Israel's leaders whom I appointed to shepherd my people Israel why they had not built me a house of cedar?" or "I never asked any of Israel's leaders whom I appointed to shepherd my people Israel why they had not built me a house of cedar." or "I never said anything to any of Israel's leaders whom I appointed to shepherd my people Israel. I never said, 'Why have you not built me a house of cedar.'" or "I never said anything to any of Israel's leaders whom I appointed to shepherd my people Israel. I never said, 'You should have built me a house of cedar.'"

anyone from the tribes of Israel whom I appointed to shepherd my people Israel

The referent of "whom I appointed" is "anyone," not "tribes." Of those from the tribes of Israel whom he had appointed to shepherd, he had told none to build him a house.

whom I appointed to shepherd my people Israel

Those who are leaders of the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were shepherds and the people were sheep.

Why have you not built me a house of cedar?

If Yahweh had asked the leaders this question, he would have been using a question to scold them for not building him a house of cedar. But, Yahweh said previously that he did not ask them this question. Alternate translation: "You should have built me a house of cedar."

2 Samuel 7:8

General Information:

Yahweh describes his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

tell my servant David, 'This is what Yahweh of hosts says: I took you ... so that you would be ruler over my people Israel.

This has quotations within quotations. It may be necessary to translate the direct quotations as indirect quotations, as in the UDB. Alternate translation: "tell my servant David that I took him ... so that he would be ruler over my people Israel"

tell my servant David

Yahweh is still telling the prophet Nathan what he should tell David.

I took you from the pasture

David's job as a shepherd is referred to by the place he watched his sheep. Alternate translation: "I took you from your job as a shepherd"

2 Samuel 7:9

I have been with you wherever you went. I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the great ones of the earth

This continues the quotations within quotations. It may be necessary to translate the direct quotations as indirect quotations, as in the UDB. Alternate translation: "I have been with him wherever he went. I have cut off all his enemies from before him. Now I will make his name great, like the name of the great ones of the earth"

I have been with you

Here "with you" means that Yahweh has helped and blessed David.

I have cut off all your enemies

Yahweh destroying David's enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh cut them off, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree.

make your name great

Here "name" represents a person's reputation.

the great ones

The phrase "great ones" means famous persons.

2 Samuel 7:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

I will appoint a place

"I will choose a place"

will plant them there

Yahweh causing the people to live in the land permanently and securely is spoken of as if he would plant them in the land.

be troubled no more

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will ever trouble them"

2 Samuel 7:11

from the days

"from the time"

I commanded judges

After the people of Israel entered the land of Canaan and before they had kings to rule them, God appointed leaders called "judges" to lead them in times of trouble.

to be over my people Israel

To be in authority is referred to as being over someone. Alternate translation: "to rule my people Israel"

Now I will give you rest from all your enemies ... Yahweh declares to you that Yahweh will make you a house

If in [2 Samuel 7:8]

I will give you rest from all your enemies

"I will give you safety from all your enemies." Here "rest" is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: "I will make all your enemies stop attacking you"

Yahweh will make you a house

Here the metonym "house" refers to David's ancestors continuing on as the rulers of Israel. In [2 Samuel 7:4]

2 Samuel 7:12

General Information:

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers

These two phrases have similar meanings and are combined for emphasis. They both are polite ways to refer to death and dying.

I will raise up a descendant after you

Yahweh appointing David's descendant is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift him up.

one who will come out from your body

This is an idiom that means the person will be David's descendant.

I will establish his kingdom

Here "his kingdom" represents his power to rule. Alternate translation: "I will make him to be a very powerful king"

2 Samuel 7:13

a house for my name

Here "name" refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "a permanent dwelling for me"

I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever

Here "throne" represents the person's power to rule as king. Alternate translation: "I will make his rule over Israel to last forever"

2 Samuel 7:14

I will be a father to him, and he will be my son

The prophecy in 7:12-14 refers to Solomon, David's son. But, aspects of the prophecy will be fulfilled by Jesus. So, here it is best to translate the words "father" and "son" with your normal words for a biological father and son.

2 Samuel 7:15

General Information:

Yahweh finishes describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

But my covenant faithfulness will not leave him, as I took it from Saul

The word "faithfulness" is an abstract noun that can be stated as "faithfully loving." Alternate translation: "I will never stop faithfully loving him as I stopped loving Saul"

from before you

If in [2 Samuel 7:8]

2 Samuel 7:16

Your house ... before you. Your throne

If in [2 Samuel 7:8]

Your house and kingdom will be confirmed forever before you. Your throne will be established forever.

These two sentences have similar meanings and emphasize that David's dynasty will last forever.

Your house and kingdom will be confirmed forever before you

Here the word "house" represents David's descendants, who will rule as kings. Here "kingdom" means about the same thing as "house." This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You will live to see me establish your family and their rule over the people of Israel forever"

Your throne will be established forever

Here "throne" represents the power to rule as king. Alternate translation: "I will cause your descendants to rule over Israel forever"

2 Samuel 7:17

all these words

"all these things." This refers to what Yahweh had said.

he told him about the entire vision

"he told him about everything Yahweh revealed to him"

2 Samuel 7:18

Who am I, Lord Yahweh, and what is my family that you have brought me to this point?

David asks this question to express the deep emotion he felt from hearing Yahweh's proclamation. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "My family and I are not worthy of this honor, Lord Yahweh."

2 Samuel 7:19

in your sight

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in your judgment"

your servant's family

Here David refers to himself as "your servant." This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "my family"

for a great while to come

This speaks about time as if it were something that travels and arrives somewhere. Alternate translation: "and what will happen to them in the future"

your servant

Here David refers to himself as "your servant." This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "me"

2 Samuel 7:20

What more can I, David, say to you?

David uses this question to emphasize that he has nothing left to say to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "There is nothing more I can say to you."

2 Samuel 7:21

For your word's sake

"Because of what you promised to do"

to fulfill your own purpose

"to accomplish what you planned to do"

to your servant

David refers to himself as "your servant." It can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "to me"

2 Samuel 7:22

as we have heard with our own ears

The phrase "with our own ears" is used for emphasis. Alternate translation: "as we ourselves have heard"

as we have heard

Here "we" refers to David and the nation of Israel.

2 Samuel 7:23

What nation is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom you, God, went and rescued for yourself?

David uses a question emphasize that there is no other nation like Israel. Alternate translation: "There is no nation like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom you, God, went and rescued for yourself."

to make a name for yourself

Here "name" represents Yahweh's reputation. Alternate translation: "to make all people know who you are"

for your land

Here "land" represents the people. Alternate translation: "for your people"

You drove out nations

Here "nations" represents the people groups that were living in Canaan.

2 Samuel 7:24

General Information:

David continues to talk to Yahweh.

2 Samuel 7:25

So now

Here "now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

may the promise that you made concerning your servant and his family be established forever

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "may you do what you promised to me and my family, and may your promise never change"

your servant and his family

David is speaking about himself in the third person. This can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: "me and my family"

2 Samuel 7:26

May your name be forever great

Here "name" represents Yahweh's reputation.

the house of me, David, your servant

Here "house" represents family. Alternate translation: "my family"

is established before you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "is secure because of you" or "continues because of you"

2 Samuel 7:27

to your servant that you will build him a house

David refers to himself as "your servant." Alternate translation: "to me that you will build me a house"

that you will build him a house

Here the metonym "house" refers to David's ancestors continuing on as the rulers of Israel. In [2 Samuel 7:4]

house

Here "house" represents David's family.

2 Samuel 7:28

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

your words are trustworthy

"I trust what you say"

2 Samuel 7:29

with your blessing your servant's house will be blessed forever

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will continue to bless my family forever"

your servant's house

Here David refers to himself as "your servant." Alternate translation: "my house" or "my family"

Chapter 8

2 Samuel 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter returns to the theme of the expansion of David's kingdom.

Special concepts in this chapter

God enabled victory

God enabled David to conquer all the surrounding nations. Much of the loot and tribute David received, he saved for the temple that his son would build.

2 Samuel 8:1

David defeated

Here "David" represents his soldiers. Alternate translation: "David and his soldiers attacked"

2 Samuel 8:2

Then he defeated

Here "he" refers to David who represents his soldiers. Alternate translation: "Then they defeated"

measured their men with a line ... He measured off two lines to put to death, and one full line to keep alive

Here the "line" is a "rope." David had the soldiers lie down on the ground to be measured and sorted into three groups. The men in two groups were killed, and in the third, they were allowed to live.

2 Samuel 8:3

David then defeated Hadadezer

Here both "David" and "Hadadezer" represent their armies. Alternate translation: "David and his army then defeated the army of Hadadezer"

Hadadezer ... Rehob

These are the names of men.

Zobah

This is the name of a region in Aram.

to recover his rule

"to regain control over a region" or "to recapture a region"

2 Samuel 8:4

1,700 chariots

"one thousand seven hundred chariots"

twenty thousand footmen

"20,000 footmen"

David hamstrung

This is a practice where the tendons in the backs of the legs are cut so that the horses cannot run.

reserved enough

"set aside enough" or "saved enough"

a hundred chariots

"100 chariots"

2 Samuel 8:5

David killed

Here David represents his soldiers. Alternate translation: "David and his soldiers killed"

twenty-two thousand Aramean men

"22,000 Aramean men"

2 Samuel 8:6

put garrisons in Aram

"ordered large groups of his soldiers to remain in Aram"

2 Samuel 8:7

David took

Here "David" is probably a metonym for his soldiers. Alternate translation: "David's soldiers took"

2 Samuel 8:8

King David took

Here "David" is probably a metonym for his soldiers. Alternate translation: "King David's soldiers took"

Tebah and Berothai

These are the names of places.

2 Samuel 8:9

Tou

These are the names of men.

Hamath

This is the name of a place.

David had defeated

Here "David" is a metonym for his army. Alternate translation: "David's army had defeated"

2 Samuel 8:10

Tou ... Hadoram

These are the names of men.

2 Samuel 8:11

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2 Samuel 8:12

and Amalek

"and the Amalekites"

the plundered goods

These are the valuable items that soldiers take from the people they defeated.

Hadadezer son of Rehob, the king of Zobah

See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 8:3.

2 Samuel 8:13

David's name was well known

Here "name" refers to David's reputation. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "David was very famous"

Valley of Salt

This is the name of a place. Its exact location is unknown.

eighteen thousand men

"18,000 men"

2 Samuel 8:14

He placed garrisons throughout all of Edom

"He ordered groups of his soldiers to remain in areas throughout all of Edom"

2 Samuel 8:15

General Information:

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2 Samuel 8:16

Joab ... Zeruiah

See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 2:13.

Ahilud was recorder

A recorder was a person who spoke to the people and told them the king's announcements. Alternate translation: "Ahilud was the herald"

Ahilud

This is the name of a man.

2 Samuel 8:17

Ahitub ... Ahimelek ... Seraiah

These are names of men.

2 Samuel 8:18

Benaiah ... Jehoiada

These are names of men.

Kerethites ... Pelethites

These are names of people-groups. These people were David's bodyguards.

the priests

They were probably officials who advised David on matters to do with the kingdom and not involved in temple worship.

Chapter 9

2 Samuel 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is another interruption to the story of David expanding his kingdom. David is concerned with fulfilling his oath to Jonathan's descendants.

Special concepts in this chapter

David's vow

David determined to fulfill his vow to Jonathan to care for Jonathan's descendants. He found Jonathan's son and told him he would treat him as if he was one of his sons. He restored all of Saul's property to him and had him eat every day at the king's table. (See: fulfill and vow and restore)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical question and metaphor

Jonathan's son expressed his surprise and feeling of unworthiness with a rhetorical question: "What is your servant, that you should look with favor on such a dead dog as I am?" and by a metaphor comparing himself to "a dead dog."

2 Samuel 9:1

for Jonathan's sake

"because of my love for Jonathan"

Jonathan's sake

Jonathan was Saul's son and David's best friend.

2 Samuel 9:2

Ziba

This is the name of a man.

I am your servant

Ziba calls himself "your servant" to show great respect to David.

2 Samuel 9:3

I may show the kindness of God

The abstract noun "kindness" can be stated as "kind." Alternate translation: "I may be kind as I promised God I would be"

who is lame in his feet

"whose feet are damaged." The word "feet" here refers to the ability to walk. Alternate translation: "who is unable to walk"

2 Samuel 9:4

Makir ... Ammiel

These are names of men.

Lo Debar

This is the name of a place.

2 Samuel 9:5

King David sent

It is understood that David sent messengers.

2 Samuel 9:6

Mephibosheth

See how you translated this in 2 Samuel 4:4.

came to David

The word "came" can be translated as "went."

I am your servant

Mephibosheth refers to himself as "your servant" to show great honor to David.

2 Samuel 9:7

for Jonathan your father's sake

"because I loved your father, Jonathan"

you will always eat at my table

Here "my table" represents being together with David or in his presence. Eating with the king at his table was a great honor. Alternate translation: "you will always eat with me"

2 Samuel 9:8

What is your servant, that you should look with favor on such a dead dog as I am?

This rhetorical question shows that Mephibosheth understands that he is not important enough for the king to take care of him. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am like a dead dog. I do not deserve for you to be kind to me."

such a dead dog

Here Mephibosheth represents the line of Saul, and he compares himself to a "dead dog." Dogs were feral animals, not cared for, and of little importance. A dead dog would be considered even less important. Alternate translation: "such a person like me who is worthless as a dead dog"

2 Samuel 9:9

General Information:

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2 Samuel 9:10

must always eat at my table

Here "my table" represents being together with David or in his presence. Eating with the king at his table was a great honor. Alternate translation: "must always eat with me"

Now Ziba ... servants

Here "now" makes a stop in the main story. The narrator gives background information about Ziba.

fifteen sons and twenty servants

"15 sons and 20 servants"

2 Samuel 9:11

Your servant will do all that my master the king commands his servant

Ziba refers to himself as "your servant" and refers to David as "my master." Alternate translation: "I, your servant will do all that you, my king, command me to do"

2 Samuel 9:12

Mika

This is the name of the son of Mephibosheth.

All who lived in the house of Ziba

Here "house" represents Ziba's family. Alternate translation: "All of Ziba's family"

2 Samuel 9:13

he always ate at the king's table

Here "table" represents being together with David or in his presence. Eating with the king at his table was a great honor. Alternate translation: "he always ate with the king at his table"

though he was lame in both his feet

"thouge both of his feet were damaged." Here "feet" represents the ability to walk. Alternate translation: "though he was unable to walk"

Chapter 10

2 Samuel 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The chapter records the last expansion of David's kingdom. This chapter is also the beginning of a section dealing with the war between Israel and Ammon.

Special concepts in this chapter

Shame

It was apparently the cause of shame or embarrassment in ancient Ammon to have their beards shaved off or to have their garments cut off.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

The Ammon people used a metaphor comparing themselves to a bad smell: "they had become a stench to David" when they realized they had made David very angry.

2 Samuel 10:1

Hanun

This is the name of a man.

2 Samuel 10:2

Hanun ... Nahash

These are the names of men.

2 Samuel 10:3

Do you really think that ... you?

The leaders use a question to suggest to the king that he should not trust David. Alternate translation: "You are wrong to think that ... you!"

to spy

to secretly learn information about someone else

Has not David ... overthrow it?

The leaders use a question to suggest to the king that he should not trust David. Alternate translation: "You need to know that David ... overthrow it."

in order to overthrow it

Here "it" refers to the city which represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: "in order to conquer us"

the city

Here "the city" refers to Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites.

2 Samuel 10:4

shaved off half their beards

This act was meant as an insult to humiliate the men.

2 Samuel 10:5

were deeply ashamed

Here "deeply" is an idiom that means "very."

sent to meet

"sent someone to meet"

then return

It is understood that they should return to Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 10:6

they had become a stench to David

The phrase "become a stench" is a metaphor for "they had become offensive." Alternate translation: "they had become offensive like a bad smell to David"

Beth Rehob ... Zobah ... Maakah ... Tob

These are the names of places.

twenty thousand ... a thousand ... twelve thousand

"20,000 ... 1,000 ... 12,000"

2 Samuel 10:7

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2 Samuel 10:8

to their city gate

Here "the city" refers to Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites.

2 Samuel 10:9

General Information:

The battle with the Arameans and Ammon continues.

2 Samuel 10:10

The rest of his people he put into the hand of Abishai his brother

"He put Abishai his brother in charge of the rest of the army"

2 Samuel 10:11

General Information:

Joab gets the army ready for battle.

for me, then you, Abishai, must rescue me

Here "me" refers to Joab. Joab and Abishai represents themselves and their armies. Alternate translation: "for us, then you, Abishai, and your army must rescue us"

2 Samuel 10:12

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2 Samuel 10:13

General Information:

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2 Samuel 10:14

from Abishai

Here Abishai represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "from Abishai and his soldiers"

into the city

Here "the city" refers to Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites.

went back to Jerusalem

"returned to Jerusalem"

2 Samuel 10:15

When the Arameans saw that they were being defeated by Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the Arameans realized that the Israelites were defeating them"

2 Samuel 10:16

Hadarezer ... Shobak

These are the names of men.

from beyond the Euphrates River

This means the east side of the Euphrates River.

They came to Helam

Here "came to" can be translated as "went to" or "gathered at"

Helam

This is the name of a place.

2 Samuel 10:17

When David was told this

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When David heard about this"

gathered all Israel together

Here "Israel" represents the army of Israel. Alternate translation: "assembled all the army of Israel together"

Helam

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 10:16.

against David and fought him

Here David represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "against David and his soldiers and fought them"

2 Samuel 10:18

David killed

Here "David" is a synecdoche for himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "David and his soldiers killed"

seven hundred ... forty thousand

"700 ... 40,000"

Shobak the commander of their army was wounded and died there

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Israelites wounded Shobak the commander of the Aramean army, and he died there"

Shobak

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 10:16.

2 Samuel 10:19

Hadarezer

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 10:16.

saw that they were defeated by Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "realized that the Israelites had defeated them"

Chapter 11

2 Samuel 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a new section of David's life. God punished David by allowing his family to have many problems.

Special concepts in this chapter

David's adultery and the murder of Uriah

The army of Israel defeated the army of Ammon and then they besieged Ammon's capital while David stayed in Jerusalem. One day, David saw a beautiful woman, named Bathsheba, bathing. He committed adultery with her. When she became pregnant, David tried to cover up his sin. When this did not work, he had her husband killed in battle. (See: sin)

2 Samuel 11:1

It came about in the spring of the year

"It happened in the springtime." This introduces a new event in the story.

at the time

"at the time of year"

David sent out Joab, his servants, and all the army of Israel

David sent them out to war. This can be stated clearly. Also, the word "his" refers to David. Alternate translation: "David sent Joab, his servants, and all the army of Israel to war"

the army of Ammon

"the Ammonite army"

Rabbah

This is the name of a city.

2 Samuel 11:2

So it came about

"So it happened" or "So it came to pass." The author uses this phrase to introduce the next event in the story.

a woman who was bathing

The woman was not on the roof, she would have been bathing outside in the courtyard of her house. Alternate translation: "a woman who was bathing in the courtyard of her house"

2 Samuel 11:3

So David sent

Here the word "sent" means that David sent a messenger. Alternate translation: "So David sent a messenger"

he asked people who would know about the woman

David was trying to find out who the woman was. The word "he" refers to David, but is a metonym for the messenger that David sent. The messenger was to ask the people for information about her. Alternate translation: "the messenger asked the people who knew her about who she was"

Is not this Bathsheba ... and is she not the wife of Uriah the Hittite?

This question gives information and can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "This is Bathsheba ... and she is the wife of Uriah the Hittite."

2 Samuel 11:4

took her

David actually sent messengers, and they took her and brought her to him. Alternate translation: "they brought her to him"

she came to him

She came into his palace and into his bedroom. Alternate translation: "she came into the place where he was"

he lay with her

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with her. You may need to use a different euphemism in your language.

uncleanness

The Israelites considered a woman unclean when she was bleeding from her womb, and she needed to wash herself after the bleeding stopped. The bath she was taking in 1 Samuel 11:2 may have been this ritual bath.

2 Samuel 11:5

she sent and told David; she said, "I am pregnant."

Here the word "sent" means that she sent a messenger to tell David that she was pregnant. Alternate translation: "she sent a messenger to David, and the messenger told David that she was pregnant"

2 Samuel 11:6

Then David sent

Here the word "sent" means that David sent a messenger. Alternate translation: "Then David sent a messenger"

2 Samuel 11:7

how Joab was, how the army was doing, and how the war was going

David was asking if Joab and the army were well and about the progress of the war. Alternate translation: "if Joab was well, if other soldiers were well, and how the war was progressing"

2 Samuel 11:8

Go down to your house

Possible meanings for the phrase "go down" are 1) Uriah's house was located at a lower elevation than the king's palace or 2) Uriah's house was of lesser importance than the king's palace. Alternate translation: "Go to your house"

wash your feet

This phrase is a metonym for returning home to rest for the night after working all day. Alternate translation: "rest for the night"

the king sent a gift for Uriah

David sent someone to bring the gift to Uriah. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the king sent someone to take a gift to Uriah"

2 Samuel 11:9

his master

The word "his" refers to Uriah and the word "master" refers to David.

2 Samuel 11:10

Have you not come from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house?

This rhetorical question is used to show David's surprise that Uriah did not visit his wife. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "After coming from such a long journey, you should have gone down to your house."

2 Samuel 11:11

Israel and Judah

This refers to their armies. Alternate translation: "the armies of Israel and Judah"

How then can I go into my house ... with my wife?

This rhetorical question is used to emphasize Uriah's refusal to visit his wife and can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "It would be wrong for me to go into my house ... with my wife while the other soldiers in my army are in danger."

to lie with my wife

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "to have sexual relations with my wife"

As sure as you are alive, I will not do this

Uriah swears a strong promise that he will not go home to his wife as long as the rest of the soldiers are at war. He makes this promise by comparing the truth of his promise to the certainty that the king was alive. Alternate translation: "I solemnly promise that I will not do this"

2 Samuel 11:12

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2 Samuel 11:13

he ate and drank before him

"Uriah ate and drank with David"

down to his house

Possible meanings of the word "down" are 1) Uriah's house was located at a lower elevation than the king's palace or 2) Uriah's house was of lesser importance than the king's palace. See how you translated the similar phrase "down to your house" in [2 Samuel 11:8]

2 Samuel 11:14

sent it by the hand of Uriah

The phrase "the hand of Uriah" refers to Uriah himself. Alternate translation: "sent Uriah himself to deliver it to him"

2 Samuel 11:15

very front of the most severe battle

"very front of the battle line where the fighting is the worst"

withdraw from him

"command the soldiers to back away from him"

he may be hit and die

"he may be wounded and die"

2 Samuel 11:16

the siege upon the city

The word "siege" can be expressed with the verbs "surround" and "attack." Alternate translation: "his army surround and attack the city"

2 Samuel 11:17

some of the servants of David fell

The word "fell" is a polite way to refer to the soldiers being killed. Alternate translation: "David's servants were killed" or "they killed some of David's servants"

servants of David

"David's soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22.

and Uriah the Hittite was also killed there

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "including Uriah the Hittite" or "and the men of the city also killed Uriah the Hittite"

2 Samuel 11:18

Joab sent word to David

The phrase "sent word" means that he sent a messenger to give a report. Alternate translation: "Joab sent a messenger to David to give a report"

2 Samuel 11:19

General Information:

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2 Samuel 11:20

Why did you go so near ... from the wall?

Joab says that David may rebuke him by asking these rhetorical questions. These questions may be written as statements. Alternate translation: "You should not have gone so near to the city to fight. You should have known that they would shoot from the wall."

shoot from the wall

This refers to men of the city shooting arrows down at their enemy from the top of the city wall. Alternate translation: "shoot arrows at you from the top of the city wall"

2 Samuel 11:21

Who killed Abimelek son of Jerub-Besheth?

Joab says that David may rebuke him by asking these rhetorical questions. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Remember how Abimelek son of Jerub-Besheth was killed!"

Abimelek son of Jerub-Besheth

This is the name of a man. His father is also know by the name Gideon.

Did not a woman cast an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez?

Joab says that David may rebuke him by asking these rhetorical questions. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Remember he died at Thebez when a woman cast an upper millstone on him from the top of the wall."

millstone

a heavy stone that would roll, used to crush grain for making bread

from the wall

"from the top of the city wall"

Thebez

This is the name of a city.

Why did you go so near the wall?

Joab says that David may rebuke him by asking these rhetorical questions. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not have gone so near the wall!"

2 Samuel 11:22

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2 Samuel 11:23

the gate

"the city gate"

2 Samuel 11:24

their shooters shot

"their shooters shot arrows"

some of the king's servants were killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they killed some of the king's servants"

king's servants

"king's soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22.

your servant Uriah the Hittite was killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they killed your servant Uriah the Hittite"

2 Samuel 11:25

for the sword devours one as well as another

Here "the sword" refers to a person who kills someone with sword. Also, killing someone with a sword is spoken of as if the sword were "eating" the people. Alternate translation: "for one man can be killed by a sword the same as another man" or "for any man can die in battle"

Make your battle even stronger

"Fight even stronger"

2 Samuel 11:26

she lamented deeply

Here the author speaks of her lamenting very much as if it were deep inside her. Alternate translation: "she lamented very much" or "she lamented greatly"

2 Samuel 11:27

sorrow

a deep feeling of sadness caused by suffering, disappointment or misfortune

David sent and took her home

Here the word "sent" means that he sent a messenger to get her and bring her to him. Alternate translation: "David sent a messenger to her to bring her home"

displeased Yahweh

"saddened Yahweh" or "angered Yahweh"

Chapter 12

2 Samuel 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the final expansion of David's kingdom and records the end of the war with Ammon.

Special concepts in this chapter

David's punishment

God sent a prophet to confront David. He said that because David had Uriah killed, there would always be killing in his family and that the baby conceived with Bathsheba would die. David prayed that the baby be allowed to live, but the infant died. Bathsheba then had another son, who was named Solomon. (See: prophet)

2 Samuel 12:1

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2 Samuel 12:2

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2 Samuel 12:3

the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb ... raised

This double negative emphasizes that the lamb was the only thing that the poor man owned. This is probably an exaggeration that means that the man loved this lamb more than anything else he owned. Alternate translation: "the only thing the poor man had was one little ewe lamb ... raised" or "the poor man had a little ewe lamb ... raised, and which he loved more than anything else he owned"

ewe lamb

a female lamb

was like a daughter to him

This refers to the closeness of this man and his little lamb. Alternate translation: "he loved it as much as if it were one of his daughters"

2 Samuel 12:4

ewe lamb

a young, female sheep

for his visitor

It was for his visitor to eat. Alternate translation: "for his visitor to eat"

2 Samuel 12:5

David was hot with anger against

Here the author describes how David was very angry as if his body were physically hot because of his anger. Alternate translation: "David became furious with" or "David became very angry with"

he raged to Nathan

This means that David spoke angrily to Nathan.

As Yahweh lives

This expresses that David was swearing an oath or serious promise. Alternate translation: "I declare, as surely as Yahweh lives"

to be put to death

This means to be killed. Also, that can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to be killed" or "to die"

2 Samuel 12:6

He must pay back the lamb four times over

The amount the rich man was required to pay back to the poor man was to be four times what the little lamb cost. "He must pay the poor man four times the price of the lamb"

pity

to feel sadness and love for someone who is suffering or hurt or not loved

2 Samuel 12:7

out of the hand of Saul

Here the word "hand" refers to control. Alternate translation: "out of Saul's control" or "from Saul's control"

2 Samuel 12:8

your master's wives into your arms

Here Yahweh describes David having his master's wives as his own wives, by saying that they are "in his arms." Alternate translation: "your master's wives as your own"

I also gave you the house of Israel and Judah

Here Yahweh speaks of how he gave David his authority as king over Israel and Judah as if he gave him the houses of Israel and Judah as a gift. The phrase "the house of" means "the people of." Alternate translation: "I also gave you authority as king over the people of Israel and Judah"

if that had been too little

"if I had not given you enough"

2 Samuel 12:9

So why have you despised ... Yahweh, so as to do what is evil in his sight?

This rhetorical question is used to rebuke David. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not have despised ... Yahweh and should not have done what is evil in his sight!"

what is evil in his sight

Here "sight" refers to Yahweh's thoughts or opinion. Alternate translation: "what he considers to be evil" or "what is evil in Yahweh's judgement"

You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword

David did not kill Uriah himself, rather he arranged for him to be killed in battle. The phrase "with the sword" represents how Uriah died in battle. Alternate translation: "You have arranged for Uriah the Hittite to die in battle"

You killed him with the sword of the army of Ammon

David did not kill Uriah himself, rather he arranged for him to be killed in battle when Israel was fighting against Ammon. The phrase "with the sword" refers to how he died in battle. Alternate translation: "You arranged for him to die in battle against the army of Ammon"

2 Samuel 12:10

the sword will never leave your house

Here the word "sword" refers to people dying in war. Also, David's "house" refers to his descendants. Alternate translation: "some of your descendants will always die in battle"

2 Samuel 12:11

out of your own house

Here David's "house" refers to his family. Alternate translation: "from among your own family"

Before your own eyes

Here David is referred to by his eyes to emphasize what he would see. Alternate translation: "While you are watching"

he will lie with your wives

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "he will have sexual relations with your wives"

in broad daylight

"in full daylight." The idea of doing something "openly" or in a way that people are fully aware of what is happening is often spoken about as being done in the "daylight." Alternate translation: "openly" or "and everyone will see what is happening"

2 Samuel 12:12

committed your sin

"sinned"

before all Israel

This phrase speaks of the people of Israel knowing about what has happened to his wives as if they all actually witnessed it happening. Alternate translation: "before all the people of Israel" or "and all the people of Israel will know about it"

2 Samuel 12:13

passed over

Yahweh has forgiven David of his sin. This is spoken of here as Yahweh passing over his sin as if it were something that he walked by and disregarded. Alternate translation: "forgiven"

You will not be killed

This can be stated in active form. Sometimes men died because of their sins, but he will not die because of his sin with the woman. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "You will not die" or "you will not die because of this sin"

2 Samuel 12:14

despised

to strongly dislike or hate someone or something

the child who is born to you

The phrase "born to you" means that it is David's baby. Alternate translation: "your child who will be born"

2 Samuel 12:15

Yahweh attacked the child that ... and he was very sick

Here the author speaks of Yahweh causing the baby to become sick as Yahweh attacking the child. Alternate translation: "Yahweh afflicted the child that ... and he was very sick" or "Yahweh caused the baby that ... to become very sick"

the child that Uriah's wife bore to David

This means that she gave birth to a child and that David was his father. Alternate translation: "David's child, who Uriah's wife gave birth to"

2 Samuel 12:16

implored

to beg or pray with strong desire

went inside

David went into his room when he was alone. Alternate translation: "went inside his room"

2 Samuel 12:17

to raise him up from the floor

"and urged him to get up from the floor"

2 Samuel 12:18

It came about

"It happened"

he did not listen to our voice

The servants are referred to here by their voices to emphasize that they were speaking. Alternate translation: "he did not listen to us"

the seventh day

"day 7." This refers to the seventh day after the baby was born. Alternate translation: "the seventh day after he was born"

Look

This is used to get people's attention. Alternate translation: "Listen"

What might he do to himself if we tell him that the boy is dead?!

The servants ask this rhetorical question to express their fear. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "We are afraid that he may harm himself if we tell him that the boy is dead!"

2 Samuel 12:19

were whispering together

"were speaking very quietly to each other"

David realized

"David understood"

2 Samuel 12:20

David arose

"David got up"

2 Samuel 12:21

General Information:

These verses contain rhetorical questions that emphasize that David realizes that Yahweh has allowed this to happen.

2 Samuel 12:22

Who knows whether or not Yahweh will be gracious to me, that the child may live?

David asked this rhetorical question to empathize that no one knew if Yahweh would let the child live. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one knows whether or not Yahweh will be gracious to me so that the child may live."

2 Samuel 12:23

But now he is dead, so why should I fast?

David asks this rhetorical question to empathize that he no longer has a reason to fast. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Now that he is dead it would be of no use to fast any longer."

Can I bring him back again?

David asks this rhetorical question to empathize that the boy cannot come back to life. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I cannot bring him back to life."

I will go to him

David implies that he will go to where his child is when he dies. Alternate translation: "When I die I will go to where he is"

2 Samuel 12:24

lay with her

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "had sexual relations with her"

2 Samuel 12:25

he sent word through Nathan the prophet

Here "word" refers to a message that Yahweh told Nathan to tell David. Alternate translation: "he sent Nathan to tell him"

Jedidiah

This is another name for David's son Solomon, which Yahweh chose for him.

2 Samuel 12:26

Joab fought ... he captured

Here the author says "Joab" but he is referring to Joab and his soldiers who fought with him. Alternate translation: "Joab and his soldiers fought ... they captured"

Rabbah

Fighting against this city literally means to fight against the people of Rabbah. Translate the name the same as you did in [2 Samuel 11:1]

2 Samuel 12:27

So Joab sent messengers to David and said

"So Joab sent messengers to David to say to him"

have taken the city's water supply

"Taking" a place or landmark means to take control of it. Alternate translation: "have taken control of the city's water supply"

I have fought ... I have taken

Here Joab speaks of himself when he is actually referring to himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "My soldiers and I have fought ... my soldier and I have taken"

2 Samuel 12:28

if I take

Here Joab speaks of himself when he is actually referring to himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "if my soldiers and I take"

camp against

This means to surround and attack. Alternate translation: "besiege" or "surround"

take it ... take the city

"Taking" a place or landmark means to take control of it. Alternate translation: "take control of it ... take control of the city"

it will be named

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will name it"

2 Samuel 12:29

he fought

Here the author speaks of David when he is actually referring to David and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "David and his soldiers fought"

2 Samuel 12:30

a talent

This may be written in modern weights. Alternate translation: "about 33 kilograms"

a precious stone

a rare gemstone such as a diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, or opal

The crown was placed on David's own head

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They placed the crown on David's own head"

he brought out

Here the author speaks of David when he is actually referring to David's soldiers. Alternate translation: "they brought out"

plunder

valuable things taken from a defeated enemy

large quantities

"large amounts"

2 Samuel 12:31

He brought out the people

David did not bring out the people himself; he commanded his soldiers to bring them out. Alternate translation: "David commanded his soldiers to bring out the people"

saws, iron picks, and axes

These are tools to cut wood or break up the ground.

brick kilns

ovens where bricks are dried and hardened

all the cities of the people of Ammon

This refers to the people in the cities. Alternate translation: "all the people of the cites of Ammon"

Chapter 13

2 Samuel 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the story about the difficulties and killings in David's family. David's sin caused these problems in his family. (See: sin)

Special concepts in this chapter

Amnon raped Absalom's sister

Amnon raped Absalom's sister, who was his own half-sister. David did nothing to punish him and David's lack of action caused significant problems in his family and in Israel. This eventually caused Solomon to become king, even though he was not the oldest son.

2 Samuel 13:1

Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of the account of the rebellion led by Absalom, David's son, which runs through 2 Samuel 19.

It came about after this

"It happened after this." This phrase is used to introduce a new event to the story.

David's son Absalom had a beautiful sister whose name was Tamar ... Amnon loved her

Absalom, Amnon, and Tamar had all been born before the events in 1 Samuel 11-12. It was after those events that Amnon fell in love with Tamar.

Absalom ... had a beautiful sister whose name was Tamar, and ... Amnon loved her.

The writer is introducing the people that the following account is about. Absalom (1 Samuel 3:2) is introduced first because the larger account, through 2 Samuel 19, is about him. Tamar and Amnon (1 Samuel 3:2) are not as important to the larger account and so are introduced after Absalom.

2 Samuel 13:2

Amnon was so frustrated that he became sick because of his sister Tamar

Amnon was frustrated because he desired to sleep with his sister Tamar. Alternate translation: "Amnon was so frustrated with desire for his sister Tamar that he felt sick"

2 Samuel 13:3

Jonadab son of Shimeah, David's brother

These are the names of men. Shimeah was David's brother.

shrewd

crafty or deceptive

2 Samuel 13:4

depressed

in an emotional state of extreme unhappiness

Will you not tell me?

It is understood that he is asking him about his depression, which can be stated clearly. Also, this rhetorical question is a request for Jehonadab to tell him why he is depressed. It may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Will you not tell me why you are depressed?" or "Please, tell me why you are depressed."

2 Samuel 13:5

Jonadab

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 13:3.

eat it from her hand

This is probably a request for her to serve food to him personally. He probably did not want her to put the food in his mouth. Alternate translation: "have her serve it to me herself"

2 Samuel 13:6

I may eat from her hand

This is probably a request for her to serve food to him personally. He probably did not expect her to put the food in his mouth. Alternate translation: "she may serve it to me to eat"

pretended to be sick

This means he gave a false appearance of being ill.

for my sickness in front of me

The food is not for his sickness, but rather it is for him, because he is sick. The phrase "in front of me" is a request for Tamar to prepare the food in his presence. Alternate translation: "in front of me because I am sick"

2 Samuel 13:7

David sent word

This means that he sent a messenger to speak to Tamar. Alternate translation: "David sent a messenger"

2 Samuel 13:8

dough

a thick mixture of flour and liquid used for baking

kneaded

used her hands to mix the dough

in his sight

This means that Tamar made the bread in front of him. Alternate translation: "in front of him" or "in his presence"

2 Samuel 13:9

So everyone went out from him

To "go out from someone" means to leave them. Alternate translation: "So everyone left him"

2 Samuel 13:10

that I may eat from your hand

This is a request for Tamar to serve the food to him personally. Alternate translation: "and serve it to me"

2 Samuel 13:11

lie with me

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "have sexual relations with me"

2 Samuel 13:12

do not force me

She does not want him to force her to have sexual relations with him. Alternate translation: "do not force me to have sexual relations with you"

2 Samuel 13:13

General Information:

Tamar continues to talk to Amnon.

How could I be rid of my shame?

Tamar asks this rhetorical question to emphasize how much shame she would have if she slept with him. Tamar speaks of getting rid of her shame as if it were an enemy or a tormentor that she needed to escape from. Alternate translation: "If you do this, I would have to endure shame everywhere I go"

2 Samuel 13:14

he lay with her

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "he had sexual relations with her"

2 Samuel 13:15

The hatred with which he hated her was even greater than the love with which he had loved her

The repetition of the ideas of hate and love here emphasize that his feelings had changed completely. The abstract nouns "hatred" and "love" can be left untranslated. Alternate translation: "He hated her even more than he had loved her"

love ... loved her

You may need to make explicit that the words "love" and "loved" here refer only to sexual desire. Alternate translation: "had desired her"

2 Samuel 13:16

Because this great evil of making me leave is even worse

The abstract noun "this great evil" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "It would be very evil to make me leave! It would be even worse"

2 Samuel 13:17

bolt the door after her

This means to lock the door so that she will not be able to come back in again. Alternate translation: "lock the door so that she cannot come back in"

2 Samuel 13:18

bolted the door after her

This means to lock the door so that she will not be able to come back in again. Alternate translation: "locked the door so that she could not go back in"

כְּתֹ֣נֶת פַּסִּ֔ים

2 Samuel 13:19

put ashes on her head and tore her beautifully decorated garment. She put her hands on her head

These are acts of mourning and grief in the Israelite culture. Alternate translation: "put ashes on her head and tore her beautifully decorated garment to show that she was very sad. Then to show her grief, she put her hands on her head"

2 Samuel 13:20

Has Amnon your brother been with you?

This is a polite way to ask is Amnon has had sexual relations with her. Alternate translation: "Has Amnon your brother slept with you?"

keep quiet

This means to not tell anyone about something. Alternate translation: "do not tell anyone about this"

Do not take this thing to heart

The phrase "take something to heart" means "to worry about it." Alternate translation: "Do not worry about what has happened"

So Tamar remained alone

This means that she did not marry.

2 Samuel 13:21

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2 Samuel 13:22

said nothing

"did not speak"

2 Samuel 13:23

It came about after two full years

This explains that two whole years has passed and introduces the next event in the story. The phrase "full years" means that they are complete years.

shearers

These are people who cut the wool from sheep.

Baal Hazor

This is the name of a place.

2 Samuel 13:24

See now, your servant

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: your servant"

your servant

Absalom is calling himself "your servant" to show respect.

has sheep shearers

It was customary for people in Israel to have a party after they had sheared their sheep.

may the king

Although he is talking to his father the king, he calls him "the king" instead of "you" to show respect for him.

2 Samuel 13:25

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2 Samuel 13:26

please let my brother Amnon go with us

The oldest son could often represent his father in Israelite culture. Amnon was David's oldest son.

Why should Amnon go with you?

David knew that Amnon was not Absalom's friend.

2 Samuel 13:27

Absalom pressed David

Here the author speaks of Absalom urging David to let Amnon come as if he were putting physical pressure on him. Alternate translation: "Absalom begged David for Amnon to come"

all the king's sons

This does not include Absalom and Amnon who is dead. It includes the rest of the sons that the king allowed to go to the celebration. Alternate translation: "the rest of the king's sons"

2 Samuel 13:28

Do not be afraid

This implies that they do not need to be afraid of the consequences for killing Amnon. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Do not be afraid that you will be blamed for killing the king's son"

Have I not commanded you?

Absalom asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that he will be blamed for killing Amnon because he is commanding them. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I have commanded you to do this." or "I will be the one guilty for killing him because I have commanded you to do this."

not commanded you

What Absalom has commanded them to do may be stated in the question. Alternate translation: "not commanded you to kill him"

2 Samuel 13:29

every man

This refers to the king's sons who left the celebration.

2 Samuel 13:30

So it came about

"It happened that." This phrase is used here to introduce the next event in the story.

on the road

"travelling along the road"

that the news came to David saying

Here it says that the news came, when really someone came and told David the news. Alternate translation: "that someone came and reported the news to David saying"

2 Samuel 13:31

Then the king arose

"Then the king stood up"

tore his clothes, and lay on the floor

He did these things to show that he was extremely sad. Alternate translation: "tore his clothes, and threw himself on the floor grieving"

with their clothes torn

They did this to show their sadness and to mourn with their king. Alternate translation: "and tore their clothes, mourning with the king"

2 Samuel 13:32

Jonadab ... Shimeah

See how you translated these men's names in 2 Samuel 13:3.

Let not my master believe

"My master, do not believe"

my master

Jonadab calls David "my master" to show respect.

Amnon violated his sister

This is a polite way of saying that Amnon raped his sister.

2 Samuel 13:33

let not my master the king

"my master the king, do not"

take this report to heart

The phrase "take something to heart" means "to worry about it." Alternate translation: "worry about this report"

2 Samuel 13:34

keeping watch

This means that the servant was watching for enemies while guarding at the city wall. Alternate translation: "who was guarding" or "who was guarding at the city wall"

raised his eyes

Here the servant looking up at something is spoken of as if he lifted up his eyes. Alternate translation: "looked up"

2 Samuel 13:35

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2 Samuel 13:36

So it came about

This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story.

raised their voices

Here the sons crying out is spoken of as if their voices were something they lifted into the sky. Alternate translation: "cried out"

2 Samuel 13:37

Talmai ... Ammihud

These are the names of men.

for his son

"for his son Amnon"

2 Samuel 13:38

where he was for three years

"where he stayed for three years"

2 Samuel 13:39

The mind of King David longed

Here David is referred to by his mind to emphasize his thoughts. Alternate translation: "King David longed"

for he was comforted concerning Amnon and his death

"because he was no longer grieving about Amnon being dead." This refers to three years after Absalom fled to Geshur.

Chapter 14

2 Samuel 14 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Reconciliation

David missed his son, Absalom, who was in exile. Joab summons a wise woman to reconcile David and Absalom. (See: reconcile)

Important figures of speech used in this chapter

Parable

The wise woman uses a type of story to convince David that his actions were wrong. He treated a stranger worse than he treated his own son. This parable was intended to convict David of his sin. She uses David's own words against him. (See: sin)

2 Samuel 14:1

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author tells about a new person in the story.

Zeruiah

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 2:13.

2 Samuel 14:2

sent word to Tekoa and had a wise woman brought

This means that Joab sent someone with a message to Tekoa and had him bring back a woman to him. This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "sent someone with a message to Tokoa and had him bring a wise woman back"

Tekoa

This is the name of a place.

the dead

This refers to someone who has died, not dead people in general. Alternate translation: "someone who has died"

2 Samuel 14:3

General Information:

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2 Samuel 14:4

she lay facedown on the ground

She did this to show her respect and submission to the king. Alternate translation: "she showed her respect to the king by lying facedown on the ground"

2 Samuel 14:5

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2 Samuel 14:6

One struck the other

"One of my sons hit the other son with something"

2 Samuel 14:7

the whole clan

"my entire family"

your servant

To show respect for the king the woman refers to herself as "your servant."

put him to death

This is an idiom which means to kill. Alternate translation: "kill him"

they would also destroy the heir

If they put the guilty brother to death there would not be a son left to inherit the family's possessions. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "if they did this, they would be destroying our family's heir"

Thus they will put out the burning coal that I have left

Here the woman refers to her only living son as if he were a burning piece of coal. She speaks of the men killing her son as stopping the coal's burning. Alternate translation: "In this way they will kill the only child I have left"

they will leave for my husband neither name nor descendant

"they will not leave for my husband name or descendant"

neither name nor descendant

This refers to a son to carry on the family's name into the next generation. Alternate translation: "no son to preserve our family's name"

on the surface of the earth

"on the earth." This descriptive phrase emphasizes that the family line would not continue on earth after the husband died. "The surface of the earth" refers to the ground on which people walk.

2 Samuel 14:8

I will command something to be done for you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will take care of this matter for you"

2 Samuel 14:9

Tekoa

Translate the name of this place the same as you did in 2 Samuel 14:2.

may the guilt be on me and on my father's family

This means that if people say that the king was wrong for helping the woman's family that the king should not be guilty. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "if anyone blames you for helping our family, may my family be considered guilty instead"

The king and his throne

Here the word "throne" refers to anyone who later becomes king in David's place. Alternate translation: "The king and his descendants" or "The king and his family"

are guiltless

"are innocent." This implies that in the future if anyone accuses the king of wrongdoing, he will be innocent in the matter. Alternate translation: "will be innocent regarding the matter"

2 Samuel 14:10

says anything to you

Here speaking threats is spoken of as speaking in general. Alternate translation: "threatens you" or "speaks threats to you"

he will not touch you anymore

Here David speaks of a person not threatening or hurting her, by saying that the person would not touch her. It is implied that David will not allow the person threatening her to bother her again. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "I will make sure he does not threaten you again"

2 Samuel 14:11

Please, may the king call to mind Yahweh your God

Possible meanings are 1) The phrase "call to mind" is an idiom meaning to pray. Alternate translation: "Please, pray to Yahweh your God" or 2) Here "call to mind" means to remember and it is implied that after he remembers Yahweh he will promise in his name. Alternate translation: "Please promise in the name of Yahweh your God"

the avenger of blood

This refers to the man who wants to avenge the death of the dead brother. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the man who wants to avenge my son's brother's death"

destroy anyone further

"cause anyone else to die." This is in addition to the brother who already died.

that they will not destroy my son

"that they will not kill my son" or "that they will not execute my son"

As Yahweh lives

Often people would make promises and compare how surely they would fulfil their promise to how surely Yahweh is alive. Alternate translation: "I promise you, as surely as Yahweh lives" or "In Yahweh's name I promise"

not one hair of your son will fall to the ground

The means that her son will not be harmed, which is exaggerated by saying that he will not lose even a single hair. Alternate translation: "your son will be completely safe"

2 Samuel 14:12

your servant

To show respect for the king the woman refers to herself as "your servant."

speak a further word to

"talk about something else to." The woman is requesting to speak to the king about another topic.

Speak on

This is an idiom. The king was giving her permission to continue speaking. Alternate translation: "You may speak to me"

2 Samuel 14:13

Why then have you devised such a thing against the people of God?

The woman asks this rhetorical question to rebuke David for how he has treated Absalom. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "What you have just said proved that you did wrong."

the king is like someone who is guilty

The woman compares the king to someone who is guilty to suggest that he is guilty without saying it directly. Alternate translation: "the king has declared himself guilty"

his banished son

"his son whom he banished"

2 Samuel 14:14

For we all must die, and we are like water spilled on the ground ... up again

Here the woman speaks of a person dying as if they were water being spilled on the ground. Alternate translation: "We all must die, and after we die we cannot be brought back to life again"

not to remain outcast

"to be allowed to return"

2 Samuel 14:15

it is because the people have made me afraid

The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: "I have come because the people have made me afraid"

your servant

To show respect for the king the woman refers to herself as "your servant"

2 Samuel 14:16

from the hand of the man

This phrase is an idiom. Also, "the hand" is a metonym referring to the man's control. Alternate translation: "out of the control of the man"

2 Samuel 14:17

the word of my master the king

"the message of my master the king"

for as an angel of God, so is my master ... from evil

Here David, the king, is compared to an "angel of God." Alternate translation: "for the king is like an angel of God because they both know how to tell good from evil"

2 Samuel 14:18

Please do not hide from me anything that I will ask you

The negative form here is used for emphasis and can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "Please tell me the truth about everything I ask you"

2 Samuel 14:19

Is not the hand of Joab with you in all this

Here the word "hand" refers to Joab's influence. Alternate translation: "Has not Joab influenced you in all this" or "Did Joab send you here to speak these things"

As you live

"As surely as you are alive." Here the woman compares the certainty of what David has said to the certainty that he is alive, to emphasize how true his statement is.

no one can escape to the right hand ... the king has spoken

Here the woman describes the difficulty of speaking to the king and keeping him from finding out the truth by comparing it to a person not being about to escape in any direction. Alternate translation: "no one can keep you from knowing the truth"

to the right hand or to the left

The expression gives two extremes and means "anywhere." Alternate translation: "anywhere at all" or "anywhere"

2 Samuel 14:20

My master is wise

"My master the king is wise"

is wise, like the wisdom of an angel of God

The woman compares David's wisdom to the wisdom of an angel to emphasize how very wise he is. Alternate translation: "you are very wise, like an angel of God"

2 Samuel 14:21

So the king said to Joab

It is implied that the king had Joab brought before him so that he could speak to him. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Then the king summoned Joab and said to him"

See now, I

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: I" See how you translated similar words in 2 Samuel 13:24.

this thing

This refers to what Joab wants the king to do. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "what you want me to do"

2 Samuel 14:22

Joab lay facedown on the ground

Joab did this to honor the king and show his gratitude.

your servant

To show respect for the king Joab refers to himself as "your servant."

I have found favor in your eyes

The phrase "found favor" is an idiom which means to be approved of by someone. Also, "eyes" is a metonym for sight, and sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "you are pleased with me" or "you have approved of me"

in that the king

"because the king"

the king has performed the request of his servant

"you have done what I asked you to do"

2 Samuel 14:23

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2 Samuel 14:24

but he may not see my face ... the king's face

Here the word "face" refers to the king himself. Alternate translation: "but he may not see me ... the king"

2 Samuel 14:25

Now

This word marks a stop in the main story. This new section gives background information for the part of the story that follows.

there was no one praised for his handsomeness more than Absalom

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people praised Absalom for his handsomeness more than they praised anyone else"

handsomeness

good and pleasing appearance, especially of the face

From the sole of his foot to the top of his head there was no blemish in him

This means the whole person was without blemish. Alternate translation: "There were no blemishes on any part of his body"

2 Samuel 14:26

two hundred shekels

This can be written in modern units. Alternate translation: "two and a half kilograms"

the weight of the king's standard

The king had weights that determined the standard weight of the shekel and other weights and measurements.

2 Samuel 14:27

To Absalom were born three sons and one daughter

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Absalom had three sons and one daughter"

2 Samuel 14:28

the king's face

Here "the king's face" refers to the king himself. Alternate translation: "the king"

2 Samuel 14:29

Absalom sent word for Joab

Here "word" is a metonym for "a message." This means that he sent a messenger to Joab with a request. Alternate translation: "Absalom sent a messenger to Joab asking him"

to send him to the king

It is implied that Absalom wanted Joab to come to him to see him and to intercede for him so that he would be allowed to see the king. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "to come to him and to intercede for him so that he could see the king"

So Absalom sent word a second time

Here "word" is a metonym for "a message." This means that he sent a messenger to Joab again with the same request. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "So Absalom sent a messenger to Joab again with the same request"

2 Samuel 14:30

See

Here this word is used to remind people of something. Alternate translation: "As you know"

2 Samuel 14:31

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2 Samuel 14:32

Look

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"

I sent word

Here "word" is a metonym for "a message." This means that he sent a messenger. Alternate translation: "I sent a messenger"

to the king to say

The message here for the king is written as if Absalom were the speaker. Absalom was asking Joab to speak the message on his behalf. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "to say to the king on my behalf" or "to ask the king for me"

the king's face

Here "king's face" refers to the king himself. Alternate translation: "the king"

2 Samuel 14:33

bowed low to the ground before the king

Absalom is showing respect to the king. Alternate translation: "bowed low to the ground to honor the king"

the king kissed Absalom

This implies that the king forgave and restored Absalom. The full meaning of this can be made clear.

Chapter 15

2 Samuel 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the story of Absalom's attempted revolt.

Special concepts in this chapter

Absalom's conspiracy

For four years, Absalom made many allies in an attempt to make himself king. This is why he acted as a judge for the people. Since this was all done in secret, it is called a "conspiracy." David found out and fled with those in the army who were loyal to him.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

The author used the metaphor of a thief to describe how Absalom was able to win people's loyalty: "So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel."

2 Samuel 15:1

It came about

This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story.

with fifty men to run before him

These men would run in front of the chariot to honor Absalom. Alternate translation: "with fifty men to run before him to honor him"

2 Samuel 15:2

Your servant

When a man would respond to Absalom's question he would refer to himself as "your servant" to honor Absalom.

2 Samuel 15:3

So Absalom would say to him

It is implied that the person told his case to Absalom. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Absalom would ask him what his problem was, and the man would then explain to Absalom why he sought justice. Absalom would then say to him"

to hear your case

"Hearing" a case means to listen to it and to make a judgement decision over it. Alternate translation: "to judge your case" or "to oversee your case"

2 Samuel 15:4

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2 Samuel 15:5

put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him

This action is a friendly greeting. Alternate translation: "greet him as a friend by embracing him and kissing him"

2 Samuel 15:6

who came to the king for judgment

This means that people came to the king so that he could decide their disputes. Alternate translation: "who came to the king for him to judge over their disputes"

So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel

This sentence means Absalom convinced the men to be loyal to him rather than to David. Here the author speaks of how the people became loyal to Absalom by saying that he stole their hearts. Alternate translation: "In this way, Absalom convinced the men of Israel to be loyal to him"

2 Samuel 15:7

It came about

This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story.

at the end of four years that Absalom

This refers to four years after he returned to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "fours years after Absalom had returned to Jerusalem, he"

and pay a vow that I have made to Yahweh in Hebron

"to Hebron and there fulfill a vow that I have made to Yahweh"

2 Samuel 15:8

For your servant

Here Absalom refers to himself this way to honor the king.

2 Samuel 15:9

So Absalom arose

"So Absalom left"

2 Samuel 15:10

throughout all the tribes of Israel

Here the places where the tribes of Israel lived are referred to as the tribes themselves. Alternate translation: "throughout the land of the tribes of Israel"

the sound of the ram's horn

"a ram's horn being blown"

2 Samuel 15:11

who were invited

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who he had invited"

went in their innocence

"went innocently"

2 Samuel 15:12

he sent for Ahithophel

This means that he sent a messenger to go get Ahithophel and bring him back to him. Alternate translation: "he sent a messenger to go get Ahithophel who was"

Ahithophel

This is the name of a man.

Giloh

This is the name of a place.

2 Samuel 15:13

The hearts of the men of Israel are following after

Here the men are referred to by their "hearts" to emphasize their loyalty to Absalom. Alternate translation: "The men of Israel are loyal to" or "The men of Israel are following after"

2 Samuel 15:14

escape from Absalom ... he will quickly ... and he will bring

Here David speaks of Absalom and the men with him as "Absalom" himself because the men are following Absalom's authority. Alternate translation: "escape from Absalom and his men ... he and his men will quickly ... and they will bring"

attack the city with the edge of the sword

The "city" is a metonym referring to the people in the city. The "edge of the sword" is a synecdoche referring to the Israelites' swords and emphasize that they killed the people in battle. Alternate translation: "will attack the people of our city and kill them with their swords"

bring down disaster

This means to cause disaster to happen.

2 Samuel 15:15

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2 Samuel 15:16

to keep the palace

Here the word "keep" means to care for. Alternate translation: "to care for the palace"

2 Samuel 15:17

at the last house

This refers to the last house they would come to when leaving the city. Alternate translation: "at the last house as they were leaving the city"

2 Samuel 15:18

his servants

"his soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22.

Kerethites ... Pelethites

Translate the names of these people groups the same as you did in 2 Samuel 8:18.

Gittites

Translate the name of this people group the same as you did in 2 Samuel 6:10.

six hundred men

"600 men"

2 Samuel 15:19

Ittai

This is the name of a man.

Gittite

Translate the name of this people group the same as you did in 2 Samuel 6:10.

Why will you come with us?

This rhetorical question indicates that the king does not think they should go along with him. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You do not need to go with us."

2 Samuel 15:20

why should I make you wander all over with us?

This rhetorical question emphasizes David did not want Ittai to come. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I do not want to cause you to wander around with us."

Since you just left yesterday

Here "yesterday" is an exaggeration that emphasizes a short amount of time. Ittai the Gittite had lived there for several years. Alternate translation: "Since you have lived here only a short time"

may steadfast love and faithfulness go with you

This is a blessing that David is giving to him. The abstract nouns "love" and "faithfulness" can be expressed with the verb "love" and the adjective "faithful." Alternate translation: "may Yahweh love you without ceasing and be faithful to you"

2 Samuel 15:21

As Yahweh lives, and as my master the king lives

Here the speaker is making a solemn promise. He compares the certainty that he will fulfill his promise to the certainty that Yahweh and the king are alive. Alternate translation: "I solemnly promise that as surely as Yahweh and the king live"

your servant

Ittai refers to himself this way to honor the king.

whether that means living or dying

"even if I get killed supporting you"

2 Samuel 15:22

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2 Samuel 15:23

All the country wept with a loud voice

Many of the people of Israel wept loudly when they saw the king leaving. Here this is generalized by saying that the whole country wept. Alternate translation: "All the people along the road wept" or "Many of the people wept"

with a loud voice

Here the many people who were weeping are spoken of as if they shared one loud voice. Alternate translation: "loudly"

Kidron Valley

This is the name of a place near Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 15:24

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2 Samuel 15:25

I find favor in the eyes of Yahweh

Here the "eyes of Yahweh" refer to Yahweh's thoughts and opinion. If you "find favor" with someone it means that they are pleased with you. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is pleased with me"

where he lives

"where his presence is." The ark of the covenant symbolizes Yahweh's presence. This refers to the place where the ark is. Alternate translation: "where it is kept"

2 Samuel 15:26

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2 Samuel 15:27

Ahimaaz

This is the name of a man.

Abiathar

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 8:17.

Are you not a seer?

This rhetorical question is used to rebuke Zadok and can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You will be able to find out what is happening."

2 Samuel 15:28

See

Here this word means for the listener to pay attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"

until word comes from you

This refers to him sending a messenger to the king. Alternate translation: "until you send a messenger to me to inform me"

to inform me

Here the king implies he is to receive a message informing him about what is happening in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "to tell me what is happening in Jerusalem"

2 Samuel 15:29

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2 Samuel 15:30

barefoot

wearing no shoes or sandals

his head covered

This is a sign of mourning and shame. Alternate translation: "his head covered in mourning"

2 Samuel 15:31

Ahithophel

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:11.

conspirators

people who join together against someone else

please turn Ahithophel's advice into foolishness

David is asking Yahweh to make Ahitohphel's advice foolish and useless. Alternate translation: "please let whatever advice Ahithophel gives be foolishness and unsuccessful"

2 Samuel 15:32

It came about

"It happened." This phrase marks the next event in the story.

at the top of the road

The word "top" is used here because David went up in elevation and is at the top of a hill. Alternate translation: "at the top of the hill"

where God used to be worshiped

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where people once worshiped God"

Hushai

This is the name of a man.

Arkite

This is the name of a people group.

with his coat torn and earth on his head

This is an act showing shame or repentance. Here the word "earth" means dirt. Alternate translation: "He had torn his clothes and put dirt on his head to show that he was very sad"

2 Samuel 15:33

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2 Samuel 15:34

you will confuse Ahithophel's advice for me

David is suggest to Hushai that he oppose whatever Ahithopel advises. Alternate translation: "you can serve me by opposing Ahithophel's advice"

2 Samuel 15:35

Will you not have the priests Zadok and Abiathar with you?

David asks this rhetorical question to tell Hushai that he will not be alone. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Zadok and Abiathar the priests will be there to help you."

whatever you hear

This is a generalization. It means all of the important and insightful things that he hears, not every single word he hears.

2 Samuel 15:36

Ahimaaz ... Jonathan

These are the names of men.

by their hand

The phrase "their hand" refers to the sons and means that they were to serve as messengers. Alternate translation: "their sons to tell me"

2 Samuel 15:37

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Chapter 16

2 Samuel 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Absalom seeks advice from David's advisers

David's best adviser, Ahithophel, told Absalom to publicly seduce the concubines that David had left to take care of the palace. Because the concubines were the king's property, having sexual relations with a king's concubines implied that Absalom was now the king. This would show the people that the break with David was complete.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Simile

To show how seriously people took Ahithophel's advice, the author used a simile comparing his advice to God's advice. "Now the advice of Ahithophel that he gave in those days was as if a man heard from the mouth of God himself."

2 Samuel 16:1

Ziba

This is a man's name.

Mephibosheth

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 4:4.

two hundred loaves ... one hundred clusters ... one hundred bunches

"200 loaves ... 100 clusters ... 100 bunches"

loaves of bread

"cakes of bread"

clusters of raisins ... bunches of figs

These phrases refer to raisins or figs pressed together.

raisins

dried grapes

a skin of wine

"a wineskin full of wine"

2 Samuel 16:2

faint

tired and weak

2 Samuel 16:3

your master's grandson

"Mephibosheth, your master's grandson"

grandson

the son of one's son or daughter

Look

Here this word is used to draw someone's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"

house of Israel

This refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel"

will restore my father's kingdom to me

Having a descendant of Saul being allowed to rule is spoken of as the kingdom being restored to their family. Alternate translation: "will allow me to rule the kingdom that my grandfather ruled"

2 Samuel 16:4

Mephibosheth

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 4:4.

I bow in humility to you

Ziba is not literally bowing before the king when he is speaking here. This means that he will serve the king with the same amount of humility he would be showing if he were literally bowing before him. Alternate translation: "I will humbly serve you"

Let me find favor in your eyes

The phrase "find favor" means to be approved of by someone. Also, "eyes" is a metonym for sight, and sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "I want you to be pleased with me" or "I desire you for to be pleased with me"

2 Samuel 16:5

Bahurim

Translate the name of this city the same as you did in 2 Samuel 3:16.

Shimei ... Gera

These are the names of men.

2 Samuel 16:6

the king's servants

You may need to make explicit that these were probably officials of some sort, not household servants. Alternate translation: "the king's officials"

in spite of the

"even though there were"

people and mighty men

You may need to make explicit that these were probably soldiers and bodyguards, men who protect an important person. Alternate translation: "soldiers and bodyguards"

2 Samuel 16:7

man of blood

Here "blood" refers to all of men he was responsible for killing in battle. Alternate translation: "murderer"

2 Samuel 16:8

Yahweh has repaid

Yahweh repays them by punishing them. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has punished"

for the blood you shed within the family of Saul

Here "blood" refer to people who were killed from Saul's family. The king was responsible for them dying. Alternate translation: "for killing many of Saul's family"

in whose place you have reigned

David reigned as king over the same people whom Saul had previously reigned. Alternate translation: "in whose place you have reigned as king"

into the hand of Absalom

Here "hand" refers to control. Alternate translation: "into the control of Absalom"

2 Samuel 16:9

Abishai

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 2:18]

Zeruiah

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 2:13]

Why should this dead dog curse my master the king?

Abishai asked this question to express his anger at the man. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "This dead dog must not speak to the king this way."

this dead dog

Here the man is being described as worthless by being compared to a dead dog. Alternate translation: "this worthless man"

2 Samuel 16:10

What have I to do with you, sons of Zeruiah?

This rhetorical question is asked to correct the sons of Zeruiah. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I do not want to know what you think!"

Perhaps he is cursing me because

"He may be cursing me because"

Who then could say to him, 'Why are you cursing the king?

This is said as a rhetorical question to emphasize that the answer is "no one." This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one then can ask him, 'Why are you cursing the king?'"

2 Samuel 16:11

my son, who was born from my body

David describes his son this way to emphasize the close bond between a father and his son. Alternate translation: "my own son" or "my dear son"

wants to take my life

This is a polite way to refer to killing someone. Alternate translation: "wants to kill me"

How much more may this Benjamite now desire my ruin?

David uses this rhetorical question to express that he is not surprised that the man wants to kill him. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Of course this Benjamite desires my ruin!" or "I am not surprised this Benjamite desires my ruin as well!"

desire my ruin

Here David describes the man's desire to kill him as if David were something that the man wanted to ruin. Alternate translation: "desire me to be killed" or "desire to kill me"

Leave him alone and let him curse

Here the phrase "leave him alone" means to not stop him from what he is doing. Alternate translation: "Do not stop him from cursing me"

2 Samuel 16:12

will look at

Here "looking" means "considering." Alternate translation: "will consider"

the misery unleashed on me

Here David speaks of misery as if it were a dangerous animal that the Benjamite unleashed on him.

2 Samuel 16:13

Shimei went beside him up on the hillside

Shimei was walking parallel to David and his men, though Shimei was up higher on the hillside.

2 Samuel 16:14

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2 Samuel 16:15

Ahithophel

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 15:12]

2 Samuel 16:16

Hushai

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 15:32]

It came about

"It happened that." This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story.

Arkite

See how you translated the name of this people group in [2 Samuel 15:32]

2 Samuel 16:17

loyalty

a strong feeling of support and love

Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with him?

These rhetorical questions are asked to criticize Hushai. They can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have been a loyal friend to David; you should have gone with him."

2 Samuel 16:18

The one whom ... that is the man ... with him

Here Hushai is referring to Absalom in the third person to take emphasize off of him and place it on Yahweh and the people who chose him. This can be written in second person. Alternate translation: "you are the one whom ... you are the man ... with you"

2 Samuel 16:19

what man should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son?

Hushai asks these rhetorical questions to emphasize that he wants to serve Absalom. They can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I should serve only David's son, so I will serve in his presence." or "I should serve you, for you are David's son."

2 Samuel 16:20

Ahithophel

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 15:12]

2 Samuel 16:21

Go to your father's concubines

This is a polite way of talking about having sexual relations. Alternate translation: "Have sexual relations with your father's concubines" or "Lie with your father's concubines"

to keep the palace

The phrase "to keep" means to take care of. Alternate translation: "to take care of the palace"

become a stench to your father

Ahithophel speaks of Absalom offending his father as if he would become something that had a strong and offensive odor. Alternate translation: "become offensive to your father" or "greatly insulted father"

Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong

Here the people who followed Absalom are referred to by their hands. The news will strengthen the peoples' loyalty to Absalom and encourage them. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "The news of this will strengthen the loyalty of all who follow you"

2 Samuel 16:22

they spread

"they set up"

Absalom went to his father's concubines

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with them. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Samuel 16:21]

in the sight of all Israel

This means that people were able to see the tent and Absalom walking in and out of the tent with the women. The phrase "all of Israel" is a generalization, for only people near the palace could see it. Alternate translation: "where the Israelites could see him go into the tent"

2 Samuel 16:23

Now the advice of Ahithophel ... was as if a man heard

Here the author compare how much people trusted Ahithophel's advice with how much they would trust advice directly from God. Alternate translation: "Now people trusted the advice of Ahithophel in those days in the same way they would have trusted it if had come"

as if a man heard from the mouth of God himself

Here God's mouth represents himself and emphasizes his speech. Alternate translation: "as if God had said it with his own mouth" or "as if a man heard it spoken by God himself"

all of Ahithophel's advice was viewed by both David and Absalom

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "both David and Absalom viewed all of Ahithophel's advice"

was viewed

"was thought of"

Chapter 17

2 Samuel 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Confusion

Ahithophel gives good advice to Absalom, but Hushai confuses Absalom. God is using the misleading advice to protect David, his king.

2 Samuel 17:1

Ahithophel

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 15:12]

twelve thousand men

"12,000 men"

arise and

"begin to"

2 Samuel 17:2

come on

"come to"

weary and weak

These words mean basically the same thing and are used together to emphasize how weak David was. Alternate translation: "weak"

will surprise him with fear

Here the word "fear" can be expressed with the adjective "afraid." Alternate translation: "will surprise him and make him afraid"

I will attack only the king

It is implied that he intends to kill the king. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "I will kill only the king"

2 Samuel 17:3

bring back all the people

This refers to all of the people who were with David. Alternate translation: "bring back all of the people who were with him"

like a bride coming to her husband

Here Ahithophel speaks of the peoples' happiness by comparing it to a bride's happiness. Alternate translation: "and they will come happily, like a bride is happy when she comes to her husband" or "and they will come happily"

be at peace

This means to have peace or to live peacefully. Alternate translation: "live peacefully"

under you

This refers to being under the king's authority. Alternate translation: "under your authority"

2 Samuel 17:4

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2 Samuel 17:5

Hushai the Arkite

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:32.

2 Samuel 17:6

Ahithophel

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:12.

2 Samuel 17:7

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2 Samuel 17:8

they are like a bear robbed of her cubs

The anger of the soldiers here is being compared to that of a mother bear who cubs are taken from her. Alternate translation: "they are angry, like a mother bear whose cubs have been take from her" or "they are very angry"

a bear

a large furry animal that walks on four legs and has sharp claws and teeth

is a man of war

This means that his has fought in many battles and knows well the ways of war. Alternate translation: "has fought in many battles"

2 Samuel 17:9

Look

Here this word is used to draw someone's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"

pit

a deep hole in the ground

or in some other place

"or hidden in some other place"

when some of your men have been killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when his soldiers kill some of your men"

A slaughter has taken place among the soldiers who follow Absalom

The noun "slaughter" means an event where many people are brutally killed. This can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "Many of the soldiers who follow Absalom have been slaughtered" or "The enemy soldiers have killed many of the soldiers who follow Absalom"

2 Samuel 17:10

whose hearts are like the heart of a lion

Here the soldiers are refers to by their "hearts." Also, their strong bravery is compared to that of a lion's. Alternate translation: "who are as brave as lions" or "who are very brave"

2 Samuel 17:11

that all Israel should be gathered together to you

This can be stated in active form. Also, here "all Israel" represents only the Israelite soldiers. Alternate translation: "that you should gather together all of the Israelite soldiers"

from Dan to Beersheba

This phrase means from the northern border of Israel to the southern border. Alternate translation: "from the whole nation of Israel"

as numerous as the sands that are by the sea

This is an exaggeration where all the grains of sand on a beach are compared to the number of Israelite soldiers. Alternate translation: "so many that they can barely be counted"

that you go to battle in person

The phrase "in person" means to go yourself and not send someone else instead. Alternate translation: "then lead them yourself into battle"

2 Samuel 17:12

come on him

This means to purposefully go to where he is and then to attack.

we will cover him as the dew falls on the ground

Absalom's army is described as covering David's army like the dew covers the ground in the morning. Alternate translation: "we will overwhelm and completely defeat David's army"

dew

the fog or misty cloud of water that can fall onto the ground during the night, covering the ground and leaving it wet in the morning

We will not leave even one of his men ... alive

This negative sentence is used for emphasis and can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "We will kill every one of his men"

him himself

Both these words refer to David. Alternate translation: "David himself"

2 Samuel 17:13

then all Israel

This refers to Israel's soldiers, not to all of Israel. Alternate translation: "then all of our soldiers"

will bring ropes to that city and we will drag it into the river

This means that the soldiers would tear down the city walls and drag the pieces to river. Alternate translation: "will destroy the city and drag the stones to the river with ropes"

until there is no longer even a small stone found there

This is an exaggeration to describe how completely they will destroy the city. The would not literally sweep away every small stone from the city. Alternate translation: "until the city is completely destroyed"

2 Samuel 17:14

Hushai the Arkite

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:32. Arkite is the name of a people group.

Ahithophel

See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:12.

the rejection of Ahithophel's good advice

The word "rejection" can be expressed with the verb "reject." Alternate translation: "for the men of Israel to reject Ahithophel's good advice"

to bring destruction on Absalom

To "bring" something on someone means to cause it to happen to them. Alternate translation: "to cause a disaster to happen to Absalom"

2 Samuel 17:15

Zadok ... Abiathar

See how you translated these men's names in [2 Samuel 15:24]

in such and such a way

This phrase, meaning "like this," refers to what Ahithophel advised Absalom earlier beginning in [2 Samuel 17:1]

2 Samuel 17:16

the fords of the wilderness

A ford is a shallow part of a river where people can walk across. The word "wilderness" here probably refers to the Arabah, the land along both sides of the Jordan River.

by all means

This means to make sure that you do something. Alternate translation: "be sure to" or "make sure that you"

the king will be swallowed up

Here the king and his people being killed is describes as if they were "swallowed" by their enemy. Alternate translation: "the king will be killed"

2 Samuel 17:17

Jonathan ... Ahimaaz

See how you translated these men's names in [2 Samuel 15:27]

When the message came

Here the "message" is spoken of as coming to them, when really it is the woman who came to then bringing the message. Alternate translation: "When she brought them a message"

spring of Rogel

This is the name of a place.

2 Samuel 17:18

this time

"one time"

So Jonathan and Ahimaaz went away

It is implied that they found out that the young man had told Absalom about them being there. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Jonathan and Ahimaaz found out what the young man had done, so they went away"

Bahurim

This is the name of a small town.

they descended

"they lowered themselves and hid"

2 Samuel 17:19

Jonathan ... Ahimaaz

See how you translated these men's names in [2 Samuel 15:27]

2 Samuel 17:20

Absalom's servants

These were probably soldiers, not house servants.

the woman of the house

"the man's wife"

Ahimaaz ... Jonathan

See how you translated these men's names in [2 Samuel 15:27]

2 Samuel 17:21

It came about

"It happened." This phrase marks the next event in the story.

cross quickly over the water

Here "the water" refers to the Jordan River. Alternate translation: "cross quickly over the river"

has given such and such advice

The idiom "such and such" is used in the place of information that is already know by the reader. Here it refers to what Ahithophel advised Absalom beginning in [2 Samuel 17:1]

2 Samuel 17:22

By morning daylight not one of them had failed to cross over the Jordan

This negative sentence is used to emphasize that they all crossed the river. It can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "By morning daylight every one of them had crossed over the Jordan"

2 Samuel 17:23

Ahithophel saw

"Ahithophel knew" or "Ahithophel realized"

his advice had not been followed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Absalom had not followed his advice"

saddled his donkey

placed a blanket or small leather seat on the donkey so he could sit on it

set his house in order

He prepared for his death by telling his family what to do after he died. Alternate translation: "prepared for his death"

So

"And this is how"

was buried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried him"

2 Samuel 17:24

Mahanaim

Translate the name of this place the same as you did in [2 Samuel 2:8]

2 Samuel 17:25

Amasa ... Joab ... Jether ... Nahash

These are the names of men. See how you translated Joab and Zeruiah

Ishmaelite

This word means that the person is descended from Ishmael. Some versions say "Israelite" here. See the footnote. You may want to choose the word that is used in the majority language Bible in your area.

who went to Abigail

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with her. Alternate translation: "who had sexual relations with Abigail" or "who lay with Abigail"

Abigail ... Zeruiah

These are the names of women.

2 Samuel 17:26

Gilead

Translate the name of this place the same as you did in [2 Samuel 2:9]

2 Samuel 17:27

It came about

This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story.

Mahanaim ... Rabbah ... Lo Debar ... Rogelim

These are the names of cities or places.

Shobi ... Nahash ... Makir ... Ammiel ... Barzillai

These are the names of men.

Ammonites ... Gileadite

These are the names of people groups.

2 Samuel 17:28

sleeping mats and blankets

A mat is something soft to sleep on, and a blanket is a cloth covering for warmth.

flour

crushed grain made into powder and used to make bread

roasted

cooked with dry heat

beans

seeds that are cooked and eaten

lentils

a kind of seed that is cooked and eaten

2 Samuel 17:29

curds

milk that has soured and become solid

thirsty

in need of water or some other drink

Chapter 18

2 Samuel 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter tells of the defeat and death of Absalom, ending this section on Absalom's rebellion.

Special concepts in this chapter

David's mercy

David reorganized his army and sent them out to battle, but told them to be merciful to Absalom. When David's army defeated Absalom's army, Absalom fled on a mule, but his hair caught in a tree limb and the mule ran on, leaving him hanging. One of David's soldiers saw him and told Joab. Joab went and killed him. When David heard about this he mourned for his son, Absalom. (See: mercy)

2 Samuel 18:1

David counted the soldiers who were with him and appointed

David did not count all of the people himself, rather other men counted them. Alternate translation: "David commanded for the soldiers who were with him to be counted and he appointed" or "David arranged the soldiers who were with him and appointed"

captains of thousands and captains of hundreds

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these captains led. Alternate translation: "captains of 1,000 soldiers and captains of 100 soldiers" or 2) the words translated as "thousands" and "hundreds" do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: "captains of large military divisions and captains of smaller military divisions"

captains

A captain is a person who is in authority over a group of soldiers.

2 Samuel 18:2

one-third ... another third

"one-third of the army ... another third of the army." A "third" is one part out of three equal parts.

Abishai ... Zeruiah

See how you translated these men's names in [2 Samuel 2:18]

Ittai

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 15:19]

Gittite

This refers to a person from Gath, which is a Philistine city.

I will certainly go out with you myself, too

This means that he will go out with them to battle. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "I myself will go with you to battle" or "I personally will go with you into battle"

2 Samuel 18:3

half of us

The word "half" refers to one out of two equal parts.

you are worth ten thousand of us

This means that the enemy army considering killing David of greater worth than killing 10,000 of the other men. The number 10,000 here is an exaggeration used to emphasize a very great number of people. Alternate translation: "they would rather kill you than to kill 10,000 of us" or "killing you is worth more to them than killing a great number of us"

ten thousand

"10,000"

that you be ready to help us from the city

David could help them from the city by advising them and sending men to help them. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "that you stay here in the city and send help to us"

2 Samuel 18:4

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2 Samuel 18:5

Abishai

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 2:18]

Ittai

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 15:19]

Deal gently for my sake with the young man, with Absalom

"For my sake, do not harm the young man, Absalom." The phrase "Deal gently" means to be kind to someone and not to harm them.

my sake

"my well-being" or "my account"

2 Samuel 18:6

went out into the countryside against Israel

This means that they went out and fought against them in battle. Alternate translation: "went out into the countryside and fought against Israel"

against Israel

Here "Israel" refers to their soldiers, not all of the Israelites. Alternate translation: "against the Israelite soldiers"

2 Samuel 18:7

The army of Israel was defeated there before the servants of David

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "There the servants of David defeated the army of Israel"

servants of David

"David's soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22.

a great slaughter

an event where many people are brutally killed

twenty thousand men

"20,000 men"

2 Samuel 18:8

more men were consumed by the forest than by the sword

Here "the forest" is described as if it were alive and could act. "The sword" refers to David's soldiers who fought with swords. Alternate translation: "dangerous things in the forest killed more men than David's soldiers killed with their swords"

2 Samuel 18:9

Absalom happened to meet some of David's servants

This is an event that happened during the battle. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "During the battle, Absalom happened to meet some of David's servants"

David's servants

"David's soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22.

his head was caught up in the tree branches

Absalom had long hair that got caught in the tree branches. Alternate translation: "his hair was caught in the tree branches"

dangling

hanging or swinging loosely

between the ground and the sky

"in the air"

2 Samuel 18:10

Look

Here this word is used to draw a person's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"

2 Samuel 18:11

Why did you not strike him down to the ground?

This rhetorical question means that he should have killed him. This question can be written as a statement. The phrase "strike down" means to kill. Alternate translation: "You should have struck him down to the ground!" or "You should have killed him immediately!"

ten silver shekels

This can be written in modern units. Alternate translation: "ten silver coins" or "110 grams of silver"

belt

This is a special belt that shows people that someone is a great soldier and should be honored.

2 Samuel 18:12

a thousand silver shekels

"1,000 silver shekels." This can be stated in modern units. Alternate translation: "1,000 silver coins" or "11 kilograms of silver"

would not have reached out my hand against the king's son

The phrase "reached out my hand" means to attack. Alternate translation: "would not have attacked the king's son"

No one must touch

Here "touching" refers to "harming." Alternate translation: "No none must harm" or "Do not harm"

2 Samuel 18:13

a falsehood

The word "falsehood" can be expressed with a verb phrase. Also, this refers to disobeying the king's command. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "doing something that is wrong" or "by disobeying the king"

there is nothing hidden from the king

Here the man speaks about how the king knows about almost everything that happens as if everything were a physical object he knew the location of. Alternate translation: "there is nothing that the king does not know" or "the king hears about everything that happens"

2 Samuel 18:14

I will not wait for you

Joab meant that he should not continue talking to the man. Alternate translation: "I will not waste anymore time talking to you"

heart of Absalom

Here Absalom's heart refers to his chest or upper body. Alternate translation: "chest"

2 Samuel 18:15

armor

This refers to both the armor he would wear to protect himself and to his weapons. Alternate translation: "armor and weapons"

2 Samuel 18:16

Then Joab blew the ram's horn, and the army returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab held back the army

This describes what Joab commanded by blowing the ram's horn. Alternate translation: "Then Joab blew the ram's horn to call back the army, and the army returned from pursuing Israel"

returned from pursuing Israel

Here "Israel" refers to the Israelite army. Alternate translation: "returned from pursuing the Israelite army"

2 Samuel 18:17

They took Absalom and threw him

"They took Absalom's body and threw it"

they buried his body under a very large pile of stones

After putting his body in the pit they covered it with a pile of stones. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: "they covered his body with a huge pile of stones"

while all Israel fled

Here "all Israel" refers to the Israelite soldiers. The word "fled" means "ran away." Alternate translation: "while all the Israelite soldiers ran away"

his own tent

"his own home." The Israelites were living in houses at this time.

2 Samuel 18:18

the King's Valley

This is the name of a place.

to carry along the memory of my name

Absalom uses the phrase "my name" to refer to himself and his family line. Alternate translation: "to carry on my family name, by which people would remember me"

so it is called Absalom's Monument to this very day

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so people called it Absalom's Monument from that day on"

to this very day

This refers to the present time when this book of the Bible was written.

2 Samuel 18:19

Ahimaaz

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 15:27]

run to the king with the good news

Here Ahimaaz speaks of running to go and tell the king the good news as if the good news were a object that he were carrying. Alternate translation: "run to tell the king the good news"

the hand of his enemies

Here "hand" refers to control. Alternate translation: "the control of his enemies"

2 Samuel 18:20

the bearer of news

"the one who tells the news"

you will bear no news

This refers to not bearing the news to the king. Alternate translation: "you will not tell the news to the king"

2 Samuel 18:21

tell the king what you have seen

Joab is telling him to go and tell the king about the news of the battle.

2 Samuel 18:22

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2 Samuel 18:23

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2 Samuel 18:24

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story and the beginning of a new part of the story.

raised his eyes

Here the watchman looking to see something is spoken of as if he lifted up his eyes. Alternate translation: "looked out beyond the city"

2 Samuel 18:25

there is news in his mouth

Here the king speaks of the man having a message as if the news were an object sitting in his mouth. Alternate translation: "he has news to tell us"

2 Samuel 18:26

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2 Samuel 18:27

I think the running of the man in front is like the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok

The watchman compares the way the man ran to the way Ahimaaz runs to suggest that it may be him. Alternate translation: "I think the man running in front is Ahimaaz son Zadok, because he runs like Ahimaaz"

2 Samuel 18:28

He bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground

He did this to honor the king. Alternate translation: "He bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground to honor the king"

Blessed be Yahweh

"Praise Yahweh." Here "bless" means to praise.

the men who lifted up their hand against my master the king

Here Ahimaaz speaks of the men opposing the king as if they were were raising their hands before him. Alternate translation: "the men who opposed and fought against my master the king"

2 Samuel 18:29

a great disturbance

This means that people were acting as though things were not right.

2 Samuel 18:30

Turn aside and stand here

"Move out of the way" or "Stand aside"

2 Samuel 18:31

rose up against

This means to oppose. Alternate translation: "opposed"

2 Samuel 18:32

The enemies of my master the king, ... should be as that young man is

The Cushite uses a comparison as a polite way to tell the king that Absalom is dead. This can be stated more directly. Alternate translation: "I would like all your enemies ... to die the way that young man died"

2 Samuel 18:33

was deeply unnerved

"was very unhappy" or "was trembling with grief"

Chapter 19

2 Samuel 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

David told to stop mourning Absalom

Joab warned David that if he continued to mourn Absalom and not thank his army, they would all desert him. So David went out to encourage the soldiers. David was both a good father and a good leader.

David made king again

This chapter record the recognition that David was the true king of Israel. It is important to remember that even though Absalom had power for a while, David never stopped being the king.

The ten tribes and Judah argue over David

The ten tribes of Israel argued with the tribe of Judah about who would bring David across the river. The men of Judah answered the ten tribes very harshly. This may foreshadow, or give a glimpse of, the future civil war that would come to divide these two groups.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

The people wanted David back as their king and expressed it in a rhetorical question: "So why are we not talking about bringing the king back?" David also used a question to persuade the people of Judah to bring him back: "You are my brothers, my flesh and bone. Why then are you the last to bring back the king?"

2 Samuel 19:1

Joab was told

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Joab"

Look, the king is weeping

The word "Look" is used here to draw someone's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen, the king is weeping"

2 Samuel 19:2

So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the army

This means that the whole army mourned instead of celebrating. Alternate translation: "So instead of celebrating victory that day, the whole army mourned"

2 Samuel 19:3

like people who are ashamed sneak away when they run from battle

The author compares the way that the soldiers had to sneak back into the city to the way that soldiers sneak away when they are running away from battle. This emphasizes that they were made to feel ashamed. Alternate translation: "in the same way that people who had run away from battle would sneak away because they were ashamed"

sneak

move without being seen by others

2 Samuel 19:4

The king covered his face

This is a way to express grief and mourning. Alternate translation: "The king showed his grief by covering his face"

2 Samuel 19:5

You have shamed the faces of all your servants today

Here the servants are referred to by their face to emphasize how they would have hid their faces because of their shame" Alternate translation: "You have caused all your servants to hide their faces in shame today" or "You have caused all of your servants to be ashamed today"

your servants

"your soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated similar words in 2 Samuel 3:22.

2 Samuel 19:6

commanders and servants

"military officers and the soldiers under them." The "servants" served David as soldiers. See how you translated similar words in 2 Samuel 3:22.

nothing to you

This phrase is an exaggeration, but it expresses the very low value that David showed for the army. Alternate translation: "are worth very little to you"

if Absalom had lived, and we all had died, then that would have pleased you

Joab imagined how David would have felt if Absalom had lived and if all the men who had fought to help David had died. He said this because he was angry that David was still mourning for Absalom.

2 Samuel 19:7

your servants

"your soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated similar words in 2 Samuel 3:22.

I swear by Yahweh

Joab is making a very strong oath. Alternate translation: "I swear, as surely as Yahweh is alive"

if you do not go, not one man will remain with you

Joab means if David did not go and speak kindly to his soldiers, they would all leave David. This can be stated positivley. Alternate translation: "only if you go will any of your men remain with you" or "if you do not go, all of your men will leave you"

not one man will remain with you

This refers to them remaining loyal to him. Alternate translation: "not one man will remain loyal to you"

2 Samuel 19:8

all the people were told

This is a generalization. It means most of the men. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "many of the men who were there heard others saying"

Look, the king is sitting

The word "Look" is used here to draw someone's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen, the king is sitting"

all the people

Here "the people" refer to the people who followed David. Here "all" is an generalization. It means a large number came and gathered around him. Alternate translation: "many of the people"

So Israel fled

Here "Israel" refers to the Israelite soldiers who followed Absalom. Alternate translation: "And every Israelite soldier fled" or "And all of the Israelite soldiers fled"

his tent

"his home." The Israelites were living in houses in those days. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 18:17.

2 Samuel 19:9

out of the hand of our enemies

Here "hand" means control. Alternate translation: "from under the control of our enemies" or "from our enemies' control"

out of the hand of the Philistines

Here "hand" means control. Alternate translation: "from under the control of the Philistines" or "from the Philistines' control"

out of the land because of Absalom

This means that he had left the country fleeing from Absalom. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "out of the country fleeing from Absalom"

2 Samuel 19:10

why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?

This means they should consider bringing David back now that Absalom was dead. The question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "we should be talking about bringing the king back."

the king

This refers to David.

2 Samuel 19:11

sent to Zadok and to Abiathar

This means that David sent a messenger to Zadok and Abiathar. Alternate translation: "sent a messenger to Zadok and to Abiathar"

Why are you the last to bring the king back ... to bring him back to his palace?

This rhetorical question is asked to rebuke the elders in Judah. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should have been the first to favor the king and bring him back to the palace, not the people of the nation of Israel."

since the talk of all Israel favors the king, to bring

The noun "talk" can be expressed with the verb "talk" or "speak." Alternate translation: "since all Israel speaks favorably about the king and desires to bring" or "since what the people of Israel are saying is in the king's favor, to bring"

to bring the king back to his palace

Here restoring the king's authority to rule is spoken of as bringing him back to his palace. Alternate translation: "to restore the king's authority as king"

2 Samuel 19:12

You are my brothers, my flesh and bone

The king uses these to phrases to emphasize that they are closely related. Being or having the same flesh is a metaphor for belonging to the same family or tribe. Alternate translation: "You are my brothers, and we have the same flesh and bone" or "You are my brothers, my close relatives"

Why then are you the last to bring back the king?

This is the second rhetorical question here and it is also a rebuke for the elders of Judah. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should have been the first, not the last, to bring back the king."

2 Samuel 19:13

Amasa

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 17:25]

Are you not my flesh and my bone?

David uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that they are related. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are my flesh and my bones."

my flesh and my bone

Here David speaks of them being related by saying that they have the same flesh and bones. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Samuel 19:12]

God do so to me

This is an idiom that means for God to kill him. Alternate translation: "May God kill me"

2 Samuel 19:14

he won the hearts

Here the mens' loyalty is referred to as their "hearts." Alternate translation: "he won the loyalty"

as one man

This speaks of the men being united in their loyalty to the king as if they were one man with the same mind. Alternate translation: "and they were united together" or "they were united in their loyalty to the king"

They sent to the king

This means that they sent a messenger to the king. Alternate translation: "They sent a messenger to the king"

2 Samuel 19:15

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2 Samuel 19:16

Gera

This is the name of a man.

Bahurim

Translate the name of this place the same as you did in 2 Samuel 3:16.

2 Samuel 19:17

Ziba

This is the name of a man. Translate as you did in [2 Samuel 9:2]

one thousand men ... fifteen sons ... twenty servants

"1,000 men ... 15 sons ... 20 servants"

in the presence of the king

This means that the king was there and was aware of what was happening. Alternate translation: "at the place where the king was"

2 Samuel 19:18

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2 Samuel 19:19

call to mind

This means "to remember." Alternate translation: "remember"

your servant

Here Shimei refers to himself this way to humble himself before the king and honor the king.

not take it to heart

"To take something to heart" means to think about something seriously or to be bothered by it. Alternate translation: "not be bothered by it" or "forget about it"

2 Samuel 19:20

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2 Samuel 19:21

Abishai

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 2:18]

Zeruiah

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 2:13]

Should not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed Yahweh's anointed?

Abishai was angry at Shimei for cursing David and is suggesting that he should be killed. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Shimei should be put to death because he cursed Yahweh's anointed."

Yahweh's anointed

This refers to David. It means that he is the man that Yahweh had anointed as king. Alternate translation: "the man that Yahweh has anointed as king"

2 Samuel 19:22

What have I to do with you ... that you should today be adversaries to me?

David uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Abishai. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "We have nothing in common with you, you sons of Zeruiah! You have no good reason to become my adversaries today."

Will any man be put to death today in Israel? For do I not know that today I am king over Israel?

David uses these rhetorical questions to continue rebuking Abishai. These questions can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "No person will be executed today in the nation of Israel, because today I am the one who is king over all of Israel."

Will any man be put to death

This phrase "put to death" means to be killed or executed. Alternate translation: "Will any man be killed" or "Will I order any man to die"

For do I not know that today I am king over Israel?

Possible meanings of this rhetorical question are 1) "I know that I am still king of Israel." or 2) "Today I am the one who is king over Israel!"

2 Samuel 19:23

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2 Samuel 19:24

Mephibosheth

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 4:4]

He had not dressed his feet

"He had not cared for his feet." Mephibosheth's feet were crippled. This phrase means that he had not taken proper care of his feet.

2 Samuel 19:25

Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?

David is asking Mephibosheth why he did not go with David when David and all the people who followed him left Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "Why did you not go with me when I left Jerusalem, Mephibosheth?"

2 Samuel 19:26

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2 Samuel 19:27

Ziba

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 9:2]

my master the king is like an angel of God

Here David's wisdom is compared to the wisdom of an angel. Alternate translation: "my master the king is as wise as an angel of God"

do what is good in your eyes

This means to do what you think is right. Alternate translation: "do what you believe to be the right thing to do"

2 Samuel 19:28

all my father's house were dead men before my master the king

Mephibosheth speaks of how his relatives had deserved to be executed as if they had already been executed and were dead. Alternate translation: "all my father's house deserved for my master the king to order them to be executed"

my father's house

This refers to his father's relatives. Alternate translation: "my father's relatives"

What right therefore have I that I should still cry any more to the king?

Mephibosheth uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he has no right to request anything from the king. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Therefore, I have no right to ask the king to do anything else for me."

2 Samuel 19:29

Why explain anything further?

David uses this rhetorical question to tell him that he does not need to continue talking about his conflict with Ziba. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You do not need to explain this any further." or "You certainly do not need to say any more."

2 Samuel 19:30

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2 Samuel 19:31

Barzillai

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 17:27]

Gileadite

See how you translated the name of this people group in [2 Samuel 17:27]

Rogelim

See how you translated the name of this place in [2 Samuel 17:27]

the Jordan

the Jordan River

2 Samuel 19:32

Mahanaim

See how you translated the name of this place in [2 Samuel 17:27]

eighty years old

"80 years old"

had furnished the king with provisions

"had provided what the king needed"

2 Samuel 19:33

General Information:

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2 Samuel 19:34

How many days are left in the years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?

Here Barzillai means that he is old and that there is no reason for him to accompany David. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am certainly not going to live many more years. There is no good reason for me to go up with the king to Jerusalem."

2 Samuel 19:35

eighty years old

"80 years old"

Can I distinguish between good and bad?

Barzillai uses rhetorical questions to emphasize why he does not want to go to Jerusalem. Here "good" and "bad" refer to what is desirable and what is not. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I cannot distinguish between what is desirable and what is not."

Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink?

Barzillai uses rhetorical questions to emphasize why he does not want to go to Jerusalem. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I cannot enjoy the taste of what I eat and drink."

Can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women?

Barzillai uses rhetorical questions to emphasize why he does not want to go to Jerusalem. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I cannot hear well the voices of singing men and singing women."

Why then should your servant be a burden to my master the king?

Barzillai uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he does not want to be a burden to the king. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Your servant should not go with you and be a burden to you."

2 Samuel 19:36

Why should the king repay me with such a reward?

Barzillai uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he does not know why the king would reward him this way. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I do not know why the king would repay me with such a great reward"

2 Samuel 19:37

General Information:

Barzillai asks that Kimham be allowed to take his place instead with David.

Kimham

This is the name of a man.

by the grave of my father and my mother

This does not mean that he wants to die right next to their graves, but rather, that he wants to die in the city where they are buried. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "where my father's and my mother's graves are" or "where my father and my mother are buried"

Let him cross over

This refers to crossing the Jordan River. Alternate translation: "Let him cross over the Jordan"

2 Samuel 19:38

Kimham will go over with me

This refers to crossing the Jordan River. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Kimham will cross the river with me"

2 Samuel 19:39

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2 Samuel 19:40

crossed over to Gilgal

They crossed over the Jordan River. Alternate translation: "crossed over the river to Gilgal"

Kimham

See how you translated this name in 2 Samuel 19:37.

All the army of Judah brought the king over, and also half the army of Israel

"All the army of Judah and half the army of Israel brought the king over"

brought the king over

They crossed over the Jordan River with the king. Alternate translation: "escorted the king over the river"

2 Samuel 19:41

Why have our brothers, the men of Judah ... and all David's men with him?

The men of Israel use this question to express that they feel betrayed by the people of Judah. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is not right that our brothers, the men of Judah, who did not support you as king, had the privilege of bringing you and your family back across the Jordan River."

stolen you away

The men of Israel speak of how the men of Judah escorted the king across the river as if the king were something they stole that did not belong to them. Alternate translation: "taken you away from us"

the Jordan

the Jordan River

2 Samuel 19:42

Why then are you angry about this?

The men of Judah ask this rhetorical question to rebuke the men of Israel. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "But you have no reason to be upset about this."

Have we eaten anything that the king had to pay for? Has he given us any gifts?

The men of Judah ask the question to express that they have not taken anything from the king. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "The king has never paid for our food, and he has never given us any gifts."

2 Samuel 19:43

we have even more right to David than you

"we have a greater claim to David than you do." It may be helpful to state clearly what having "more right" means. Alternate translation: "we have more right to serve the king and to be with the king than you do"

Why then did you despise us?

The men of Israel ask this rhetorical question to express their anger. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not have despised us!"

Was not our proposal to bring back our king the first to be heard?

The men of Israel ask this question to remind and rebuke the people of Judah. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "We were the first to suggest that we bring back the king!"

the words of the men of Judah were even more severe than the words of the men of Israel

"the men of Judah spoke even more severely than the men of Israel did"

Chapter 20

2 Samuel 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Sheba's revolt

A man named Sheba told the people of the ten tribes that David was Judah's king, but not their king. David worked hard to preserve unity in Israel after this time of division.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

Joab used an idiom "has lifted up his hand against the king, against David" meaning "revolted against David," to explain why his army was attacking the city of Abel.

2 Samuel 20:1

to be at the same place

This refers to the town of Gilgal.

Sheba ... Bikri

These are names of men.

We have no part in David, neither have we any inheritance in the son of Jesse

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Sheba is emphasizing that he and the tribes of Israel have no relationship with David. Alternate translation: "The inheritance of David and his father's family does not belong to us" or "We are not a part of David and his father's family"

his tent

"his home." The Israelites were living in houses in those days. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 18:17.

2 Samuel 20:2

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2 Samuel 20:3

to keep the palace

Here the phrase "to keep" means to take care of. Alternate translation: "to take care of the palace"

in a house under guard

If a house is "under guard" it means that a guard is posted at the house. Alternate translation: "in a house and put a guard there"

he did not go to them

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "he did not have sexual relations with them"

they were shut up

This means that they were not allowed to leave the house. Alternate translation: "they were shut inside the house"

widows

These are women whose husbands have died.

2 Samuel 20:4

Amasa

This is the commander of David's army. See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 17:25]

2 Samuel 20:5

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2 Samuel 20:6

Abishai

This is another commander of David's army. See how you translated his name in [2 Samuel 2:18]

do us more harm

"hurt us more"

your master's servants

"my soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22. David refers to himself as "your master" as a formal way of speaking to someone with less authority.

pursue after

"chase after"

he will find fortified cities

This means that Sheba and his men will enter these cities to hide from David's army. The word "he" represents Sheba but refers to both him and his men. Alternate translation: "he and his men will hide in fortified cities" or "he and his men will take refuge in fortified cities"

out of our sight

Here David refers to his army by their sight to emphasize that Sheba and his men would be hidden and David's army would be unable to capture them. Alternate translation: "from us"

2 Samuel 20:7

Kerethites ... Pelethites

These are the names of people groups who helped to protect King David. See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 8:18]

2 Samuel 20:8

When they were

"When Joab and the men of Judah were"

belt

a strip of leather or other material used to hold clothing or weapons in place

sheathed sword

This means the sword was in its protective covering.

the sword fell out

Joab let the sword fall out to fool Amasa into thinking that he Joab was unarmed, so that Amasa would allow him to walk closer to him. Alternate translation: "he allowed the sword to fall on the ground so Amasa would think he was unarmed"

2 Samuel 20:9

my cousin

Amasa was the son of the sister of Joab's mother.

took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him

This was a common way for men to greet one another.

2 Samuel 20:10

dagger

a short sword that is easy to hide and was often used for close-in fighting and assassinations

bowels spilled

"intestines spilled"

2 Samuel 20:11

he who is for David

To be "for" someone means to support them. Alternate translation: "he who supports David" or "he who is loyal to David"

2 Samuel 20:12

Amasa lay wallowing in his blood

"Amasa lay squirming in his blood." Amasa may have still been alive and rolling in his blood, but he was probably dead by this time. It is described this way to show how gruesome his body looked. Alternate translation: "Amasa lay dead in his blood"

all the people stood still ... came by him stood still

This means they stopped walking and were staring at Amasa's dead body. Alternate translation: "all the people stood still staring at the dead body ... came by him stood still, staring at his dead body"

he carried Amasa

"he carried Amasa's body"

2 Samuel 20:13

After Amasa was taken off the road

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "After the man took Amasa off the road"

in pursuit of

This abstract noun can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "pursuing"

2 Samuel 20:14

Sheba passed through

Here "Sheba" refers to both him and his army. Alternate translation: "Sheba and his army" or "Sheba and his men"

Abel Beth Maakah

The names Both Abel and Beth Maakah refer to the same place and may be combined. It is a city near the tribe of Dan.

of the Bikrites

This is the name of a people group.

also pursued Sheba

"also followed Sheba"

2 Samuel 20:15

They caught up with him

"Joab and the soldiers caught up with him"

against the city against the wall

"against the city wall"

were wreaking destruction to break down the wall

The use of the words "destruction" and "break down" are probably a hendiadys to emphasize how hard the men were working to destroy the wall. They were probably using a log with metal at one end. Many men would run with the log and hit the wall with the metal end until it broke down. Alternate translation: "were doing all they could to break down the wall."

2 Samuel 20:16

Listen, please listen

The repetition of "Listen" strengthens the woman's plea.

2 Samuel 20:17

Listen to the words of your servant

The woman refers to herself as "your servant." This is a polite way to speak to someone with greater authority.

2 Samuel 20:18

that advice would end the matter

"that advice would solve the problem"

2 Samuel 20:19

most peaceful and faithful in Israel

This describes the cities. Alternate translation: "most peaceful and faithful cities in Israel"

city that is a mother in Israel

This speaks of the importance of this city among the nation of Israel as if it were a well respected mother. Alternate translation: "city that everyone in Israel respects like they would their mother" or "city that is very important and that Israel respects"

Why do you want to swallow up the inheritance of Yahweh?

Here the woman uses a rhetorical question to suggest to Joab what they should not do. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not destroy the city that is Yahweh's inheritance!"

swallow up

Here the woman speaks of the army destroying the city as if the city were food to be swallowed. Alternate translation: "destroy"

the inheritance of Yahweh

Here the city is referred to as Yahweh's inheritance to emphasize that it belongs to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "a city that belongs to Yahweh"

2 Samuel 20:20

Far be it, far be it from me, that I should

He repeats this phrase to emphasize that this is something he would never do. Alternate translation: "Truly, truly, I would never"

that I should swallow up or destroy

This refers to destroying the city. This may be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "that I should swallow up or destroy your city" or "that I should swallow up or destroy the inheritance of Yahweh"

swallow up or destroy

Both of these phrases means to destroy. In the first phrase "destroying" is spoken of as if it were "swallowing." These may be combined. Alternate translation: "ruin or destroy the city" or "destroy"

2 Samuel 20:21

has lifted up his hand against

This means to rebel and fight against someone. Alternate translation: "has opposed" or "is rebelling against"

Give up him alone

Joab is asking for the people of the city to release Sheba to him. Alternate translation: "Hand this man over to us" or "Give this man to us"

I will withdraw from the city

Here the "I" refers to both Joab and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "We will withdraw from the city"

His head will be thrown

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We will throw his head"

2 Samuel 20:22

Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom

This means that the woman acted wisely and spoke to her people about what they should do. Alternate translation: "Then the wise woman spoke to all the people"

his tent

"his home." The Israelites were living in houses in those days. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 18:17.

2 Samuel 20:23

Now

"Now" marks a stop in the main story. This new section gives background information about the men who served King David.

Joab was over ... Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over

The phrase "was over" refers to having authority over a group of people. Alternate translation: "Joab had authority over ... Benaiah son of Jehoiada had authority over"

Benaiah ... Jehoiada

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in [2 Samuel 8:18]

Kerethites ... Pelethites

Translate the names of these people groups the same as you did in [2 Samuel 8:18]

2 Samuel 20:24

Adoniram was over

The phrase "was over" refers to having authority over a group of people. Alternate translation: "Adoniram had authority over"

Adoniram

This is the name of a man.

the men who did forced labor

"the slave workers"

Jehoshaphat ... Ahilud

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in 2 Samuel 8:16.

2 Samuel 20:25

Sheva

This is the name of a man.

were priests

They were probably officials who advised David on matters to do with the kingdom and were not involved in temple worship. See the footnote at 2 Samuel 8:18, where the same word is used.

2 Samuel 20:26

Ira

This is the name of a man.

Jairite

This is the name of a people group.

David's priest

He was probably an official who advised David on matters to do with the kingdom and was not involved in temple worship. See the footnote at 2 Samuel 8:18, where the same word is used.

Chapter 21

2 Samuel 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

Famine caused by a broken oath

When Israel first conquered the land, they promised not to kill the people of Gibeon. When Saul tried to kill them all, God caused a famine in Israel. David made amends with the people of Gibeon and the famine ended. David also kept his vow to Jonathan's sons. This helps to show the wisdom of king David. Although these people were not Israelites, they believed in Yahweh. (See: promise, vow and wise and believe)

Wisdom, grace and justice

David is seen to have many great qualities in this chapter. These were qualities important for a king of Israel: wisdom, grace and justice. (See: wise and grace and justice)

2 Samuel 21:1

sought the face of Yahweh

Here "face" is a synecdoche for Yahweh's presence. This means David prayed to Yahweh for an answer about the famine.

because of Saul and his murderous family

Saul had killed many Gibeonites, and Saul's descendants are guilty because of this sin.

2 Samuel 21:2

Now

Here "Now" marks a stop in the main story. This gives background information about the Gibeonites.

2 Samuel 21:3

What should I do for you? How can I make atonement ... promises?

These two sentences have similar meanings. Alternate translation: "What can I do to remove this sin, so that you may bless the people of Yahweh, who inherit his goodness and promises?"

2 Samuel 21:4

It is not a matter of silver or gold

"Money will not solve the problem"

2 Samuel 21:5

who schemed against us

"who made plans against us"

2 Samuel 21:6

let seven men from his descendants be handed over to us

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "allow your men to give seven of his descendants to us"

we will hang them

"we will execute them by hanging"

in Gibeah of Saul

Saul was from the town of Gibeah.

the one chosen by Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one whom Yahweh chose"

2 Samuel 21:7

Mephibosheth

Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan. See how you translated his name in 2 Samuel 4:4.

2 Samuel 21:8

Rizpah ... Aiah

Rizpah was a woman and her father was Aiah. See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 3:7.

Armoni and Mephibosheth ... Adriel ... Barzillai

These are names of men. This is not the same Mephibosheth as the son of Jonathan.

Merab

This is the name of a woman. See how you translated it in 2 Samuel 3:13.

Meholathite

This is the name of a people group.

2 Samuel 21:9

He handed them over into the hands of the Gibeonites

Here "the hands of the Gibeonites" represents the Gibeonite people's control. Alternate translation: "He gave them to the Gibeonites"

They were put to death

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Gibeonites put them to death"

2 Samuel 21:10

Rizpah ... Aiah

Rizpah was a woman and her father was Aiah. See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 3:7.

2 Samuel 21:11

It was told to David

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told David"

2 Samuel 21:12

Jabesh Gilead

Jabesh is a town in the region of Gilead. See how you translated this in 2 Samuel 2:4.

the public square

This is an area near the city gate where people did various kinds of business.

Beth Shan

This is the name of a place.

Gilboa

See how you translated the name of this place in 2 Samuel 1:6.

2 Samuel 21:13

who had been hanged

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the Gibeonites executed by hanging"

2 Samuel 21:14

Zela

This is the name of a town in Benjamin.

Kish

This is the name of a man.

his father

"Saul's father"

2 Samuel 21:15

General Information:

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2 Samuel 21:16

Ishbi-Benob

This is the name of a man.

three hundred shekels

"300 shekels." This is about 3.4 kilograms.

2 Samuel 21:17

Abishai son of Zeruiah

Abishai and Zeruiah are names of men. See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 2:18.

you do not put out the lamp of Israel

The "lamp of Israel" is a metaphor that refers to David's leadership and the idea that if David were to die, the people of Israel would have no clear direction.

2 Samuel 21:18

It came about after this that

This phrase marks the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Gob

This is the name of a town.

Sibbekai ... Saph

These are names of men.

Hushathite ... Rapha

These are names of people groups.

Rapha

This people group was known for its giant warriors.

2 Samuel 21:19

Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite

Some versions translate this as "Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite."

Elhanan son of Jair ... Goliath

These are names of men.

Bethlehemite ... Gittite

These are names of people groups.

whose spear was like a weaver's beam

When a person was weaving a cloth he would run the threads through hooks attached to large sticks called a "weaver's beam." This means Goliath's spear was larger than a normal spear.

2 Samuel 21:20

twenty-four in number

"24 fingers and toes altogether"

Rapha

This people group was known for its giant warriors.

2 Samuel 21:21

Jonathan son of Shimeah

These are names of men. Shimeah was David's brother.

2 Samuel 21:22

they were killed by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants

Here "by the hand of" means "through" or "by." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "David and his servants killed them"

his servants

"his soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22.

Chapter 22

2 Samuel 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetic song in 22:2-51.

Special concepts in this chapter

God rescued David

God rescued David when he thought he would die. He protected David, fought against his enemies, and enabled him to defeat his enemies.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

David uses many metaphors to express his trust in God's protection: "my rock, my fortress, my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge." He used other metaphors to express his hopelessness: "the waves of death surrounded me," "the rushing waters of worthlessness overwhelmed me," "the cords of sheol surrounded me;" "the snares of death trapped me," and "the surging water." He also used metaphors for the victory God gave him: "I can run over a barricade" and "by my God I can leap over a wall." (See: and trust)

2 Samuel 22:1

General Information:

David's song to Yahweh starts. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.

out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul

This is a progression from enemies in general to one specific enemy of David, King Saul.

out of the hand of

This metonym means "out of the power of."

2 Samuel 22:2

Yahweh is my rock, my fortress

This metaphor shows a progression from a part, "rock," to the whole, "fortress." A fortress is built of many large rocks. This means Yahweh has the strength to protect his people from harm.

2 Samuel 22:3

General Information:

David's song to Yahweh continues. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.

God is my rock ... He is my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold

All of these metaphors are symbols of God's strength and power. They emphasize God's ability to protect and save his people.

2 Samuel 22:4

who is worthy to be praised

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who is worthy to receive praise"

I will be saved from my enemies

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he will save me from my enemies"

2 Samuel 22:5

General Information:

David's song to Yahweh continues. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.

For the waves of death surrounded me, the rushing waters of destruction overwhelmed me

David compares the wicked men who wanted to kill him to flood waters that are about to drown him. These sentences have similar meanings and are used for emphasis.

the rushing waters of destruction

This is a picture of fast-flowing flood waters that destroy everything in their path.

2 Samuel 22:6

The cords of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death trapped me

David speaks about death and Sheol as if they are people who are trying to trap him as a hunter traps an animal. These phrases have similar meanings and are used for emphasis.

2 Samuel 22:7

General Information:

David's song to Yahweh continues. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.

In my distress

"In my great trouble"

he heard my voice from his temple

David is referring to the heavenly temple where Yahweh dwells. The earthly temple has not yet been built.

my cry for help went into his ears

Here the metonym "his ears" refers to Yahweh and his hearing of David's cry for help. Alternate translation: "he heard my prayer for help"

his ears

David speaks of Yahweh as if he had ears.

2 Samuel 22:8

General Information:

David's song to Yahweh continues. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.

Then the earth shook

This is Yahweh's response to David's cry for help from his enemies

earth shook ... heavens trembled

David speaks of the two extremes to include everything in creation.

and were shaken, because God was angry

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because God's anger shook them"

2 Samuel 22:9

his nostrils ... his mouth

David speaks of Yahweh as if he had these humans parts.

Coals were kindled by it

Here Yahweh's anger is compared to fire, which causes coals to catch fire and burn. Alternate translation: "The flame from his mouth set coals on fire" or "He also sent burning coals from his mouth"

were kindled by it

This is Yahweh's response to David's cry for help from his enemies (1 Samuel 22:7). David uses the imagery of fire coming from Yahweh to emphasize Yahweh's terrible anger.

2 Samuel 22:10

General Information:

David's song to Yahweh continues. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.

He opened the heavens

David describes Yahweh's way of saving David from his enemies as a storm cloud gathering over a place. This emphasizes God's power and his anger.

under his feet

David speaks of God as having feet like humans.

2 Samuel 22:11

He was seen on the wings of the wind

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "He appeared on the wings of the wind"

He was seen

In the original language the word translated here as "seen" is uncertain. Some other translation have "He flew."

the wings of the wind

This expression speaks of the wind as if it were a bird.

2 Samuel 22:12

rain clouds in the skies

David describes Yahweh's way of saving David from his enemies as a storm cloud gathering over a place. This emphasizes God's power and his anger.

He made darkness a tent around him

Here the darkness Yahweh creates is compared to a tent which hides him completely. Alternate translation: "He hid himself in the darkness"

2 Samuel 22:13

General Information:

David's song to Yahweh continues. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.

From the lightning before him coals of fire fell

Possible meanings are 1) "Out of his bright light he sent burning coals" or 2) "From his brightness he sent lightning"

From the lightning before him

David continues describing Yahweh, whom he compares to a storm, coming to save him from his enemies. This emphasizes God's power and anger towards David's enemies.

2 Samuel 22:14

The Most High shouted.

David describes Yahweh doing these actions a person would do.

2 Samuel 22:15

He shot arrows

David describes Yahweh doing these actions a person would do.

He shot arrows ... lightning bolts

David compares the lightning from Yahweh's storm to arrows that a soldier would use.

lightning bolts and threw them into confusion

David continues describing Yahweh, whom he compares to a storm, coming to save him from his enemies. This emphasizes God's power and anger towards David's enemies.

2 Samuel 22:16

General Information:

This continues David's song to Yahweh. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.

Then the channels of the sea were seen ... breath of his nostrils

When Yahweh shouted in his attack against David's enemies, it is compared to his power to create upheaval in the deepest parts of the ocean and the earth. This shows his great power and fierce anger.

the channels of the sea were seen

This means that the sea water moved and the ocean floor was visible. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "People could see the channels of the sea"

the channels of the sea

the deepest part of the sea, from which the Hebrews believed was where the water in the sea came

the foundations of the world were laid bare at the rebuke of Yahweh, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils

David compares Yahweh's anger to turbulent movements of the ground. "This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh's rebuke, the breath of his nostrils, laid bare the foundations of the world"

2 Samuel 22:17

General Information:

This continues David's song to Yahweh. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.

out of the surging water

David compares his enemies to a flood that threatens to drown him.

2 Samuel 22:18

He rescued me from my strong enemy

David's enemies were overwhelming. He praises God for delivering him from all his enemies.

2 Samuel 22:19

General Information:

This continues David's song to Yahweh. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.

They came against me on the day of my distress

"My enemies fought against me when I was in great trouble"

the day of my distress

"the time of my distress"

but Yahweh was my support

"but Yahweh supported me" or "but Yahweh helped me"

2 Samuel 22:20

a wide open place

This refers to a place where there was no danger and his enemies could not trap him.

2 Samuel 22:21

to the measure of the cleanness of my hands

Here "cleanness of my hands" means the same as "righteousness." Alternate translation: "because I obey his commands"

2 Samuel 22:22

General Information:

David continues his song to Yahweh.

I have kept the ways of Yahweh

Here "the ways of Yahweh" refers to how Yahweh wants his people to act. This means David has done what Yahweh commands.

2 Samuel 22:23

have been before me

This means David constantly reads and thinks about God's decrees.

2 Samuel 22:24

General Information:

David continues his song to Yahweh.

I have kept myself from my iniquity

This refers to choosing not to sin against Yahweh.

2 Samuel 22:25

to the degree of my cleanness in his sight

Here "my cleanness" means the same as "my righteousness." Alternate translation: "because he knows that I have done what he commands"

2 Samuel 22:26

General Information:

David continues his song to Yahweh.

2 Samuel 22:27

you are perverse to the twisted

Here "perverse" means to be cunning or crafty, and "twisted" means to turn away from what is good and right. This means God is wise in how he deals with wicked people.

2 Samuel 22:28

General Information:

David continues his song to Yahweh.

your eyes are against the proud

Here the metonym "your eyes" refers to what Yahweh sees. This means Yahweh watches the proud person.

you humiliate them

"you destroy their pride" or "you make them no longer proud"

2 Samuel 22:29

you are my lamp, Yahweh. Yahweh lights up my darkness

This metaphor compares Yahweh to a lamp, which means he gives David light and helps him to see when things seem hopeless.

2 Samuel 22:30

General Information:

David continues his song to Yahweh.

I can run over a troop

Here "troop" may refer to a group of soldiers or to a stone wall. Either way it means God enables David to defeat his enemies.

I can leap over a wall

David is exaggerating to emphasize Yahweh's help. Alternate translation: "I can climb over the wall that surrounds their city"

2 Samuel 22:31

The word of Yahweh is pure

"Everything Yahweh says is true"

He is a shield

The metaphor "a shield" emphasizes God's power to protect his people.

2 Samuel 22:32

General Information:

David continues his song to Yahweh.

For who is God except Yahweh, and who is a rock except our God?

David uses this question to emphasize that there is no God apart from Yahweh. These may be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "Yahweh alone is God. Our God alone is a rock."

who is a rock

David compares Yahweh to a rock to emphasize his strength and ability to protect his people.

2 Samuel 22:33

he leads the blameless person on his path

Yahweh keeps the blameless person safe and removes anything that may harm him.

2 Samuel 22:34

General Information:

David continues his song to Yahweh.

He makes my feet swift like a deer and places me on the high hills

Here David's feet are compared to those of a deer using exaggeration. Yahweh gives David the strength to move quickly and provides secure places for protection and rest.

2 Samuel 22:35

my hands ... and my arms

Both of these refer to David.

to bend a bow of bronze

Only a very strong man could use a bow made from metal.

2 Samuel 22:36

General Information:

David continues his song to Yahweh.

the shield of your salvation

David compares Yahweh's power to save him to a shield that protects a soldier from his enemy.

your favor

God answered David's prayers and granted him blessings and success over his enemies.

2 Samuel 22:37

You have made a wide place for my feet beneath me

Yahweh has put David in a safe place where his enemies cannot trap him. Here he refers to himself by his "feet" to emphasize his ability to stand securely.

2 Samuel 22:38

General Information:

David continues his song to Yahweh.

pursued my enemies

"chased my enemies"

2 Samuel 22:39

I devoured them and smashed them

Here David compares himself to a wild animal. Alternate translation: "I completely destroyed them like a wild animal devouring its prey"

under my feet

Here "feet" refers to the power and control of victory over his enemies.

2 Samuel 22:40

General Information:

David continues his song to Yahweh.

You girded me with strength for battle

"You put strength on me like a belt for battle." Here the strength that Yahweh gives is compared to a belt for battle that allowed David to do mighty things. Alternate translation: "You gave me strength for battle"

you put under me those who rise up against me

"you helped me defeat those who fought against me"

2 Samuel 22:41

the back of my enemies' necks

Possible meanings are 1) David seeing the backs of the enemy as they run away or 2) David putting his foot on the back of his enemy's neck after he defeats him.

I annihilated

"I completely destroyed"

2 Samuel 22:42

General Information:

David continues his song to Yahweh.

They cried

"My enemies cried"

they cried out to Yahweh, but he did not answer them

The time for Yahweh's judgment had come upon them.

2 Samuel 22:43

like dust on the ground ... like mud in the streets

This means that David completely destroyed his enemies. These two phrases "like dust on the ground" and "like mud on the streets" have a similar meaning and are used for emphasis.

2 Samuel 22:44

General Information:

David continues his song to Yahweh.

from the disputes of my own people

This refers to those among the Israelites who rebelled against King David.

You have kept me as the head of nations

"You placed me as ruler over the nations." Here "nations" refers to other nations besides Israel.

A people that I have not known

"A foreign people"

2 Samuel 22:45

Foreigners were forced to bow to me

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Foreigners bowed down to me"

2 Samuel 22:46

General Information:

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2 Samuel 22:47

May my rock be praised. May God be exalted

These sentences have similar meaning and are used for emphasis. These may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May everyone praise my rock. May everyone exalt God"

my rock ... the rock

David compares Yahweh to a rock to emphasize his power to protect his people.

2 Samuel 22:48

the one who brings down peoples under me

"the one who puts the people of other nations under my rule"

2 Samuel 22:49

you lifted me up above those who rose up against me

"you saved me from my enemies and gave me honor"

from violent men

"from those who want to harm me"

2 Samuel 22:50

General Information:

David concludes his song to Yahweh.

to your name

Here the metonym "name" refers to Yahweh's reputation.

2 Samuel 22:51

he shows his covenant loyalty to his anointed one

Here David may be referring to the promises Yahweh made in 2 Samuel 7:8

Chapter 23

2 Samuel 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 23:2-7.

2 Samuel 23:8-39 is a list of the famous people in David's army along with some of the special deeds some of them did. (See: works)

Special concepts in this chapter

Everlasting covenant

This is a reference to the covenant God previously made with David. (See: 2 Samuel 7, eternity and covenant).

2 Samuel 23:1

Now

This marks the beginning of a new section of the book.

these are the last words

This refers to what David will say in 2 Samuel 23:2-7.

the man who was highly honored, the one anointed by the God of Jacob

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the man whom the God of Jacob highly honored and anointed"

anointed by the God of Jacob

Anointing was done by pouring oil on a person's head. This was done to choose who would serve God as king or priest.

psalmist

This is a person who writes psalms or songs.

2 Samuel 23:2

by me

by David

and his word was on my tongue

Here "on my tongue" is a metonym for David speaking. Alternate translation: "he gave me a message to speak"

2 Samuel 23:3

General Information:

This continues David's last words.

The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel ... me

Here the "God of Israel" is the same as the "Rock of Israel." The two phrases say essentially the same thing. David compares God to a rock to emphasize his power to protect his people.

The one who rules righteously over men, who rules in the fear of God

These two sentences both say that the king will respect God and do what God wants him to do.

in the fear of God

"respecting God"

2 Samuel 23:4

He will be like the morning light ... sunshine after rain

Here God is comparing the king to the morning light and sunshine after the rain. These are all ways of saying this king would be a delight to God and a blessing for the people. These two phrases have a similar meaning and are used for emphasis. Alternate translation: "He will be a delight to all"

2 Samuel 23:5

General Information:

This continues David's last words.

Indeed, is my family not like this before God?

Here David is saying that he agrees with God. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "My family is indeed like this before God!"

Has he not made ... way?

David acknowledges that God has made a covenant with him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "He has indeed made ... way."

ordered and sure

This means God's covenant is properly organized and will not change so David's family can trust it.

Does he not increase my salvation ... desire?

David believes that God will always help him and cause him to prosper. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "He increases my salvation and gives me my every desire."

2 Samuel 23:6

General Information:

This concludes David's last words.

But the worthless will all be like thorns to be thrown away

Here the wicked person is compared to useless thorns. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But the wicked person is worthless and dangerous like thorns we throw away"

because they cannot be gathered by one's hands

"because no one can pick them up with his hands without the thorns hurting him"

2 Samuel 23:7

They must be burned up where they lie

"Where thorns are found, that is where they must be burned." This means God will destroy wicked people.

2 Samuel 23:8

Josheb-Basshebeth the Tahkemonite

The Tahkemonites were a people group, probably descendants of a man named Tahkemon. Alternate translation: "Josheb-Basshebeth, a descendant of Tahkemon"

Josheb-Basshebeth

This is the name of a man. Other modern translations read "Jeshbaal" or "Jashobeam" "Ishbaal" or "Ishbosheth" because various ancient copies have these variations. Translators may choose to say this in a footnote to their translation

eight hundred

"800"

2 Samuel 23:9

General Information:

This continues the list of David's greatest soldiers.

2 Samuel 23:10

The army returned after Eleazar

This means that the army returned after Eleazar returned from battle. Alternate translation: "The Israeli army returned to the battle field after Eleazer had already won the battle"

only to strip the bodies

"only to take what they wanted from the dead bodies of the enemies"

2 Samuel 23:11

General Information:

This continues the list of David's greatest soldiers.

a field of lentils

"a field where someone had planted lentils"

lentils

a flat seed, eaten like beans

the army fled

"the Israelite army ran away"

2 Samuel 23:12

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2 Samuel 23:13

Three of the thirty

These are not the same three soldiers mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:8-12.

the thirty

"the 30" or "the thirty bravest Israelite soldiers." The full meaning of this statement can be made clear.

cave of Adullam

"cave near the town of Adullam." Adullam is near Bethlehem.

Valley of Rephaim

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in 2 Samuel 5:18.

2 Samuel 23:14

in his stronghold

"in his protected place"

the Philistines had established at Bethlehem

"some Philistines soldiers were controlling the village of Bethlehem"

2 Samuel 23:15

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2 Samuel 23:16

broke through the army

"fought their way through the enemy army"

2 Samuel 23:17

Should I drink the blood of men who have risked their lives?

David compares the water to blood because the men risked their lives to bring the water to him. He uses a question to emphasize this. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Drinking this water would be like drinking the blood of those men who have risked their lives to bring it to me."

2 Samuel 23:18

Abishai ... Zeruiah

These are the names of men. Translate them as in 2 Samuel 2:18.

captain over the three

This means Abishai was the leader of the three who went and got water for David.

three hundred men

"300 men"

He was renowned along with the three soldiers

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He was almost as famous as the three bravest men"

2 Samuel 23:19

Was he not even more famous than the three?

This question is used to emphasize how famous he was. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "He was even more famous than the three."

three most famous soldiers

This refers to Josheb Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shimeah. Abishai was not as famous as these soldiers.

2 Samuel 23:20

Kabzeel

This is the name of a city.

Jehoiada

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in 2 Samuel 8:18.

Ariel

This is the name of a man.

2 Samuel 23:21

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2 Samuel 23:22

did these feats

"did these mighty deeds"

he was named alongside the three mighty men

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people praise him like they praised the three mighty men"

three mighty men

This refers to Josheb Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shimeah.

2 Samuel 23:23

He was more highly regarded than the thirty soldiers in general, but he was not regarded quite as highly as the three mighty men

"He was more famous than the other 30 soldiers except for the three best soldiers"

his bodyguard

a group of soldiers in charge of guarding David

2 Samuel 23:24

General Information:

This is a list of David's greatest soldiers.

The thirty

"The 30 very famous soldiers"

2 Samuel 23:25

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2 Samuel 23:26

General Information:

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2 Samuel 23:27

General Information:

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2 Samuel 23:28

General Information:

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2 Samuel 23:29

General Information:

This continues the list of David's greatest soldiers.

2 Samuel 23:30

General Information:

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2 Samuel 23:31

General Information:

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2 Samuel 23:32

General Information:

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2 Samuel 23:33

General Information:

This continues the list of David's greatest soldiers.

2 Samuel 23:34

General Information:

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2 Samuel 23:35

General Information:

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2 Samuel 23:36

General Information:

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2 Samuel 23:37

General Information:

This concludes the list of David's greatest soldiers.

2 Samuel 23:38

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2 Samuel 23:39

thirty-seven in all

"there were 37 total"

Chapter 24

2 Samuel 24 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Counting soldiers

David ordered the leaders of his army to count how many men of fighting age there were. He was not supposed to do this because it showed he did not trust God. God was displeased and offered David three punishments. (See: trust)

2 Samuel 24:1

the anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel

The word "kindled" means start a fire. Here Yahweh's anger is compared to that of a fire. Alternate translation: "the anger of Yahweh started to burn like a fire"

he moved David against them

"he caused David to oppose them"

Go, count Israel and Judah

In the law of Moses, God prohibited the kings of Israel from taking a census of fighting men. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

2 Samuel 24:2

Dan to Beersheba

This phrase uses two place names Dan, in the far north, and Beersheba, in the far south, to represent the entire country.

count all the people ... fit for battle

This means to count all the men except those men who are either too young, too old, or physically unable to fight.

2 Samuel 24:3

multiply ... hundred times

This means "produce 100 more people for every one person there is now."

2 Samuel 24:4

the king's word was final against Joab

Joab and the other commanders of King David's army were not able to convince David to not take a census.

the king's word

This phrase represents the king's command to them. Alternate translation: "what the king had commanded"

2 Samuel 24:5

They crossed

"Joab and the commanders of the army crossed"

Aroer

This was a city on the northern edge of the Arnon River.

Jazer

This is a town in Gad.

2 Samuel 24:6

Tahtim Hodshi

This may refer to the town of Kadesh in the land of the Hittite people.

2 Samuel 24:7

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2 Samuel 24:8

they had gone

"Joab and the commanders had gone"

nine months and twenty days

"9 months and 20 days"

2 Samuel 24:9

Then Joab reported the total of the census of the fighting men to the king

"Then Joab told the king the total number of men ready for battle"

in Israel

This refers to the northern tribes of Israel.

800,000 ... 500,000

"eight hundred thousand ... five hundred thousand"

who drew the sword

This metonym refers to the men who were ready to fight in the army.

of Judah

This refers to the southern tribe of Judah.

2 Samuel 24:10

David's heart afflicted him

The "heart" here is a metonym for David's emotions and conscience. Alternate translation: "David felt guilty"

Now, Yahweh, take away your servant's guilt

David refers to himself as "your servant." This is a polite way to speak to someone with greater authority.

2 Samuel 24:11

the word of Yahweh came to the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,

The idiom "the word of Yahweh came to" is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this idiom in [2 Samuel 7:4]

David's seer

This means Gad was the official prophet in the royal palace.

2 Samuel 24:12

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2 Samuel 24:13

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2 Samuel 24:14

I am in deep trouble

"I am in terrible trouble"

Let us fall into Yahweh's hands rather than into the hand of man

Here "hands" refer to power or control. Alternate translation: "Let Yahweh and not people punish us"

2 Samuel 24:15

a fixed time

This is the time God decided he would stop the plague.

seventy thousand

"70,000"

from Dan to Beersheba

Here mentioning the city of Dan in the extreme north and the city Beersheba in the extreme south means the entire nation of Israel.

2 Samuel 24:16

the angel reached out with his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it

Here the metonym "hand" stands for the angel's power. Alternate translation: "the angel was about to destroy the people in Jerusalem"

Yahweh changed his mind because of the harm

This means that Yahweh stopped the evil that he was allowing the angel to do. Alternate translation: "Yahweh felt grieved about the harm"

Now draw back your hand

The metonym "hand" stands for the angel's power. Alternate translation: "Do not harm them any longer"

Araunah

This is the name of a man.

the threshing floor

A threshing floor was a hard, flat surface where edible grain was separated from chaff.

2 Samuel 24:17

I have sinned, and I have acted perversely

These phrases mean the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: "I have sinned terribly"

But these sheep, what have they done?

David uses a question and compares the people to sheep to emphasize that they have done nothing wrong. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "These ordinary people have done nothing wrong."

Please let your hand punish me

Here the metonym "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "Please punish me"

2 Samuel 24:18

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2 Samuel 24:19

General Information:

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2 Samuel 24:20

bowed to the king with his face to the ground

He was showing deep respect and honor to the king.

2 Samuel 24:21

so that the plague may be removed from the people

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that Yahweh will remove this plague from the people"

2 Samuel 24:22

what is good in your sight

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "what you think is good" or "what is good in your judgement"

threshing sledges

heavy boards used to separate grain from the rest of the wheat plant

2 Samuel 24:23

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2 Samuel 24:24

I will not offer ... anything that costs me nothing

This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "I will only offer ... something that I have paid for"

fifty shekels

"50 shekels." A shekel is 11 grams.

2 Samuel 24:25

on behalf of the land

Here the metonym "land" stands for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "on behalf of the people of Israel"

the plague on Israel was confined

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God confined the plague that had been on Israel" or "God took the plague away from Israel"

Book: 1 Kings

Chapter 1

1 Kings 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1 Kings is a continuation of 2 Samuel.

This chapter records the beginning of the reign of Solomon (chapters 1-11) after the death of David.

Special concepts in this chapter

The next king

David did not announce who was to succeed him. Because of this, there was fighting between David's sons over who should be king. Adonijah invited guests to a banquet and declared himself king. Then those favoring Solomon told David and he declared Solomon the new king.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

Several times in this chapter, the people use the idiom "sit on the throne" to mean "be king." Solomon assures Adonijah that if he behaves himself "not a hair of his will fall to the earth," meaning "he will not be harmed."

1 Kings 1:1

covered him with blankets

They put many blankets on King David to try to keep him warm.

old and advanced in years

"very old." The two phrases are similar in meaning and are combined for emphasis. (See:.)

1 Kings 1:2

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1 Kings 1:3

So they searched

"So the king's servants searched"

within all the borders of Israel

"all over the land of Israel"

Abishag

This is a woman's name.

Shunammite

a person from the city of Shunem

the king

"King David"

1 Kings 1:4

the king did not know her

Here "know her" is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "the king did not have sexual relations with her"

1 Kings 1:5

Adonijah son of Haggith

Haggith was a wife of David.

exalted himself

"began to boast"

horsemen

These are men who drive chariots pulled by horses.

fifty men to run ahead of him

These men would go ahead of the chariots to clear the way for them and protect them.

1 Kings 1:6

had never troubled him, saying

"had never troubled him. He had never even asked him" or "had never wanted to make him angry, so he never even asked him"

Why have you done this or that?

This is a rhetorical question that a father would ask to discipline his son. Alternate translation: "You should know that what you have done is wrong."

born next after Absalom

David was the father or both Absalom and Adonijah, but they had different mothers. Absalom was born, then Adonijah.

1 Kings 1:7

He conferred with Joab

"Adonijah discussed his plans with Joab"

Joab ... Zeruiah ... Abiathar ... Adonijah

These are names of men.

followed Adonijah and helped him

"supported and helped Adonijah" or "promised to support and help Adonijah"

1 Kings 1:8

Zadok ... Benaiah ... Jehoiada ... Nathan ... Shimei ... Rei

These are names of men.

1 Kings 1:9

fattened calves

"calves that were given plenty of food so that they would be fat" or "young cows that were specially prepared for sacrifice"

stone of Zoheleth

This is a rocky area near Jerusalem.

En Rogel

This was the name of a spring where people got water.

all his brothers ... all the men

This is a generalization.

all his brothers, the king's sons

These two phrases refer to the same people.

men of Judah, the king's servants

These two phrases refer to the same people.

1 Kings 1:10

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1 Kings 1:11

Have you not heard ... it?

The purpose of this question is to introduce the information that Nathan wants to tell Bathsheba. Alternate translation: "You do not seem to have heard ... it." or "Have you heard ... it?"

that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king

"that Haggith's son Adonijah is trying to become king"

Haggith

Adonijah's mother and a wife of David.

1 Kings 1:12

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1 Kings 1:13

General Information:

The prophet Nathan continues to speak to Bathsheba.

did you not swear to your servant ... throne?

The purpose of this question was to remind David of what he had promised Bathsheba. Alternate translation: "you swore to your servant ... throne."

to your servant

Bathsheba speaks to David as if she were someone else to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: "to me, your servant"

he will sit on my throne

Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. Alternate translation: "he will be king just as I was"

Why then is Adonijah reigning?

Bathsheba was to use a question so David would pay attention. Alternate translation: "So then, Adonijah should not be reigning."

1 Kings 1:14

confirm your words

"tell him that what you have said is true"

1 Kings 1:15

the king's room

"the room in which the king slept"

Abishag the Shunammite

This is the young virgin that King David's servants had brought to care for him. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 1:3.

1 Kings 1:16

bowed down and showed respect before the king

"bowed close to the ground in front of the king"

What do you desire?

"What can I do for you?"

1 Kings 1:17

you swore to

The form of "you" here is emphatic. Alternate translation: "you yourself swore to"

your servant

Bathsheba speaks as if she were another person to show David that she respects him. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 1:13. Alternate translation: "me, your servant"

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

he will sit on my throne

Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 1:13]

1 Kings 1:18

General Information:

Bathsheba continues speaking to King David.

see

"look" or "listen" or "pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

1 Kings 1:19

General Information:

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1 Kings 1:20

General Information:

Bathsheba continues to speak to King David.

the eyes of all Israel are on you, waiting

Here "eyes" refers to the people. Here "the eyes ... are on you" is an idiom that means the people are waiting expectantly. Alternate translation: "all the people of Israel are waiting expectantly"

will sit on the throne

Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. See how you translated similar words in 1 Kings 1:13. Alternate translation: "will be king"

1 Kings 1:21

when my master the king lies down with his fathers

Bathsheba speaks to King David as if she were speaking about him to show that she respects him. Alternate translation: "when you sleep with your fathers"

lies down with his fathers

This is a polite way of saying "dies."

I and my son Solomon will be regarded as criminals

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the new king will regard my son Solomon and me as criminals"

1 Kings 1:22

General Information:

Nathan the prophet speaks to King David.

1 Kings 1:23

General Information:

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1 Kings 1:24

General Information:

Nathan the prophet continues to speak to King David.

have you said, 'Adonijah will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne?'

This can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "have you said that Adonijah will reign after you, and he will sit on your throne?"

he will sit on my throne

Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 1:13. Alternate translation: "he will be king just as I was"

1 Kings 1:25

eating and drinking before him

Adonijah probably sat at a table where he could watch all those he had invited as they ate and drank. The main idea is that the people Nathan named were with Adonijah and they were celebrating together. Alternate translation: "eating and drinking with him" or "eating and drinking where he can see them"

1 Kings 1:26

General Information:

Nathan the prophet continues to speak to King David.

1 Kings 1:27

Has my master the king done this without telling us, your servants, who should sit on the throne after him?

Nathan refers to David in the third person. This is a way of showing respect to the king. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: "Have you, my master the king, done this without telling us, your servants, who should sit on the throne after you?"

who should sit on the throne

Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 1:13]

1 Kings 1:28

General Information:

King David makes a promise to Bathsheba.

came into the king's presence

"came before the king" or "came back to the king"

1 Kings 1:29

made an oath

"made a solemn promise"

1 Kings 1:30

he will sit on my throne in my place

Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 1:13]

1 Kings 1:31

May my master King David live forever

Bathsheba knew David would not live forever; this is a way of saying that he is a good king.

1 Kings 1:32

General Information:

King David anoints Solomon king.

1 Kings 1:33

the servants of your master

David speaks of himself as if he were speaking of someone else so Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah would remember that David is still king. Alternate translation: "my servants"

Gihon

This is the name of a water spring.

1 Kings 1:34

General Information:

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1 Kings 1:35

General Information:

King David continues to speak on behalf of Solomon as the one who will become king.

he will come and sit on my throne

The words "sit on the throne" are used as a metonym for being king in 1 Kings 1:13, 1 Kings 1:17, and 1 Kings 1:30. Here David speaks of Solomon literally sitting on a physical throne.

1 Kings 1:36

Let it be so!

They agree and will do what King David said.

May Yahweh, the God of my master the king, confirm

Benaiah speaks to King David as if he were speaking to someone else to show that he respects King David. Alternate translation: "My master and king, may Yahweh your God confirm"

1 Kings 1:37

has been with my master the king, so

Benaiah speaks to King David as if he were speaking to someone else to show that he respects King David. Alternate translation: "has been with you, my master the king, so"

make his throne greater than the throne of my master King David

The word "throne" is a metonym for either 1) the person who sits on the throne. Alternate translation: "make the one who sits on the throne greater than my master King David" or 2) the kingdom over which the one who sits on the throne rules. Alternate translation: "make his kingdom greater than the kingdom of my master King David"

the throne of my master King David

Benaiah speaks to King David as if he were speaking to someone else to show that he respects King David. Alternate translation: "your throne, my master King David"

1 Kings 1:38

General Information:

The people of Israel anoint Solomon as king over Israel.

Kerethites ... Pelethites

These are names of people groups.

Gihon

This is the name of a spring, where fresh water comes out of the ground.

1 Kings 1:39

took the horn of oil out of the tent

This means the priest took the special animal horn filled with olive oil that was kept in Yahweh's special tent.

took the horn of oil

Possible meanings are 1) the horn of an animal filled with olive oil or 2) a container that had replaced the original horn, but the people still called it a horn. Alternate translation: "took a container of oil"

all the people

This is a generalization.

1 Kings 1:40

General Information:

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1 Kings 1:41

General Information:

Adonijah hears the loud noise and waits for the news.

1 Kings 1:42

General Information:

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1 Kings 1:43

General Information:

Adonijah learns that Solomon is the new king.

1 Kings 1:44

Kerethites ... Pelethites

These are names of people groups.

1 Kings 1:45

General Information:

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1 Kings 1:46

General Information:

Jonathan continues to speak to Adonijah about Solomon.

is sitting on the throne of the kingdom

Possible meanings are 1) that these words are a metonym for being king. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 1:35]

1 Kings 1:47

General Information:

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1 Kings 1:48

a person to sit on my throne this day

Possible meanings are 1) that these words are a metonym for being king. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 1:35]

1 Kings 1:49

General Information:

Adonijah becomes terrified of King Solomon.

They stood up

Another possible meaning is "They began to act quickly"

1 Kings 1:50

Adonijah ... took hold of the horns of the altar

The "horns of the altar" symbolized the strength and protection of Yahweh, but because Adonijah literally went into the area of the physical tent to take literal hold of the physical horns, you should translate this literally.

Adonijah ... rose up, went

Another possible meaning is "Adonijah ... quickly went"

1 Kings 1:51

is afraid of King Solomon

The servants speak to King Solomon as if they were speaking of someone else to show that they respected King Solomon. Alternate translation: "is afraid of you, King Solomon"

he will not kill his servant

Adonijah speaks of himself as if he were speaking of another person so people will think that he respects King Solomon. Alternate translation: "he will not kill me"

1 Kings 1:52

General Information:

Solomon spares the life of Adonijah.

not a hair of his will fall to the earth

This is an exaggeration to say that Solomon will keep Adonijah safe. Alternate translation: "not a hair of his head will fall" or "I will keep him safe"

wickedness is found in him

The abstract noun "wickedness" can be translated as a verb. It is spoken of as if it were an object that could be found in a container. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "he does what is evil"

1 Kings 1:53

General Information:

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Chapter 2

1 Kings 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter has two stories: David's last advice to Solomon and Solomon's punishment of those who supported Adonijah and also Shimei, who had cursed David when David was fleeing from Absalom. (See: curse)

Special concepts in this chapter

Exalting oneself

Exalting oneself can lead to disaster as when Adonijah made himself king. (See: exalt)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Euphemism

David spoke of his impending death using a euphemism: "I am going the way of all the earth."

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Parallelism

David wanted to emphasize the importance of obeying God to his son Solomon. He used parallelism, saying the same thing seven times using different words: "Keep the commands of Yahweh your God to walk in his ways, to obey his statutes, his commandments, his decisions, and his covenant decrees, being careful to do what is written in the law of Moses." Some languages have other ways of emphasizing an idea.

1 Kings 2:1

General Information:

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1 Kings 2:2

I am going the way of all the earth

This is a polite way of saying "I am going to die."

show yourself a man

The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: "show yourself to be a man" or "show everyone that you are a man" or "live so that everyone can see you are a good man"

1 Kings 2:3

walk in his ways

Walking on a path is a metonym for the way a person lives. Alternate translation: "live the way he commands"

so you may prosper

"so you may succeed" or "so you may do well"

1 Kings 2:4

may fulfill his word

"do everything he promised he would do"

If your descendants ... you will never cease

Yahweh is talking to David, so the words "you" and "your" refer to David.

to walk before me faithfully

Yahweh is talking to David, so the word "me" refers to Yahweh.

with all their heart and with all their soul

The idiom "with all ... heart" means "completely" and "with all ... soul" means "with all ... being." These two phrases have similar meanings. Alternate translation: "with all their being" or "with all their energy"

you will never cease to have a man on the throne of Israel

The word "throne" is a metonym for the king who sits on the throne. The phrase "will never cease to have" can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "your descendants will never cease to be kings of Israel" or "one of your descendants will always be the king of Israel"

1 Kings 2:5

General Information:

King David continues to tell Solomon how to lead Israel.

what Joab ... did to me, and what he did

David is referring to the same thing twice. Alternate translation: "what Joab ... did to me—that is, what he did"

shed the blood of war in peace

Possible meanings are 1) "killed those men during a time of peace as if he were killing them in war" or 2) "took revenge on those men during a time of peace because they had killed people in war"

put the blood of war on the belt around his waist and on the sandals on his feet

Possible meanings are 1) Joab was close enough to these men when he killed them that their blood spattered on his belt and on his sandals or 2) the word "blood" is a metonym for guilt of murder, and the belt and the shoes are metonyms for Joab's authority as commander, so David is saying that because Joab is guilty of murder, he should not be commander of the army. Either way, it is best to translate this literally.

1 Kings 2:6

do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace

Here being old is represented by having gray hair, that is, a "gray head." Alternate translation: "make sure Joab dies a violent death before he grows old"

Sheol

the grave or the world of the dead

1 Kings 2:7

General Information:

King David continues to tell Solomon how to lead Israel.

Barzillai

a man's name

let them be among those who eat at your table

The table is a metonym for the home where the table is. Alternate translation: "welcome them to eat at your home"

1 Kings 2:8

General Information:

King David continues to tell Solomon how to lead Israel.

Shimei ... Gera

men's names

Benjamite

descendant of Benjamin

Bahurim ... Mahanaim

place names

1 Kings 2:9

do not let him go free from punishment

"be sure to punish him"

bring his gray head down to Sheol with blood

Blood is a metonym for violent death, and the head is synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "make sure he dies a violent death"

1 Kings 2:10

General Information:

David dies and Solomon takes his place as the new king of Israel.

lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "died"

David ... and was buried

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "David ... and they buried him"

1 Kings 2:11

The days that David reigned over Israel were

"The time that David reigned over Israel was" or "David reigned over Israel for"

1 Kings 2:12

sat on the throne of his father David

The throne represents the authority of the king. Alternate translation: "became king, as his father David had been"

his rule was firmly established

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh firmly established Solomon's rule" or "Yahweh caused Solomon to take complete control of the kingdom"

1 Kings 2:13

General Information:

Adonijah comes to speak to Bathsheba.

peacefully

with no desire to cause harm

1 Kings 2:14

General Information:

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1 Kings 2:15

all Israel

This is a generalization.

things changed

"what we expected to happen did not happen"

the kingdom was given to my brother

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh gave the kingdom to my brother" or "my brother became king"

1 Kings 2:16

General Information:

Adonijah shares his request with Bathsheba.

do not turn away from my face

Turning from the face of someone is a metonym for refusing to look at someone, which in turn is a metonym for refusing to do what that person requests. Alternate translation: "do not refuse to do what I request"

1 Kings 2:17

he will not turn away from your face

Turning from the face of someone is a metonym for refusing to look at someone, which in turn is a metonym for refusing to do what that person requests. Alternate translation: "he will not refuse to do what you request"

Abishag the Shunammite

See 1 Kings 1:3.

1 Kings 2:18

General Information:

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1 Kings 2:19

General Information:

Bathsheba goes to King Solomon with Adonijah's request.

The king rose

"The king stood up" from where he was sitting on his throne.

had a throne brought

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "told someone to bring a throne"

the king's mother

Bathsheba

1 Kings 2:20

you will not turn away from my face ... I will not turn away from your face

Turning from the face of someone is a metonym for refusing to look at someone, which in turn is a metonym for refusing to do what that person requests. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 2:16]

1 Kings 2:21

Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah ... as his wife

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Allow Adonijah ... to marry Abishag the Shunammite" or "Give Abishag the Shunammite to Adonijah ... as his wife"

1 Kings 2:22

General Information:

King Solomon gives an answer to Adonijah's request.

Why do you ask ... Adonijah? Why do you not ask the kingdom for him also ... Zeruiah?

King Solomon was angered by his mother's request. Alternate translation: "You are wrong to ask ... Adonijah! This is the same as asking the kingdom for him also ... Zeruiah!"

1 Kings 2:23

May God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "God will have every right to execute me—and to do even worse things to me—if I do not execute Adonijah because he has made this request"

1 Kings 2:24

General Information:

King Solomon executes Adonijah.

set me on the throne

The word "throne" refers to Solomon's authority to rule that was given by Yahweh.

who has made me a house

Here "house" refers to descendants that Yahweh gave to King Solomon, who would continue to reign after him.

1 Kings 2:25

General Information:

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1 Kings 2:26

General Information:

Solomon dismisses Abiathar from being priest.

suffered in every way my father suffered

Abiathar had suffered alongside King David before David became king.

1 Kings 2:27

that he might fulfill

The word "he" refers to King Solomon.

the word of Yahweh

"the things that Yahweh had said"

which he had spoken

The word "he" refers to Yahweh.

1 Kings 2:28

General Information:

King Solomon orders Benaiah to execute Joab.

The news came to Joab

"Joab heard what Solomon did after he had become king"

the horns of the altar

The horns of the altar symbolized Yahweh's power and protection.

1 Kings 2:29

It was told King Solomon that Joab had fled

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told King Solomon that Joab had fled"

1 Kings 2:30

General Information:

Benaiah goes to execute Joab.

1 Kings 2:31

bury him so that you may take away from me and from my father's house the blood that Joab shed without cause

Here "house" stands for the descendants of David while "blood" represents guilt. Alternate translation: "bury him and so remove from me and my family the guilt for the murders Joab committed without cause" or "bury him. Do that so Yahweh will not hold me and my father's house guilty because Joab murdered people for no reason"

1 Kings 2:32

General Information:

King Solomon explains why Joab should die.

May Yahweh return his blood on his own head

The word "his" refers to Joab. "Blood" is a metonym for murder. And, the idiom "his blood on his own head" means the person should be considered guilty for murder. Alternate translation: "Joab has murdered people, and I want Yahweh to hold him guilty for what he has done"

more righteous and better

These words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Abner and Amasa were much better men than Joab.

1 Kings 2:33

may their blood return on the head of Joab and on the head of his descendants

The word "blood" is a metonym for murder. And, the idiom "blood return on the head of" means the person should be considered guilty for murder. Alternate translation: "I want Yahweh to hold Joab and his descendants guilty"

to his house, and to his throne

The words "house" and "throne" are metonyms for the family and the kingdom. Alternate translation: "to David's descendants and to David's kingdom"

1 Kings 2:34

General Information:

Benaiah kills Joab and becomes the commander of King Solomon's army.

He was buried in his own house

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "They buried Joab in his own house"

in his own house

The house is a metonym for the land on which the house stood. The Israelites buried people out of doors in graves or tombs. Alternate translation: "where his family lived"

1 Kings 2:35

General Information:

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1 Kings 2:36

General Information:

King Solomon tells Shimei to stay in Jerusalem or Shimei will die.

1 Kings 2:37

Your blood will be on your own head

Here "blood" is a metonym for guilt and the head is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: "You will be responsible for your own death"

1 Kings 2:38

General Information:

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1 Kings 2:39

General Information:

Shimei leaves Jerusalem.

Achish ... Maakah ... Gath

men's names

Gath

a Philistine city

1 Kings 2:40

Shimei arose

This is an idiom. "Shimei quickly"

1 Kings 2:41

General Information:

King Solomon judges Shimei for leaving Jerusalem.

Solomon was told

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone told Solomon"

1 Kings 2:42

Did I not make you swear ... saying, 'Know ... die'?

Solomon is reminding Shimei of what Shimei had promised. Alternate translation: "You know very well that I made you swear ... saying, 'Know ... die'!"

1 Kings 2:43

General Information:

King Solomon pronounces judgment upon Shimei for leaving Jerusalem.

Why then have you not kept your oath ... you?

Possible meanings are 1) Solomon is asking for an answer or 2) Alternate translation: "You have done wrong by breaking your oath ... you."

1 Kings 2:44

will return your wickedness on your own head

Here the head represents the person, and wickedness is spoken of as if it were a solid or liquid that could be put on a person's head. Alternate translation: "will hold you responsible for all your wickedness"

1 Kings 2:45

General Information:

King Solomon orders Shimei to be put to death.

the throne of David will be established before Yahweh forever

Here "throne of David" represents the authority and rule of David and all his descendants forever.

1 Kings 2:46

in Solomon's hand

This use of "hand" represents Solomon's power and authority.

Chapter 3

1 Kings 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter has two stories. Verses 1-15 is the story of Solomon's dream when God asked him what he wanted and he said he needed wisdom to be a good and fair ruler. Verses 16-28 is the story of a court case showing Solomon's wisdom. (See: wise)

Special concepts in this chapter

Wisdom

God was very pleased with Solomon's request for wisdom. This is because wisdom was something that he could use to serve other people instead of himself. Because this was a noble request, God promised Solomon wisdom, wealth, and fame. (See: promise)

Putting the needs of others first

There are two additional examples of people putting the needs of others in front of their own needs. God is pleased with people wanting to do their job well more than wanting to be blessed. A mother will put the life of her child above every other concern. (See: bless)

1 Kings 3:1

General Information:

Solomon marries an Egyptian.

Solomon allied himself by marriage with Pharaoh king of Egypt

Solomon became the son-in-law of Pharaoh king of Egypt so the two kings would work together and fight together against their enemies.

until he had finished building

She was still in the city of David after he had finished building.

the house of Yahweh

"the temple"

1 Kings 3:2

no house had yet been built

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one had yet built a house"

for the name of Yahweh

The word "name" is a metonym for the person, and "for the name" refers to worshiping the person. Alternate translation: "in which people would worship Yahweh"

1 Kings 3:3

walking in the statutes of David his father

How one lives one's life is spoken of as walking on a path. Alternate translation: "obeying the laws that David his father had made"

1 Kings 3:4

General Information:

God asks Solomon what he can do for Solomon.

the great high place

"the most famous place for makings sacrifices" or "the most important altar"

1 Kings 3:5

Ask! What should I give you?

"Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you." or "What do you want? Ask and I will give it to you."

1 Kings 3:6

General Information:

Solomon responds to God's question.

You have shown great covenant faithfulness to your servant

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithful" or "faithfully." Alternate translation: "You have been very faithful to your covenant with your servant" or "You have greatly and faithfully loved your servant"

because he walked before you in trustworthiness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart

Walking is a metaphor for the way one lives. The abstract nouns "trustworthiness," "righteousness," and "uprightness" can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "because he was trustworthy and righteous, and his heart was upright"

in uprightness of heart

A sincere person is spoken of as one whose heart is upright. Alternate translation: "he was sincere" or "he spoke the truth and did what was good"

have given him a son

The "son" is Solomon.

to sit on his throne

Sitting on the throne represents ruling as king. Alternate translation: "to rule in his place"

today

Solomon is speaking of the years he had already been ruling, not of the time since the sun had last set.

1 Kings 3:7

General Information:

Solomon asks for wisdom.

your servant

Solomon speaks as if he is another person to show respect to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "me"

I am only a little child

Solomon is saying that he is like a child who does not know as much as a father.

I do not know how to go out or come in

This is an idiom that means Solomon does not know how to govern as king. Alternate translation: "I do not know how to be the king" or "I do not know the right way to do things as king"

1 Kings 3:8

General Information:

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1 Kings 3:9

For who is able to judge this great people of yours?

Solomon asks a question to emphasize that he knows that no one can judge. Alternate translation: "No one is able to judge this great people of yours."

1 Kings 3:10

General Information:

God gives Solomon wisdom and more.

1 Kings 3:11

the life of your enemies

The "life" is a metonym for the power to kill. Alternate translation: "the power to kill your enemies"

1 Kings 3:12

now I will do all you asked of me when you gave me your request

"I will do what you asked me to do when you spoke with me"

I give you a wise and an understanding heart

The heart is a metonym for what a person thinks and desires. Alternate translation: "I make you able to be wise and to understand many things"

1 Kings 3:13

General Information:

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1 Kings 3:14

walk in my ways to keep

Living one's life is spoken of as walking on a path. Alternate translation: "live as I want you to live and obey"

lengthen your days

"make you live a long time"

1 Kings 3:15

behold

The word "behold" here shows that Solomon saw something interesting.

1 Kings 3:16

General Information:

Two prostitutes ask Solomon to make a decision.

1 Kings 3:17

General Information:

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1 Kings 3:18

General Information:

The two prostitutes tell Solomon their story.

1 Kings 3:19

lay on him

It may be helpful to state that this caused the baby to die. Alternate translation: "accidentally rolled on top of her baby and smothered him"

1 Kings 3:20

your servant

The woman speaks as if she were speaking of someone else to show that she respects Solomon. Alternate translation: "I"

1 Kings 3:21

General Information:

Two prostitutes continue to share their story with Solomon.

nurse my child

This means to feed her baby milk from her breast.

1 Kings 3:22

before the king

"before Solomon" or "while Solomon could see and hear them"

1 Kings 3:23

General Information:

Solomon makes a decision for the two women.

1 Kings 3:24

General Information:

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1 Kings 3:25

General Information:

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1 Kings 3:26

General Information:

The real mother asks the king to spare the child's life.

her heart was full of compassion for her son

This speaks of the woman having a lot of compassion as if her heart were a container and compassion were a solid object. Alternate translation: "she greatly loved her baby"

1 Kings 3:27

General Information:

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1 Kings 3:28

all Israel

This is a generalization.

Chapter 4

1 Kings 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter names the important people in Solomon's government and shows the extent of his kingdom.

1 Kings 4:1

General Information:

This is the beginning of a list of Solomon's officials. The list ends in 1 Kings 4:6.

1 Kings 4:2

Azariah ... Zadok

These are names of men.

1 Kings 4:3

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Solomon's officials.

Elihoreph ... Ahijah ... Shisha ... Jehoshaphat ... Ahilud

These are names of men.

1 Kings 4:4

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Solomon's officials.

Benaiah ... Jehoiada ... Zadok ... Abiathar

These are names of men.

1 Kings 4:5

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Solomon's officials.

Azariah ... Nathan ... Zabud

These are names of men.

1 Kings 4:6

Connecting Statement:

This ends the list of Solomon's officials.

Ahishar ... Adoniram ... Abda

These are names of men.

the men who were subjected to forced labor

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the men whom Solomon forced to work for him"

1 Kings 4:7

General Information:

This begins a list of Solomon's 12 officers. The list ends in 1 Kings 4:19.

1 Kings 4:8

Ben-Hur

This is the name of a man. Note that "Ben" before a name means "son of" so "Ben-Hur" means "the son of Hur."

in the hill country

"who was the officer in charge of the hill country

Ephraim

This is the name of a place.

1 Kings 4:9

Connecting Statement:

The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.

Ben-Deker

This is the name of a man. Note that "Ben" before a name means "son of" so "Ben-Deker" means "the son of Deker."

in Makaz

"who was the officer in charge of Makaz"

Makaz ... Shaalbim ... Beth Shemesh ... Elon Bethhanan

These are names of places.

1 Kings 4:10

Connecting Statement:

The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.

Ben-Hesed

This is the name of a man. Note that "Ben" before a name means "son of" so "Ben-Hesed" means "the son of Hesed."

in Arubboth

"who was the officer in charge of Arubboth"

Arubboth ... Sokoh ... Hepher

These are names of places.

1 Kings 4:11

Connecting Statement:

The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.

Ben-Abinadab

This is the name of a man. Note that "Ben" before a name means "son of" so "Ben-Abinadab" means "the son of Abinadab."

in all Naphoth Dor

"who was the officer in charge of all Naphoth Dor"

Naphoth Dor

This is the name of a place.

Taphath

This is the name of a woman.

1 Kings 4:12

Connecting Statement:

The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.

Baana ... Ahilud

These are names of men.

in Taanach

"who was the officer in charge of Taanach"

Taanach ... Megiddo ... Beth Shan ... Zarethan ... Jezreel ... Beth Shan to Abel Meholah ... Jokmeam

These are names of places.

1 Kings 4:13

Connecting Statement:

The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.

Ben-Geber ... Jair ... Manasseh

These are names of men.

in Ramoth Gilead

"who was the officer in charge of Ramoth Gilead"

Ramoth Gilead ... Argob ... Bashan

These are names of places.

1 Kings 4:14

Connecting Statement:

The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.

Ahinadab ... Iddo

These are men's names.

in Mahanaim

"who was the officer in charge of Mahanaim"

Mahanaim

This is the name of place.

1 Kings 4:15

Connecting Statement:

The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.

Ahimaaz

This is the name of a man.

in Naphtali

"who was the officer in charge of Naphtali"

Naphtali

This is a tribal land named after a son of Israel.

Basemath

This is the name of a woman.

1 Kings 4:16

Connecting Statement:

The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.

Baana ... Hushai

These are names of men.

in Asher

"who was the officer in charge of Asher"

Asher

This is a tribal land named after a son of Israel.

Bealoth

This is the name of a piece of land.

1 Kings 4:17

Connecting Statement:

The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.

Jehoshaphat ... Paruah

These are names of men.

in Issachar

"who was the officer in charge of Issachar"

Issachar

This is a tribal land named after a son of Israel.

1 Kings 4:18

Connecting Statement:

The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.

Shimei ... Ela

These are the names of men.

in Benjamin

"who was the officer in charge of Benjamin"

Benjamin

This is a tribal land named for a son of Israel.

1 Kings 4:19

Connecting Statement:

The list of Solomon's 12 officers ends.

Geber ... Uri ... Sihon ... Og

These are men's names

in the land of Gilead

"who was the officer in charge of the land of Gilead"

Gilead ... Bashan

These are names of places.

the country of Sihon

"the land that in earlier years belonged to Sihon"

Amorites

This is the name of a people group.

in the land

Here "the land" refers to the land of Judah; the previous officials presided over different parts of Israel.

1 Kings 4:20

Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea

The speaker uses exaggeration to say that there were so many people that it would be impossible to count them all. The words "Judah" and "Israel" are metonyms for the people who lived in Judah and Israel. Alternate translation: "There were as many people in Judah and Israel as there are grains of sand by the sea" or "there were more people in Judah and Israel than a person could count"

1 Kings 4:21

the River

"the Euphrates River"

1 Kings 4:22

thirty cors

A cor is a unit of dry measure.

1 Kings 4:23

deer, gazelles, roebucks

four-legged animals that run fast

deer

more than one of these animals

fattened fowl

"birds that people fed so they would become fat"

1 Kings 4:24

Tiphsah

name of a piece of land

1 Kings 4:25

Judah and Israel

The words "Judah" and "Israel" are metonyms for the people of Judah and Israel.

every man under his vine and under his fig tree

"each family had their own garden with grapevines and fig trees," This showed that the people lived in safety and peace, since they were not at war and had time to grow their gardens.

from Dan to Beersheba

This represents the whole land of Israel from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south.

1 Kings 4:26

stalls of horses

A stall is a place where an animal such as a horse is kept and cared for.

1 Kings 4:27

who came to King Solomon's table

"who ate with King Solomon" or "whom King Solomon invited to eat with him"

every man in his month

Solomon had assigned 12 officers in 1 Kings 4:7 to bring him food in different months.

They let nothing be lacking

This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: "They provided everything that Solomon needed"

1 Kings 4:28

General Information:

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1 Kings 4:29

God gave Solomon great wisdom and understanding

The abstract nouns "wisdom" and "understanding" can be translated as verbs. God giving him these things means that God enabled him to have these qualities. Alternate translation: "God enabled Solomon to be wise and to understand many things"

wideness of understanding like the sand on the seashore

Solomon was able to understand many things about many different subjects. The abstract noun "wideness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "Solomon was able to understand many things about a wide range of subjects"

1 Kings 4:30

Solomon's wisdom exceeded the wisdom of all the people

"Solomon was wiser than all the wise people"

the people of the east

This refers to people from countries east of Israel such as Arabia and Mesopotamia.

1 Kings 4:31

Ethan ... Heman ... Kalkol ... Darda ... Mahol

men's names

1 Kings 4:32

General Information:

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1 Kings 4:33

cedar ... hyssop

These words form a merism that includes all plants. Alternate translation: "cedar tree ... hyssop bush" or "the greatest of trees ... least important of bushes"

1 Kings 4:34

General Information:

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Chapter 5

1 Kings 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the beginning of the description of the building of the temple. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Building the temple

Building the temple took a lot of work and cooperation. King Hiram of Tyre provided lumber for building the temple in exchange for wheat and olive oil. Solomon also had many people cutting rocks for the walls of the temple.

1 Kings 5:1

General Information:

Solomon talks with King Hiram about building the Temple.

Hiram had always loved David

"Hiram had always been a close friend of King David"

1 Kings 5:2

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Kings 5:3

Yahweh was putting his enemies under the soles of his feet

To put an enemy under someone's foot means to conquer them. Alternate translation: "Yahweh was helping David to defeat his enemies" or "David was busy since Yahweh was giving him victory over his enemies"

for the name of Yahweh

The word "name" is a metonym for the person, and "for the name" refers to worshiping the person.See how you translated this in [1 Kings 3:2]

because of the wars that surrounded him

Another possible meaning is "because of the wars with which his enemies surrounded him" or "because he was fighting enemies on all sides"

Yahweh was putting his enemies under the soles of his feet

This speaks of Yahweh giving David complete control over his enemies as putting them under his feet. Alternate translation: "Yahweh was enabling David to completely defeat his enemies"

1 Kings 5:4

General Information:

Solomon continues to talk with King Hiram about building the Temple.

has given me rest on every side

Before Solomon became king, King David and the people of Israel had been at war, but now King Solomon and the people were at rest and in a time of peace.

There is neither adversary nor disaster

neither humans who cause harm nor natural events that cause harm. This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "We are safe from our enemies and from natural disasters"

adversary

enemy

disaster

event that causes harm to people and their property

1 Kings 5:5

So

This is to emphasize the words that follow. "Listen! This is what I am going to do:" or "Because of what Yahweh has done for me, this is what I am going to do:"

for the name of Yahweh my God ... for my name

The word "name" is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: "where Yahweh my God will live ... where I will live"

set on your throne in your place

Here "throne" refers to ruling as king. Alternate translation: "make to be the king after you"

1 Kings 5:6

General Information:

Solomon continues to talk with King Hiram about building the temple.

there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians

"your workers know how to cut timber better than my men"

Sidonians

people of the city of Sidon

1 Kings 5:7

General Information:

King Hiram answers Solomon.

the words of Solomon

"what Solomon said"

May Yahweh be blessed today

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I praise Yahweh today"

1 Kings 5:8

cypress

Cypress is another kind of valuable wood that would be used for building the temple.

1 Kings 5:9

General Information:

King Hiram continues to answer Solomon.

make them into rafts

"tie them together so they will float in groups"

them broken up there

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "my workers untie the logs from each other"

You will do what I desire

"You can do what I want" or "You can pay me"

1 Kings 5:10

fir

The word "fir" refers to many kinds of trees, including cypress trees.

1 Kings 5:11

twenty thousand cors of wheat

"20,000 cors of wheat." A cor equals about 220 liters. Alternate translation: "4,400 cubic meters of wheat"

twenty thousand baths of pure oil

"20,000 baths of pure oil." A bath equals about 22 liters. Alternate translation: "440 cubic meters of pure oil"

year by year

"every year"

1 Kings 5:12

General Information:

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1 Kings 5:13

General Information:

Solomon forces men to build the Temple.

conscripted labor out of all Israel

"forced men from all over Israel to work"

1 Kings 5:14

in shifts

That is, there were three groups that took turns spending one month in Lebanon and two months at home.

One month they were in Lebanon and two months at home

Each of the three groups spent one month working in Lebanon and then two months at home in Israel.

the men who were subjected to forced labor

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the men whom Solomon was forcing to work for him"

1 Kings 5:15

General Information:

Solomon continues to force men to build the Temple.

seventy thousand

"70,000"

burdens

heavy things that people have to work hard to carry

eighty thousand

"80,000"

stonecutters

men who dig stones out of the ground and cut them to the proper shape

1 Kings 5:16

3,300 chief officers

"three thousand three hundred chief officers"

1 Kings 5:17

General Information:

Solomon continues to force men to build the temple.

quarried large precious stones

"dug large, good stones out of the mountain and cut them to be the right shape"

1 Kings 5:18

General Information:

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Chapter 6

1 Kings 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The building of the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Building the temple

Solomon built the temple in seven years. The outside walls were made of rock. Solomon shaped the rocks for the wall in the quarry and then assembled them at the temple site. The inside was covered with wood. Inside the temple was a room covered by gold, which was the Most Holy Place where the ark was housed under statues of angels. It represented the presence of God.

1 Kings 6:1

General Information:

The narrator describes the temple and its dimensions. This description continues through 1 Kings 6:38.

Solomon began to build

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "Solomon commanded his workers to begin building"

480th ... fourth

These are the ordinal forms of 480 and 4.

in the month of Ziv, which is the second month

"Ziv" is the name of the second month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of April and the first part of May on Western calendars.

1 Kings 6:2

Connecting Statement:

The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.

sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high

"60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high." A cubit is 46 centimeters. This can be written used modern measures. Alternate translation: "27.6 meters long, 9.2 meters wide, and 13.8 meters high"

1 Kings 6:3

Connecting Statement:

The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.

portico

an area of a building made of columns and a roof that leads to and connects with the building's entrance door. This portico was probably attached to the front part of the wall that surrounded the temple.

twenty cubits ... ten cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "9.2 meters ... 4.6 meters"

1 Kings 6:4

Connecting Statement:

The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.

he made windows

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "they made windows"

1 Kings 6:5

Connecting Statement:

The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.

he built

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "they built"

he built rooms around it

He built rooms on the outside of the outside wall around the main chamber.

1 Kings 6:6

Connecting Statement:

The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.

he made

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "they made"

The lowest story ... the middle ... the third

This refers to the rooms in each story of the building.

five cubits ... six cubits ... seven cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 2.3 meters ... about 2.8 meters ... about 3.2 meters"

he made offsets in the wall of the house

They made ledges all around the main building to support the beams of the small rooms.

beams

A beam is a long heavy piece of wood used to support a building.

1 Kings 6:7

Connecting Statement:

The narrator continues to describe the temple.

the house

Here "house" refers to God's house, the temple.

stones prepared at the quarry

A quarry is where people cut large stones from a mountain and shape them with tools so they are smooth. After they prepared the stones at the quarry, they brought them to the temple.

1 Kings 6:8

Connecting Statement:

The narrator continues to describe the temple.

ground level ... middle level ... third level

There were a total of three floors. Some languages call these "ground floor," "first floor," and "second floor."

1 Kings 6:9

Connecting Statement:

The narrator continues to describe the temple.

Solomon built ... he covered

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers built ... they covered"

beams ... of cedar

A beam is a long heavy piece of wood used to support a building. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:6.

planks ... of cedar

A plank is a flat wooden board used for floors and walls.

1 Kings 6:10

Connecting Statement:

The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.

He built

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "They built"

He built the side rooms

These are the same rooms that are referred to in 1 Kings 6:5.

inner chambers

This phrase is a metonym for the walls that enclosed the chambers. Alternate translation: "exterior walls that enclosed the inner chambers"

five cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2.3 meters"

timbers of cedar

The word "timbers" is a general term that refers to wood used for building, such as beams and planks.

1 Kings 6:11

The word of Yahweh came to Solomon, saying,

The idiom "The word of Yahweh came to" is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: "Yahweh gave a message to Solomon. He said," or "Yahweh spoke this message to Solomon:"

1 Kings 6:12

which you are building

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "which you are having your workers build"

walk in my statutes

The word "walk" is a metaphor for "live" or "obey." Alternate translation: "continually obey all my statutes"

do justice

Possible meanings are 1) "carry out all of my laws" or 2) "treat the people whom you are ruling justly."

keep all my commandments and walk in them

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the importance of obeying God's commandments. Alternate translation: "carefully obey all I tell you to do"

I will confirm my promise with you that I had made to David your father

"I will do everything I promised David your father that I would do for you"

1 Kings 6:13

General Information:

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1 Kings 6:14

Solomon

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers"

1 Kings 6:15

he built ... he covered them ... he covered the floor

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "they built ... they covered them ... they covered the floor"

interior walls

walls between the rooms on the inside

cypress

Cypress is a kind of wood that was used for building the temple.

1 Kings 6:16

He built twenty cubits ... He built this room

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "He commanded them to build twenty cubits ... He had them build this room"

He built twenty cubits

"He built a room twenty cubits long"

twenty cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "9.2 meters"

1 Kings 6:17

forty cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "18.4 meters"

main hall

"main room"

1 Kings 6:18

gourds

a type of hard, round vegetable that grows on a vine on the ground

open flowers

"blooming flowers" or "flowers that were open"

1 Kings 6:19

Solomon prepared

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They prepared"

1 Kings 6:20

Solomon overlaid

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They overlaid"

twenty cubits

"9.2 meters"

covered the altar with cedar wood

This altar would be used for burning incense.

1 Kings 6:21

Solomon overlaid ... he placed

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They overlaid ... they placed"

overlaid

"covered"

1 Kings 6:22

He overlaid ... He also overlaid

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They overlaid ... They also overlaid"

altar that belonged to the inner room

"altar of incense at the entrance to the inner room"

1 Kings 6:23

Solomon made

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Solomon commanded them to make"

olivewood

wood from an olive tree

ten cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "4.6 meters"

1 Kings 6:24

five cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2.3 meters"

1 Kings 6:25

wingspan

the distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other wing

same dimensions

"same size"

1 Kings 6:26

General Information:

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1 Kings 6:27

Solomon placed

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They placed"

innermost room

another name for the most holy place

1 Kings 6:28

Solomon overlaid

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They overlaid"

overlaid

"covered." See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:21.

1 Kings 6:29

He carved

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "He commanded them to carve"

1 Kings 6:30

Solomon overlaid

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "He had them overlay"

overlaid

covered

1 Kings 6:31

Solomon made

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They made"

lintel

beam across the top of a door frame

indented sections

toothlike notches on each of five sections

1 Kings 6:32

he made ... he made ... He overlaid ... he spread

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "they made ... they made ... They overlaid ... they spread"

overlaid

"covered." See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:21.

1 Kings 6:33

In this way, Solomon also made for the temple entrance doorposts of olive wood having four indented sections

"In the same way, Solomon also made doorposts of olive wood for the temple entrance, with four indented sections"

Solomon also made

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "they also made"

indented sections

tooth-like notches

1 Kings 6:34

The two leaves of the one door

This means each door had two sections connected by hinges so they could fold together.

1 Kings 6:35

He carved ... he evenly overlaid

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They carved ... they evenly overlaid"

1 Kings 6:36

He built the inner courtyard

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They built the inner courtyard"

cedar beams

A beam is a long heavy piece of wood used to support a building. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:6.

1 Kings 6:37

the fourth year

The word "fourth" is the ordinal form of "four." You may need to make explicit the event from which the writer counts the years. Alternate translation: "the fourth year after Solomon became king"

house of Yahweh

"the temple"

in the month of Ziv

"Ziv" is the name of the second month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of April and the first part of May on Western calendars. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 6:1]

1 Kings 6:38

the eleventh year

The word "eleventh" is the ordinal forms of "eleven." You may need to make explicit the event from which the writer counts the years. Alternate translation: "the eleventh year after Solomon became king"

in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month

"Bul" is the eighth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of October and the first part of November on Western calendars.

the house was finished in all its parts and conforming to all its specifications

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "they finished building every part of the house. They built it exactly the way Solomon had told them to build it"

Solomon took

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "It took Solomon's workers"

Chapter 7

1 Kings 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter has a description of the palace Solomon built and the materials used in the temple courtyard. It is the last chapter about the building of the temple. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Bronze

Solomon hired a man from Tyre who was good at casting things out of bronze. The bronze objects were made by hollowing out the shape of the object in clay and then pouring in the hot melted liquid bronze and letting it cool. He made two large pillars and a large water reservoir set on the backs of 12 bronze cows. He made all the instruments for use in the sacrifices outside the temple. He made the furnishing inside the temple out of gold.

The temple and the palace

Solomon spent 13 years building a palace for himself that was much bigger than the temple. It is significant that the house of Solomon was much larger than the house of God. (See: houseofgod)

1 Kings 7:1

General Information:

The author is writing about Solomon's palace.

Solomon took thirteen years to build his own palace

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "It took Solomon's workers thirteen years to build his palace"

palace

If your language does not have a word for "palace," you may translate this as "house" or "big house."

1 Kings 7:2

General Information:

Some details are given about the structure of the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.

He built

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "He commanded them to build"

the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon

"the house called the House of the Lebanon Forest"

one hundred cubits ... fifty cubits ... thirty cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "46 meters ... 23 meters ... 13.8 meters"

beams

A beam is a long piece of strong wood used to support walls and roofs.

1 Kings 7:3

Connecting Statement:

Some details continue to be given about the structure of the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.

The house was roofed with cedar that rested on beams

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The carpenters built a roof from cedar planks and attached them to beams"

beams

long pieces of strong wood usually used to support a roof

1 Kings 7:4

Connecting Statement:

Some details continue to be given about the structure of the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.

1 Kings 7:5

Connecting Statement:

Some details continue to be given about the structure of the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.

were made square

"had rectangular frames"

1 Kings 7:6

General Information:

The author writes about the structure of the Hall of Pillars.

colonnade

a series of columns, all the same distance apart

fifty cubits ... thirty cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "23 meters ... 13.8 meters"

portico

an area of a building made of columns and a roof that leads to and connects with the building's entrance door. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:3

1 Kings 7:7

General Information:

The author writes about the hall of the throne.

Solomon built

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Solomon had them build"

the hall of the throne

Possible meanings are 1) "the house in which he was going to place his throne" or 2) "a house named The King's Chair House"

It was covered with cedar

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The workers covered the floor with cedar wood"

1 Kings 7:8

General Information:

The author continues to write about the palace area.

Solomon's house in which he was to live, in another courtyard within the palace grounds, was designed in a similar way

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Solomon had someone design the house in which he was to live, in another courtyard within the palace grounds, in almost the same way"

He also built

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "He also commanded them to build"

1 Kings 7:9

General Information:

The writer is writing about the stones used for the buildings.

These buildings were adorned with costly hewn stones

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The workers adorned the buildings with costly, hewn stones"

hewn stones, precisely measured and cut with a saw and smoothed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "hewn stones, that workers had precisely measured and cut with a saw and smoothed"

These stones were used

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The workers used these stones"

from the foundation to the stones on top, and also on the outside to the great court

The author is emphasizing that the workers used expensive stones for the foundations and all the buildings.

1 Kings 7:10

The foundation was constructed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The workers constructed the foundation"

eight and ten cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 3.7 meters and 4.6 meters"

1 Kings 7:11

cedar beams

A beam is a long piece of wood used for structural support.

1 Kings 7:12

three rows of cut stone and a row of cedar beams

See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:36.

1 Kings 7:13

brought him from Tyre

Huram accepted Solomon's invitation to come to Jerusalem.

1 Kings 7:14

the son of a widow ... his father was a man of Tyre

A widow is a woman whose husband has died, so we know that the father is dead.

Huram was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill

This can be stated in active form. The words "wisdom and understanding" mean basically the same thing and are used together for emphasis. Yahweh giving such things as wisdom is spoken of as if they were liquids that Yahweh had poured into a container, and Huram is spoken of as if he were that container. Alternate translation: "Yahweh had given Huram wisdom, understanding, and skill"

1 Kings 7:15

eighteen cubits ... twelve cubits

A cubit is about 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 8.3 meters ... 5.5 meters"

in circumference

Circumference is the distance or measurement around a circular object or area.

1 Kings 7:16

five cubits

A cubit is about 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2.3 meters"

two capitals

decorations on top of each of the two pillars

polished bronze

They polished the bronze so that it would reflect sunlight. "gleaming bronze"

1 Kings 7:17

Checker latticework and wreaths of chain work

"Crossed metal strips woven together and metal chains twisted together"

1 Kings 7:18

Huram made

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Huram commanded his workers to make"

two rows of pomegranates

A pomegranate is a fruit with a hard, red rind and many juicy seeds inside. Huram did not use real pomegranates to decorate the pillars. He made them out of bronze.

1 Kings 7:19

The capitals ... were decorated with lilies, four cubits high

Lilies are plants whose flowers are wide at one end and very narrow at the other end. These words can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Huram decorated the capitals ... with bronze lilies, four cubits high"

the tops of the portico

Translate "portico" as in 1 Kings 7:6.

four cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 1.8 meters"

1 Kings 7:20

two hundred pomegranates

"200 pomegranates." A pomegranate is a fruit with a hard, red rind and many juicy seeds inside. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 7:18]

1 Kings 7:21

He raised up

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They raised up"

The pillar on the right was named Jakin

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The name of the pillar on the right side was Jakin"

the pillar on the left was named Boaz

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The name of the pillar on the left side was Boaz"

1 Kings 7:22

The fashioning of the pillars was done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Huram fashioned the pillars" or "Huram's men fashioned the pillars"

1 Kings 7:23

Huram made

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Huram also commanded them to make"

the round sea

This refers to a particular bronze tank or basin in the temple. It was very large and held a lot of water. It was called "the sea."

cast metal

Huram melted the bronze and formed it in a mold.

ten cubits ... five cubits ... thirty cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "4.6 meters ... 2.3 meters ... 13.8 meters"

from brim to brim

"from one edge to the other"

in circumference

Circumference is the distance or measurement around a circular object or area.

1 Kings 7:24

encircling the sea were gourds

A gourd is a type of hard, round vegetable that grows on a vine on the ground.

when that basin was cast

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when Huram cast that basin"

1 Kings 7:25

The Sea

This refers to the bronze tank or basin that held water for sacrifices.

stood on

"was on top of"

"The Sea" was set on top of them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Huram's workers set 'The Sea' on top of the bronze oxen"

hindquarters

This is the back quarter of the body of an animal with four feet.

1 Kings 7:26

the width of a hand

This is about eight centimeters.

its brim was forged like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Huram forged the brim to look like the brim of a cup, to curve outward like a lily"

two thousand baths

"2,000 baths." A bath is a unit of volume equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: "44 cubic meters" or "44,000 liters" )

1 Kings 7:27

Huram made

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Huram also commanded them to make" or "They also made"

four cubits ... three cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 1.8 meters ... about 1.4 meters"

1 Kings 7:28

The work of the stands was like this

This means the author will describe the stands in the words that follow.

1 Kings 7:29

on the panels and on the frames were lions, oxen, and cherubim

There were decorative pieces in the shapes of lions, oxen, and cherubim fastened to the sides of the stands.

wreaths of hammered work

Here the word "wreaths" refers to spiral-shaped pieces of bronze.

1 Kings 7:30

four bronze wheels and axles

There was one axle for each pair of wheels. Alternate translation: "four bronze wheels and two axles"

its four corners

"the four corners of each stand"

The supports were cast with wreaths

Each support was cast as one piece with the wreaths. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Huram cast the supports with spiral-shaped pieces"

1 Kings 7:31

a cubit and a half ... a cubit

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 70 centimeters ... about 50 centimeters"

a crown that rose up

Here the word "crown" refers to the circular piece at the top of the stand's opening that held the basin.

their panels were square

"the panels of the stands were square." This phrase returns to the description of the panels that began in 1 Kings 7:28.

1 Kings 7:32

their housings

Here the word "their" refers to the axles. The word "housings" refers to the casings into which the axles were inserted.

a cubit and a half

A cubit was 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 70 centimeters"

1 Kings 7:33

The wheels were forged like chariot wheels

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Huram made the wheels like small chariot wheels"

Their housings, rims, spokes, and hubs

Here the word "Their" refers to the wheels.

1 Kings 7:34

There were four handles at the four corners of each stand

"There was a handle at each of the four corners of each stand"

1 Kings 7:35

half a cubit deep

A cubit was 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "twenty-three centimeters wide"

on the top of the stand its supports and panels were attached

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Huram attached the supports and panels to the top of each stand"

1 Kings 7:36

Huram engraved

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "they engraved"

they were surrounded

Here the word "they" refers to the cherubim, lions, and palm trees.

they were surrounded by wreaths

The word "wreaths" refers to spiral-shaped pieces of bronze. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "there were wreaths all around them"

1 Kings 7:37

He made

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "He commanded them to make"

All of them were cast in the same molds

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Huram cast all of the stands in the same mold" or "They cast all of the stand in the same mold"

they had one size, and the same shape

"all of the stands were the same size and shape"

1 Kings 7:38

Huram made ten

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Huram had them make ten"

forty baths

A bath is a unit of volume equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: "about 880 liters"

four cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 1.8 meters"

1 Kings 7:39

He made five ... He set

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Human had them make five ... Huram commanded them to set"

the south-facing side ... the north-facing side

"the south side ... the north side"

on the east corner, facing toward the south of the temple

"near the southeast corner of the temple"

1 Kings 7:40

Huram made ... he finished

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Huram had them make ... they finished"

1 Kings 7:41

the bowl-like capitals

The capitals were shaped like bowls.

decorative latticework

"crossed metal strips woven together"

1 Kings 7:42

He made

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They made"

four hundred pomegranates

"400 pomegranates." A pomegranate is a fruit with a hard, red rind and many juicy seeds inside. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 7:18]

1 Kings 7:43

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1 Kings 7:44

He made

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They made"

1 Kings 7:45

Huram made

Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They made"

all the other implements

"all the other tools"

polished bronze

bronze that was polished so that it would reflect light

1 Kings 7:46

The king had cast them

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "The king had his workers cast them"

plain of the Jordan

"flat land near the Jordan River"

Sukkoth ... Zarethan

These are names of cities.

1 Kings 7:47

Solomon did not weigh

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Solomon did not have them weigh"

the weight of the bronze could not be measured

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one could measure the weight of the bronze"

1 Kings 7:48

Solomon had made

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers had made"

on which the bread of the presence was to be placed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "on which the priests were to place the bread of the presence"

1 Kings 7:49

the flowers, the lamps

The "flowers" and "lamps" were part of the lampstands.

1 Kings 7:50

had made the cups ... all of which were made of pure gold

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "had his workers make all the cups ... out of pure gold"

sockets of gold made for the doors

Here "sockets" may refer to either 1) the sockets in which the door pegs turned, or 2) the hinges on which the doors hung.

1 Kings 7:51

the work that King Solomon directed for the house of Yahweh was finished

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the workers finished the work that King Solomon had them do for the house of Yahweh"

Chapter 8

1 Kings 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ark is placed in the new temple. This is a very significant event in the history of the Israelites. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Celebration of the temple's completion

When the temple was finished, Solomon told all of the people to come to Jerusalem. They took the ark out of the tent and brought it to the temple. Then Solomon prayed that God would hear and answer prayers made to him when they faced towards the temple.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

Solomon prayed that God would respond to people's prayers using an idiom: "that your eyes may be open to the request of your servant."

1 Kings 8:1

assembled the elders of Israel

"called together the leaders of Israel"

1 Kings 8:2

All the men of Israel

This may refer either 1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in 8:1 or 2) generally to those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast, not necessarily to every male person who lived in Israel.

at the feast

This is a reference to the Feast of Sukkoth, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Shelters .

in the month of Ethanim, which is the seventh month

"Ethanim" is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars.

1 Kings 8:3

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1 Kings 8:4

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1 Kings 8:5

all the assembly of Israel

This is a generalization.

sheep and cattle that could not be counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "more sheep and cattle than anyone would ever be able to count"

1 Kings 8:6

into the inner room of the house, to the most holy place, under

"into the inner room of the house—that is, to the most holy place—under"

1 Kings 8:7

poles by which it was carried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "poles by which the priests carried it"

1 Kings 8:8

their ends were seen ... they could not be seen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people could see their ends ... people could not see them"

this day

This means the day on which the writer wrote.

1 Kings 8:9

There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets ... Egypt

This double negative emphasizes that the two tablets were the only things in the ark. Alternate translation: "The only things in the ark were the two tablets ... Egypt"

1 Kings 8:10

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

1 Kings 8:11

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1 Kings 8:12

Yahweh has said ... darkness

Solomon speaks to Yahweh as if he were speaking to someone else to show that he respects Yahweh.

1 Kings 8:13

lofty residence

beautiful building in which someone very important lives

1 Kings 8:14

all the assembly of Israel

"all the people of Israel who were gathered there"

1 Kings 8:15

May Yahweh, the God of Israel, be praised

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Praise Yahweh, the God of Israel"

with his own hands

The hand is a metonym for the power in the hand. Alternate translation: "by his own power"

1 Kings 8:16

in order for my name to be

The word "name" is a metonym for the person, and "for ... name" refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 3:2]

1 Kings 8:17

it was in the heart of David my father

What David desired is spoken of as if it were an item in a container and the heart as if it were a container. Alternate translation: "David my father desired"

for the name of Yahweh

The word "name" is a metonym for the person, and "for the name" refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 3:2]

1 Kings 8:18

In that it was in your heart

What David desired is spoken of as if it were an item in a container and the heart as if it were a container. Alternate translation: "Because you desired"

for my name

The word "name" is a metonym for the person, and "for ... name" refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 3:2]

for it to be in your heart

What David desired is spoken of as if it were an item in a container and the heart as if it were a container. Alternate translation: "to desire to do that" or "by wanting to do that"

1 Kings 8:19

one who will be born from your loins

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "one who will be your own offspring" or "one whom you yourself will father"

1 Kings 8:20

has carried out the word that he had said

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "has done exactly what he said he would do"

I have arisen in the place of David my father

Height is a metaphor for power. Alternate translation: "I have gained the power that David my father had"

I sit on the throne of Israel

The throne is a metonym for the activity of the one who sits on the throne. Alternate translation: "I rule over Israel"

for the name of Yahweh

The word "name" is a metonym for the person, and "for ... name" refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 3:2. Alternate translation: "in which people will worship Yahweh"

1 Kings 8:21

is Yahweh's covenant, which

The stone tablets on which Yahweh had written the terms of the covenant are spoken of as if they were the covenant itself. Alternate translation: "are the tablets on which Yahweh wrote the terms of the covenant that"

1 Kings 8:22

all the assembly of Israel

"all the people of Israel who were gathered there"

1 Kings 8:23

who keeps his covenant faithfulness with your servants

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithfully" or "faithful." Alternate translation: "who faithfully loves your servants" or "who is faithful to your covenant with your servants"

walk before you with all their heart

The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "live wholeheartedly the way that you want them to"

1 Kings 8:24

fulfilled it with your hand

The hand is a metonym for the power of the hand. Alternate translation: "by your power fulfilled what you said"

1 Kings 8:25

to sit on the throne of Israel

The throne is a metonym for the activity of the one who sits on the throne. Alternate translation: "to rule over Israel"

walk before me ... have walked before me

The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "live as I want you to ... have lived as I want you to"

1 Kings 8:26

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1 Kings 8:27

But will God actually live on the earth?

Possible meanings of this question are 1) Solomon is asking a real question and expecting an answer or 2) the question is rhetorical and Solomon is emphasizing that God is too big and mighty to live on earth. Alternate translation: "But it surely cannot be that God will actually live on the earth!"

But will God

Here Solomon speaks about God in the third person. It can be stated in the second person. Alternate translation: "But will you"

Look

"What I am about to say is important" or "The truth is that"

you—how much less can this temple that I have built

"you, so this temple that I have built certainly cannot contain you"

1 Kings 8:28

respect this prayer of your servant and his humble request

The words "prayer" and "humble request" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that he is sincere as he makes his request. Solomon refers to himself as "your servant" to show that he respects Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "respect me, your servant, as I make this request"

listen to the cry and prayer that your servant prays before you today

The words "cry" and "prayer" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that he is sincere as he asks Yahweh to help him. Solomon refers to himself as "your servant" to show that he respects Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "listen to me, your servant, as I call today for you to help me"

1 Kings 8:29

May your eyes be open toward

The eye is a metonym for what the eye does. Alternate translation: "May you watch over"

night and day

This is a merism. Alternate translation: "all the time" or "continually"

My name and my presence

These two words together emphasize that Yahweh will dwell in the temple.

that your servant will pray

Solomon speaks of himself as "your servant" to show that he respects Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "that I, your servant, will pray"

1 Kings 8:30

listen to the humble request of your servant and of your people Israel

Solomon speaks of himself as "your servant" to show that he respects Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "listen to my humble request and the humble request of your people Israel"

1 Kings 8:31

is required to swear

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone requires him to swear"

1 Kings 8:32

upon his own head

Here "head" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "on him"

give to him according to his righteousness

"to give him what he deserves because he is righteous"

1 Kings 8:33

your people Israel are defeated by an enemy

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "an enemy defeats your people Israel"

confess your name

Possible meanings are 1) "confess that they have sinned against you" or 2) "praise you" or 3) "say that they will obey you from now on."

1 Kings 8:34

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1 Kings 8:35

the skies are shut up and there is no rain

The sky is spoken of as if it were a building in which God stores the rain. Alternate translation: "you do not allow rain to fall"

confess your name

Possible meanings are 1) "confess that they have sinned against you" or 2) "praise you" or 3) "say that they will obey you from now on." See how you translated this in 1 Kings 8:33.

1 Kings 8:36

in which they should walk

The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "that they should live"

1 Kings 8:37

Suppose there is famine in the land, or ... sickness

Solomon speaks about events that he thinks could happen in the future.

blight or mildew

These are agricultural terms that refer to the death of crops from either too little or too much rain, respectively.

locusts or caterpillars

A "locust" is a type of grasshopper that causes destruction by eating crops. The word "caterpillar" refers to an early growth stage of the locust.

1 Kings 8:38

prayers and humble requests

The words "prayer" and "humble requests" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the person is sincere as he makes his request. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 8:28]

knowing the plague in his own heart

Possible meanings are 1) The person's sin is spoken of as if it were a plague. Alternate translation: "knowing the sin in his own heart" or 2) The "plague" is a metonym for the sins that the disasters are a punishment for. Alternate translation: "knowing in his heart that the plague is the result of his own sin"

1 Kings 8:39

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1 Kings 8:40

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1 Kings 8:41

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1 Kings 8:42

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1 Kings 8:43

this house I have built is called by your name

The phrase "is called by your name" shows that God possesses and owns the house. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you own this house that I have built"

1 Kings 8:44

Suppose that your people go out ... suppose that they pray

Solomon speaks about events that he thinks could happen in the future. The situations he describes are conditions for what he requests in the following sentence. The words "suppose that" can be translated with the word "if," and this sentence can be connected to his request in verse 45.

for your name

The word "name" is a metonym for the person, and "for ... name" refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 3:2]

1 Kings 8:45

their prayer and their request

The words "prayer" and "request" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the people are sincere as they make their request. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 8:28]

1 Kings 8:46

Suppose that they sin ... suppose that you are

Solomon speaks about events that he thinks could happen in the future. The events that he describes in verese 46-48 are conditions for his requests in verses 49-50.

1 Kings 8:47

suppose that they realize ... suppose that they repent ... Suppose that they say

Solomon speaks about events that he thinks could happen in the future.

where they have been exiled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where their enemies have taken them as exiles"

captors

people who keep others as prisoners

We have acted perversely and sinned. We have behaved wickedly

These two sentences mean the same thing. Together they emphasize how bad the people's actions were.

acted perversely and sinned

The words mean basically the same thing and emphasize how badly the people sinned.

1 Kings 8:48

Suppose that they return ... suppose that they pray

Solomon speaks about events that he thinks could happen in the future. The events that he describes in verese 46-48 are conditions for his requests in verses 49-50.

with all their heart and with all their soul

The idiom "with all ... heart" means "completely" and "with all ... soul" means "with all ... being." These two phrases have similar meanings. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 2:4]

in the land

"while they are living in the land"

toward their land

"toward the land in which they belong." This refers to Israel.

for your name

The word "name" is a metonym for the person, and "for ... name" refers to worshiping the person. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 3:2]

1 Kings 8:49

their prayer and their request

The two words "prayer" and "request" mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize that the people were sincere as they made their request to Yahweh. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 8:28]

1 Kings 8:50

Forgive your people who have sinned against you, and all their transgressions that they have committed against you

Solomon twice requests Yahweh to forgive the people. This emphasizes the earnestness of his request.

1 Kings 8:51

a furnace where iron is forged

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a furnace where people forge iron"

1 Kings 8:52

May your eyes be open

The eye is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "Please pay attention"

1 Kings 8:53

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1 Kings 8:54

prayer and request

The words "prayer" and "request" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that he is sincere as he makes his request. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 8:28]

1 Kings 8:55

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1 Kings 8:56

May Yahweh be praised

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Praise Yahweh"

Not one word has failed out of all Yahweh's good promises

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has made every word of his good promises come true"

1 Kings 8:57

leave us or abandon us

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize Solomon's desire for Yahweh to be present with the people.

1 Kings 8:58

incline our hearts to him

Here their "hearts" refer to the people's desires and emotions. Desiring to please someone is spoken of as inclining the heart toward that person. Alternate translation: "make us want to please him"

live in all his ways

Here "in his ways" is an idiom that refers to the way he wants people to live. Alternate translation: "live as he requires us to live"

1 Kings 8:59

day and night

This merism refers to "all the time" or "continually."

1 Kings 8:60

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1 Kings 8:61

let your heart be true

"be wholly devoted"

walk in his statutes

The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "always obey his statutes"

1 Kings 8:62

all Israel with him

This generalization may refer either 1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in [1 Kings 8:1]

1 Kings 8:63

all the people of Israel

This generalization may refer either 1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in [1 Kings 8:1]

twenty-two thousand cattle

"22,000 cattle"

120,000 sheep

"one hundred twenty thousand sheep"

1 Kings 8:64

the bronze altar that was before Yahweh

"the bronze altar that was in Yahweh's presence." Since the temple is Yahweh's dwelling place among his people, the altar is described as being in his presence.

1 Kings 8:65

all Israel with him

This generalization may refer either 1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in [1 Kings 8:1]

seven days ... seven days ... fourteen days

"7 days ... 7 days ... 14 days"

1 Kings 8:66

eighth day

The word "eighth" is the ordinal form of "8."

joyful and glad

The two words mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.

Chapter 9

1 Kings 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

There are two parts to this chapter. Verses 1–9 is a dream in which God warned Solomon that he and his descendants were not to worship idols. If they did this, the temple would be destroyed. Verses 10–28 is about Solomon's extensive building and his partnership with Hiram, king of Tyre. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Worship only Yahweh

Yahweh alone must be worshiped. It is necessary for people to stay faithful to God and not worship idols. (See: faithful)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

'Walk" is a common image in Scripture. It is said, "if you walk before me as David your father walked." (See: walk)

1 Kings 9:1

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1 Kings 9:2

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1 Kings 9:3

your prayer and your request

The words "prayer" and "request" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh recognized that Solomon's request was sincere. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 8:28]

to put my name there forever

The name is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: "to dwell there and to claim possession of it forever"

My eyes and my heart will be there

The eyes and heart are synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "I will protect and care for it"

1 Kings 9:4

if you walk before me as David your father walked

The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "if you live the way I want you to live, just as David your father did"

in integrity of heart and in uprightness

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize how righteous David was.

1 Kings 9:5

the throne of your kingdom

Here "throne" refers to his reign. Alternate translation: "your dynasty" or "your reign"

will never fail to be on the throne of Israel

The action of ruling a kingdom is spoken of as if it were a person sitting on a throne. This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: "will always rule over Israel"

1 Kings 9:6

my commandments and my statutes

Here the words "commandments" and "statutes" mean basically the same thing and emphasize all that Yahweh has commanded.

worship other gods and bow down to them

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.

1 Kings 9:7

set apart to my name

Here the word "name" is a metonym for the person who possesses something. Alternate translation: "set apart for myself"

I will cast it out of my sight

The abstract noun "sight" can be expressed with the verb "see." Looking at something is a metaphor for protecting it. Alternate translation: "I will put it where I no longer have to see it" or "I will get rid of it so I no longer have to protect it"

1 Kings 9:8

This temple will become a heap of ruins

"This temple will be destroyed and its remains will be piled into a high mound"

will be shocked and will hiss

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will express amazement and make a sound of disrespect"

1 Kings 9:9

bowed down to them and worshiped them

These two phrases mean the same thing. The phrase "bowed down to them" describes the posture that people used in worship.

1 Kings 9:10

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way of doing this, you could consider using it here.

at the end of twenty years

"after 20 years"

Solomon had finished building

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this.

1 Kings 9:11

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1 Kings 9:12

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1 Kings 9:13

What cities are these which you have given me, my brother?

Hiram is rebuking Solomon. This questions can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "These cities that you have given me are good for nothing."

which they are still called today

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and people still call them that today"

1 Kings 9:14

120 talents of gold

"one hundred and twenty talents of gold." A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "about 4,000 kilograms of gold"

1 Kings 9:15

the account of the forced labor which King Solomon imposed

"the account of Solomon requiring men to work"

the Millo

Possible meanings are 1) "the terrace system" or 2) "the landfill."

1 Kings 9:16

Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up

The person is a metonym for the army he commands. Alternate translation: "The army of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, had gone up"

1 Kings 9:17

So Solomon rebuilt Gezer

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this.

1 Kings 9:18

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1 Kings 9:19

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1 Kings 9:20

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1 Kings 9:21

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1 Kings 9:22

Solomon made no forced laborers of the people of Israel

"Solomon did not force the people of Israel to labor"

1 Kings 9:23

550 of them

"five hundred and fifty of them"

1 Kings 9:24

built the Millo

Possible meanings are 1) "built the terrace system" or 2) "built the landfill." See how you translated "the Millo" in 1 Kings 9:15.

1 Kings 9:25

altar that was before Yahweh

See how you translated this phrase in 1 Kings 8:64.

So he completed the temple

Solomon is a metonym for the workers he hired to do the work. Alternate translation: "So his workers completed the temple"

1 Kings 9:26

King Solomon built

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this.

a fleet of ships

"a large group of ships"

1 Kings 9:27

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1 Kings 9:28

420 talents of gold

"four hundred and twenty talents of gold." A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "about 14,000 kilograms of gold"

Chapter 10

1 Kings 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

There are two parts to this chapter: The fame of Solomon's wisdom and the wealth of his kingdom. (See: wise)

Special concepts in this chapter

==Queen of Sheba == King Solomon became so famous for his wisdom that the queen of Sheba (modern day Yemen) came all the way to see him and was deeply impressed. God promised him great wealth and he became famously rich. (See: promise)

1 Kings 10:1

the report about Solomon concerning the name of Yahweh

Here Yahweh is represented by his "name." Possible meanings are 1) Alternate translation: "Solomon's fame, which glorified Yahweh" or 2) Alternate translation: "Solomon's fame, which Yahweh had given him"

1 Kings 10:2

all that was in her heart

This is a generalization. Alternate translation: "everything she wanted to know"

1 Kings 10:3

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1 Kings 10:4

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1 Kings 10:5

the seating of his servants

Possible meanings are 1) "how his servants were seated around the table" or 2) "where his servants lived."

there was no more breath in her

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "she was utterly amazed"

1 Kings 10:6

I heard in my own land

"I heard while I was in my own land"

your words and your wisdom

Here the word "wisdom" can describe the word "words." Alternate translation: "your wise sayings"

1 Kings 10:7

my eyes have seen it

The phrase "my eyes" emphasizes that she herself saw it. Alternate translation: "I have seen it for myself"

Not half was told me

This can be stated without the passive form, and you may want to make explicit the idea that ellipsis omits. Alternate translation: "They did not tell me about even half of how wise and wealthy you are"

1 Kings 10:8

who constantly stand before you

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "who are always in your presence waiting to serve you"

1 Kings 10:9

May Yahweh your God be praised

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May people praise Yahweh your God"

who placed you on the throne of Israel

The throne is a metonym for the king who sits on it. Alternate translation: "who made you king of Israel"

1 Kings 10:10

120 talents of gold

"one hundred and twenty talents of gold." A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "about 4,000 kilograms of gold"

No greater amount of spices ... was ever given to him again

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one ever again gave to King Solomon more spices than the queen of Sheba gave to him"

1 Kings 10:11

almug wood

a type of wood, possibly one with a pleasant scent

1 Kings 10:12

The king made

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this. Alternate translation: "The king told his people to make"

or been seen again

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "nor has anyone ever seen such a great quantity again"

to this day

This means to the day that the author was writing this.

1 Kings 10:13

everything she wished for, whatever she asked

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.

of his royal bounty

"because as king he had so much"

1 Kings 10:14

in one year

"each year." This refers to every year of Solomon's reign, and not to just one time.

666 talents of gold

"six hundred sixty-six." A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "almost 22,000 kilograms of gold"

1 Kings 10:15

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1 Kings 10:16

King Solomon made

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this. Alternate translation: "King Solomon's men made"

two hundred large shields

"200 large shields"

Six hundred shekels of gold

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "About 6.6 kilograms of gold" or "Six and one half kilograms of gold"

Six hundred shekels

Because the word "shekels" does not appear here in the Hebrew text, some modern versions assume instead the unit of bekah, which was equivalent to only a half shekel. Any version making this assumption would signal a metric equivalent of about three kilograms.

1 Kings 10:17

He also made

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this. Alternate translation: "The king's men also made"

three hundred shields

"300 shields"

Three minas of gold

A mina is a unit of weight equal to about 550 grams. Alternate translation: "About 1.7 kilograms of gold" or "One and three-quarters kilograms of gold"

the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon

"the house called the House of the Lebanon Forest." See how you translated this in 1 Kings 7:2.

1 Kings 10:18

the king made

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped the king do this. Alternate translation: "the king's men made"

throne of ivory

Ivory is the hard, white substance from the tusks or teeth of large animals.

1 Kings 10:19

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1 Kings 10:20

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1 Kings 10:21

the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon

"the house called the House of the Lebanon Forest." See how you translated this in 1 Kings 7:2.

1 Kings 10:22

ivory

Ivory is the hard, white substance from the tusks or teeth of large animals. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 10:18]

apes and baboons

These animals live wild in Africa. At the ends of their four limbs are what look like human hands and feet, and they have long tails. Some people consider baboons a type of ape.

1 Kings 10:23

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1 Kings 10:24

All the earth

This is a generalization. Alternate translation: "People from everywhere" or "People from many different places"

sought the presence of Solomon

The presence of the person is a metonym for being able to speak and listen to the person. Alternate translation: "sought an audience with Solomon" or "wanted to visit Solomon"

to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart

The heart is a metonym for what a person thinks and is spoken of as if it were a container. The abstract noun "wisdom" is spoken of as if it were an object that could be put in a container and can be translated as an adjective. It can be a metonym for either the person or the words the person speaks. Alternate translation: "to hear his wisdom, which God had given him" or "to hear how wise God had enabled him to be" or "to hear him speak the wise words that God had enabled him to speak"

1 Kings 10:25

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1 Kings 10:26

1,400 chariots and twelve thousand horsemen

"one thousand four hundred chariots and 12,000 horsemen"

1 Kings 10:27

The king had silver in Jerusalem, as much as the stones on the ground

The narrator uses exaggeration to emphasize the great amount of silver that was in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "The king had so much silver in Jerusalem, it was like there was as much silver as there was stones on the ground"

1 Kings 10:28

were imported from Egypt

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that his merchants had bought from people in Egypt"

Kue

This is the name of a region. Some think that Kue was the same as Cilicia, in Asia Minor.

1 Kings 10:29

Chariots were brought up from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver each, and horses for 150 shekels each

Solomon's officials bought the chariots and horses in Egypt and then brought them to Jerusalem. The Israelites always referred to travel toward Jerusalem as if it were uphill, as it often truly was. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "His merchants went to Egypt, bought chariots for six hundred shekels of silver each and horses for 150 shekels each, and brought them to Solomon in Jerusalem"

six hundred shekels of silver ... 150 shekels

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 6.6 kilograms of silver ... about 1.7 kilograms"

six hundred shekels of silver

"600 shekels of silver"

150 shekels

"one hundred and fifty shekels"

Many of these were then sold

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "His merchants then sold many of these"

Chapter 11

1 Kings 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the end of the story of Solomon. (Chapters 1-11)

Special concepts in this chapter

Intermarriage with Gentiles

God had told the people of Israel in Moses's law never to marry women from the Gentile nations. But Solomon married many women from Gentile countries. This was because their religious beliefs would negatively affect Israel. Solomon, the wisest man, became a fool and his wives persuaded him to worship foolish idols. God became angry and warned he would take away 10 tribes from the kingdom of his son.

1 Kings 11:1

Now King Solomon

The word "Now" is used here to mark a stop in the main story. The narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.

Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites

These are names of people groups.

1 Kings 11:2

turn your heart to their gods

To "turn someone's heart" is to convince that person to change his affection. Alternate translation: "persuade you to worship the gods that they worship"

1 Kings 11:3

seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines

"700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines"

seven hundred wives, princesses

"seven hundred royal wives"

turned his heart away

To "turn someone's heart" is to convince that person to change his affection. See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Kings 11:1]

1 Kings 11:4

his heart was not fully surrendered ... as was the heart of David

To "surrender" your heart refers to giving total allegiance and affection. Alternate translation: "he was not fully devoted ... as was David"

1 Kings 11:5

Ashtoreth ... Molech

These are the names of false gods.

Sidonians

This is the name of a people group.

he followed Molech

Some version render this as "Milcom."

1 Kings 11:6

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The phrase, "in the sight of" refers to someone's opinion. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh considered to be evil"

1 Kings 11:7

Chemosh ... Molech

These are the names of false gods.

1 Kings 11:8

sacrificed to their gods at them

Here the words "at them" refer to the shrines that Solomon built.

1 Kings 11:9

his heart had turned away from him

The words "his heart had turned" refer to his having changed allegiance and affection. See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Kings 11:1]

he had appeared to him twice

"Yahweh had appeared to Solomon twice"

1 Kings 11:10

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1 Kings 11:11

tear the kingdom from you

To "tear from" is to forcefully remove. This is like a person tears apart a piece of cloth. Alternate translation: "forcefully take the kingdom from you"

1 Kings 11:12

the hand of your son

The word "hand" refers to control, authority and power. Alternate translation: "your son's control"

1 Kings 11:13

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1 Kings 11:14

Hadad

This is the name of a man.

1 Kings 11:15

General Information:

This begins three verses of background material that happened long before.

1 Kings 11:16

Connecting Statement:

This continues background material that happened long before.

Joab and all Israel

The words "all Israel" refer to the army of Israel. Alternate translation: "Joab and all of the Israelite army"

1 Kings 11:17

Connecting Statement:

This concludes background material that happened long before.

1 Kings 11:18

General Information:

This section continues the background information that began in 1 Kings 11:15.

They left Midian

Here the word "They" refers to Hadad and the other Edomites mentioned in 1 Kings 11:17.

Midian ... Paran ... Egypt

These are the names of places.

1 Kings 11:19

Tahpenes

This is the name of a woman.

1 Kings 11:20

Tahpenes

This is the name of a woman.

Hadad ... Genubath

These are names of men.

1 Kings 11:21

David had lain down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying David was dead. Alternate translation: "David had died"

1 Kings 11:22

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1 Kings 11:23

Rezon ... Eliada ... Hadadezer

These are names of men.

Zobah

This is the name of a location.

1 Kings 11:24

Zobah ... Damascus

These are names of locations.

when David killed

Here "David" refers to David and his army. Alternate translation: "when David's army killed"

1 Kings 11:25

Aram

This is the name of a location.

all the days of Solomon

"during the time that Solomon was alive" or "all the days of Solomon's life"

Rezon abhorred Israel

"Rezon hated Israel very much"

1 Kings 11:26

Jeroboam ... Nebat

These are names of men.

Zeredah

This is the name of a location.

a servant of Solomon

Or "one of Solomon's officials." He was probably an official in the government, not one of Solomon's household servants.

Zeruah

This is the name of a woman.

lifted up his hand against the king

The word "hand" refers to authority, power and control. The phrase "lifted up against" refers to having opposed someone by using authority, power and control. This is a metonym used as a common idiom. Alternate translation: "rebelled against the king"

1 Kings 11:27

Solomon had built up the place located at Millo

Translate "Millo" as in 1 Kings 9:15.

1 Kings 11:28

man of great ability

Other possible meanings are 1) "a wealthy and influential man" or 2) "a great warrior."

he appointed him

"he made him commander"

all the labor

The word "labor" refers to the work that Solomon commanded the people to do for his government. This is a metonym.

the house of Joseph

This refers to the descendants of Joseph who were the people groups of Ephraim and Manasseh. This is a metonym.

1 Kings 11:29

Ahijah

This is the name of a man.

Shilonite

The Shilonites are a people group.

1 Kings 11:30

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1 Kings 11:31

He said

Here the word "He" refers to Ahijah.

tear the kingdom out

Here "tear ... out" is a metaphor that refers to the action of forcefully removing. This is like a person tears apart a piece of cloth. See how you translated this phrase in [1 Kings 11:11]

the hand of Solomon

Here "hand" is a metonym that refers to a person's authority, control and power. Alternate translation: "Solomon's control"

1 Kings 11:32

Solomon will have

The name "Solomon" here is a metonym referring to his descendants. Alternate translation: "Solomon's sons will have" or "Solomon's descendants will have"

1 Kings 11:33

Ashtoreth ... Chemosh ... Molech

These are the names of false gods.

Sidonians ... Moab ... Ammon

These are the names of locations and the people groups that live there.

what is right in my eyes

"Eyes" here is a metonym for someone's opinion or idea. This is a commonly used idiom. Alternate translation: "what I consider to be right"

1 Kings 11:34

General Information:

Ahijah continues to tell Jeroboam what Yahweh has said.

I will not take

Here the word "I" refers to Yahweh.

out of Solomon's hand

Here the word "hand" is a metonym that refers to a person's authority, control and power. Alternate translation: "out of Solomon's control"

1 Kings 11:35

I will give it to you

Here the word "you" refers to Jeroboam.

1 Kings 11:36

may always have a lamp before me

The word "lamp" is a metonym that refers to a person's influence and guidance. Alternate translation: "will always have a descendant to rule as an influence and a guide for obeying my covenant with David's family"

1 Kings 11:37

General Information:

Ahijah continues to tell Jeroboam what Yahweh has said.

I will take you

Here the word "I" refers to Yahweh and the word "you" refers to Jeroboam.

1 Kings 11:38

what is right in my eyes

The word "eyes" here is a metonym for someone's opinion or idea. This is a commonly used idiom. See how you translated this phrase in [1 Kings 11:33]

build you a sure house

The clause "build a house" is a metaphor for establishing descendants from that time on. Alternate translation: "establish for you a lasting kingdom"

1 Kings 11:39

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1 Kings 11:40

Shishak

This is the name of a man.

1 Kings 11:41

are they not written in the book of the events of Solomon?

This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. Alternate translation: "you can find them in the book of the events of Solomon."

the book of the events of Solomon

This book no longer exists.

1 Kings 11:42

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1 Kings 11:43

He lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "He died and he was buried with his ancestors"

he was buried

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "people buried him"

Chapter 12

1 Kings 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Civil war

This chapter explains how the united kingdom of Israel was split into the two kingdoms: Israel and Judah. This is sometimes called a "civil war."

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel splits

God's warning to Solomon came true. In spite of his famous wealth, Solomon had over-taxed his own people and forced them to work for free. When the people requested that King Rehoboam reduce taxes and forced labor, he said that he would be harsher than his father. This caused the 10 northern tribes to revolt and appoint Jeroboam as their king. These northern tribes are now called the kingdom of Israel. Only Judah and Benjamin stayed with Rehoboam. They are called Judah. (See: appoint)

Jeroboam introduces calf worship

Jeroboam made a terrible mistake. He was afraid that if the people continued to go to Jerusalem to worship in the temple, they would want to return to Rehoboam as their king. So he made two shrines with calves made of gold for the people to worship. This eventually caused the destruction of his whole family. The kingdom of Israel continued worshiping the idols until they were taken slaves by the Assyrians. The northern tribes were unable to truly worship Yahweh without going to Jerusalem in the kingdom of Judah.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

The people used the metaphor of "yoke" for oppressive government: "Your father made our yoke difficult. Now then, make your father's hard work easier, and lighten the heavy yoke that he put on us." But Rehoboam promised to increase their oppression with three metaphors: "My little finger is thicker than my father's waist. So now, although my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father punished you with whips, but I will punish you with scorpions." (See: and oppress and promise)

1 Kings 12:1

all Israel was coming

Here "Israel" represents all the men of Israel capable of fighting. Here "all Israel" is a generalization which means almost all the men of Israel. Alternate translation: "all the men of Israel were coming"

1 Kings 12:2

It happened that

This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Jeroboam ... Nebat

These are the names of men.

1 Kings 12:3

called him

Here the word "him" refers to Jeroboam.

1 Kings 12:4

made our yoke heavy

A heavy yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and requirements. Alternate translation: "treated us cruelly" or "forced us to work very hard"

1 Kings 12:5

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1 Kings 12:6

the old men who had stood before Solomon

To "stand before" is an idiom for serving the king in his presence. Alternate translation: "the old men who counseled Solomon" or "the old men who attended to Solomon"

1 Kings 12:7

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1 Kings 12:8

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1 Kings 12:9

Lighten the yoke that your father put on us

To "lighten the yoke" is a metaphor to represent lifting of the burden. Alternate translation: "Do not treat us as cruelly as your father did" or "Do not force us to work as hard as your father did"

1 Kings 12:10

My little finger is thicker than my father's waist

This metaphor means that Rehoboam is more cruel and intimidating than his father. Alternate translation: "What I will do to make your burden heavier is much more than what my father put on you"

1 Kings 12:11

My father punished you with whips, but I will punish you with scorpions

This metaphor means that the punishment Rehoboam plans to give will be worse than what his father gave. Alternate translation: "My father used whips to force you to work but I will use even crueler punishment"

punish you with scorpions

The word "scorpions" may refer to 1) a whip with sharp metal barbs on the end or 2) a spider-like creature that has a poisonous sting.

1 Kings 12:12

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1 Kings 12:13

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1 Kings 12:14

burdened you with a heavy yoke

A heavy yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and requirements. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 12:4]

My father punished you with whips, but I will punish you with scorpions

This metaphor means that the punishment Rehoboam plans to give will be worse than what his father gave. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 12:11]

1 Kings 12:15

it was a turn of events brought about by Yahweh

This is an idiom and can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh caused things to happen like this"

his word that he had spoken by Ahijah ... to Jeroboam

The idiom "had spoken by" someone refers to giving someone a message to tell others.

Ahijah ... Jeroboam ... Nebat

These are the names of men.

Shilonite

This is the name of a people group from the town of Shiloh.

1 Kings 12:16

all Israel

Here "Israel" represents all the men of Israel capable of fighting. "All Israel" is a generalization which means almost all the men of Israel. Alternate translation: "all the men of Israel"

What share do we have in David?

"Share" here is a metonym meaning a part, involvement, or interest. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate translation: "We will have no part in the family of David."

We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse

"Son of Jesse" here is a metonym for David, a son of Jesse. "Inheritance" is a metonym for the part left for these people from David's successes. Alternate translation: "We will have nothing to do with the descendants of Jesse"

Go to your tents, Israel

"Tents" here is a metonym representing a person's place of residence. Alternate translation: "Go to your homes, people of Israel"

Now see to your own house, David

"House" here is a metonym for David's lineage of power and prestige. Alternate translation: "Now take care of your own kingdom, descendant of David"

1 Kings 12:17

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1 Kings 12:18

Adoniram

This is the name of a man.

all Israel

Here "Israel" is a metonym for the people of Israel. "All Israel" is a generalization which means almost all the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "all the people of Israel who were there"

1 Kings 12:19

the house of David

Here "house" is a metonym that represents family or descendants. Alternate translation: "the kings descended from David"

to this day

"ever since that time." This refers to the time that the writer was actually writing this.

1 Kings 12:20

It happened that

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

when all Israel heard

"All Israel" here is a generalization that means the capable men of Israel who represent the rest of the people by a synecdoche. Alternate translation: "when all the leaders of Israel heard"

king over all Israel

"Israel" implicitly means the northern ten tribes that rebelled against Rehoboam. Alternate translation: "king over all of the 10 tribes of Israel"

There was no one who followed the family of David, except only the tribe of Judah

This double negative emphasizes that the tribe of Judah was the only tribe that followed the family of David. Alternate translation: "The only people who followed the family of David were the people of the tribe of Judah"

the family of David

"David's descendants"

1 Kings 12:21

all the house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin

Here "house" is a metonym that represents a tribe or descendants. And, here "tribe" refers specifically to the soldiers from those tribes. Alternate translation: "all the soldiers from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin"

180,000 chosen men

"one hundred eighty thousand chosen men"

the house of Israel

Here "house" represents the kingdom made up of the 10 northern tribes of Israel. Alternate translation: "the kingdom of Israel" or "the people of the northern tribes of Israel"

1 Kings 12:22

the word of God came ... it said

This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. Alternate translation: "God spoke this message ... and he said" or "God spoke these words ... and he said"

Shemaiah

This is the name of a man.

the man of God

The expression "man of God" is a respectful way of referring to a prophet of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "the man who belongs to God" or "the prophet of God"

1 Kings 12:23

all the house of Judah and Benjamin

Here "house" is a metonym that represents a tribe or descendants. Alternate translation: "all the people from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin"

1 Kings 12:24

your brothers the people of Israel

The words "brothers" and "people of Israel" are a doublet that refer to the men of the ten northern tribes and emphasize the family relationship between them and the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.

for this thing has been made to happen by me

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because I have made this thing happen"

1 Kings 12:25

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1 Kings 12:26

thought in his heart

"Heart" here is a metonym for a person's inner consciousness, thoughts, motivation, or feelings. Alternate translation: "thought to himself"

the house of David

Here "house" is a metonym representing family or descendants. Alternate translation: "the kings descended from David"

1 Kings 12:27

If these people go up

The words "these people" refer to the people of the northern ten tribes of Israel.

the heart of these people

"Heart" here is a metonym for the people's allegiance and affection. Alternate translation: "the allegiance of these people"

turn again to their master, to Rehoboam king of Judah ... return to Rehoboam king of Judah

These phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize Jeroboam's fear that the people would turn again to Rehoboam as king.

1 Kings 12:28

brought you up

"You" here is a metonym for the ancestors of the people. Alternate translation: "brought your ancestors up"

1 Kings 12:29

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1 Kings 12:30

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1 Kings 12:31

Jeroboam made houses on high places

The workers who did this at Jeroboam's commands are represented by the metonym of the name of Jeroboam himself. Alternate translation: "Jeroboam's workers made houses on high places"

houses on high places

The implied information is that these were houses of worship. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "houses of worship on high places"

made priests

"appointed men to be priests"

1 Kings 12:32

in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month

This is the eighth month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifteenth day is near the beginning of November on Western calendars. Alternate translation: "on the fifteenth day of the eighth month"

went up to the altar

"Went up" here is an idiom for going to a sacred place to worship since these altars were located on high places. Alternate translation: "offered sacrifices on the altar"

1 Kings 12:33

went up to the altar

"Went up" here is an idiom for going to a sacred place to worship since these altars were located on high places. Alternate translation: "offered sacrifices on the altar"

in the month he had planned in his own mind

"in the month that he had determined"

Chapter 13

1 Kings 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter has two parts: The young prophet's warning to Jeroboam (1-10) and the old prophet's deception (11-34). (See: prophet)

Special concepts in this chapter

Obeying God

People should do what God tells them to do and not what other people tell them is God's will for them. The story of the young prophet and the old prophet is an example of this. (See: reward and willofgod)

1 Kings 13:1

A man of God came out of Judah by the word of Yahweh to Bethel

The implied information is that Yahweh sent the man of God to Bethel. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh sent a man of God from Judah to Bethel"

A man of God

This is another title for a prophet. Alternate translation: "A prophet"

came out of Judah

"came from Judah"

the word of Yahweh

"the message of Yahweh" or "Yahweh's message"

1 Kings 13:2

He cried against the altar

Here "He" refers to the man of God.

cried against the altar

This means he prophesied toward the altar in a loud and condemning voice. Alternate translation: "prophesied loudly toward the altar"

Altar, altar

The prophet spoke to the altar as if it were a person who could hear him. He said this twice for emphasis.

a son named Josiah will be born to the family of David

Here the "family of David" refers to the descendants of David. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a descendant of David will have a son named Josiah"

they will burn

Here "they" refers to Josiah and the people with him.

1 Kings 13:3

the altar will be split apart, and the ashes on it will be poured out

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will split the altar apart and the ashes on it will fall to the ground"

1 Kings 13:4

the hand with which he had reached out against the man dried up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh dried up the hand with which he had reached out against the man"

dried up

"withered" or "became paralyzed"

1 Kings 13:5

The altar was also split apart

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh also split the altar apart"

as described by the sign that the man of God had given by the word of Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as the man of God had described by the word of Yahweh as a sign"

the word of Yahweh

"the message of Yahweh" or "Yahweh's message"

1 Kings 13:6

Plead for the favor of Yahweh your God

The abstract noun "favor" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "Plead that Yahweh your God may favor me"

my hand may be restored to me again

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh may restore my hand"

the king's hand was restored to him again, and it became as it was before

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh restored the king's hand and made it as it was before"

1 Kings 13:7

Come home with me and refresh yourself

The word "yourself" is a reflexive pronoun. Alternate translation: "Come home with me and eat some food"

1 Kings 13:8

half your possessions

"half of your house"

1 Kings 13:9

You will eat no bread nor drink water, nor return by the way that you came

"Do not eat bread, drink water, or return by the way that you came"

1 Kings 13:10

left another way

"went a different way"

1 Kings 13:11

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1 Kings 13:12

his sons had seen the way

The implied information is that the sons also told their father which way the man of God went.

1 Kings 13:13

Saddle

This means to place a seat on the back of an animal so a person can ride on it.

1 Kings 13:14

The old prophet

This refers to the prophet who lived in Bethel.

he said to him

"the old prophet said to the man of God"

He answered

"The man of God answered"

1 Kings 13:15

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1 Kings 13:16

go in with you

"go into your house"

in this place

"in Bethel"

1 Kings 13:17

it was commanded to me by the word of Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh commanded me by his word"

the word of Yahweh

"the message of Yahweh" or "Yahweh's message"

1 Kings 13:18

an angel spoke to me by the word of Yahweh

"an angel delivered to me a message from Yahweh"

by the word of Yahweh

"the message of Yahweh" or "Yahweh's message"

1 Kings 13:19

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1 Kings 13:20

As they sat at the table

The implied information is that they were still eating and drinking at the table. Alternate translation: "As they were eating and drinking at the table"

the word of Yahweh came to the prophet

The idiom "the word of Yahweh came to" is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Kings 6:11]

brought him back

Here the word "him" refers to the man of God.

1 Kings 13:21

came from Judah, saying, "Yahweh

The idiom "the word of Yahweh came to" in the previous verse is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Kings 6:11]

he cried to the man of God

"the prophet spoke loudly to the man of God"

Because you have been disobedient to the word of Yahweh

"Because you have not obeyed the word of Yahweh"

1 Kings 13:22

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1 Kings 13:23

the prophet saddled the donkey

This means he placed a seat on the back of the donkey so the man of God could ride on it. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 13:13.

1 Kings 13:24

his body was left on the road

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "left his body on the road"

his body

"his dead body"

1 Kings 13:25

they came and told it

Here "it" refers to what they had seen on the road. Alternate translation: "they came and told about what they had seen"

1 Kings 13:26

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1 Kings 13:27

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1 Kings 13:28

the body

"the dead body of the man of God"

left in the road

"lying in the road"

1 Kings 13:29

the body

"the dead body"

1 Kings 13:30

they mourned

Here the word "they" refers to the prophet and his sons.

Woe, my brother!

The word "Woe" here is an expression of great sorrow.

1 Kings 13:31

he had buried him

Here the word "he" refers to the old prophet and the word "him" refers to the man of God.

Lay my bones beside his bones

Here "my bones" represents his entire body. Alternate translation: "Lay my dead body beside his bones"

1 Kings 13:32

houses on the high places

The implied information is that these were houses of worship. Alternate translation: "houses of worship on the high places"

1 Kings 13:33

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1 Kings 13:34

This matter became sin to the family of Jeroboam

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jeroboam's family sinned by doing this thing"

This matter

This phrase refers to Jeroboam's setting up shrines and appointing priests.

caused his family to be destroyed and to be exterminated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because of this God destroyed and exterminated Jeroboam's family"

to be destroyed and to be exterminated

These mean nearly the same thing. Alternate translation: "to be completely destroyed"

Chapter 14

1 Kings 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter has two stories. One is the death of Jeroboam's son (1-18). The other is the reign of Rehoboam (20-31) .

Special concepts in this chapter

The death of Jeroboam's son

God knows the truth; it is useless to try to fool God's prophet. Jeroboam's son became sick; so the king sent his wife, disguised as a common woman, to the prophet. The prophet was blind, but when Jeroboam's wife arrived he told her, "Come in, wife of Jeroboam." He also told her that her son would die and that all of Jeroboam's family would be killed, because he had caused Israel to worship the golden calves. (See: true and prophet and sin)

Rehoboam's reign

When Solomon obeyed God, God made him very rich. When the people of Judah began to worship the fertility goddess, Ashtoreth, and to do many evil things, they had to give all of their wealth to the king of Egypt to persuade him not to attack Jerusalem. (See: evil)

1 Kings 14:1

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1 Kings 14:2

disguise yourself

"change how you appear to others"

you will not be recognized

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will recognize you"

1 Kings 14:3

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1 Kings 14:4

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1 Kings 14:5

Look, the wife of Jeroboam

Here the word "Look" means "pay attention."

coming to seek advice from you

The abstract noun "advice" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "coming to ask you to advise her"

Say such and such to her

The words "such and such" mean that Yahweh told Ahijah what to say. Alternate translation: "Speak in this way to her"

1 Kings 14:6

Why do you pretend to be someone you are not?

This question shows that Ahijah knew she was disguised. Alternate translation: "Stop pretending to be someone else; I know who you are."

I have been sent to you with severe news

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh told me to give you severe news"

severe news

"very bad news"

1 Kings 14:7

I raised you

"I exalted you"

1 Kings 14:8

I tore the kingdom away

God forcefully removed most of the kingdom like a person tears a piece of cloth.

followed me

"obeyed me"

with all his heart

Here the "heart" refers to a person's will and desire. Alternate translation: "with all his will" or "with complete commitment"

what was right in my eyes

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "what I judged to be right" or "what I considered to be right"

1 Kings 14:9

thrust me behind your back

Jeroboam has disrespected Yahweh like a person throws away something that is not wanted. Alternate translation: "completely rejected me"

1 Kings 14:10

look

"pay attention." This word is added to indicate that what follows is important.

the house of Jeroboam

The word house is a metonym for family. Alternate translation: "the family of Jeroboam" or "your family"

I will cut off ... and will completely remove

These two phrases are very similar in meaning and are repeated for emphasis.

cut off from you every male child in Israel

Yahweh speaks of destroying Jeroboam's family and preventing him from having any descendants as if he were cutting them off as one would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: "destroy every one of your male children in Israel"

will completely remove the house of Jeroboam like someone who burns up dung until it is gone

This simile compares the removal of every descendant of Jeroboam with the complete burning up of dung that was mixed with straw, dried, and burned for fuel.

1 Kings 14:11

Anyone who belongs to Jeroboam who dies in the city will be eaten by dogs

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Dogs will eat anyone who belongs to Jeroboam and who dies in the city"

who belongs to Jeroboam

"who is part of Jeroboam's family." Yahweh is speaking to Jeroboam and addressing him in the third person, so you may need to change this to second person. Alternate translation: "who is part of your family."

anyone who dies in the field will be eaten by the birds of the heavens

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the birds of the heavens will eat anyone who dies in the field"

1 Kings 14:12

when your feet enter the city

The word "feet" here is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "when you enter the city"

1 Kings 14:13

All Israel

This is a generalization that means the people of the northern kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: "The Israelite people"

go into a grave

"be buried in a grave"

out of Jeroboam's house

The word "house" here is a metonym for "family." Alternate translation: "in all of Jeroboam's family"

was anything good found in the sight of Yahweh, the God of Israel

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "did Yahweh, the God of Israel, find anything he judged to be good"

1 Kings 14:14

cut off the family of Jeroboam

The writer speaks of the new king of Israel destroying Jeroboam's family and preventing him from having any descendants like one would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: "destroy the descendants of Jeroboam"

1 Kings 14:15

Yahweh will attack Israel as a reed is shaken in the water

The writer here uses a simile to express how Yahweh will bring judgment on the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will attack the people of Israel as a reed is shaken in the water"

as a reed is shaken in the water

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "like a river of water shakes a reed"

he will root up Israel out of this good land

Yahweh compares Israel with a plant that he will tear out of the ground by its roots. Alternate translation: "he will remove the people of Israel from this good land"

scatter them

"disperse them"

1 Kings 14:16

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1 Kings 14:17

Tirzah

This is the name of the city where king Jeroboam lived.

1 Kings 14:18

All Israel buried him and mourned for him

This is a generalization that means the people of Israel buried him and mourned for him. Alternate translation: "A great number of the people of Israel were present when people buried him, and the people of Israel mourned for him"

just as it was told to them by the word of Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "just as Yahweh told them"

by the word of Yahweh

"by the message of Yahweh" or "in Yahweh's message"

1 Kings 14:19

see

"look" or "see for yourself"

they are written in

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you can find them written in" or "someone has written about them in"

the book of the events of the kings of Israel

This refers to a book that no longer exists.

1 Kings 14:20

twenty-two years

"22 years"

lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 2:10]

1 Kings 14:21

forty-one years old ... seventeen years

"41 years old ... 17 years"

in which to put his name

Here "put his name" is a metonym for "dwell" and refers to the temple where Yahweh was to be worshiped. Alternate translation: "in which to dwell" or "in which to be worshiped"

His mother's name

Here the word "His" refers to Rehoboam.

Naamah

This is a woman's name.

1 Kings 14:22

Judah did

Here "Judah" represents the people of Judah. Alternate translation: "The people of Judah did"

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The "sight" of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 11:6]

they provoked him to jealousy

The abstract noun "jealousy" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "they made him jealous"

their fathers

"their ancestors"

1 Kings 14:23

For they also built

The word "they" here refers to the people of Judah.

built for themselves

The words "for themselves" are a metonym for what they will do with the high places. Alternate translation: "built for their own use"

on every high hill and under every green tree

This is likely to be an exaggeration that indicates there were many places like these for false worship all over the country. Alternate translation: "on the high hills and under the green trees"

1 Kings 14:24

cultic prostitutes

"religious prostitutes" or "male prostitutes." This probably refers to male prostitutes who were associated with idol worship.

the same disgusting practices as the nations that

Here the word "nations" represents the people in those nations. Alternate translation: "the same disgusting things that the people did whom"

1 Kings 14:25

in the fifth year of King Rehoboam

This refers to the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign as king. Alternate translation: "in the fifth year that Rehoboam was king"

in the fifth year

"in year 5"

Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem

"Shishak king of Egypt" represents himself along with the Egyptian army. Alternate translation: "Shishak king of Egypt, and his army with him, came up against Jerusalem"

Shishak

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 11:40]

came up against

This is an idiom that means marched against or attacked. Alternate translation: "came to attack"

1 Kings 14:26

He took everything away

This is a generalization that indicates every valuable thing that could be found was taken away. Alternate translation: "He took away many valuable things"

He took

The word "He" represents Shishak and the soldiers who were with him. Alternate translation: "Shishak and his army took"

that Solomon had made

Here "Solomon" refers to the craftsmen who worked for Solomon to make the shields. Alternate translation: "that Solomon had his workers make"

1 Kings 14:27

King Rehoboam made shields

Here "King Rehoboam" represents the persons who worked for him to make the shields. Alternate translation: "King Rehoboam's workers made shields"

in their place

"in place of the shields of gold"

entrusted them into the hands of the commanders

Here "hands" represents care or responsibility. Alternate translation: "made them the responsibility of the commanders"

who guarded the doors to the king's house

Here "doors" represents the entrance. Alternate translation: "who guarded the entrance to the king's house"

1 Kings 14:28

the guards would carry them

"the guards would carry the shields of bronze"

1 Kings 14:29

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah?

This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. Alternate translation: "they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah." or "you can read about them in the book of the events of the kings of Judah."

the book of the events of the kings of Judah

This refers to a book that no longer exists.

1 Kings 14:30

There was constant warfare

"There was continuing war" or "There were constant battles"

warfare between Rehoboam and Jeroboam

The names of the kings represent themselves and their armies. Alternate translation: "the armies of Rehoboam and Jeroboam fought in battle again and again" or "Rehoboam and his people and Jeroboam and his people engaged in battle continually"

1 Kings 14:31

lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 2:10]

was buried with them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people buried him"

Naamah

This is the name of a woman. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 14:21]

Abijah his son

"Abijah the son of Rehoboam"

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Rehoboam"

Chapter 15

1 Kings 15 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Judah had some bad kings and some good kings. All of the kings in Israel continued to worship the golden calves, so they were all considered to be bad. Judah and Israel continually fought each other.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"But the shrines were not taken away."

At the shrines, the people worshiped Yahweh. But later, during Hezekiah's reign, it was decided that all sacrifices must be made only at the temple. (See: temple)

1 Kings 15:1

In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam son of Nebat

This refers to the eighteenth year of Jeroboam's reign. Alternate translation: "After Jeroboam had been the king of Israel for almost eighteen years"

In the eighteenth year

"In year 18"

1 Kings 15:2

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1 Kings 15:3

He walked in all the sins

Walking represents living, and walking in sins represents committing those sins. Alternate translation: "Abijah continued to practice all the sins"

that his father had committed before his time

Since these verses refer to several kings, it may help to include the name of Abijah's father. This information can be made clear. Alternate translation: "that his father, Rehoboam, had committed before Abijah's time"

his time

This phrase represents the time that he was king. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "before Abijah was king"

his heart was not devoted ... as the heart of David

The heart represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "Abijah was not devoted ... as David"

1 Kings 15:4

gave him a lamp in Jerusalem

The word "lamp" here represents a descendant who would be king as David was. Alternate translation: "gave David a descendant to rule in Jerusalem"

by raising up his son after him

"by raising up Abijah's son after him" or "by giving Abijah a son"

1 Kings 15:5

what was right in his eyes

The eyes here represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh judges to be right" or "what Yahweh considers to be right"

for all the days of his life

"the whole time that David lived" or "throughout David's whole life"

he had not turned away from anything that he commanded him, except only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite

This double negative emphasizes that only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite had David turned away from God's commands. Alternate translation: "the only time David turned away from anything that God commanded him was in the matter of Uriah the Hittite"

he had not turned away from anything that he commanded him

Turning away from a command represents disobeying it. Alternate translation: "David did not disobey anything that God commanded him"

except only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite

This is a general way to refer to the situation with Uriah. It can be stated more clearly what this matter was. Alternate translation: "except for what he did to Uriah the Hittite" or "except when he caused Uriah the Hittite to be killed"

1 Kings 15:6

between Rehoboam and Jeroboam

These kings represent themselves and their armies. Rehoboam was Abijah's father. Alternate translation: "between the armies of Rehoboam and Jeroboam"

all the days of Abijah's life

"the whole time that Abijah lived"

1 Kings 15:7

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah?

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Abijah is in this other book. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 14:29]

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah?

This can stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone has written about this in the book of the events of the kings of Judah."

between Abijah and Jeroboam

The names "Abijah" and "Jeroboam" represent the kings and their armies. Alternate translation: "between the armies of Abijah and Jeroboam"

1 Kings 15:8

Abijah lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Abijah died as his ancestors had" or "Like his ancestors, Abaijah died"

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Abijah"

1 Kings 15:9

In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel

This refers to the twentieth year of Jeroboam's reign. Alternate translation: "After Jeroboam had been the king of Israel for almost twenty years"

In the twentieth year

"In year 20"

1 Kings 15:10

forty-one years

"41 years"

1 Kings 15:11

what was right in the eyes of Yahweh

The eyes here represent seeing, and seeing represents judgment. Yahweh saw and approved of Asa's actions. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh judges to be right" or "what Yahweh considers to be right"

1 Kings 15:12

the cultic prostitutes

This probably refers to prostitutes who were associated with idol worship and who were all men. Alternate translation: "religious prostitutes" or "the prostitutes who worked for idols" or "male prostitutes"

1 Kings 15:13

Asa cut down the disgusting figure

Since Asa was king, he may have told his officials to cut down the figure. Alternate translation: "Asa caused the disgusting figure to be cut down" or "Asa made them cut down the disgusting figure"

1 Kings 15:14

But the high places were not taken away

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But Asa did not command the people to take away the high places"

Asa's heart was completely devoted

The heart represents the person. Alternate translation: "Asa was completely devoted"

all his days

"the whole time that he lived" or "throughout his whole life"

1 Kings 15:15

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1 Kings 15:16

all their days

This refers to the entire time they reigned as kings. Alternate translation: "the whole time that they reigned over Judah and Israel"

1 Kings 15:17

acted aggressively against Judah

"attacked Judah"

built up Ramah

It is implied that the army of Baasha first captured Ramah. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "captured and fortified Ramah"

1 Kings 15:18

He put it into the hands of his servants

Putting things in their hands represents giving those things to them. It is implied that they would do with it what he wanted them to do. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "He entrusted it to his servants"

He said

This means he spoke by means of his servants. Asa told his servants what to say to Ben-Hadad and they did. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Asa told his servants to say to Ben Hadad" or "Through his servants, Asa said to Ben-Hadad"

1 Kings 15:19

Let there be a covenant between me and you

A covenant being between two people represents those two people having a covenant with each other. Alternate translation: "Let us have a covenant with each other" or "Let us make a peace treaty"

Look, I

"As proof that I want a treaty with you, I"

Break your covenant with Baasha king of Israel

Breaking a covenant represents canceling it and not doing what one has promised to do. Alternate translation: "Cancel your covenant with Baasha king of Israel" or "Do not be loyal to Baasha king of Israel as you promised in your covenant with him"

Break your covenant with Baasha king of Israel

Asa wanted Ben Hadad to attack Israel. Ben Hadad could only do that if he broke his covenant with the king of Israel. The meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Break your covenant with Baasha king of Israel, and attack Israel"

1 Kings 15:20

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1 Kings 15:21

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

he stopped building up Ramah

King Baasha did this by telling his workers to do this. Alternate translation: "he had his workers stop building up Ramah"

Tirzah

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.

1 Kings 15:22

No one was exempted

This can also be stated positively. Alternate translation: "Every one had to obey King Asa's proclamation"

1 Kings 15:23

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah?

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Abijah is in this other book. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 14:29]

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah?

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone has written about this in the book of the events of the kings of Judah."

1 Kings 15:24

Asa lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Asa died as his ancestors had"

was buried with them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried him with his ancestors"

David his father

The word "father" here refers to an ancestor. Alternate translation: "King David, his ancestor"

1 Kings 15:25

Connecting Statement:

The rest of chapter 15 and 16 is about the kings of Israel. These events happened while King Asa of Judah was still alive.

the second year of Asa king of Judah

This refers to the second year of Asa's reign. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "when Asa had been king of Judah for almost two years"

he reigned over Israel two years

"Nadab reigned over Israel two years"

1 Kings 15:26

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. Alternate translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"

walked in the way of his father

Walking here represents behaving. Alternate translation: "did the same things that his father had done"

in his own sin

Walking in his own sin represents sinning in ways that were different from the ways that his father had sinned. Alternate translation: "he sinned in his own ways"

by which he led Israel to sin

Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate translation: "and by sinning, he influenced Israel to sin"

1 Kings 15:27

conspired against Nadab

"secretly plotted to kill King Nadab"

Gibbethon

This is the name of a city.

Nadab and all Israel

"The phrase "all Israel" is a generalization that represents the many soldiers of Israel. Alternate translation: "Nadab and the many soldiers of Israel" or "Nadab and the army of Israel"

were laying siege to Gibbethon

"were surrounding Gibbethon, so that the people of Gibbethon would surrender to them"

1 Kings 15:28

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Nadab"

1 Kings 15:29

Baasha killed all the family of Jeroboam. He left none of Jeroboam's descendants breathing.

These two sentences mean the same thing and are combined to emphasize his descendents were all killed.

all the family of Jeroboam

Jeroboam was King Nadab's father.

He left none of Jeroboam's descendants breathing

Breathing represents being alive. Alternate translation: "He left none of Jeroboam's descendants living"

his royal line

"Jeroboam's royal line"

just as Yahweh had spoken by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite

In 1 Kings 14:10 and 1 Kings 14:11 Yahweh spoke through his prophet Ahijah and told Jeroboam that he would destroy his family.

Ahijah the Shilonite

"Ahijah, who was from Shiloh"

1 Kings 15:30

for the sins of Jeroboam which he committed and by which he led Israel to sin

The abstract noun "sins" can be expressed with the verb "sin." Alternate translation: "because Jeroboam sinned and led Israel to sin in the same ways"

by which he led Israel to sin

Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do something. Alternate translation: "by which he influenced Israel to sin"

1 Kings 15:31

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Nadab is in this other book. See how you translated a similar phrase concerning Judah in [1 Kings 14:29]

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone has written about this in the book of the events of the kings of Israel."

1 Kings 15:32

all their days

This refers to the whole period of time that they reign as kings. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 15:16]

1 Kings 15:33

Connecting Statement:

Starting in 1 Kings 15:27, the author told about how Baasha became king. Here the author begins to tell about what Baasha did as king of Israel.

Tirzah

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.

1 Kings 15:34

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. Alternate translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"

walked in the way of Jeroboam

Walking here represents behaving. Alternate translation: "did the same things that Jeroboam had done"

in his sin by which he led Israel to sin

Possible meanings are that "his" and "he" refer to 1) Baasha or 2) Jeroboam.

by which he led Israel to sin

Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate translation: "and by sinning, he influenced Israel to sin"

Chapter 16

1 Kings 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Incorrect worship

The prophet Jehu warned Baasha, king of Israel, that God would destroy his family for worshiping the idols. But Baasha did not change his ways; so Zimri murdered Baasha's son and all his relatives. Then Omri killed Zimri. Omri's son Ahab brought in the rain god Baal and his wife, the fertility goddess Ashtoreth, as the official religion of Israel. This was very evil. (See: prophet and falsegod and evil)

1 Kings 16:1

The word of Yahweh came

This idiom means God spoke. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 6:11]

1 Kings 16:2

Although I exalted you

This is God's message that Jehu was to give to Baasha. The word "you" refers to Baasha.

I exalted you out of the dust

"I raised you out of the dust." Being in the dust on the ground represents not being important. Exalting someone represents making him important. Alternate translation: "I raised you from a very unimportant position" or "when you had no power or influence over people, I made you important"

you have walked in the way of Jeroboam

Walking represents behaving. Jeroboam and Baasha both sinned. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "you have done the same things that Jeroboam did" or "you have sinned as Jeroboam sinned"

1 Kings 16:3

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues telling Baasha what he will do to him.

See, I will consume Baasha and his family

Yahweh is speaking to Baasha, and the phrase "his family" refers to Baasha's family. This can be translated using the words "you" and "your." Alternate translation: "Listen, Baasha. I will consume you and your family"

I will consume

Consuming represents destroying. Alternate translation: "I will completely destroy"

1 Kings 16:4

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1 Kings 16:5

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Baasha is in this other book. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 15:31]

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone has written about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel."

1 Kings 16:6

Baasha lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Baasha died as his ancestors had" or "Like his ancestors, Baasha died"

was buried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people buried him"

Tirzah

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Baasha"

1 Kings 16:7

the word of Yahweh came

This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 6:11]

all the evil that he did in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. Alternate translation: "all the things that Baasha that are evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "all the things that Baaha did that Yahweh considers to be evil"

so as to provoke him to anger

The abstract noun "anger" can be expressed with the adjective "angry." Alternate translation: "so as to make Yahweh very angry" or "that made God very angry"

with the work of his hands

Here Basha is represented by his "hands." This speaks of all of his actions as his "work." Alternate translation: "by the things Baasha had done"

1 Kings 16:8

Tirzah

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.

1 Kings 16:9

His servant Zimri

"Elah's servant Zimri"

captain of half his chariots

The word "chariots" here represents the soldiers who drove the chariots. Alternate translation: "captain of half his chariot drivers"

drinking himself drunk

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "drinking so much wine that he was getting drunk" or "getting drunk"

who was over the household

Being over the household represents being in charge of the things in King Elah's house. Alternate translation: "who was in charge of the things in the Elah's house"

1 Kings 16:10

attacked him, and put him to death

"attacked and killed Elah"

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Elah"

1 Kings 16:11

He did not leave alive a single male

This means that he killed all the men and boys. Alternate translation: "He did not leave even one male alive"

1 Kings 16:12

the word of Yahweh

"the message of Yahweh" or "Yahweh's message"

which he spoke against Baasha by Jehu the prophet

Speaking "by" a prophet represents telling a prophet to speak and the prophet speaking. Alternate translation: "that Yahweh told Jehu the prophet to speak against Baasha"

1 Kings 16:13

they had led Israel to sin

Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate translation: "they had influenced Israel to sin"

they had led Israel to sin

Here the word "Israel" refers to the ten northern tribes of Israel. Baasha and Elah had been their king.

they provoked Yahweh, the God of Israel, to anger with their idols

God became angry with the people because they worshiped idols. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "they made Yahweh, the God of Israel, angry because they worshiped idols"

the God of Israel

Here the word "Israel" refers to all of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob.

1 Kings 16:14

are they not written ... kings of Israel?

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Elah is in this other book. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 15:31]

are they not written ... Israel?

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone has written about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel."

1 Kings 16:15

Tirzah

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.

the army was camped by Gibbethon

The word "army" refers to the army of the kingdom of Israel.

Gibbethon

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 15:27.

1 Kings 16:16

The army camped there heard it said

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The soldiers who camped there heard someone say"

all Israel

Both times this phrase is used, it represents the army of Israel. Here the word "all" is a generalization meaning "most." Alternate translation: "all the army of Israel" or "most of the soldiers in the army of Israel" or "the army of Israel"

1 Kings 16:17

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1 Kings 16:18

that the city had been taken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Omri and the army had taken the city"

1 Kings 16:19

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. Alternate translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"

walking in the way of Jeroboam

Here walking represents behaving. Alternate translation: "doing the same things that Jeroboam had done"

so as to lead Israel to sin

Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate translation: "so as to influence Israel to sin"

1 Kings 16:20

the treason that he carried out

This treason refers to Zimri's plot to kill Elah, the king of Israel. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "how he plotted against King Elah" or "how he killed the king of Israel"

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Zimri is in this other book. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. See how you translated a similar phrase concerning Judah in [1 Kings 14:29]

are they not written ... Israel?

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone has written about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel."

1 Kings 16:21

followed Tibni ... followed Omri

Here "followed" represents supporting or wanting to make him king. Alternate translation: "supported Tibni son of Ginath, to make him king, and half supported Omri" or "wanted to make Tibni son of Ginath king, and half wanted to make Omri king"

1 Kings 16:22

were stronger than the people who followed Tibni

"overpowered the people who followed Tibni"

1 Kings 16:23

Tirzah

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.

1 Kings 16:24

Shemer

This is the name of a man.

two talents of silver

You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "about 66 kilograms of silver"

He built a city

The word "He" refers to Omri. He commanded people to build the city. Alternate translation: "Omri had his people build a city" or "Omri commanded and his workers built a city"

after the name of Shemer

This is an idiom that means "to honor Shemer" or "so that people would remember Shemer."

1 Kings 16:25

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. Alternate translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"

1 Kings 16:26

walked in all the ways of Jeroboam son of Nebat

Walking represents behaving. Alternate translation: "did all the same things that Jeroboam son of Nebat did"

in his sins by which he led Israel to sin

Possible meanings are that "his" and "he" refer to 1) Baasha or 2) Jeroboam.

in his sins

Possible meanings are walking in his sins represents 1) sinning as Jeroboam sinned. Alternate translation: "he sinned as Jeroboam sinned" or 2) or sinning habitually. Alternate translation: "he sinned habitually"

by which he led Israel to sin

Leading people to sin represents influencing them to sin. Alternate translation: "his sins, by which he influenced Israel to sin" or "and by sinning like this, he influenced people to sin.

to provoke Yahweh ... to be angry with their worthless idols

God became angry with the people because they worshiped idols. See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Kings 16:13]

their worthless idols

The word "worthless" here reminds people that idols are worthless because they cannot do anything. Alternate translation: "their idols, which are worthless" or "their idols, which are useless"

the God of Israel

Here the word "Israel" refers to all of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob.

1 Kings 16:27

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Omri is in this other book. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 15:31]

are they not written ... Israel?

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone has written about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel."

1 Kings 16:28

Omri lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Omri died as his ancestors had" or "Like his ancestors, Omri died"

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Omri"

1 Kings 16:29

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1 Kings 16:30

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. Alternate translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"

1 Kings 16:31

It was to Ahab a trivial thing to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat

This implies that Ahab wanted to commit worse sins. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "It was as if Ahab thought that walking in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat was not enough"

It was to Ahab a trivial thing

This is an idiom. The phrase "to Ahab" means that Ahab considered or thought something. Alternate translation: "Ahab considered it a trivial thing" or "Ahab thought that it was not enough"

a trivial thing

"an insignificant thing" or "not enough"

to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat

Walking in Jeroboam's sins represents sinning as Jeroboam had sinned. Alternate translation: "to sin as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned"

worshiped Baal and bowed down to him

These two phrases mean the same thing. The phrase "bowed down to him" describes the posture that people used in worship.

1 Kings 16:32

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1 Kings 16:33

the God of Israel

Here the word "Israel" refers to the nation of Israel, which consisted of twelve tribes.

the kings of Israel

Here the word "Israel" refers to the kingdom of Israel, which consisted of ten tribes.

1 Kings 16:34

at the cost of the life of Abiram, his firstborn son

The consequence of building the city is spoken of as if it were a cost that Hiel paid. Alternate translation: "and the consequence of his sin was that Abiram, his firstborn son, died"

Segub, his youngest son, lost his life

Dying is spoken of as if he lost his life. Alternate translation: "Segub, his youngest son, died"

while he was building the gates of the city

"while Hiel was building the gates of the city"

in keeping with the word of Yahweh

"according to the word of Yahweh"

the word of Yahweh

"the message of Yahweh" or "Yahweh's message"

which he spoke by Joshua son of Nun

Speaking "by" someone represents both telling someone to speak and the person doing it. Alternate translation: "which Yahweh caused Joshua son of Nun to speak"

Chapter 17

1 Kings 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the beginning of the story of Elijah. (1 Kings 17 – 2 Kings 2)

Special concepts in this chapter

Baal worship

Ahab had introduced the worship of Baal, the god people thought brought rain, to Israel. Because of this, God caused a drought. Elijah told Ahab that it would not rain or dew until he, Elijah, said so. Elijah had to hide so Ahab would not kill him for bringing the drought. (See: falsegod)

1 Kings 17:1

the Tishbite

This is the name of a people group from Tishbe.

Tishbe

This is the name of a town in the region of Gilead.

As Yahweh, the God of Israel lives

This phrase is an oath to emphasize that what he will say is true.

before whom I stand

This is an idiom that means "to serve." Alternate translation: "whom I serve"

dew

drops of water that form on the plants during the night

1 Kings 17:2

The word of Yahweh came

This idiom means God spoke. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 6:11]

1 Kings 17:3

Kerith

This is the name of a very small stream.

1 Kings 17:4

It will happen that

This phrase is used to introduce how Yahweh will take care of Elijah during the drought. Alternate translation: "There"

ravens

large, black birds

1 Kings 17:5

as the word of Yahweh commanded

Here "the word" represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"

the brook Kerith

This is the name of a very small stream. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 17:2]

1 Kings 17:6

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1 Kings 17:7

in the land

"in that area" or "in that country"

1 Kings 17:8

The word of Yahweh came

This idiom means God spoke. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 6:11]

came to him

Here the word "him" refers to Elijah.

1 Kings 17:9

Zarephath

This is a town.

Look, I

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: I"

1 Kings 17:10

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1 Kings 17:11

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1 Kings 17:12

As Yahweh your God lives

This phrase is an oath to emphasize that what she will say is true.

only a handful of meal

"only a little bit of meal"

meal

"flour." This what is used to make bread.

See, I

"Let me tell you what I am doing: I"

two sticks

This may refer to two sticks or to only a few sticks.

that we may eat it, and die

It is implied that they will die because they do not have anymore food. Alternate translation: "that we may eat. Afterwards, we will starve to death"

1 Kings 17:13

afterward make some for you and for your son

It is implicit that there would be enough flour and oil to make more bread.

1 Kings 17:14

Yahweh sends rain

This is an idiom that means Yahweh causes it to rain. Alternate translation: "Yahweh causes rain to fall"

1 Kings 17:15

She and Elijah, along with her household, ate for many days

In the original language it says, "And she and he and her household ate for many days." It is unclear who "he" is. Possible meanings are 1) Elijah, the widow, and her son ate for many days or 2) the widow, her son, and everyone living in her house ate for many days or 3) Elijah, the widow, and everyone living in her house ate for many days.

along with her household

Possible meanings for "household" are 1) this refers only to the widow's son or 2) this refers to other people who live in her house but are not named in the story or 3) this refers to her son and others living in her house.

1 Kings 17:16

just as the word of Yahweh had said

Here "word" represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "just as Yahweh had said"

1 Kings 17:17

the woman's son, the woman who owned the house

"the son of the woman who owned the house"

there was no more breath left in him

This is a polite way of saying the boy died. Alternate translation: "he stopped breathing" or "he died"

1 Kings 17:18

man of God

The phrase "man of God" is another title for a prophet.

of my iniquity

This means sins in general not a specific sin. Alternate translation: "of my sins"

1 Kings 17:19

where he was staying

Here "he" refers to Elijah.

on his own bed

Here "his" refers to Elijah.

1 Kings 17:20

have you also brought disaster on the widow with whom I am staying, by killing her son?

Possible meanings are 1) Elijah is truly asking a question. Alternate translation: "why would you cause the widow with whom I am staying to suffer even more by killing her son" or 2) Elijah uses a question to express how sad he is. Alternate translation: "surely, you would not cause the widow with whom I am staying to suffer even more by killing her son"

have you also brought disaster on the widow

Causing the widow to suffer is spoken of as if "disaster" were an object that is placed on the widow.

also brought disaster

Here "also" means in addition to the disaster that the drought has caused.

1 Kings 17:21

stretched himself on the child

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "lay on top of the child"

1 Kings 17:22

Yahweh listened to the voice of Elijah

Here "voice" represents what Elijah prayed. Alternate translation: "Yahweh answered Elijah's prayer"

the life of the child returned to him, and he revived

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "the child came back to life" or "the child lived again"

1 Kings 17:23

his room

Here "his" refers to Elijah.

See, your son is alive

The word "See" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

1 Kings 17:24

the word of Yahweh in your mouth is true

"the message of Yahweh in your mouth is true." The word "mouth" represents what Elijah said. Alternate translation: "the message that you spoke from Yahweh is true"

Chapter 18

1 Kings 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Elijah continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Baal

God proved himself to all the people of Israel. Elijah went to meet Ahab. He told Ahab to bring the 450 prophets of Baal and all the people to Mount Carmel. Then he proposed an experiment, which was carried out. The prophets of Baal took one bull, killed it, cut it up, and placed it on wood on an altar without lighting the fire. The prophets of Baal danced and prayed to Baal all morning and half the afternoon. After they were exhausted, Elijah built his altar, put the bull he had prepared on it, and drenched it with water. Then he prayed. God answered his prayer with fire that burned up the sacrifice, the altar and the water. Then Elijah told the people to seize the prophets of Baal and kill them. After that, Elijah prayed for rain, and it rained very hard. (See: prophet)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Humor

Elijah insults the false god Baal. He states, "Perhaps he is thinking, or is relieving himself, or he is traveling on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened." Baal was too busy in the bathroom to answer the prophets. "Relieving himself" is a euphemism.

1 Kings 18:1

the word of Yahweh came

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 6:11]

send rain on the land

"cause rain to fall on the land"

1 Kings 18:2

now the famine was severe

The word "now" is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the writer tells background information about how the famine had affected Samaria.

1 Kings 18:3

Now Obadiah honored Yahweh

The word "Now" is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the writer tells about a new person in the story.

1 Kings 18:4

one hundred prophets and hid them by fifties

"100 prophets and hid them in groups of 50"

1 Kings 18:5

save the horses and mules alive ... not lose all the animals

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: "prevent the horses and mules from dying"

1 Kings 18:6

Ahab went one way by himself and Obadiah went another way

The phrase "by himself" emphasizes that Ahab and Obadiah went in separate directions, not necessarily that no one was with Ahab. Alternate translation: "Ahab lead a team in one direction and Obadiah lead a team in the other direction"

1 Kings 18:7

master Elijah

Here the word "master" is used as a term of respect.

1 Kings 18:8

Go tell your master, 'Look, Elijah is here.'

Here the word "master" refers to Ahab.

Look, Elijah

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: Elijah"

1 Kings 18:9

How have I sinned ... for him to kill me?

Obadiah asks this question to emphasize the danger to himself because of King Ahab's anger at Elijah. Alternate translation: "I have not wronged you ... for him to kill me."

give your servant into the hand of Ahab

"Hand" is metonymy for power and control. Alternate translation: "deliver your servant to Ahab"

your servant

Obadiah refers to himself as Elijah's servant in order to honor Elijah.

1 Kings 18:10

As Yahweh your God lives

This is an oath used to emphasize that what he is saying is true.

there is no nation or kingdom where my master has not sent men

Here "no nation or kingdom" is an exaggeration that means that men have traveled very far and gone to many places to find Elijah. This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: "my master has sent men to every nation and kingdom" or "my master has sent men to many nations and kingdoms"

1 Kings 18:11

Yet now

This phrase is used to emphasize the danger in what Elijah is telling Obadiah to do.

1 Kings 18:12

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1 Kings 18:13

Has it not been told to you ... with bread and water?

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Surely you have been told about what I did ... with bread and water!"

my master

Here the word "master" is a term of respect used to refer to Elijah.

one hundred of Yahweh's prophets by fifties

"100 of Yahweh's prophets in groups of 50"

1 Kings 18:14

Go and tell your master that Elijah is here

See how you translated these words in 1 Kings 18:11.

your master

Here "master" refers to King Ahab.

1 Kings 18:15

As Yahweh of hosts lives

This is an oath to emphasize that what he will say is true.

before whom I stand

To "stand before" is an idiom for being in someone's presence and ready to serve him. Alternate translation: "whom I serve"

1 Kings 18:16

told him what Elijah said

"Obadiah told Ahab what Elijah had told him to say"

1 Kings 18:17

Is it you? You are the one who brings trouble to Israel!

Ahab asks the question for emphasis to be certain about Elijah's identity. Alternate translation: "So here you are. You are the troublemaker of Israel!"

1 Kings 18:18

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1 Kings 18:19

all Israel

This is a generalization to refer to the leaders and people who represent the ten tribes of the northern kingdom.

450 prophets

"four hundred and fifty prophets"

four hundred prophets

"400 prophets"

1 Kings 18:20

sent word to ... and gathered

"Word" represents Ahab's message and is also a metonym for the messenger who delivered the message. This is a common statement used with the meaning understood. Alternate translation: "sent a message to ... and gathered" or "sent a messenger to summon ... to gather"

1 Kings 18:21

How long will you keep changing your mind?

Elijah asks this question to urge the people to make a decision. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have been indecisive for long enough."

did not answer him a word

"did not say anything" or "were silent"

1 Kings 18:22

I, I alone, am left

The word "I" is repeated for emphasis.

450 men

"four hundred and fifty men"

1 Kings 18:23

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1 Kings 18:24

call on the name of your god ... call on the name of Yahweh

"Name" is metonymy for the reputation and honor of someone and "calling on" him represents an appeal. Alternate translation: "call to your god ... call to Yahweh"

all the people answered and said, "This is good."

"all the people said, 'This is a good thing to do.'"

1 Kings 18:25

prepare it

"make it ready to be sacrificed"

you are many people

Here the word "you" is plural.

1 Kings 18:26

They took the bull

"The prophets of Baal took the bull"

the bull that was given to them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the bull that someone gave them"

But there was no voice, nor anyone who answered

These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that there was no one to respond to the prayers of the false prophets. The word "voice" represents someone speaking. Alternate translation: "But Baal did not say or do anything"

1 Kings 18:27

Perhaps he is thinking

"Maybe he is thinking" or "It could be that he is thinking"

relieving himself

This euphemism is a more pleasant way to express a harsh statement. Elijah uses understatement to insult Baal with sarcasm. Alternate translation: "in the bathroom"

must be awakened

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must awaken him" or "you must wake him up"

1 Kings 18:28

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1 Kings 18:29

they were still raving

"they continued their wild behavior." Prophets often acted in ways that seemed unusual or even crazy. In this case they were calling on Baal while dancing, shouting loudly, and cutting themselves with knives.

of offering of the evening sacrifice

"to offer the evening sacrifice"

but there was no voice or anyone to answer; there was no one who paid any attention to their pleadings

These phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that no one responded to the prayers of the false prophets. Alternate translation: "but Baal did not say or do anything or even pay attention"

there was no voice or anyone to answer

See how you translated this in 1 Kings 18:26.

1 Kings 18:30

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1 Kings 18:31

twelve stones

"12 stones"

1 Kings 18:32

in the name of Yahweh

"Name" here is a metonym for honor and reputation. Possible meanings are 1) "to honor Yahweh" or 2) "with the authority of Yahweh."

trench

a small waterway to hold water

two seahs of seeds

A seah is a unit of volume equal to about 7.7 liters. Alternate translation: "about 15 liters of seeds"

1 Kings 18:33

He arranged the wood for a fire

"On the altar" where he placed the wood is assumed in this sentence. Alternate translation: "He put the wood for a fire on the altar"

four jars

"4 jars"

jars

A jar is a container for water.

1 Kings 18:34

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1 Kings 18:35

trench

See how you translated this in 1 Kings 18:30.

1 Kings 18:36

It happened

This phrase is used here to reference a significant and meaningful time of the day in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Yahweh, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel

Here "Israel" is referring to Jacob. God changed Jacob's name to Israel (Genesis 32:28), and God named the nation of Jacob's descendants "Israel."

let it be known this day

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "make these people know today"

1 Kings 18:37

Hear me ... hear me

This phrase is repeated to emphasize the appeal of Elijah to Yahweh.

turned their heart back again to yourself

The people's "heart" is a metonym for the affection and loyalty of the people. Alternate translation: "caused them to be loyal to you again"

1 Kings 18:38

the fire of Yahweh fell

"the fire of Yahweh came down"

licked up

The fire is compared to a thirsty person drinking water.

1 Kings 18:39

Yahweh, he is God! Yahweh, he is God!

This phrase is repeated for emphasis.

1 Kings 18:40

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1 Kings 18:41

there is the sound of much rain

"it sounds like it is going to rain a lot"

1 Kings 18:42

bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees

This describes a posture used for praying.

1 Kings 18:43

seven times

The word "seven" can be rendered as the numeral "7." Alternate translation: "7 times"

1 Kings 18:44

as small as a man's hand

From a long distance, the cloud could be covered from sight by a man's hand.

1 Kings 18:45

It happened

This phrase is used here to mark where a new step in the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

1 Kings 18:46

the hand of Yahweh was on Elijah

Here the word "hand" is a metonym for strength. Alternate translation: "Yahweh gave his power to Elijah"

girded his loins

Elijah wrapped his long robe around his waist so that his legs would be free for running.

Chapter 19

1 Kings 19 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Elijah continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

The queen was angry that Elijah had killed her prophets of Baal. She promised to kill Elijah. Elijah fled south into the desert south of Judah. He traveled on to Mount Horeb also known as Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. God asked him why he was there. He said he had come to Mount Horeb because Israel had deserted God, killed his prophets, and wanted to kill him. God sent him home to make Hazael the king of Aram, Jehu the king of Israel, and Elisha as the prophet in his place. (See: prophet and promise)

1 Kings 19:1

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1 Kings 19:2

So may the gods do to me, and more also

This is a comparison used as an emphatic oath. "May the gods kill me and do even more bad things"

if I do not make your life like the life of one of those dead prophets

"if I do not kill you like you killed those prophets"

1 Kings 19:3

he arose

"he stood up"

1 Kings 19:4

he himself went a day's journey

The word "himself" is used to emphasize that he was alone. Alternate translation: "he walked by himself for a day"

broom tree

A "broom tree" is a plant that grows in the desert.

He requested for himself that he might die

"He prayed that he would die"

It is enough, now, Yahweh

"These troubles are too much for me, Yahweh"

1 Kings 19:5

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1 Kings 19:6

bread that had been baked on coals

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "bread that someone had cooked on hot stones"

jug of water

"a container of water"

1 Kings 19:7

will be too much for you

"will be too difficult for you."

1 Kings 19:8

he traveled in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights

"that food gave him energy to travel for 40 days and 40 nights"

1 Kings 19:9

to a cave there

Here the word "there" refers to Mount Horeb. A cave is an opening in a mountainside that leads to a natural room or rooms underground.

the word of Yahweh came to him and said to him, "What

The idiom "The word of Yahweh came to," is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 6:11]

What are you doing here, Elijah?

Yahweh asks this question to rebuke Elijah and to remind him of his duty. Alternate translation: "This is not where you should be, Elijah."

1 Kings 19:10

I, only I, am left

Here the word "I" is repeated for emphasis.

1 Kings 19:11

on the mountain before me

"Before me" here is an idiom for standing in front of someone. Alternate translation: "on the mountain in my presence"

1 Kings 19:12

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1 Kings 19:13

he wrapped his face in his cloak

"he covered his face with his cloak" A cloak is a long robe, a piece of clothing that covers the whole body.

Then a voice came to him

"Then he heard a voice"

What are you doing here, Elijah?

See how you translated this text in 1 Kings 19:9.

1 Kings 19:14

Elijah replied, "I have been very zealous ... and they are also trying to take my life."

See how you translated this text in 1 Kings 19:10.

I, only I, am left

Here the word "I" is repeated for emphasis.

1 Kings 19:15

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1 Kings 19:16

prophet in your place

"prophet instead of you"

1 Kings 19:17

It will happen

This phrase is used to introduce what will happen when Elijah does what Yahweh has told him to do. "What will happen is"

whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael

"Sword" is metonymy for for killing as in battle. Alternate translation: "whomever Hazael does not kill with the sword"

1 Kings 19:18

I will leave for myself

Here the words "I" and "myself" refer to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "I will save from death"

seven thousand people

"7,000 people"

whose knees have not bent down to Baal, and whose mouths have not kissed him

"Bending down" and "kissing" are metonymies for actions people did to worship idols. They are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: "who have not bowed down and kissed Baal" or "who have not worshiped Baal"

1 Kings 19:19

Shaphat

This is the name of a man.

twelve yoke of oxen

"12 yoke of oxen"

he himself was plowing with the twelfth yoke

The word "himself" indicates that Elisha was plowing with the last yoke, while other men were plowing with the other eleven yokes.

1 Kings 19:20

he said, "Please

The word "he" refers to Elisha.

1 Kings 19:21

he gave it to the people

Elisha gave the cooked meat to the people of his city.

Chapter 20

1 Kings 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is a story of two battles between Aram and Israel.

Special concepts in this chapter

Battle

God had chosen to defeat Ben Hadad, king of Aram. So when he attacked Samaria with a huge army, the tiny army of Israel defeated him. The people of Aram said that Yahweh was the god of the hills, but they could defeat Israel on the plains. So they came again but Israel defeated them again. Then Ben Hadad offered a peace plan and Ahab accepted. But God had wanted him to kill Ben Hadad and was angry at Ahab for making peace with him.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Simile

There were so few Israel soldiers that they were "like two little flocks of goats."

1 Kings 20:1

Ben-Hadad

This is the name of a man.

thirty-two lesser kings

"32 lesser kings"

lesser kings

"kings ruling smaller groups of people"

1 Kings 20:2

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1 Kings 20:3

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1 Kings 20:4

It is as you say

This is an idiom to express agreement. Alternate translation: "I agree with you"

1 Kings 20:5

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1 Kings 20:6

tomorrow about this time

"tomorrow at the same time of day that it is now"

everything that delights your eyes

Here the word "eyes" represents the whole person and emphasizes him looking at something and being pleased by it. Alternate translation: "whatever pleases you"

1 Kings 20:7

of the land

"The land" represents all the people living there. Alternate translation: "of the people of Israel"

take note and see

"Take note" here is an idiom to observe carefully. Alternate translation: "pay close attention to"

I have not refused him

"I have agreed to his demands"

1 Kings 20:8

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1 Kings 20:9

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1 Kings 20:10

May the gods do so to me and more also

This is an oath with great emphasis. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 19:2.

if even the ashes of Samaria will be enough for all the people who follow me to have a handful each

Ben-Hadad is threatening that his army will totally destroy everything in Samaria.

1 Kings 20:11

Tell Ben-Hadad, 'No one who is girding on his armor should boast as if he were taking it off.'

"Girding on armor" is metonymy for getting prepared for battle. "Tell Ben-Hadad, 'Do not boast as if you have already won a battle that you have not yet fought.'"

No one who is girding on his armor should boast as if he were taking it off

This is a proverb, so you may want to make it as brief and easy to say as possible. Alternate translation: "Let him who puts his armor on not boast like him who takes it off"

1 Kings 20:12

his servants

These men served him as soldiers. Alternate translation: "his soldiers"

1 Kings 20:13

Then behold

The word "behold" alerts us to the sudden appearance of a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.

Have you seen this great army?

Yahweh asks this question to emphasize the size and strength of Ben Hadad's army. Alternate translation: "Look at this great army."

Look, I will place it into your hand today

The word "Look" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

place it into your hand

Here the word "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "give you victory over that army"

1 Kings 20:14

By whom?

Ahab leaves out the words 'will you do this' Alternate translation: "By whom will you do this?"

1 Kings 20:15

Ahab mustered the young officers

"Ahab assembled the young officers"

all the soldiers, all the army of Israel

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.

seven thousand

"7,000"

1 Kings 20:16

They went out

Here the word "They" refers to the Israelite army.

thirty-two lesser kings

See how you translated this in 1 Kings 20:1.

1 Kings 20:17

Ben-Hadad was informed by scouts that he had sent out

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "Scouts that Ben-Hadad had sent out informed him"

scouts

A "scout" is a soldier sent to gather information about the enemy.

1 Kings 20:18

Ben-Hadad said

It is understood that Ben-Hadad is speaking to his soldiers. Alternate translation: "Ben-Hadad said to his soldiers"

Whether they have ... take them

Here "they" and "them" refer to the Israelite army.

1 Kings 20:19

So the young officers ... the army followed

"The young Israelite officers ... the Israelite army followed"

1 Kings 20:20

Israel pursued them

"Israel" is synecdoche for all the soldiers of the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: "the men of the army of Israel pursued them"

1 Kings 20:21

the king of Israel went out and attacked

"The king" is synecdoche for the king and all the soldiers serving under him. Alternate translation: "The king of Israel and his soldiers went out and attacked"

1 Kings 20:22

strengthen yourself

"Yourself" represents by metonymy the army of the king. Alternate translation: "strengthen your forces"

understand and plan

These two words mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: "determine"

at the return of the year

Possible meanings are 1) "in the springtime of next year" or 2) "at this time next year."

1 Kings 20:23

let us fight ... we will be stronger

The words "us" and "we" refer to the servants, the king, and the army all together.

1 Kings 20:24

Remove all the kings from their positions of authority

"You must remove the thirty-two kings who are leading your troops"

1 Kings 20:25

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1 Kings 20:26

Aphek

This is the name of a city.

to fight against Israel

"Israel" represents the army of Israel. Alternate translation: "to fight against the army of Israel"

1 Kings 20:27

The people of Israel were mustered and supplied

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Israelite army also gathered together, and the commanders gave the arms that they needed for the battle"

like two little flocks of goats

This simile compares the Israelite army to two little flocks of goats. Alternate translation: "The Israelite army appeared to be small and weak like two flocks of goats"

1 Kings 20:28

a man of God

This is another title for a prophet. Alternate translation: "a prophet"

place this great army into your hand

Here the word "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "give you victory over this great army"

1 Kings 20:29

seven days

"7 days"

100,000

"one hundred thousand"

footmen

A "footman" is a soldier who marches on foot.

1 Kings 20:30

The rest fled to Aphek

The expression "the rest" assumes the words "of the Aramean soldiers." Alternate translation: "The rest of the Aramean soldiers"

Aphek

This is the name of a town.

twenty-seven thousand

"27,000"

1 Kings 20:31

See now, we

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: we"

put sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads

This was a sign of surrender.

1 Kings 20:32

Is he still alive?

Ahab asks this question to express surprise. Alternate translation: "I am surprised that he is still alive!"

He is my brother

"My brother" here is a metaphor for somebody who is a good friend. Alternate translation: "He is like a brother to me" or "He is like family"

1 Kings 20:33

Now the men

The word "Now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

for any sign from Ahab

"Sign" is metonymy for an action that gives a meaning. Alternate translation: "for any action from Ahab that would show them that Ahab wanted to be merciful"

1 Kings 20:34

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1 Kings 20:35

one of the sons of the prophets

"a member of the group of prophets"

the word of Yahweh

"the message of Yahweh" or "Yahweh's message"

1 Kings 20:36

you have not obeyed the voice of Yahweh

"The voice" is metonymy for what Yahweh commanded. Alternate translation: "you have not obeyed Yahweh"

1 Kings 20:37

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1 Kings 20:38

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1 Kings 20:39

Your servant went out

The prophet refers to himself in the third person as a sign of respect to the king.

into the heat of the battle

"Heat of the battle" here is an idiom to express the most intense and fierce fighting. Alternate translation: "to where the battle was most intense"

your life will be given for his life

"you will die in his place"

a talent of silver

A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "33 kilograms of silver"

1 Kings 20:40

going here and there

This is an idiom to represent being very busy and preoccupied. Alternate translation: "doing other things" or "doing this and that"

1 Kings 20:41

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1 Kings 20:42

let go from your hand

Here the word "hand" is metonymy for power. Alternate translation: "released" or "spared the life of"

your life will take the place of his life, and your people for his people

"you will die in his place, and your people will die in the place of his people"

1 Kings 20:43

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Chapter 21

1 Kings 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Elijah continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

God hates oppression but is forgiving to people who are sorry for their sins. Ahab wanted Naboth's vineyard to make into a garden for his palace, but Naboth refused to sell it. So the queen, Ahab's wife, told the civic leaders of Naboth's town to falsely accuse him and execute him. Elijah told Ahab that he would be killed in Naboth's vineyard and all his family destroyed. Ahab repented and showed he was very sorry for what he did, so God said it would not happen to Ahab himself but to his son. (See: oppress, forgive and sin and repent)

1 Kings 21:1

Now some time later

This phrase marks the beginning of a new part of the story and indicates that these events happened later, not that Naboth owned the vineyard later. If your language has a way marking the beginning of a new part of a story, you could consider using it here. Alternate translation: "Now this is what happened later"

Naboth the Jezreelite

This is the name of a man from Jezreel.

king of Samaria

"Samaria" was the capital city of the kingdom of Israel and here represents the entire nation. Alternate translation: "king of Israel"

1 Kings 21:2

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1 Kings 21:3

May Yahweh forbid that I should give

This phrase is an oath that emphasizes that what follows will not happen. Alternate translation: "Because Yahweh forbids it, I will never give"

give the inheritance of my ancestors to you

The land that his ancestors received as a permanent possession is spoken of as if it were an inheritance. Alternate translation: "give to you the land that my ancestors received as an inheritance"

1 Kings 21:4

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1 Kings 21:5

Why is your heart so sad

Here "heart" refers to the entire person and his emotions. Alternate translation: "Why are you so sad"

1 Kings 21:6

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1 Kings 21:7

Do you not still rule the kingdom of Israel?

Jezebel uses this negative rhetorical question to rebuke Ahab. It can be translated as a positive statement. Alternate translation: "You still rule the kingdom of Israel!"

let your heart be happy

Here "heart" refers to the entire person and his emotions. Alternate translation: "be happy" or "cheer up"

1 Kings 21:8

wrote letters in Ahab's name

Possible meanings are 1) she wrote Ahab's name on the letters. Alternate translation: "wrote letters and signed them with Ahab's name" or 2) the word "name" is a metonym for authority. Alternate translation: "wrote letters on behalf of Ahab"

the nobles who sat with him

The word "nobles" refers to wealthy people.

1 Kings 21:9

seat Naboth above the people

Having Naboth sit in a place of honor is spoken of as if it were having him sit above the rest of the people who were present. Alternate translation: "have Naboth sit in a place of honor among the people"

1 Kings 21:10

let them testify against him

"have them accuse him"

1 Kings 21:11

as was written in the letters

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as she had written in the letters"

1 Kings 21:12

seated Naboth above the people

Having Naboth sit in a place of honor is spoken of as if it were having him sit above the rest of the people who were present. See how you translated this idea in [1 Kings 21:9]

1 Kings 21:13

sat before Naboth

"sat in front of Naboth"

they carried him out

Here the word "they" refers to the people of the city.

1 Kings 21:14

Naboth has been stoned and is dead

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We have stoned Naboth and he is dead"

1 Kings 21:15

that Naboth had been stoned and was dead

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the people had stoned Naboth and he was dead"

Naboth is not alive, but dead.

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize Jezebel's statement. Alternate translation: "Naboth is dead!"

1 Kings 21:16

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1 Kings 21:17

the word of Yahweh came

This idiom means that Yahweh spoke or has sent a message. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 6:11]

1 Kings 21:18

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1 Kings 21:19

Have you killed and also taken possession?

Yahweh asks this question to scold Ahab. Alternate translation: "You have killed Naboth and stolen his vineyard!"

your blood, yes, your blood

This is repeated for emphasis.

1 Kings 21:20

Have you found me, my enemy?

Ahab uses this question to express anger toward Elijah. That Elijah "found" Ahab likely refers to Elijah discovering Ahab's actions, not to finding his physical location. Alternate translation: "You have found me, my enemy!" or "You have discovered what I have done, my enemy!"

you have sold yourself to do what is evil

A person being committed to doing what is evil is spoken of as if that person had sold himself to evil. Alternate translation: "you have dedicated yourself to doing what is evil"

what is evil in the sight of Yahweh

The phrase, "in the sight of" refers to someone's opinion. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 11:6. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh considers to be evil"

1 Kings 21:21

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

completely consume and cut off from Ahab every male child and slave and free man in Israel

Yahweh speaks to Ahab as if he were speaking of someone else. He speaks of destroying Ahab's family and preventing him from having any decedents as if he were consuming these people like a fire would consume them and cutting them off as one would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: "destroy every one of your male children in Israel, whether slave or free"

1 Kings 21:22

I will make your family like the family of Jeroboam ... and like the family of Baasha

Yahweh will destroy Ahab's family like he destroyed the families of Jeroboam and Baasha.

1 Kings 21:23

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1 Kings 21:24

Anyone who belongs to Ahab

"Anyone who belongs to Ahab's family"

1 Kings 21:25

who sold himself to do what was evil

A person being committed to doing what is evil is spoken of as if that person had sold himself to evil. See how you translated this idea in [1 Kings 21:20]

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The phrase, "in the sight of" refers to someone's opinion. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 11:6]

1 Kings 21:26

Ahab behaved abhorrently by following idols

Possible meanings are 1) following the idols was in itself abhorrent behavior or 2) because he followed idols he engaged in other abhorrent behavior.

removed before the people of Israel

Here "Israel" refers to all twelve tribes of Israel and not just to the northern kingdom. Alternate translation: "removed from the presence of the people of Israel" or "drove out of the land before the people of Israel"

1 Kings 21:27

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1 Kings 21:28

the word of Yahweh came

This idiom means that Yahweh spoke or has sent a message. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 6:11]

1 Kings 21:29

Do you see how Ahab humbles himself before me?

God knows that Elijah can literally see Ahab, but he wants Elijah to understand that Ahab's sorrow is genuine. Alternate translation: "I have seen how Ahab humbles himself before me." or "Look at how Ahab humbles himself before me."

in his days ... in his son's day

"during his lifetime ... during his son's lifetime"

Chapter 22

1 Kings 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the end of the story of Ahab and a continuation of the story of Elijah as he had predicted Ahab's death and the dogs licking his blood.

Special concepts in this chapter

When God has decided a person will die, then they cannot avoid death. Ahab persuaded Jehoshaphat, king of Judah to help him in a battle against the army of Aram. Ahab's false prophets all told him to go because he would be successful. But a randomly shot arrow hit him and he bled to death. They washed his chariot at the pool and the dogs licked up his blood, just as Elijah had said they would. (See: prophet)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"However, the shrines were still not taken away. The people were still sacrificing and burning incense at the shrines."

At the shrines, the people worshiped Yahweh. But later, during Hezekiah's reign it was decided that all sacrifices must be made only at the temple. (See: temple)

1 Kings 22:1

Three years

"3 years"

1 Kings 22:2

it came about that

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

1 Kings 22:3

Do you know that Ramoth Gilead is ours, but that we are doing nothing to take it from the hand of the king of Aram?

Ahab asks this question to emphasize that they should have already recaptured Ramoth Gilead. Alternate translation: "Ramoth Gilead is ours, but we have done nothing yet to take it from the hand of the king of Aram."

to take it from the hand of the king of Aram

Here the word "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "to take it from the control of the king of Aram"

1 Kings 22:4

I am like you, my people are like your people, and my horses are like your horses

Jehoshaphat tells Ahab that he, his people, and his horses belong to Ahab, meaning that Ahab can command them as he pleases. Alternate translation: "I, my soldiers, and my horses are yours to use in any way you want"

1 Kings 22:5

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1 Kings 22:6

four hundred men

"400 men"

for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king

Here the word "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "for the Lord will allow the king to capture Ramoth Gilead"

1 Kings 22:7

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1 Kings 22:8

May the king not say that

Jehoshaphat refers to Ahab in the third person to show respect for him. Alternate translation: "You should not say that"

1 Kings 22:9

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1 Kings 22:10

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1 Kings 22:11

made himself horns of iron

"made iron horns for himself"

With these you will push the Arameans until they are consumed

The prophet's actions are a symbolic metaphor that illustrates the way that Ahab would defeat the Arameans. Ahab's army will win with great strength, as a bull attacks another animal.

until they are consumed

Destroying an enemy army is spoken of as if it were consuming them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until you consume them" or "until you destroy them"

1 Kings 22:12

given it into the hand of the king

Here the word "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "allowed the king to capture it"

1 Kings 22:13

See now, the words

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is an exhortation for the hearer to pay attention. "Listen carefully: the words"

the words of the prophets declare good things to the king with one mouth

The prophets all saying the same thing is spoken of as if they all spoke with the same mouth. Alternate translation: "the prophets all declare the same good things to the king"

let your word be like one of them

Here the word "them" refers to "the words of the prophets." Alternate translation: "let what you say agree with what they have said"

1 Kings 22:14

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1 Kings 22:15

should we go

The word "we" refers to Ahab, Jehoshaphat, and their armies but not to Micaiah.

will give it into the hand of the king

Here the word "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "will allow the king to capture it"

1 Kings 22:16

How many times must I require ... in the name of Yahweh?

Ahab asks this question out of frustration to rebuke Micaiah. Alternate translation: "Many times I have required ... in the name of Yahweh."

in the name of Yahweh

Here the word "name" refers to authority. Alternate translation: "as the representative of Yahweh"

1 Kings 22:17

I saw all Israel

Here "all Israel" refers to the army of Israel. Alternate translation: "I saw the entire army of Israel"

like sheep who have no shepherd

The people of the army are compared to sheep that have no one to lead them because their shepherd, the king, has died.

These have no master

"These people no longer have a leader"

1 Kings 22:18

Did I not tell you ... but only disaster?

Ahab asks this question to emphasize that he had spoken the truth about Micaiah. Alternate translation: "I told you ... but only disaster!"

1 Kings 22:19

all the host of heaven were standing by him

"all the army of heaven was standing by him." Here "the host of heaven" refers to the living beings that God created in the heavens. Possible meanings are that they are called host 1) because they fight as armies. Alternate translation: "all the angel army of heaven was standing by him" or 2) because there are so many of them, just as armies have many soldiers. Alternate translation: "all the multitude of heaven was standing by him"

1 Kings 22:20

fall at Ramoth Gilead

Ahab dying in battle is spoken of as if he will fall. Alternate translation: "die at Ramoth Gilead"

One of them said ... and another one said

"One ... and another" refers to two or more angels in the heavenly host who were responding to Yahweh's question in the previous verse.

1 Kings 22:21

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1 Kings 22:22

be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets

Here the word "spirit" refers to the attitudes of the prophets and the words "the mouth" represents what they will say. Alternate translation: "cause all his prophets to speak lies"

1 Kings 22:23

see

"pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"

has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets of yours

Here the word "spirit" refers to the attitudes of the prophets and the words "the mouth" represents what they will say. Alternate translation: "has caused all of your prophets to speak lies"

1 Kings 22:24

Which way did the Spirit of Yahweh take to go from me to speak to you?

Zedekiah asks this sarcastic question to insult and rebuke Micaiah. Alternate translation: "Do not think that Yahweh's Spirit left me to speak to you!"

1 Kings 22:25

Look

"Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

you will see

"you will know the answer to your question." If Zedekiah's rhetorical question is translated as a statement, this phrase may be translated to supply implicit information. Alternate translation: "you will know that the Spirit of Yahweh has spoken to me"

1 Kings 22:26

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1 Kings 22:27

feed him the bread of affliction and the water of affliction

"feed him the bread and water of affliction" or "give him the prisoners' small portions of bread and water." Ahab was telling his servants to punish and afflict Micaiah.

1 Kings 22:28

If you return safely, then Yahweh has not spoken by me

Micaiah knew that the king would not return safely because Yahweh had already told him that. So he said this to emphasize that. Alternate translation: "If you return safely, then that would mean that Yahweh has not spoken by me"

1 Kings 22:29

Ahab, the king of Israel, and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, went up

Here the kings represent themselves accompanied by their armies. Alternate translation: "Ahab, the king of Israel, and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah led their armies up"

1 Kings 22:30

disguise

This means to change the usual appearance so as not to be identified.

1 Kings 22:31

thirty-two captains

"32 captains"

Do not attack unimportant or important soldiers

By mentioning both "unimportant" and "important soldiers," the king meant all soldiers. Alternate translation: "Do not attack any of the soldiers"

1 Kings 22:32

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

1 Kings 22:33

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1 Kings 22:34

drew his bow at random

Possible meanings are 1) he took aim to shoot a soldier without knowing that it was Ahab or 2) he drew his bow to shoot without any specific target in mind.

1 Kings 22:35

the king was held up in his chariot

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone held the king up in his chariot"

1 Kings 22:36

a cry went up

Here "a cry" represents the soldiers who were shouting. Alternate translation: "soldiers began to shout"

Every man should go back to his city; and every man should go back to his region

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.

1 Kings 22:37

was brought to Samaria

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his soldiers brought his body to Samaria"

they buried him

"people buried him"

1 Kings 22:38

just as the word of Yahweh had declared

Here "the word of Yahweh" represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "just as Yahweh had declared"

1 Kings 22:39

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?

This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 15:31]

1 Kings 22:40

lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 2:10]

1 Kings 22:41

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1 Kings 22:42

thirty-five years old

"35 years old"

twenty-five years

"25 years"

1 Kings 22:43

He walked in the ways of Asa, his father

A person's behavior is spoken of as if that person walked along a path. Alternate translation: "He did the same things that Asa, his father, had done"

what was right in the eyes of Yahweh

Here "eyes" represents seeing and Yahweh's opinion is spoken of as if he were able to see something. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh considered to be right"

the high places were not taken away

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he did not take away the high places"

1 Kings 22:44

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1 Kings 22:45

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah?

This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 14:29]

1 Kings 22:46

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1 Kings 22:47

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1 Kings 22:48

the ships were wrecked

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the ships wrecked"

1 Kings 22:49

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1 Kings 22:50

lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 2:10]

was buried with them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people buried him"

1 Kings 22:51

he reigned two years

"he reigned 2 years"

1 Kings 22:52

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

Yahweh's opinion regarding something is spoken of as if Yahweh were seeing that thing. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh considered to be evil"

walked in the way of his father, in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam son of Nebat

A person's behavior is spoken of as if that person were walking along a path. Alternate translation: "did the same things that his father, mother, and Jeroboam son of Nebat had done"

led Israel to sin

Here the word "Israel" refers to the ten northern tribes that made up the kingdom of Israel.

1 Kings 22:53

He served Baal and worshiped him

The words "served" and "worshiped" mean basically the same thing.

the God of Israel

Here the word "Israel" refers to all of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob.

Book: 2 Kings

Chapter 1

2 Kings 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

2 Kings is a continuation of 1 Kings.

The story of Elijah continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

God's sovereignty

God is in control of the future. King Ahaziah sent messengers to ask the Philistine god if he would recover from his fall, but this god does not know the future. Because he asked another god instead of Yahweh, Elijah sent the messengers to tell Ahaziah that he would not recover. (See: falsegod)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical question

Elijah rebuked the king with a rhetorical question: "Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to consult with Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron?"

2 Kings 1:1

Moab rebelled

"The people who lived in Moab rebelled"

2 Kings 1:2

the lattice in his upper chamber

The upper room was built on the roof of the palace. The lattice was made of thin boards decoratively crossed over one another to form a balcony or window covering. Alternate translation: "the wooden boards around the flat roof of his palace"

Baal-Zebub

2 Kings 1:3

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

the Tishbite

This refers to someone from the city of Tishbe.

Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to consult with Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?

This rhetorical question is asked as a rebuke for consulting Baal-Zebub. This may be written as a statement. This is irony because they are definitely aware of the God of Israel. Alternate translation: "You fools! You know there is a God in Israel, but you were acting as though you did not know when you sent men to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron!"

consult with Baal-Zebub

The word "consult" means to get the opinion of someone about a question.

2 Kings 1:4

Therefore Yahweh says

This is Yahweh's message to King Ahaziah. Alternate translation: "Therefore Yahweh says to King Ahaziah"

You will not come down from the bed to where you have gone up

When King Ahaziah was injured, he was placed in a bed. Yahweh said that he will never become well and be able to get out of the bed. Alternate translation: "You will not recover and you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying"

2 Kings 1:5

When the messengers returned to Ahaziah

After meeting with Elijah, the messengers returned to the king instead of going to Ekron.

2 Kings 1:6

Is it because there is no God in Israel that you sent men to consult with Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?

This rhetorical question is asked as a rebuke for consulting Baal-Zebub. This may be written as a statement. This is irony because they are definitely aware of the God of Israel. See how you translated a similar question in [2 Kings 3:3]

you will not come down from the bed to which you have gone up

When King Ahaziah was injured, he was placed in a bed. Yahweh said that he will never become well and be able to get out of the bed. See how you translated this statement in [2 Kings 3:4]

2 Kings 1:7

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2 Kings 1:8

He wore a garment made of hair

Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor that speaks of him being very hairy as if his hair were a garment. Alternate translation: "He was very hairy" or 2) "His clothes were made from animal hair"

2 Kings 1:9

Then the king sent a captain with fifty soldiers to Elijah

The king sent the leader of the army with fifty men to bring Elijah back to him. Alternate translation: "Then the king sent a captain with fifty soldiers to seize Elijah"

fifty soldiers

"50 soldiers"

2 Kings 1:10

If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven

The captain had called Elijah a man of God, but the captain and the king did not show Elijah proper respect. Elijah said this so that fire would come down from heaven, and this would prove that Elijah really was a man of God and he deserved their respect. Alternate translation: "Since I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven" or "If I am a man of God as you have said, let fire come down from heaven"

from heaven

"from the sky"

2 Kings 1:11

fifty soldiers

"50 soldiers"

2 Kings 1:12

If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven

The captain had called Elijah a man of God, but the captain and the king did not show Elijah proper respect. Elijah said this so that fire would come down from heaven, and this would prove that Elijah really was a man of God and he deserved their respect. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 1:10. Alternate translation: "Since I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven" or "If I am a man of God as you have said, let fire come down from heaven"

fire of God

This means that the fire came from God. Alternate translation: "fire from God"

2 Kings 1:13

fifty warriors

"50 warriors" or "50 soldiers"

sought his favor

"begged him"

these fifty servants of yours

The captain says that his servants are Elijah's servants to show him honor. Alternate translation: "my fifty soldiers"

let my life and the life of ... be precious in your sight

Here Elijah's "sight" represents him judgement or evaluation. The captain is pleading with Elijah to let them live. Alternate translation: "please consider my life and the life of ... as precious to you" or "consider my life and the life of ... to be of worth to you and do not kill us"

2 Kings 1:14

let my life be precious in your sight

Here Elijah's "sight" represents him judgement or evaluation. The captain is repeating his request for Elijah to show kindness to him and let him live. Alternate translation: "please be kind to me" or "please allow me to live"

2 Kings 1:15

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2 Kings 1:16

Is it because there is no God in Israel from whom you can ask for information?

This rhetorical question is asked as a rebuke for consulting Baal-Zebub. This may be written as a statement. This is irony because the king is definitely aware of the God of Israel. Alternate translation: "You must think there is no God in Israel whom you may ask for information!" or "You fool! You know there is a God in Israel to consult, but you acted as if you did not know."

you will not come down from the bed where you have gone up

When King Ahaziah was injured, he was placed in a bed. Yahweh said that he will never become well and be able to get out of the bed. See how you translated this statement in [2 Kings 3:4]

2 Kings 1:17

the word of Yahweh that Elijah had spoken

"what Yahweh had told Elijah that Elijah had spoken"

in the second year of Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah

This describes the time that Joram began to reign over Israel by stating how long Jehoram had been reigning over Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "in the second year that Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat was king of Judah"

2 Kings 1:18

are they not written ... Israel?

This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they are written ... Israel." or "someone has written about them in ... Israel."

Chapter 2

2 Kings 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter ends the story of Elijah and begins the story of Elisha.

Special concepts in this chapter

Elisha replaces Elijah as the chief prophet of God. (See: prophet)

2 Kings 2:1

So it came about

"So it happened." This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story.

a whirlwind

a strong wind that spins around and around

2 Kings 2:2

As Yahweh lives, and as you live

"As surely as Yahweh lives and as you live." Here Elisha compares the certainty that Yahweh and Elijah are alive to the certainty of what he is saying. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: "I solemnly promise you that"

2 Kings 2:3

The sons of the prophets

This does not mean that they were the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. Alternate translation: "A group of men who were prophets"

2 Kings 2:4

As Yahweh lives, and as you live, I will not leave you

"As surely as Yahweh lives and as you live, I will not leave you." Here Elisha compares the certainty that Yahweh and Elijah are alive to the certainty of what he is saying. This is a way of making a solemn promise. See how you translated this phrase in [2 Kings 2:2]

2 Kings 2:5

Then the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho came to Elisha and said to him

"When Elijah and Elisha came near Jericho, the sons of the prophets who were from there said to Elisha"

the sons of the prophets

This does not mean that they were the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. See how you translated this phrase in [2 Kings 2:3]

2 Kings 2:6

As Yahweh lives, and as you live, I will not leave you

"As surely as Yahweh lives and as you live, I will not leave you." Here Elisha compares the certainty that Yahweh and Elijah are alive to the certainty of what he is saying. This is a way of making a solemn promise. See how you translated this phrase in [2 Kings 2:2]

2 Kings 2:7

fifty of the sons

"50 of the sons"

the sons of the prophets

This does not mean that they were the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. See how you translated this phrase in [2 Kings 2:3]

stood opposite them

This means that they were standing, facing them. Alternate translation: "stood facing them" or "stood watching them"

2 Kings 2:8

cloak

outer piece of clothing used as a covering

The river divided on both sides so that the two of them walked over on dry ground

"The water of the Jordan River opened up so there was a dry path for Elijah and Elisha to cross over to the other side"

on both sides

"to the right and the left." This refers to the right and the left of where Elijah struck the water.

2 Kings 2:9

It came about

"it happened"

crossed over

This refers to crossing the Jordan River. Alternate translation: "crossed over the Jordan River"

before I am taken from you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "before Yahweh takes me from you"

a double portion of your spirit

Here Elijah's spirit refers to his spiritual power. Alternate translation: "twice as much of your spiritual power"

2 Kings 2:10

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2 Kings 2:11

behold

The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

a chariot of fire and horses of fire

Here the phrase "of fire" means that these were surround by fire. Alternate translation: "a chariot surrounded by fire pulled by horses surrounded by fire"

went up by a whirlwind into heaven

"was carried into the sky by a whirlwind." Translate the word "whirlwind" the same as you did in 2 Kings 2:1.

2 Kings 2:12

My father, my father

Elisha is calling Elijah his respected leader.

tore them into two pieces

People would often tear their clothes as a sign of great sadness or grief. Alternate translation: "ripped them in two pieces to show his great sadness"

2 Kings 2:13

cloak

The cloak was the outer clothing of a prophet. It was the sign of his job. When Elisha took Elijah's cloak he was saying he was taking Elijah's place as prophet.

2 Kings 2:14

Where is Yahweh, the God of Elijah?

Elisha is asking if Yahweh is with him as he was with Elijah. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, the God of Elijah, are you here with me?"

they divided on both sides and Elisha crossed over

The river separated and Elisha walked to the other side on dry ground, the same way he did previously when he was with Elijah.

on both sides

"to the right and the left." This refers to the right and the left of where Elijah struck the water.

2 Kings 2:15

the sons of the prophets

This does not mean that they were the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. See how you translated this phrase in [2 Kings 2:3]

bowed themselves to the ground before him

They are showing him deep respect and acknowledging him as their new leader.

The spirit of Elijah does rest on Elisha

Here Elijah's "spirit" refers to his spiritual power. This speaks of Elisha having this spiritual power as if it were something that physically rested upon him. Alternate translation: "Elisha does have the same spiritual power that Elijah did" or "The spiritual power Elijah had is now with Elisha"

2 Kings 2:16

See now, among your servants there are fifty strong men. Let them go

These men are referring to themselves when they say "fifty strong men." Alternate translation: "See now, we are fifty strong men and we are now your servants. Let us go"

See now, among

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: among"

fifty strong men

"50 strong men"

2 Kings 2:17

But when they urged Elisha until he was ashamed

The sons of the prophets kept asking Elisha until he felt bad about saying "no." Alternate translation: "They kept asking Elisha until he felt bad for denying their request, so"

2 Kings 2:18

Did I not say to you, 'Do not go'?

Elisha uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he had told them previously what would happen. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I told you that you should not go, because you would not find him!"

2 Kings 2:19

The men of the city

"The leaders of the city"

See now, the situation

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: the situation" See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 2:16.

the situation of this city is pleasant

This means that the city is located in a good place. Alternate translation: "this city is in a good place" or "this city is in a good location"

as my master can see

The men refer to Elisha here as "my master" to honor him.

fruitful

producing good crops

2 Kings 2:20

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2 Kings 2:21

healed these waters

This speaks of Yahweh making the bad water pure as if he healed it. Alternate translation: "made the waters pure"

there will be no more death or unfruitful land

This also can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: "everyone will live and all the land will be fruitful"

2 Kings 2:22

the waters were healed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the waters have remained pure"

to this day, ... spoke

This means that something remains in a certain condition until the present time. Alternate translation: "by the word which Elisha spoke, and have always remained pure since"

2 Kings 2:23

went up from there to Bethel

The phrase "went up" is used her because Bethel is higher in elevation than Jericho.

Go up

The young boys wanted Elisha to go away from them and expressed this by saying "go up." Alternate translation: "Go away"

baldhead

A bald person does not have any hair on their head. The young boys were mocking Elisha for having a bald head.

2 Kings 2:24

forty-two of the boys

"42 of the boys"

2 Kings 2:25

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Chapter 3

2 Kings 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Elisha continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Victory and defeat

God is in control of victory and defeat. The armies of Israel, Judah and Edom united to attack Moab from the desert for failure to pay tribute. When they ran out of water, they were in desperate condition. Therefore, they asked Elisha (the prophet of God) what to do and he said God would give them water and victory over Moab. (See: prophet)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

They described Elisha with the idiom, "who poured water on the hands of Elijah," meaning "who served Elijah."

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Anger

It is said that, "Anger came on Israel." It is not clear who was angry or why they were angry.

2 Kings 3:1

in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah

This describes the time that Joram began to reign by stating how long the current king of Judah had reigned. The meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "in the eighteenth year that Jehoshaphat was king of Judah"

the eighteenth year

"year 18"

Joram son of Ahab

Sometimes this man is referred to as "Jehoram." This is not the same person as the man mentioned in 2 Kings 1:17 named "Jehoram."

2 Kings 3:2

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

Here "sight" refers to Yahweh's thoughts or opinion. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh considers to be evil" or "what is evil in Yahweh's judgement"

but not like his father and his mother

This compares how much evil he did to being less that the amount that his parents did. Alternate translation: "but he did not do as much evil as his father and mother had done"

the sacred stone pillar of Baal

This pillar was used in the worship of Baal, though it is unknown what the pillar looked like. Alternate translation: "the sacred stone pillar for worshiping Baal"

2 Kings 3:3

he held on to the sins

This is an idiom. Here "holding on" to something means to continue doing it. Alternate translation: "he continued to commit the sins"

Nebat

This is the name of a man.

he did not turn away from them

"Turning away" from something is an idiom which means to stop doing it. Alternate translation: "he did not stop committing those sins" or "he continued committing those sins"

2 Kings 3:4

He had to give to the king of Israel 100,000 lambs and the wool of 100,000 rams

Mesha had to give these things to the king of Israel because his kingdom was controlled by the king of Israel. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Every year he was forced to give 100,000 lambs and the wool from 100,000 rams to the king of Israel, because his kingdom was controlled by the king of Israel"

100,000 lambs ... 100,000 rams

"one hundred thousand lambs ... one hundred thousand rams"

2 Kings 3:5

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2 Kings 3:6

to mobilize all Israel for war

"to prepare the people of Israel for war." Here "all Israel" refers to all of the Israelite soldiers. Alternate translation: "to mobilize all of the Israelite soldiers for war"

2 Kings 3:7

General Information:

King Joram continues speaking to King Jehoshaphat.

Will you go with me against Moab to battle?

The word "you" refers to Jehoshaphat, but refers to both him and his army. Here "Moab" stands for "the army of Moab." Alternate translation: "Will you and your army go with me to fight against the army of Moab?"

I will go

Jehoshaphat is saying that he and his entire army will fight with King Joram against Moab. Alternate translation: "We will go with you"

I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses

Jehoshaphat is letting Joram use himself, his people, and his horses for his purposes. He speaks of this as if they belonged to Joram. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "We are ready to do whatever you want us to. My soldiers and my horses are ready to help you"

2 Kings 3:8

By way of the wilderness of Edom

"By going through the wilderness of Edom"

2 Kings 3:9

the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom

This refers to the kings accompanied by their armies. Alternate translation: "the king of Israel and his army went with the king of Judah and his army and the king of Edom and his army"

They wandered around

Possible meanings are 1) the kings were not sure where they were going, and so they changed direction often or 2) the kings knew where they were going and they walked around Moab (2 Kings 3:8).

2 Kings 3:10

What is this? Has Yahweh called three kings to give them into the hand of Moab?

The king uses a rhetorical question to emphasize how ridiculous and terrible their situation is. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "It looks like Yahweh will allow all three of us to be captured by Moab!"

to give them into the hand of Moab

Here "Moab" refers to its army. Also, "the hand of Moab" refers to the "control" of Moab's army. Alternate translation: "to give us over to Moab's control" or "so the army of Moab will defeat us"

2 Kings 3:11

Is there not here a prophet of Yahweh, that we may consult Yahweh by him?

Jehoshaphat uses a rhetorical question here to state that he is certain that there is a prophet there and to find out where he is. This may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am sure there is a prophet of Yahweh here! Tell me where one is, so we may consult Yahweh by him."

Shaphat

This is the name of a man.

who poured water on the hands of Elijah

This idiom means that he was Elijah's helper. The phrase "poured water on the hands" is a description of one of the ways he served Elijah. Alternate translation: "who was a helper to Elijah"

2 Kings 3:12

The word of Yahweh is with him

This means that he is a prophet and that Yahweh tells him what to say. Alternate translation: "He speaks what Yahweh tells him to say"

went down to him

They went to see Elijah and to consult with him about what they should do. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "went to see Elisha to ask him what they should do"

2 Kings 3:13

What have I to do with you?

Elisha uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he and the king have nothing in common. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I have nothing to do with you." or "I have nothing in common with you."

to give them into the hand of Moab

Here the "hand of Moab" refers the Moab's "control." Alternate translation: "to give them over to the control of Moab" or "to allow them to be captured by the Moabite army"

2 Kings 3:14

As Yahweh of hosts lives, before whom I stand, if I ... look at you

"As I know that Yahweh of hosts lives, before whom I stand, if I ... look at you." Here Elisha compares the certainty that Yahweh is alive to the certainty that, if it were not for Jehoshaphat being there, he would not pay attention to Joram. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: "As surely as Yahweh of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I promise you, if I ... look at you"

before whom I stand

Here serving Yahweh is spoken of as standing in his presence. Alternate translation: "whom I serve"

if I did not honor the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not pay any attention to you

Elisha described a situation that was not real. He really did honor the presence of the king of Judah, so he paid attention to the king of Israel. It can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: "it is only because I honor the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah that I pay attention to you"

I did not honor the presence of Jehoshaphat

Here Jehoshaphat is referred to by his presence. Alternate translation: "I honor Jehoshaphat"

I would not pay any attention to you, or even look at you

These two phrases have similar meaning and are used together to emphasize that he would not pay any attention to Joram. Alternate translation: "I would not have anything at all to do with you"

2 Kings 3:15

Then it came to pass

"And it happened that"

harpist

someone who plays the harp

the hand of Yahweh came upon Elisha

Here Yahweh's "hand" refers to his "power." Alternate translation: "the power of Yahweh came upon Elisha"

2 Kings 3:16

trenches

A trench is a long ditch that workers dig in the ground to collect water.

2 Kings 3:17

this river valley will be filled with water

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will fill this river valley with water"

you will drink

This refers to drinking the water that Yahweh provides. Alternate translation: "you will drink the water"

2 Kings 3:18

This is an easy thing in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "Yahweh considers this as an easy thing to do" or "This is an easy thing for Yahweh to do"

2 Kings 3:19

fortified city

A fortified city is well protected from enemies by such things as high walls or a easily defensible location.

ruin every good piece of land with rocks

This means to put rocks on the fertile land so that it is difficult to use. The meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "ruin every good piece of land by covering them with rocks"

2 Kings 3:20

the country was filled with water

"and soon the country became filled with water"

country

land, ground

2 Kings 3:21

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author tells background information about the Moabite army preparing to meet the three kings and their armies in battle.

everyone who was old enough to gird on armor

Here "armor" represents ability to fight. Alternate translation: "all the men who were able to fight"

the kings had come

Here the word "kings" refers to both the kings and their armies. Alternate translation: "the kings had come with their armies" or "the kings and their armies had come"

2 Kings 3:22

it looked as red as blood

This compares the red appearance of the water to the color of blood. Alternate translation: "it was red like blood"

2 Kings 3:23

So now, Moab

The soldiers are referring to themselves here as "Moab." Alternate translation: "soldiers of Moab"

plunder them

"steal their belongings." After an army defeated their enemies, they would often plunder their towns by stealing whatever was left of value.

2 Kings 3:24

camp of Israel

Here "Israel" refers only to the Israelite soldiers and not to the whole nation of Israel. Alternate translation: "the area where the Israelite soldiers had set up their tents"

Israel rose up

Here "Israel" refers only to the Israelite soldiers and not to the whole nation of Israel. Alternate translation: "the Israelite soldiers rose up"

rose up

began to act purposefully

fled before them

"ran away from them"

2 Kings 3:25

Kir Hareseth

This is the capital of Moab.

was left with its rocks in place

The walls and buildings of the city were made of stones. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "still had its stone walls and buildings in place"

with slings

A "sling" is piece of animal skin with long cords at both ends in which a person can put a stone or other small, hard object and throw it a long distance.

2 Kings 3:26

King Mesha

Translate the name of this king the same as you did in 2 Kings 3:4.

that the battle was lost

"that his army was being defeated"

seven hundred swordsmen

"700 swordsmen"

swordsmen

soldiers who fight with swords

break through

"force their way through." There were many soldiers fighting on the battlefield which made it difficult to move though the crowd.

2 Kings 3:27

offered him as a burnt offering

King Mesha burned his son with fire until he died. He did this as an offering to Chemosh, the false god of Moab. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

So there was great anger against Israel

Here the word "anger" can be expressed as a verb. There are two possibilities for who is angry here: 1) The Moabite soldiers. Alternate translation: "So the Moabite soldiers were very angry with Israel" or 2) God. Alternate translation: "So God was very angry with Israel"

Chapter 4

2 Kings 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Elisha continues with a group of stories about the miracles Elisha did. (See: 2 Kings 4-6 and miracle)

Special concepts in this chapter

Widow

Elisha helps a widow financially, and he correctly prophesies that a barren woman would conceive and have a baby by the next year. Later, when that child dies, Elisha miraculously causes him to come back to life. Also, Elisha causes a poisonous food to no longer be harmful, and he miraculously feeds 100 people with only 20 loaves of bread.

2 Kings 4:1

the sons of the prophets

This does not mean that they were the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. See how you translated this phrase in [2 Kings 2:3]

Your servant my husband

"My husband, who was your servant"

creditor

person who lends other people money

2 Kings 4:2

Your servant has nothing

The woman refers to herself as Elisha's servant to show him honor.

nothing in the house, except a pot of oil

This is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: "nothing of value in the house except a pot of oil"

2 Kings 4:3

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2 Kings 4:4

you must go inside

This means to go inside their house. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "you must go inside your house"

2 Kings 4:5

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2 Kings 4:6

the vessels

"the jars"

2 Kings 4:7

the man of God

This refers to Elisha. Alternate translation: "Elisha, the man of God"

live with your sons on the rest

This is an idiom. It means to use the money to buy the things that they need, such as food and clothing. Alternate translation: "use the rest of the money for you and your sons for what you need to live"

2 Kings 4:8

Shunem

This is the name of a city.

she urged him to eat food with her

This means that she asked him to stop and have a meal at her house. Alternate translation: "she asked him to come to her house to have a meal"

passed by

"traveled through Shunem"

2 Kings 4:9

See now, I

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: I" See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 2:16.

who is always passing by

"who travels by regularly"

2 Kings 4:10

General Information:

The important woman continues talking to her husband about Elisha.

Let us

Here "us" refers to the important woman and her husband.

2 Kings 4:11

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2 Kings 4:12

Gehazi

This is the name of a man.

Call this Shunammite

"Call the Shunammite woman." This refers to the woman from Shunem that Elisha was staying with.

2 Kings 4:13

You have gone to all this trouble to care for us

The phrase "gone to all this trouble" is an idiom that means to make great effort to do something. Alternate translation: "You have made a great effort to care for us" or "You have worked very hard to take care of us"

What can be done for you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "What can we do for you"

Can we speak for you

Here Elisha is asking if she would like for him to speak to the king or army commander to make a request for her. The implicit meaning of this question can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Can we make a request for you"

I live among my own people

The woman is implying that she does not need anything because her family cares for her needs. Alternate translation: "I live surrounded by my family, and because they take care of me, I have no needs"

2 Kings 4:14

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2 Kings 4:15

Call her

"Ask her to come to see me"

When he had called her

"When Gehazi had called her"

the door

This refers to the doorway. Alternate translation: "the doorway"

2 Kings 4:16

a son

"your son"

my master and man of God

The woman uses both of these names to refer to Elisha.

your servant

The woman refers to herself as Elisha's servant to show him honor.

2 Kings 4:17

at the same time in the following year

"during the same season the next year"

2 Kings 4:18

When the child had grown

"When the child was older"

2 Kings 4:19

My head, my head.

The child said this because his head hurt. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "My head hurts! My head hurts!"

2 Kings 4:20

the child sat on her knees until noon and then died

Here the woman's knees refer to her lap. She held her son in her lap until he died. Alternate translation: "she held him on her lap until noon and then he died"

2 Kings 4:21

on the bed of the man of God

This was the bed in the room she had prepared for Elisha when he traveled through Shunem.

the man of God

"Elisha, the man of God"

2 Kings 4:22

that I may hurry to the man of God and then come back

The woman told her husband she was going to see Elisha but she did not say that she was going because their son had died. This implicit information may be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "that I may hurry to the man of God and then come back.' But she did not tell her husband that their son had died"

2 Kings 4:23

It will be all right

"It is well" or "Everything is fine." The woman states this, knowing that the situation will be as it should be if her husband does as she requests. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Everything will be all right if you do as I ask"

2 Kings 4:24

she saddled a donkey

The woman did not saddle the donkey, rather the servant would have saddled it for her. Alternate translation: "she had her servant saddle a donkey"

2 Kings 4:25

So she went and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel

"So she traveled toward Mount Carmel where Elisha, the man of God, was"

So when the man of God saw her in the distance

"While she was still far off, and Elisha saw her coming"

2 Kings 4:26

It is all right

"It is well" or "Yes, everything is fine." The woman is saying that the situation is as it should be, but only because she does not want Gehazi to be involved. She wants to speak only with Elisha. See how you translated "all right" in 2 Kings 4:23.

2 Kings 4:27

the mountain

"Mount Carmel"

she caught hold of his feet

This implies that she knelt or lay on the ground in front of him and grabbed his feet. Alternate translation: "she dropped down on the ground in front of him and put her hands around his feet"

Yahweh has hidden the problem from me, and has told me nothing

Elisha can see that the woman is upset but Yahweh has not revealed to him the cause of her problem.

2 Kings 4:28

Did I ask you for a son, my master? Did I not say, 'Do not deceive me'?

The woman uses these rhetorical questions to show that she is upset about what has happened. She is speaking about her conversation with Elisha when he told her that she was going to have a son. These questions may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I did not ask you to give me a son, but I did ask you not to lie to me!"

2 Kings 4:29

Gird your loins

"Get ready to travel"

If you meet any man, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him

Elisha wanted Gehazi to travel as quickly as possible, without even stopping to talk to anyone.

2 Kings 4:30

As Yahweh lives, and as you live

"As surely as Yahweh lives and as you live." This shows that the mother is taking an oath. The mother compares the certainty that Yahweh and Elisha are alive to the certainty of what she is saying. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: "I solemnly promise that"

2 Kings 4:31

the young man did not speak or hear

This means that the child was not alive. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "but the young man did not show any signs of being alive"

has not awakened

Here being dead is spoken of as being asleep. Alternate translation: "is still dead"

2 Kings 4:32

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2 Kings 4:33

So Elisha went in and shut the door on the two of them and

"So Elisha went by himself into the room where the child lay, closed the door, and"

2 Kings 4:34

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2 Kings 4:35

stretched himself out on the boy

"lay on top of the boy again"

2 Kings 4:36

the Shunammite

"the Shunammite woman"

2 Kings 4:37

Then she lay facedown on the ground at his feet and bowed to the ground

The woman bowed down before Elisha as a sign of great respect and appreciation. Alternate translation: "Then she bowed in front of Elisha with her face to the ground to show him her gratitude"

2 Kings 4:38

the sons of the prophets

This is an idiom. It does not mean that they were actually the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. See how you translated this phrase in [2 Kings 2:3]

stew

This is a dish that is usually made of meat and vegetables cooked in a pot with liquid.

2 Kings 4:39

wild gourds

These vegetables were growing wild, meaning someone had not planted them.

fill the fold of his robe

He lifted the bottom edge of his robe up to his waist to make a place to carry more gourds than he could carry with his hands only.

but did not know what kind they were

Since they did not know what kind of gourds they were they did not know whether or not they were safe to eat. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "but did not know if they were good or bad to eat"

2 Kings 4:40

they poured out the stew

"they poured the stew into bowls"

there is death in the pot

This means that there was something in the pot that could kill them, not that there is something dead in the pot. Alternate translation: "there is something in the pot that will kill us"

2 Kings 4:41

He threw it into the pot

"He added it to the stew in the pot"

Pour it out for the people

"Serve it to the people"

2 Kings 4:42

Baal Shalishah

This is the name of a city.

twenty loaves

"20 loaves"

from the firstfruits

made from the firstfruits of his grain from the new harvest

fresh ears of grain

"fresh heads of grain." This refers to grain from the new harvest.

2 Kings 4:43

What, should I set this before a hundred men?

The man uses this rhetorical question to imply that this is not enough bread to feed 100 men. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "That is not enough to feed a hundred men!"

a hundred men

"100 men"

2 Kings 4:44

the word of Yahweh

Here Yahweh is referred to by what he said. This phrase is a metonym for Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "Yahweh"

Chapter 5

2 Kings 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The stories of Elisha's miracles continue in this chapter. (See: miracle)

2 Kings 5:1

in his master's view

"sight." The king's "view" represents what he thinks about something. Alternate translation: "in the king's opinion"

because by him Yahweh had given victory to Aram

Here "Aram" refers to the Aramean army. Alternate translation: "because through Naaman, Yahweh had given victory to the Aramean army"

2 Kings 5:2

The Arameans had gone out

Here the "Arameans" refer to the Aramean soldiers.

in raiding parties

"in small groups attacking." This means to go out attacking an enemy in small groups.

2 Kings 5:3

The girl said to her mistress

The girl from Israel, who had been captured by the Aramean soldiers, spoke to Naaman's wife.

my master

Here "my master" refers to Naaman.

2 Kings 5:4

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2 Kings 5:5

I will send a letter

The king is going to give the letter to Naaman to take with him to the king of Israel. Alternate translation: "I will send a letter with you"

ten talents of silver, six thousand pieces of gold

"10 talents of silver, 6,000 pieces of gold." This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "330 kilograms of sliver, 6,000 pieces of gold"

took with him ten ... clothes

This were gifts from the king of Aram for the king of Israel. Alternate translation: "took with him ten ... clothes, which were gifts for the king of Israel"

2 Kings 5:6

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2 Kings 5:7

he tore his clothes

Often people would rip their clothes if they were in great distress. Alternate translation: "he ripped his clothes to show his distress"

Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man wants me to cure a man of his leprosy?

The king uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that the request of the king of Aram is outrageous and something he cannot do. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "The king of Aram must think I am some sort of God, with the power over death and life! He wants me to cure this man of his leprosy, but I cannot do that."

It seems he is seeking to start an argument with me

The king of Israel did not believe the request to heal Naamam was the real reason for the letter. He thought the real reason was to start a fight. Alternate translation: "It seems he is looking for an excuse to start a fight with me"

2 Kings 5:8

General Information:

Elisha talks to the King of Israel about Naaman.

Why have you torn your clothes?

Elisha uses this rhetorical question to emphasize to the king that he does not need to be distressed and tear his clothes. Alternate translation: "There is no need to be distressed and tear your clothes."

2 Kings 5:9

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2 Kings 5:10

your flesh will be restored

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "your flesh will be well"

you will be clean

this means that he will no longer be unclean. A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. God considers a person who has leprosy as being defiled and unclean.

2 Kings 5:11

Look

This word is used here to draw someone's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"

the name of Yahweh

Here Yahweh is referred to by his name. Alternate translation: "Yahweh"

over the place

"over the diseased area of my skin" or "over my leprosy"

2 Kings 5:12

Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?

Naaman uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that the Abanah and the Pharpar are better rivers than the Jordan. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "The Abanah and the Pharpar Rivers, in my home country of Aram, are much better than any of the rivers of Israel!

Abanah and Pharpar

These are the names of rivers.

Can I not bathe in them and be clean?

Naaman uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he could have bathed in the other rivers easily. He believes that bathing in them could heal him just as bathing in the Jordan could. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I should have just bathed in them and been healed!" or "I could just as easily have bathed in them and been healed!"

went away in a rage

"was very angry as he walked away"

2 Kings 5:13

My father

The servants were showing respect to Naaman by addressing him as "my father" or "sir."

would you not have done it?

The servant uses this question to carefully rebuke Naaman. Alternate translation: "you surely would have done it!"

How much more, then

The servant is comparing how much more willing Naaman should be to obey a simple command since he is willing to obey a difficult one. Alternate translation: "How much more willing should you be to obey" or "Should you not be even more willing to obey"

How much more, then, when he says to you, 'Dip yourself and be clean'?

The servant uses this rhetorical question to emphasize to Naaman that he should obey Elisha's command. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should be even more willing to obey when he says to you, 'Dip yourself and be clean.'"

2 Kings 5:14

the man of God

"Elisha, the man of God"

His flesh was restored again like the flesh of a little child

This speaks how smooth Namaan's skin is after he is healed by comparing it to the skin of a young child. Alternate translation: "His flesh was restored again and was as soft as the flesh of a young child" or "His skin was well again and was smooth like a young child's skin"

His flesh

"His skin"

he was healed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his leprosy was gone"

2 Kings 5:15

See now, I

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: I" See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 2:16.

there is no God in all the earth except in Israel

"the only God in all the earth is in Israel"

2 Kings 5:16

As Yahweh lives, before whom I stand, I

"As surely as I know that Yahweh lives, before whom I stand." Here Elisha compares the certainty that Yahweh is alive to the certainty that he will not receive any gifts from Naaman. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: "As surely as Yahweh lives, before whom I stand, I promise you that I"

before whom I stand

Here serving Yahweh is spoken of as standing in his presence. Alternate translation: "whom I serve"

I will receive nothing

This means that he will not accept any gifts. Alternate translation: "I will not take any gifts"

2 Kings 5:17

If not

The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: "If you will not take the gifts I have brought for you"

let there be given to your servant

This can be stated in active from. Alternate translation: "let me have"

two mule loads of earth

Naaman is asking to take soil from Israel and place it in sacks for two mules to carry home with him. He then plans to build an altar on the soil. Alternate translation: "as much soil from Israel as two mules can carry, so that I can build an altar to Yahweh"

your servant

Naaman refers to himself as Elisha's servant to honor him.

will offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice to any god but Yahweh

This can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: "will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but Yahweh" or "will offer burnt offerings and sacrifices only to Yahweh"

2 Kings 5:18

when my king

This is referring to the king of Aram, the king that Namaan works for.

he leans on my hand

"he supports himself on my arm." This means that Naaman assists the king when he bows in the house of Rimmon because the king is either old or sick.

2 Kings 5:19

Go in peace

"Go home and do not worry" or "Leave without fear"

2 Kings 5:20

He had traveled

"Naaman had traveled"

Gehazi

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Kings 4:12]

Look

This word is used here to draw someone's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"

has spared this Naaman the Aramean

"has let Naaman the Aramean leave too easily"

by not receiving

"by not accepting"

from his hands

Here Naaman is referred to by his hands to emphasize the act of giving. Alternate translation: "from him"

As Yahweh lives

"As surely as Yahweh lives." Here Gehazi compares the certainty that Yahweh is alive to the certainty of what he has decided to do. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: "As Yahweh lives, I promise"

2 Kings 5:21

Is everything all right

"Is everything well" or "Is everything fine." Naaman wants to know if the situation is as it should be. See how you translated "all right" in 2 Kings 4:23.

2 Kings 5:22

Everything is all right

"Everything is well" or "Everything is fine." Gehazi is saying that the situation is as it should be. See how you translated "all right" in 2 Kings 4:23.

of the sons of the prophets

This does not mean that they were the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. See how you translated this phrase in [2 Kings 2:3]

Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothes

Gehazi is asking Naaman to give these things to him so that he can take them and give them to the prophets. Alternate translation: "Please give me a talent of sliver and two changes of clothes to give to them"

See

This word is used here to draw someone's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"

a talent of silver

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "33 kilograms of silver"

2 Kings 5:23

two talents

This can be written in modern measurements. This talents are of silver. Alternate translation: "two talents of silver" or "66 kilograms of silver"

laid them on two

"gave them to"

Naaman urged Gehazi

Naaman urged him to take gifts. Alternate translation: "Naaman urged Gehazi to take the gifts"

2 Kings 5:24

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2 Kings 5:25

Your servant

Gehazi refers to himself here as Elisha's servant.

2 Kings 5:26

Was not my spirit with you when the man turned his chariot to meet you?

Elisha uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that Yahweh allowed him to see what Gehazi had done. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should have realized that my spirit could see you when Naaman stopped his chariot and talked to you."

Is this a time to accept money ... female servants?

Elisha uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that this is not the time take gifts. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "This is not the time to accept money ... female servants."

2 Kings 5:27

the leprosy of Naaman will be on you and your descendants

This speaks of Gehazi and his descendant getting leprosy as if Naaman's leprosy was taken from him and given to Gehazi. Alternate translation: "you and your descendants will have leprosy, just as Naaman had leprosy"

So Gehazi went out from his presence

The phrase "his presence" refers to the area where Elisha could see him. This means that he left the room where Elisha was. Alternate translation: "When Gehazi left the room, he was"

as white as snow

Leprosy makes skin white. Here Gehazi's leprous skin is compared to the color of snow. Alternate translation: "with skin that was white like snow"

Chapter 6

2 Kings 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The stories of Elisha's miracles continue in this chapter. (See: miracle)

Special concepts in this chapter

Impossible actions

Elisha caused an iron ax head to float. He fooled the whole army of Aram that was sent to arrest him. When the king of Aram besieged the capital of Israel, the people became so hungry they started eating their children. Elisha told the king of Israel that there would be plenty of food the next day, but the king's counselor said it was impossible.

2 Kings 6:1

The sons of the prophets

This does not mean that they were the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. See how you translated this phrase in [2 Kings 2:3]

See now, the place

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: the place" See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 2:16.

2 Kings 6:2

let us go to the Jordan

This refers to the area by the Jordan River. Alternate translation: "let us go beside the Jordan River"

2 Kings 6:3

your servants

Here one of the prophet refers to the of the sons of the prophets as Elisha's servants to show him honor.

2 Kings 6:4

General Information:

Elisha goes with the prophets to cut trees.

2 Kings 6:5

the ax head fell into the water

The ax head refers to the blade of the ax. This means that the ax head came loose from its the handle and fell into the water. Alternate translation: "the ax head separated from the handle and fell into the water"

Oh no

The man said this to show that he was upset and frustrated. If you have a way of expressing these emotions in your language, you can use it here.

it was borrowed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I borrowed it"

2 Kings 6:6

So the man of God said

"So Elisha, the man of God, asked"

He then cut off a stick, threw it in the water, and made the iron float

God uses Elisha to perform a miracle. The ax head rises to the surface of the water and it stays there so the prophet can pick it up.

made the iron float

"caused the iron to float"

the iron

"the ax head." The ax head was made of iron.

2 Kings 6:7

General Information:

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2 Kings 6:8

Now the king of Aram was waging war against Israel

"When the king of Aram was at war with Israel,"

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the story.

saying, "My camp will be in such and such a place

The king of Aram was telling his counselors where to set up the camp. Here the phrase "such and such" is a way to refer to the information of the location of the camp without writing it out. If this phase does not translate well into your language this may be written as indirect speech. Alternate translation: "and told them where his camp would be located"

2 Kings 6:9

the man of God

"Elisha the man of God"

Be careful not to pass that place, for the Arameans are going down there

Elisha knew the specific place that the Arameans were going to set up their camp and advised the king of Israel for his soldiers to avoid that area.

2 Kings 6:10

to the place about which the man of God had spoken and warned him

This refers to the place that Elisha had warned the king about in 2 Kings 6:9.

More than once or twice, when the king went there, he was on his guard

Elisha would warn the king of where the Aramean army would attack so that he could alert the people before the attack happened. Alternate translation: "Elisha warned the king of Israel in this way several times and the Israelites were able to stay safe"

2 Kings 6:11

Will you not tell me who among us is for the king of Israel?

The king of Aram assumes there is a traitor among his soldiers who is giving information to the Israelite king. He uses this rhetorical question to try to find out who that traitor is. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Tell me which of you is for the king of Israel!" or "Tell me which of you is revealing our plans to the king of Israel!"

is for the king of Israel

"To be for someone" means to be loyal to that person. In this case, it means that they would give information to help the king of Israel. Alternate translation: "is helping the king of Israel" or "is loyal to the king of Israel"

2 Kings 6:12

No

The servant is saying that none of the king's soldiers are giving information to the king of Israel. Alternate translation: "It is none of us"

my master, king

This refers to the king of Aram.

the words that you speak in your own bedroom

"what you say in the privacy of your own bedroom"

2 Kings 6:13

I may send men and capture him

The king plans to send the men to capture Elisha for him. The king does not plan to capture him himself. Alternate translation: "I may send men to capture him"

See

This word is used here to draw the king's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"

he is in Dothan

"Elisha is in Dothan"

Dothan

This is the name of a city.

2 Kings 6:14

So the king

This refers to the king of Aram.

2 Kings 6:15

the man of God

"Elisha" or "Elisha the man of God"

behold

The word "behold" here shows that the servant was surprised by what he saw.

had risen early and gone outside, behold

"got up early in the morning and went outside, and he saw"

His servant said to him

The servant went back inside the house to tell Elisha what he had seen. Alternate translation: "The servant went back inside and said to Elisha"

2 Kings 6:16

those who are with us are more than those who are with them

"To be with someone" in battle means to fight for their side. Alternate translation: "those who are on our side in the battle are more than those who are on their side"

2 Kings 6:17

open his eyes that he may see

Elisha is asking that his servant may be able to see things that other people cannot see, namely the horses and chariots of fire that are around them. Alternate translation: "make him able to see"

he saw. Behold

"he could see. What he saw was that"

Behold

The word "Behold" here shows that the servant was surprised by what he saw.

the mountain was full of horses

"the mountainside was covered with horses"

around Elisha

This refers to the city where Elisha is. Alternate translation: "around the city where Elisha was"

2 Kings 6:18

these people

This refers to the Aramean soldiers.

Strike these people blind

"Cause these people to be blind!" This refers to Yahweh causing them to be unable to see clearly.

2 Kings 6:19

This is not the way, neither is this the city

Elisha confuses the Arameans by telling them that they are not at the city they are searching for. Alternate translation: "This is not the way, neither is this the city you are looking for"

2 Kings 6:20

It came about that

"It happened that" or "Then,"

open the eyes of these men that they may see

Elisha is asking Yahweh to cause the men to see clearly again. Alternate translation: "allow these men to see"

Yahweh opened their eyes and they saw

Yahweh allowed the men to see clearly again. Alternate translation: "Yahweh took away their blindness" or "Yahweh allowed them to see clearly"

behold

The word "behold" here shows that the Arameans were surprised by what they saw.

2 Kings 6:21

when he saw them

"when he saw the Aramean soldiers"

My father

The king is speaking to Elisha the prophet and calling him "father" to show respect.

should I kill them? Should I kill them?

Here the king of Israel is referring to his army as himself. Alternate translation: "Should I order my army to kill these enemy soldiers?"

2 Kings 6:22

Elisha answered

Elisha was replying to the king of Israel's question.

Would you kill those whom you had taken captive with your sword and bow?

Elisha uses this rhetorical question to rebuke the king and tell him not to kill these men. The words "sword and bow" are a metonym for war in which soldiers use swords and bows and arrows. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You would not kill men whom you had captured in war, so you should not kill these men."

Put bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink

Here "bread" refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "Give them food to eat and water to drink"

go to their master

This refers to the king of Aram.

2 Kings 6:23

So the king prepared much food for them

The king ordered his servants to prepare the food. He did not prepare the food himself. Alternate translation: "Then the king ordered his servants to prepare a lot of food for them"

Those bands

"Those groups"

did not return for a long time into the land of Israel

This means that they did not attack Israel for a long time. Alternate translation: "stopped attacking the land of Israel for a long time"

2 Kings 6:24

Ben-Hadad

The name of the king of Aram. His name, Ben-Hadad, means "son of Hadad."

attacked Samaria

The king and his army attacked Samaria. Alternate translation: "they attacked Samaria"

2 Kings 6:25

Behold

The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

a donkey's head was sold for

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a donkey's head cost"

eighty pieces of silver

"80 pieces of silver"

the fourth part of a kab

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "a fourth part of a liter" or "a quarter of a liter"

the fourth part

This is one part out of four equal parts. Alternate translation: "one fourth" or "a quarter" or "1/4"

dove's dung for

The words "was sold for" are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated here. Alternate translation: "dove's dung was sold for" or "dove's dung cost"

2 Kings 6:26

was passing by on the wall

"walking on top of the city wall"

my master

The woman referred to the king by this name to show him respect.

2 Kings 6:27

He said

"The king of Israel answered the woman,"

If Yahweh does not help you, how can I help you?

The king uses this rhetorical question to tell the woman that he cannot help her. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "If Yahweh is not helping you, then I cannot help you."

Is there anything coming from the threshing floor or winepress?

The king uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no food available. Here the threshing floor refers to grain and the winepress refers to wine. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "There is nothing coming from the threshing floor or the winepress." or "There is no food to harvest or any grapes to make wine to drink."

2 Kings 6:28

The king continued

"The king said." This means that they continued talking.

2 Kings 6:29

we boiled

"we cooked"

2 Kings 6:30

heard the words of the woman

The words "the words" are a metonym for what the woman said. Alternate translation: "heard the woman tell what she and the other woman had done"

he tore his clothes

The king ripped his outer garment to show his distress. Alternate translation: "he tore his clothes in grief"

now he was passing by on the wall

He had been walking on the city wall when the woman called out to him in 2 Kings 6:24. Now he continued walking along it.

he had sackcloth underneath, against his skin

By wearing sackcloth even for his undergarments, the king showed that he was very sad and upset. Alternate translation: "he had sackcloth underneath his outer garment, against his skin" or "he was wearing sackcloth underneath his robe because he was very upset"

2 Kings 6:31

May God do so to me, and more also

The king is saying he hopes God will punish him and even kill him if Elisha the prophet does not die because of the things that have happened in the city of Samaria. Alternate translation: "May God punish me and kill me"

if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on him today

This refers to Elisha dying, specifically be being beheaded. Alternate translation: "if Elisha son of Shaphat is not beheaded today" or "if my soldiers do not behead Elisha son of Shaphat today"

2 Kings 6:32

The king sent a man from before him

"To be before the king" means to be one of his servants. Alternate translation: "The king of Israel sent one of his servants as a messenger"

when the messenger came to Elisha, he said to the elders

Here Elisha is speaking to the elders right before the king's messenger arrived. Alternate translation: "when the messenger had almost arrived, Elisha said to the elders"

See how this son of a murderer has sent to take away my head?

Elisha uses this rhetorical question to draw attention to the kings messenger and to insult the king. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "See, this son of a murderer has sent someone to remove my head!"

son of a murderer

This means that the king of Israel has the characteristics of a murderer. Alternate translation: "this man who is like a murderer" or "that murderer"

has sent to

It is understood that he sent a person. Alternate translation: "has sent someone to"

to take away my head

This means to behead him. Alternate translation: "to cut off my head" or "to behead me"

Look, when

Elisha uses this word here to draw the elder's attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "Listen to what I want you to do: when"

hold the door shut against him

If a door is shut against someone it means that it is closed and that they may not enter through it. Alternate translation: "hold the door shut so that he cannot come in"

Is not the sound of his master's feet behind him?

Elisha uses this question to assure the elders that the king is coming not far behind him. This rhetorical question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "The sound of his master's feet is right behind him." or "The king will be coming along soon after he arrives."

2 Kings 6:33

behold, the messenger

The word "behold" alerts us to the arrival of the messenger.

the messenger came down to him

The messenger arrived, and so did the king, as Elisha had said he would. The phrase "came down to him" means that they arrived at the place where he was. Alternate translation: "the messenger and the king arrived"

Behold

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"

this trouble

"Indeed, this trouble." The word "behold" here adds emphasis to what follows. The phrase "this trouble" refers to the famine in Samaria and the suffering it caused.

Why should I wait for Yahweh any longer?

This king use this rhetorical question to emphasize that he does not believe that Yahweh is going to help them. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Why should I continue to wait for Yahweh to help us?" or "I will not wait any longer for help from Yahweh!"

Chapter 7

2 Kings 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The stories of Elisha's miracles continue in this chapter. (See: miracle)

Special concepts in this chapter

Fear

God caused the army of Aram to hear the sound of an enormous army approaching so they all ran away leaving all their food behind.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical question

The king's counselor expressed his unbelief in Elisha's prophecy of plenty of food: "See, even if Yahweh should make windows in heaven, can this thing happen?" (See: and believe and heaven)

2 Kings 7:1

a measure of fine flour will be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel

It is implied that the Israelites will be paying less money for these item than they had been. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will sell a measure of fine flour for a shekel and two measures of barley for a shekel"

a measure of fine flour ... two measures of barley

Here the word "measure" translates the word "seah," which is a unit of dry measurement equal to about 7 liters. Alternate translation: "7 liters of fine flour ... 14 liters of barley"

a shekel

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 11 grams of silver" or "one silver coin"

2 Kings 7:2

the officer on whose hand the king leaned

A high ranking officer who was the king's personal assistant is spoken of as if he was a person on whom the king leaned his hand. Alternate translation: "the officer who was close to the king" or "the officer who was the king's personal assistant"

even if Yahweh should make windows in heaven

Yahweh causing much rain to fall in order to make the crops grow is spoken of as if Yahweh were opening windows in heaven through which he pours down rain. Alternate translation: "even if Yahweh were to cause much rain to fall from heaven"

can this thing happen?

The officer asks this question to express his unbelief. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "this could never happen!"

you will watch it happen with your own eyes

The phrase "with your own eyes" emphasizes that the officer will certainly see the things that Elisha prophesied. Alternate translation: "you yourself will watch these things happen"

but you will not eat any of it

"but you will not eat any of the flour or barely"

2 Kings 7:3

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the writer starts to tell a new part of the story.

Why should we sit here until we die?

Although there were four men, probably only one of them asks this question. The question is rhetorical and emphasizes that they should not do this. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Certainly we should not sit here until we die"

2 Kings 7:4

If they keep us alive, we will live, and if they kill us, we will only die

The four men with leprosy are saying that the Arameans might feed them so that they can live, or they might kill them, which would be no worse since they would die anyway.

2 Kings 7:5

at twilight

This refers to the early evening after the sun has set, but before it is dark.

the outermost part

"the edge"

2 Kings 7:6

the Aramean army hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses—the noise of another large army

The soldiers of the Aramean army heard noises that sounded like a large army approaching to battle them. This was not an actual army, but the Lord had made them hear these sounds.

they said to each other

"the Aramean soldiers said to each other"

the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians

Here the word "kings" represents the kings and their armies. Alternate translation: "the armies of the Hittites and the Egyptians"

to come against us

"to fight us" or "to attack us"

2 Kings 7:7

General Information:

This is what happened after the Lord caused the Aramean soldiers to think they heard a large enemy army approaching their camp.

in the twilight

This refers to the early evening after the sun has set, but before it is dark.

2 Kings 7:8

plunder

This refers to items that a conquering army takes from another army that they have defeated. Here it refers to "silver and gold and clothes."

2 Kings 7:9

until the morning light

"until morning, when people can see"

punishment will overtake us

Someone punishing the four men is spoken of as if punishment were a person who captures them. Alternate translation: "the people will punish us" or "someone will punish us"

tell the king's household

Here the word "household" represents the people who live in the king's palace. Alternate translation: "tell the king and his people"

2 Kings 7:10

as they were

The implicit information may be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "as they were when the soldiers were still there"

2 Kings 7:11

then it was told inside the king's household

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "then people told it inside the king's household" or "then people told it to the king and those in his palace"

2 Kings 7:12

have done to us

"are planning to do to us" or "have done to deceive us"

take them alive

This means that they would capture the people and not kill them.

2 Kings 7:13

the horses that remain, which are left in the city

Many of the horses belonging to the Israelites had died because of the famine. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "the horses in the city that are still alive"

see

The implicit information about what he wanted to see may be expressed clearly. Alternate translation: "see if what these lepers have said is true"

2 Kings 7:14

Go and see

The implicit information about what the king wanted them to see may be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Go and see if what these lepers have said is true"

2 Kings 7:15

They went after them to the Jordan

"They followed the path the Aramean army took all the way to the Jordan River"

all the road was full of clothes and equipment

This is an exaggeration that means the men saw these items scattered along the road as they traveled. Alternate translation: "there were clothes and equipment all along the road"

2 Kings 7:16

plundered the camp

This refers to taking items from a defeated army.

So a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So people sold a measure of fine flour for a shekel and two measures of barley for a shekel"

a measure of fine flour ... two measures of barley

Here the word "measure" translates the word "seah," which is a unit of dry measurement equal to about 7 liters. Alternate translation: "7 liters of fine flour ... 14 liters of barley"

a shekel

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 11 grams of silver" or "one silver coin"

just as the word of Yahweh had said

Here "word" represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: "just as Yahweh had said"

2 Kings 7:17

the officer on whose hand he had leaned

A high-ranking officer who was the king's personal assistant is spoken of as if he were a person on whom the king leaned his hand. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 7:2]

trampled him down

The crowd of people were in such a rush to get to the food in the camp that they knocked over the man and trampled him to death.

2 Kings 7:18

General Information:

In this verse, the writer summarizes what happened by repeating the events that he described in [2 Kings 7:1]

About this time

"About this time tomorrow"

two measures of barley ... a measure of fine flour

Here the word "measure" translates the word "seah," which is a unit of dry measurement equal to about 7 liters. Alternate translation: "14 liters of barley ... 7 liters of fine flour"

a shekel

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 11 grams of silver" or "one silver coin"

2 Kings 7:19

General Information:

In this verse, the writer summarizes what happened by repeating the events that he described in [2 Kings 7:2]

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

even if Yahweh should make windows in heaven

Yahweh causing much rain to fall in order to make the crops grow is spoken of as if Yahweh were opening windows in heaven through which he pours down rain. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 7:2]

can this thing happen?

The captain asks this question to express his unbelief. This question can be translated as a statement. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 7:2]

you will watch it happen with your own eyes

The phrase "with your own eyes" emphasizes that the captain will certainly see the things that Elisha prophesied. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 7:2]

but you will not eat any of it

"but you will not eat any of the flour or barley"

2 Kings 7:20

General Information:

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Chapter 8

2 Kings 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The stories of of Elisha's miracles continue in this chapter. (See: miracle)

Special concepts in this chapter

Kings

Elisha told Hazael that he would be king of Aram. Jehoram became king of Judah. He was evil so Edom and Libna revolted and chose their own kings. (See: evil)

2 Kings 8:1

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the story.

the woman whose son he had restored to life

The story of this woman and her son is found at 2 Kings 4:8.

he had restored to life

"he had caused to become alive again"

Arise, and go

To arise here is for a person to stop what he is doing and begin to do what he needs to do. Alternate translation: "Do as I say, and go"

2 Kings 8:2

the woman arose and she obeyed the word of the man of God

To arise here is for a person to stop what he is doing and begin to do what he needs to do. She may have been standing when she heard Elisha speak and decided to go.

the man of God

"Elisha, the man of God"

2 Kings 8:3

to the king

This refers to the king of Israel.

to cry to him for her house and for her land

While the woman was gone, someone seized her home and land. She is begging the king to return them to her. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "to beg him to return her house and land to her" or "for her home and her land to be returned to her"

her land

This refers to the land that she would farm for food.

2 Kings 8:4

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author tells us background information about what the king was doing when the woman arrived.

2 Kings 8:5

had restored to life the child who was dead

"had caused the child who was dead to become alive again"

to cry to the king for her house and for her land

While the woman was gone, someone seized her home and land. She is begging the king to return them to her. The meaning of this can be made clear. See how you translated similar words in [2 Kings 8:3]

her land

This refers to the land that she would farm for food. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 8:3.

2 Kings 8:6

about her son

This refers to the story of her son dying and Elisha bringing him back to life. The meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "about what had happened to her son"

all the harvests of her fields

This metonym refers to the amount of money that the harvests of her fields were worth while she was away. Alternate translation: "all the profit from the harvests of her fields"

2 Kings 8:7

Ben-Hadad

This is the name of the king of Aram. His name, Ben-Hadad, means "son of Hadad." See how you translated this man's name in [2 Kings 6:24]

2 Kings 8:8

Hazael

This is the name of a man.

Take a gift

Hazael was to take many gifts, not just one. Alternate translation: "take many gifts"

in your hand

The phrase "in your hand" is an idiom meaning for him to take the gifts with him. Alternate translation: "with you"

the man of God

"Elisha, the man of God"

consult with Yahweh through him, saying

"ask Elisha to ask Yahweh"

Will I revive

"Will I recover" or "Will I become well"

2 Kings 8:9

carried by forty camels

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which forty camels carried"

forty camels

"40 camels"

Your son Ben-Hadad king of Aram

Ben-Hadad was not actually Elisha's son, but Hazael called him that to show a close relationship between them. Alternate translation: "Ben-Hadad the king of Aram who is like a son to you"

Will I revive

"Will I recover" or "Will I become well." See how you translated this in 2 Kings 8:8.

2 Kings 8:10

You will surely revive

"You will surely recover" or "You will surely become well." See how you translated similar words in 2 Kings 8:8.

2 Kings 8:11

until he was ashamed

"until Hazael felt uncomfortable"

2 Kings 8:12

my master

Hazael refers to Elisha this way to honor him.

Because I know

God has shown Elisha what will take place in the future.

you will do

The word "you" represents Hazael and refers to himself and the soldiers under his control when he is king. Alternate translation: "you will cause to happen" or "you will order your soldiers"

You will set ... you will kill

The word "you" represents Hazel but here refers to his soldiers and not to Hazael personally. Alternate translation: "You soldiers will set ... your soldiers will kill"

dash in pieces their little ones

"crush their little children." This is a brutal description of the soldiers killing children.

kill their young men with the sword

This means that the men will be killed in battle. The sword was the main weapon used in battle. Alternate translation: "kill their young men in battle"

rip open their pregnant women

Specifically this refers to tear open their stomachs. Alternate translation: "rip open the stomachs of their pregnant women with swords"

2 Kings 8:13

Who is your servant, that he should do this great thing?

Hazel refers to himself here as Elisha's servant. Hazel uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he does not think he could do the terrible things that Elisha has said. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I could never do such great things!" or "Who am I, that I would have the power to do such things?"

this great thing

"this terrible thing." Here the word "great" refers to something that has a large effect and is terrible.

He is only a dog

Hazael is talking about himself. He speaks of his low status and lack of influence by comparing himself to a dog. Here a dog represents a lowly animal. Alternate translation: "I am as powerless as a dog" or "I am as powerless as a lowly animal"

2 Kings 8:14

came to his master

The phrase "his master" refers to Ben Hadad.

you would certainly revive

"you would certainly recover" or "you would certainly get better." See how you translated similar words in 2 Kings 8:8.

2 Kings 8:15

face so that he died

This means that Ben-Hadad suffocated under the wet blanket. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "face. Ben-Hadad was unable to breathe through it, and so he died"

2 Kings 8:16

General Information:

Jehoram becomes king of Judah.

In the fifth year of Joram son of Ahab, king of Israel

This describes the time that Jehoram began to reign over Judah by stating how long Joram, the current king of Israel, had been reigning. Alternate translation: "In the fifth year that Jorman son of Ahab was king of Israel" or "In year five of the reign of Joram son of Ahab, king of Israel"

fifth year

"year 5"

Jehoram began to reign

Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, became the king of Judah.

2 Kings 8:17

thirty-two years old

"32 years old"

2 Kings 8:18

Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel

Here "walking" is an idiom that refers to how he lived and reigned as king. At this time in history, the recent kings of Israel had been evil kings. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Jehoram was an evil king, just as other kings of Israel who ruled before him had been"

as the house of Ahab was doing

Here the "house" of Ahab refers to the members of Ahab's family and his recent descendants. Ahab is Jehoram father-in-law. Alternate translation: "the same as the rest of the family of Ahab was doing"

for he had Ahab's daughter as his wife

Jehoram had married king Ahab's daughter.

what was evil in Yahweh's sight

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"

2 Kings 8:19

destroy Judah

Here "Judah" is a metonym for the people who live there. Alternate translation: "destroy the people of Judah"

since he had told David that he would always give him a lamp for his descendants

"since Yahweh had told David that he would always give David a lamp for his descendants." This refers to Yahweh's promise to David that his descendants would always rule Judah. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "since he had told David that one of his descendants would always rule Judah"

2 Kings 8:20

the hand of Judah

Here the word "hand" refers to the control of Judah, and "Judah" refers specifically to the king of Judah. Alternate translation: "the control of the king of Judah"

they set a king over themselves

"they appointed a king to rule over themselves"

2 Kings 8:21

Then Jehoram crossed over

What was "crossed over" can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Then Jehoram crossed the enemy lines"

their tents

"their homes." The Judahites were living in houses in those days.

2 Kings 8:22

General Information:

King Jehoram of Judah dies and his son Ahaziah becomes king.

So Edom has been in rebellion against the rule of Judah to this present day

"So after that, Edom was no longer controlled by Judah, and it is still like that"

the rule of Judah

Here "Judah" refers to the king of Judah. Alternate translation: "the rule of the king of Judah" or "the authority of the king of Judah"

to this present day

to the time that this book was written

Libnah also revolted at the same time

Libnah rebelled against the king of Judah just as Edom had. Alternate translation: "During that same time, Libnah also rebelled against the king of Judah"

Libnah

This is another city that was originally part of Judah. Here "Libnah" refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "the people of Libnah"

2 Kings 8:23

As for the other matters concerning Jehoram, all that he did

"To read more about the history of Jehoram and what he did,"

are they not written ... Judah?

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Jehoram is in this other book. Alternate translation: "these things are written ... Judah." or "someone has written about them ... Judah."

2 Kings 8:24

Jehoram lay down with his fathers and was buried with them

Here "lay down" is a polite way of referring to someone dying. After he died, his body was buried in the same place as the bodies of his forefathers. The phrase "was buried" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jehoram died as his ancestors had died, and they buried him with his ancestors"

Then Ahaziah his son became king in his place

"Then Ahaziah, Jehoram's son, became king after he died"

2 Kings 8:25

General Information:

Ahaziah becomes king of Judah.

In the twelfth year of Joram son of Ahab, king of Israel

This describes the time that Ahaziah began to reign as king of Judah by stating how long Joram, the current king of Israel, had reigned. Alternate translation: "in the twelfth year that Joram son of Ahab was king of Israel"

twelfth year

"12th year"

2 Kings 8:26

twenty-two years

"22 years"

Athaliah ... Omri

Athaliah is the name of a woman. Omri is the name of a man.

2 Kings 8:27

Ahaziah walked in the ways of

Here "walking" refers his behavior or the way in which he lived. Alternate translation: "Ahaziah lived the same way as the others in"

the house of Ahab

Here the "house" of Ahab refers to his family. Alternate translation: "the family of Ahab"

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"

a son-in-law to the house of Ahab

This explains Ahaziah's family relationship to Ahab. Ahaziah's father was married to Ahab's daughter. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "the son of Ahab's son-in-law" or "a grandson of King Ahab"

2 Kings 8:28

Ahaziah went with Joram son of Ahab, to fight against Hazael, king of Aram

The names of the three kings listed here are synecdoches and refer also to their armies that accompany them. Alternate translation: "Ahaziah's army joined the army of King Joram of Israel to fight against the army of King Hazael of Aram"

2 Kings 8:29

to be healed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to heal" or "to recover"

against Hazael king of Aram

Here "Hazael" refers to himself and his army. Alternate translation: "the army of Hazael king of Aram"

Joram had been wounded

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Arameans had wounded Joram"

Chapter 9

2 Kings 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The life of Elisha continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

King Jehu

Elisha told a young prophet to go and tell Jehu that God had made him the new king. Jehu killed the kings of both Israel and Judah and Jezebel, the mother of the king. (See: prophet)

2 Kings 9:1

the sons of the prophets

This does not mean that they were the sons of prophets, but rather, that they were a group of prophets. See how you translated this phrase in [2 Kings 2:3]

Gird your loins

"Get ready to travel"

in your hand

The phrase "in your hand" refers to him taking the bottle with him. Alternate translation: "with you"

Ramoth Gilead

Translate the name of this city the same as you did in [2 Kings 8:28]

2 Kings 9:2

Jehu son of Jehoshaphat son of Nimshi

This means that Jehoshaphat is Jehu's father and that Nimshi is Jehoshapat's father.

companions

These are the people with whom Jehu was sitting.

conduct him to

"go along with him to" or "take him along to"

an inner chamber

"a private room"

2 Kings 9:3

General Information:

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2 Kings 9:4

General Information:

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2 Kings 9:5

behold

The writer uses the word "behold" to direct attention to what follows. If you have a way of doing this in your language, you can use it here.

the captains of the army were sitting

Jehu was sitting among the captains. You may introduce Jehu to the story here if this is necessary in your language. Alternate translation: "Jehu and some other army officers were sitting together"

To which of us

The word "us" refers to Jehu and the other army captains.

2 Kings 9:6

General Information:

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2 Kings 9:7

General Information:

The young prophet continues to speak to Jehu, whom he had just anointed as king over Israel.

I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of Yahweh

Here the "blood" of the prophets and the servants refers to their deaths. Alternate translation: "I may avenge the deaths of my servants the prophets and all the servants of Yahweh" or "so that I may punish them for murdering my servants the prophets and all the servants of Yahweh"

who were murdered by the hand of Jezebel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Jezebel commanded her servants to murder" or "whose deaths were commanded by Jezebel"

by the hand of Jezebel

This means that Jezebel commanded the people to be killed. Alternate translation: "by an order from Jezebel" or "by Jezebel's command"

2 Kings 9:8

For the whole family of Ahab will perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male child

Here to be "cut off" means to be killed. Alternate translation: "For the whole family of Ahab will perish, and I will cause every male child in his family to be killed" or "Every member of Ahab's family will die, including every male child"

every male child

This phrase is used to refer to every male, but it specifies "child" to emphasize that it includes children. Alternate translation: "every male"

2 Kings 9:9

General Information:

The young prophet continues to speak the words of Yahweh to Jehu, whom he had just anointed as king over Israel.

I will make the house of Ahab like

This means that God will destroy Ahab and his family just as he destroyed Jeroboam and Baasha and their families. Alternate translation: "I will get rid of the house of Ahab like I got rid of"

the house of

This phrase is used in this verse three times. Each time, the word "house" refers to the "family" of the man specified. Alternate translation: "the family of"

Nebat ... Ahijah

These are the names of men. Translate the name "Nebat" the same as you did in [2 Kings 3:3]

2 Kings 9:10

The dogs will eat Jezebel

This means that the dogs will eat her dead body. Alternate translation: "Dogs will eat the dead body of Jezebel"

2 Kings 9:11

the servants of his master

This refers to the other officers who were serving King Ahab.

Is everything all right

"Is everything well" or "Is everything fine." The servant wants to know if the situation is as it should be. See how you translated "all right" in 2 Kings 4:23.

mad fellow

"crazy man"

You know the man and the kinds of things he says

Jehu says that he is a young prophet and they all are familiar with the kinds of things young prophets generally say. Alternate translation: "You know what kinds of things young prophets like him say"

2 Kings 9:12

Tell us

"Tell us what he said"

He said this and that to me

"He talked about some things"

2 Kings 9:13

took off his outer garment and put it under Jehu

In this culture, putting clothing on the ground was a way of honoring the king, so that his feet would not touch the dirty ground. Alternate translation: "took off their outer clothes and put them in front of Jehu for him to walk on"

They blew the ram's horn and said

Not every man blew a ram's horn. It is likely only one man blew a ram's horn. Alternate translation: "One of them blew the ram's horn and they all said"

2 Kings 9:14

Nimshi

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in [2 Kings 9:2]

Now Joram

The word "Now" is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author tells background information about about how Joram was wounded and went to recover in Jezreel.

all Israel

These refers only to the Israelite army and not to everyone who lives in Israel. Alternate translation: "he and his army" or "he and the Israelite army"

Hazael

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in [2 Kings 8:8]

2 Kings 9:15

to be healed of

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to recover from"

the wounds that the Arameans had given him

This means that he was wounded in battle with the Arameans. Alternate translation: "wounds that Joram got during the battle with the Aramean army"

against Hazael king of Aram

This refers to Hazael and his army. Alternate translation: "against Hazael king of Aram and his army"

Jehu said to the servants of Joram

This refers to the officers who were with Joram at Ramoth Gilead.

If this is your opinion

"If you are in agreement with me" Jehu uses this phrase to refer to if people are supportive of him being king and of his decisions. Alternate translation: "If you truly want me to be your king"

in order to go tell this news in Jezreel

This refers to telling Joram and his army of Jehu's plans. Alternate translation: "to warn king Joram and his army in Jezreel"

2 Kings 9:16

Now Ahaziah

The word "now" is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author tells background information about Ahaziah visiting Joram.

2 Kings 9:17

watchman

guard

the company of Jehu as he came at a distance

"Jehu and his men as they were still far away"

2 Kings 9:18

What have you to do with peace?

Jehu uses this rhetorical question to tell the messenger that it is none of his concern if he comes in peace or not. This may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is not your concern if I have come in peace!" or "It is not for you to know if I have come in peace!"

The messenger has met them, but he is not coming back

The watchman told King Joram that the man he sent out is not coming back with a reply to the king's question.

2 Kings 9:19

Then he sent out a second man on horseback, who came to them

"Then king Joram sent a second messenger riding a horse, who went out to meet Jehu and his army"

a second man

Joram had already sent one man. This was the next. Alternate translation: "another man"

What have you to do with peace?

Jehu uses this rhetorical question to tell the messenger that it is none of his concern if he comes in peace or not. This may be written as a statement. See how you translated this question in [2 Kings 9:18]

2 Kings 9:20

For the way that the chariot is being driven is the way that Jehu son of Nimshi drives

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Because the driver of the chariot drives the same way that Jehu son of Nimshi drives"

2 Kings 9:21

each in his chariot

"each in his own chariot"

They found him at

"When they reached Jehu, he was at"

Naboth

This is the name of a man.

Jezreelite

This refers to a person from Jezreel.

2 Kings 9:22

What peace is there, when the idolatrous acts of prostitution and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel are so many?

Jehu uses this rhetorical question to state why he is not coming in peace. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "There can be no peace as long as your mother Jezebel practices and promotes so much idolatry in the form of prostitution and witchcraft."

2 Kings 9:23

turned his chariot and fled

"turned his chariot around to try to flee"

treachery

trickery or deception

2 Kings 9:24

with his full strength

"with all of his strength" or "with all of his power"

he sank down in his chariot

Joram died from being shot with arrow. Alternate translation: "Joram fell down dead in his chariot"

2 Kings 9:25

Bidkar

This is the name of a man.

Pick him up and throw him

"Pick up his dead body and throw it" or "Take his corpse and throw it"

Think about how

"Remember"

after Ahab his father

This means that they rode in the chariot behind Ahab's chariot. Alternate translation: "behind his father Ahab's chariot"

Yahweh placed this prophecy against him

"Yahweh spoke this prophecy against Ahab"

2 Kings 9:26

I will surely make you pay for it

This means that he will punish Ahab as he deserves for the evil he has done. Alternate translation: "I will give you what you deserve for the evil you have done"

pick him up and throw him on this field

"take Joram's dead body and throw it into the field of Naboth"

according to the word of Yahweh

"to fulfill the prophecy spoken to us"

2 Kings 9:27

General Information:

This is the account of what happened to Ahaziah, the king of Judah, after Jehu killed Joram.

saw this

"saw what happened to Joram"

Beth Haggan ... Gur ... Ibleam ... Megiddo

These are the names of places.

at the ascent of Gur

The word "ascent" means that they were going up hill while travelling on the road to Gur. Alternate translation: "on the road leading up to Gur"

2 Kings 9:28

his fathers

"his ancestors"

2 Kings 9:29

in the eleventh year of Joram son of Ahab

This describes the time that Ahaziah began to reign by stating how long the current king of Israel had reigned. Alternate translation: "in the eleventh year that Joram son of Ahab was king of Israel"

eleventh year

"11th year"

2 Kings 9:30

painted her eyes, arranged her hair

"put on makeup, made her hair look nice"

2 Kings 9:31

Are you coming in peace, you Zimri, your master's murderer?

Jezebel uses this rhetorical question to accuse Jehu of not coming peacefully. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are certainly not coming in peace, you Zimri, your master's murderer!"

you Zimri, your master's murderer

Here Jezebel calls Jehu "Zimri" to say that he is a murderer. Zimri was a commander of the army of Israel who murdered the king of Israel because he wanted to be king. Alternate translation: "you murdered your master, just like Zimri murdered his master"

Zimri

This is the name of a man.

2 Kings 9:32

Who is on my side

To "be on someone's side" means to be loyal to them and supportive of them. Alternate translation: "Who is loyal to me"

2 Kings 9:33

Throw her down

Jehu was telling the eunuchs to throw Jezebel out of the window.

So they threw Jezebel down

The eunuchs threw Jezebel out of the high window and she died when she hit the ground.

Jehu trampled her underfoot

This means that he drove his horses over her body. Alternate translation: "Jehu's horses that were pulling his chariot trampled her body under their feet"

2 Kings 9:34

See now to

The phrase "see now to" means to give your attention to whatever is specified. Alternate translation: "Now go to"

for she is a king's daughter

Since Jezebel was the daughter of a king, it was necessary to bury her properly. Alternate translation: "because she is a king's daughter and therefore should be buried properly"

2 Kings 9:35

they found no more of her than

"they found no more of her body than" This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "all they found that was left of her body were"

the palms of her hands

The palm is the inner part of the hand.

2 Kings 9:36

the Tishbite

This refers to someone from the city of Tishbe. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 1:3]

2 Kings 9:37

the body of Jezebel will be like dung on the surface of the fields ... so that no one will be able to say

This speaks of the pieces of Jezebel's body being scattered in the field as if they were dung spread in the field. Since the pieces of her body were so small and spread out there was nothing that could be collected and buried. Alternate translation: "the pieces of Jezebel's body will be scattered like dung in the fields ... so that no one will be able to recognize them and say"

dung

manure, specifically dung used as a fertilizer

so that no one will be able to say, "This is Jezebel."

"so that no one will be able to recognize her body." or "so no one will be able to tell this was Jezebel."

Chapter 10

2 Kings 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God's prophecy against the family of Ahab was fulfilled. Jehu killed all of Ahab's descendants and all the worshipers of Baal. (See: prophet and fulfill)

2 Kings 10:1

seventy descendants

"70 descendants"

Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria

This means that Jehu sent a messenger to deliver the letters. Alternate translation: "Jehu wrote letters and sent a messenger to deliver them in Samaria"

2 Kings 10:2

General Information:

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2 Kings 10:3

set him on his father's throne

Here, sitting on the king's throne means to be appointed as king. Alternate translation: "make him king in his father's place"

for your master's royal line

"your master's descendants." Here the man that they selected to be king is referred to as Ahab's royal line of descendants. Alternate translation: "to defend your master's descendant" or "to defend him"

2 Kings 10:4

But they were terrified

"Then they were very afraid"

the two kings

"two kings, Joram and Ahaziah"

could not stand before Jehu

Here "stand" means to be able to endure under trouble. Alternate translation: "could not endure against Jehu" or "could not resist Jehu"

So how can we stand?

The descendants use the rhetorical question to imply that they cannot stand against Jehu. Alternate translation: "We cannot stand against him either!" or "We cannot resist him either!"

2 Kings 10:5

the man who was over the city

"the mayor of the city." Here to be "over" something means to have authority and responsibility over it. Alternate translation: "the man who was in charge of the city"

they who raised the children

This refers to the people who raised the king's children. Alternate translation: "they who raised the king's children"

Do what is good in your eyes

Here Jehu's "eyes" refer to his "sight." His "sight" refers to what he thinks. Alternate translation: "Do what you judge to be right" or "Do whatever you think is the best"

2 Kings 10:6

wrote a letter the second time to them

Joram had written one letter. This was the next. Alternate translation: "again wrote a letter to them" or "wrote another letter to them"

on my side

To "be on someone's side" means to be loyal to them and supportive of them. Alternate translation: "loyal to me"

listen

to hear and obey

to my voice

Here Jehu's "voice" refer to what he says. Alternate translation: "to what I say"

you must take the heads ... and come to me

It is implied that they are to bring the heads of the Ahab's descendant and present them to Jehu. Alternate translation: "you must take the heads ... and bring them to me"

you must take the heads of the men of your master's descendants

This refers to killing them and removing their heads. Alternate translation: "kill your master's descendants and cut off their heads"

seventy in number

"70 in number"

who were bringing them up

This means that they were supervising them and teaching them. Alternate translation: "who were raising them" or "who were supervising them"

2 Kings 10:7

seventy persons

"70 persons"

sent them to Jehu

This means that they sent people to deliver the baskets to Jehu. Alternate translation: "sent people to take them to Jehu"

2 Kings 10:8

of the king's sons

"of Ahab's descendants"

2 Kings 10:9

Jehu went out and stood

"Jehu went to the city gate and stood before the people"

You are innocent

It can be stated clearly what they were innocent of. Possible meanings are 1) Alternate translation: "You are innocent of what happened to Joram" or 2) this means that they are not held responsible for the deaths of Joram's family. Alternate translation: "You are innocent of what happened to Joram and his family" or "You are innocent of this matter"

See

Jehu uses this word here to draw the peoples' attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "Listen" or "Hear my words"

but who killed all these?

Jehu uses a rhetorical question to cause the people to think deeply about the situation. This can be written as a statement. Possible meanings are 1) Alternate translation: "but the men of Samaria are responsible for killing Ahab's 70 descendants" or 2) Alternate translation: "but it was Yahweh's will for these men to die"

2 Kings 10:10

certainly realize

"understand" or "be aware of the fact that"

no part of Yahweh's word ... will fall to the ground

This speaks of everything happening that Yahweh has said will happen as if it were something that did not die and fall to the ground. Alternate translation: "No part of Yahweh's word ... will fail" or "every part of Yahweh's word ... will happen"

Yahweh has done

This speaks of Yahweh causing Ahab's descendants to be killed as if he killed them himself. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has caused to happen"

2 Kings 10:11

So Jehu killed all ... and his priests

Jehu did not kill all of these people personally, rather he commanded for them to be killed. Alternate translation: "So Jehu commanded for all ... to be killed" or "So Jehu commanded for all ... to die"

all who remained

"all who were alive" or "all who were left"

until no survivor remained to him

This means that none of Ahab's family, friends, and loyal officials were alive. Alternate translation: "until all of his people were dead"

2 Kings 10:12

Beth Eked of the shepherd

This was the name of a place where sheep were sheared.

2 Kings 10:13

going down to greet

"going to visit"

the children of the king

"the children of King Joram"

2 Kings 10:14

Take them alive

This means to capture them, but not to kill them. Alternate translation: "Seize them" or "Capture them"

So they took them alive

"So they captured them"

forty-two men

"42 men"

He did not leave any of them alive

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "He killed all of them"

2 Kings 10:15

Jehonadab son of Rekab

This is the name of a man.

Is your heart with me, as my heart is with yours? ... "It is."

Here a person's "heart" refers to their loyality. If a person's loyalty is "with someone," it means that they are loyal to that person. Alternate translation: "Will you be loyal to me, as I will be loyal to you? ... 'I will.'"

If it is, give me your hand

"If so, put your hand in mine" or "If so, let us shake hands" In many cultures, when two people shake hands, it confirms their agreement.

2 Kings 10:16

see my zeal

The word "zeal" may be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: "see how zealous I am"

2 Kings 10:17

royal line

"entire royal family"

just as was told them before by the word of Yahweh, which he had spoken to Elijah

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to fulfill the prophecy that Elijah had spoken, which Yahweh gave to him"

2 Kings 10:18

gathered all the people together

"called all the people and had them come to where he was"

all the people together

all the people of the city of Samaria

serve him much

"serve him much more than Ahab did"

2 Kings 10:19

Let no one be left out

"Do not leave anyone out"

Whoever does not come will not live

This means that if they do not come they will be executed. Alternate translation: "We will execute anyone who does not come"

2 Kings 10:20

Announce that there will be an assembly for Baal

"Tell the people to come for an assembly to honor Baal." The messengers were to tell that there would be an assembly and when it would take place.

2 Kings 10:21

Then Jehu sent

This means that he sent messengers to take this message throughout the land. Alternate translation: "Then Jehu sent messengers" or "Then Jehu sent the message"

so that there was not a man left who did not come

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "so that every worshiper of Baal was there" or "so that every man came"

it was filled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they filled it"

2 Kings 10:22

who kept the priest's wardrobe

Here "to keep" something means to care for it and oversee it. Alternate translation: "who was in charge of the priest's wardrobe" or "who cared for the priest's wardrobe"

2 Kings 10:23

he said to the worshipers of Baal

"Jehu said to the people who were in the temple to worship Baal"

but the worshipers of Baal alone

"but that only worshipers of Baal are here"

2 Kings 10:24

If any of the men whom I bring into your hands escapes

Here the "hands" of the men refer to their "control." By being stationed around the temple they were in control of the situation and it was up to them whether people were able to escape or not. Alternate translation: "If any of these men that I brought into your control escapes" or "If any of the men that are inside gets away"

whoever lets that man escape, his life will be taken for the life of the one who escaped

"we will kill the man who let him escape"

his life will be taken

This can be stated in active form. This is a polite way to refer to a person being killed. Alternate translation: "we will take his life" or "we will kill him"

for the life of the one

"in exchange for the life of the man." Here this man is referred to by his "life" to emphasize that he did not die. Alternate translation: "for the man"

2 Kings 10:25

he said to his bodyguards and to the officers

You may need to state that Jehu came out of the temple before he spoke to the guard. Alternate translation: "he went back outside of the temple of Baal and said to his bodyguards and to the officers"

with the edge of the sword

The men used swords to kill the worshipers of Baal. This phrase refers to their swords. Alternate translation: "with their swords"

threw them out

This means that threw the dead bodies of the people out of the temple. Alternate translation: "threw their dead bodies out of the temple"

2 Kings 10:26

General Information:

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2 Kings 10:27

made it a latrine

"made it a public toilet" A latrine is a bathroom, or a toilet area, usually for a camp or buildings used to house soldiers.

which it is to this day

This means that something has remained in a certain condition until the present time. Alternate translation: "and since then it has always been that way"

2 Kings 10:28

General Information:

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2 Kings 10:29

did not leave the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat

This speaks of Jehu committing the same sins that Jeroboam committed, as if Jeroboam's sins were a place that Jehu did not leave. Alternate translation: "did not stop committing the kinds of sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had committed"

Nebat

See how you translated this man's name in [2 Kings 3:3]

2 Kings 10:30

in executing

"in carrying out" or "in accomplishing"

what was right in my eyes

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "what I judge to be right" or "what I consider to be right"

the house of Ahab

Here Ahab's "house" refers to his "family." Alternate translation: "the family of Ahab"

all that was in my heart

Here the "heart" represents "desire." Alternate translation: "all that I desired for you to do" or "all that I wanted you to do"

sit on the throne

Sitting on the throne represents ruling as king. Alternate translation: "be the kings"

to the fourth generation

This refers to his son, grandson, great-grandson, and great-great-grandson. Alternate translation: "to the 4th generation" or "for four more generations"

2 Kings 10:31

Jehu took no care to walk in the law of Yahweh

Here "walking" refers to "living." Alternate translation: "Jehu was not careful to live according to the law of Yahweh"

with all his heart

Here the "heart" refers to a person's will and desire. Alternate translation: "in everything that he did" or "with all of his will"

He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam

To "turn away" from something means to stop doing it. Alternate translation: "Jehu did not stop from sinning in the same ways as Jeroboam"

2 Kings 10:32

began to cut off regions from Israel

"began to cause the territory controlled by Israel to become smaller"

regions

areas of land

Hazael defeated

Here "Hazael" refers to himself and his army. Alternate translation: "Hazael and his army" or "King Hazael's Aramean army"

Hazael

See how you translated this king's name in [2 Kings 8:8]

2 Kings 10:33

from the Jordan eastward

"from the land east of the Jordan"

Aroer ... Bashan

These are all names of places.

the Arnon

"the Arnon River" This is the name of a river.

2 Kings 10:34

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?

This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 1:18]

2 Kings 10:35

Jehu lay down with his ancestors, and they buried him in Samaria

This is a polite way of saying that he died. This speaks of him being buried where his ancestors were buried as if he were sleeping with them. Alternate translation: "Jehu died and they buried him in Samaria, where they had also buried his ancestors"

Jehoahaz

This is the name of a man.

2 Kings 10:36

The time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty-eight years

"Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria for twenty-eight years"

twenty-eight years

"28 years"

Chapter 11

2 Kings 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is the beginning of the story of the spiritual revival in Judah under Joash. The people returned to properly worshiping Yahweh. (See: spirit)

Special concepts in this chapter

Athaliah's evil actions

The mother of the king of Judah, Athaliah, killed all the royal children so that she could rule. She was not able to kill the baby Joash because his aunt hid him in the temple. When Joash was seven years old, the chief priest conspired with the army and made Joash king. They killed Athaliah and destroyed the temple of Baal. (See: temple)

2 Kings 11:1

Athaliah

This is the name of a woman.

saw that her son was dead

"became aware that her son was dead"

she arose and killed all the royal children

Athaliah did not personally kill the children. Alternate translation: "she commanded her servants to kill all the members of Ahaziah's family who might become king"

2 Kings 11:2

took Joash son of Ahaziah, and hid him away from among the king's sons who were killed, along with his nurse; she put them into a bedroom. They hid him from Athaliah so that he was not killed.

"took Ahaziah's very young son Joash and hid him and his nursemaid in a bedroom in the temple. So he was not killed"

Jehosheba

This is the name of a woman.

Joash

This is the name of a man.

2 Kings 11:3

He remained with her six years, hidden in the house of Yahweh, while Athaliah reigned over the land

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Joash and Jehosheba hid him in the house of Yahweh for six years while Athaliah ruled the land"

land

This is a metonym for the people who live in the land. Alternate translation: "people of Judah"

2 Kings 11:4

Connecting Statement:

This continues the story of what happens after Joash, the son of King Azahiah, was hidden in the temple after all King Azahiah's other descendants were killed.

In the seventh year

"In the seventh year of Athaliah's reign" or "In year 7 of Athaliah's reign"

Jehoiada

the high priest

the commanders of hundreds

The phrases "commander of hundreds" is probably an official title for a military officer. Possible meanings are 1) the word "hundreds" represents the exact amount of soldiers that each of these commanders led. Alternate translation: "the commanders of 100 soldiers" or 2) the word translated as "hundreds" does not represent an exact number, but is the name of a military division. Alternate translation: "the commanders of military divisions"

Carites

This is the name of a particular group of the royal guards.

brought them to himself

"had them come to meet with him." Jehoiada, the high priest, had these military men report to him at the temple.

Then he showed them the king's son

Jehoiada revealed to them that Joash, King Azahiah's son, was still alive.

2 Kings 11:5

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2 Kings 11:6

General Information:

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2 Kings 11:7

General Information:

Jehoiada continues giving directions to the soldiers who will protect King Joash.

for the king

They were to keep watch for the purpose of protecting the king from harm. Alternate translation: "in order to protect King Joash"

2 Kings 11:8

Whoever enters within your ranks

"Anyone who tries to go past you while you are protecting King Joash." A rank refers to a line of soldiers.

let him be killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must kill him"

You must stay with the king when he goes out, and when he comes in

These two opposite things are a merism that refers to everything the king does. Alternate translation: "You must stay near the king at all times"

2 Kings 11:9

the commanders of hundreds

The phrase "commander of hundreds" is probably an official title for a military officer. Possible meanings are 1) the word "hundreds" represents the exact amount of soldiers that each of these commanders led. Alternate translation: "the commanders of 100 soldiers" or 2) the word translated as "hundreds" does not represent an exact number, but is the name of a military division. Alternate translation: "the commanders of military divisions" See how you translated this in [2 Kings 11:4]

Each one

"Each commander"

2 Kings 11:10

were in the house of Yahweh

"were stored in the temple"

2 Kings 11:11

from the right side of the temple to the left side, near the altar and the temple

Some versions translate the first two occurrences of "temple" as "palace." These versions say, "from the right side of the palace to the left side of the palace, near the altar and the temple."

2 Kings 11:12

brought out the king's son Joash

Jehoiada, the high priest, brought king Ahaziah's son, Joash, out from the temple apartment where he had been raised in hiding.

gave him the covenant decrees

"presented him with the book of the law"

anointed him

The priest poured olive oil on the head of Joash as a symbol that he was now the king. Alternate translation: "poured some olive oil on Joash's head"

clapped their hands

Clapping their hands was a sign of the happiness of the people at the anointing of the new king.

2 Kings 11:13

the noise of the guard

This refers to the noise made by all the soldiers.

she came to the people in the house of Yahweh

"she came to where the people had gathered at the temple"

2 Kings 11:14

She looked, and, behold, the king was standing

"When she arrived, she was surprised to see King Joash standing"

by the pillar

"by one of the pillars of the temple"

as the custom was

"which was the usual place for the king to stand"

the trumpeters

"the people who played the trumpets"

Athaliah tore her clothes

She tore her clothes to express that she was very upset and angry.

Treason! Treason!

"You are traitors! You have betrayed me!"

2 Kings 11:15

the commanders of hundreds

The phrase "commander of hundreds" is probably an official title for a military officer. Possible meanings are 1) the word "hundreds" represents the exact amount of soldiers that each of these commanders led. Alternate translation: "the commanders of 100 soldiers" or 2) the word translated as "hundreds" does not represent an exact number, but is the name of a military division. Alternate translation: "the commanders of military divisions" See how you translated this in [2 Kings 11:4]

Bring her out between the ranks

"Take her away between two rows of guards" or "Lead her away with a row of soldiers on each side of her." Ranks are lines or rows of soldiers.

Anyone who follows her

It is implied that a person who followed her would be trying to help her. Alternate translation: "Anyone who follows to try to rescue her"

2 Kings 11:16

they seized her as she reached the horses' entrance to the king's house

Some versions translate this as "the guards seized her and took her to the palace, to the place where horses enter the courtyard."

the horses' entrance to the king's house

"where the horses enter the palace grounds"

2 Kings 11:17

also between the king and the people

"also made a covenant between the king and the people"

2 Kings 11:18

all the people of the land

This is a generalization to show that a large group of people tore down the temple of Baal. Alternate translation: a large number of the people of the land"

the house of Baal

"the temple of Baal"

Mattan

This is the name of a male priest.

2 Kings 11:19

General Information:

They take the new king, Joash, from the temple to the palace.

the commanders of hundreds

The phrase "commander of hundreds" is probably an official title for a military officer. Possible meanings are 1) the word "hundreds" represents the exact amount of soldiers that each of these commanders led. Alternate translation: "the commanders of 100 soldiers" or 2) the word translated as "hundreds" does not represent an exact number, but is the name of a military division. Alternate translation: "the commanders of military divisions" See how you translated this in [2 Kings 11:4]

Carites

This is the name of a particular group of the royal guards.

brought down the king from the house of Yahweh and they went into the king's house

"brought the king from the temple to the palace"

2 Kings 11:20

all the people of the land rejoiced

This is a generalization. It is possible that some did not rejoice. Alternate translation: "many people in the land rejoiced"

the city was quiet

"the city was calm" or "the city was peaceful"

2 Kings 11:21

Joash was seven years old

"Joash was 7 years old"

Chapter 12

2 Kings 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is the end of the story of the revival in Judah under Joash.

Special concepts in this chapter

Temple

Joash repaired the temple. In many ways, the temple represents the relationship between the people and Yahweh. (See: temple)

2 Kings 12:1

In the seventh year of Jehu

"During year 7 of the reign of Jehu over Israel"

the reign of Joash began

"Joash began to reign over Judah"

Zibiah

This was the name of a woman.

Zibiah, of Beersheba

"Zibiah, from the city of Beersheba"

2 Kings 12:2

what was right in the eyes of Yahweh

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh judges to be right" or "what Yahweh considers to be right"

instructing him

"teaching him"

2 Kings 12:3

But the high places were not taken away

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But the people did not destroy the high places"

The people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places

Yawheh forbid the people to worship at these place. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "The people continued to go to places that were unacceptable to Yahweh, to make sacrifices and burn incense"

2 Kings 12:4

the money that is brought in as sacred offerings into the house of Yahweh

This refers to money that people gave to support the temple. This money came in three forms that are described in the rest of the sentence.

2 Kings 12:5

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2 Kings 12:6

by the twenty-third year of King Joash

"when Joash had been king for twenty three years"

2 Kings 12:7

Why have you not repaired anything in the temple?

Joash asks this question to rebuke the priests. Alternate translation: "You should have been repairing the temple!"

give it to those who can make the repairs

"pay workers who will do the repairs"

2 Kings 12:8

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2 Kings 12:9

on the right side as one comes into the house of Yahweh

"on the right side of the entrance to the temple"

put into it

"put into the chest" or "put in the box"

the money that was brought

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the money that people brought"

2 Kings 12:10

put the money in bags and then count it

Many versions put this in a more logical order such as "count the money and put it in bags."

put the money in bags

Possible meanings are 1) "put the money in bags" or 2) "tied up the money in bags" .

the money found

"the money that they found in the chest"

2 Kings 12:11

weighed out

"counted"

into the hands of men

Here "hands" refers to the men. Alternate translation: "to men"

who took care of the temple

"who repaired the temple"

carpenters

people who build and repair things made of wood

2 Kings 12:12

masons

people who build with stone

stonecutters

people who cut stones into the correct size and shape

for buying timber and cutting stone

"to buy wood and to cut stone"

for all that was needed to be paid to repair it

"to pay for all of the needed repairs"

2 Kings 12:13

did not pay to make for it any

"was not spent to pay for any of the temple's"

silver cups, lamp trimmers, basins, trumpets, or any gold or silver furnishing

These are items that would have been used by the priests for various temple tasks, such as sacrifices or festivals.

2 Kings 12:14

General Information:

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2 Kings 12:15

they did not require the money paid for repairs to be accounted for by the men who received it and paid it to the workmen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they did not require the men who received the money and paid the workmen for the repairs to account for the money"

to be accounted for

to keep a record of how much money was received and spent

2 Kings 12:16

the money for the guilt offerings and the money for the sin offerings was not brought into the temple of Yahweh

It is implied that this money was not used for the repairs. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they did not use the money from the guilt offerings and the sin offerings to pay for the repairs to the temple of Yahweh"

2 Kings 12:17

Hazael king of Aram attacked ... Hazael then turned to attack

This refers to Hazael's army as well as to Hazael. Alternate translation: "Hazael king of Aram and his army attacked ... Then they turned to attack"

Hazael

This is the name of the king of the country of Syria.

took it

"defeated and took control of it"

2 Kings 12:18

Jehoshaphat and Jehoram and Ahaziah, his fathers

These men were previous kings of Judah.

set apart

"dedicated"

the gold that was found in the storerooms

"the gold that was stored in the storerooms"

Then Hazael went away from Jerusalem

The gifts Joash gave Hazael convinced him not to attack Jerusalem. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "So Hazael stopped attacking Jerusalem and left"

2 Kings 12:19

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah?

This question is used to remind the reader that these things are recorded. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 8:23]

2 Kings 12:20

Silla

The location of this place is unknown.

2 Kings 12:21

Jozabad ... Shimeath ... Jehozabad ... Shomer ... Amaziah

These are names of men.

with his ancestors

"in the place where his ancestors were buried"

became king in his place

"became the next king of Judah"

Chapter 13

2 Kings 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the last chapter about Elisha.

Special concepts in this chapter

Elisha's death

The king of Israel is upset when Elisha is dying. Elisha assures him that he will have three victories over Aram.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

The king compares the protection that Elisha had given Israel to "The chariot of Israel and the horsemen."

2 Kings 13:1

In the twenty-third year of Joash son of Ahaziah king of Judah

"After Joash had been ruling Judah for almost 23 years"

reign over Israel in Samaria

"rule over the kingdom of Israel located in Samaria"

he reigned seventeen years

"Jehoahaz was king for 17 years"

2 Kings 13:2

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"

followed the sins of Jeroboam

"did the same sins as Jeroboam"

Jehoahaz did not turn away from them

Here stopping his sin is spoken of as if he turned away from them. This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Jehoahaz did not stop doing the sins of Jeroboam" or "Jehoahaz continued to do the same sins as Jeroboam"

2 Kings 13:3

The anger of Yahweh burned against Israel

Yahweh becoming angry with Israel is spoken of as if his anger was a fire that burned. Alternate translation: "Then Yahweh became very angry with Israel"

gave them continually into the hand of Hazael king of Aram and into the hand of Ben-Hadad son of Hazael

Here "them" refers to Israel and "hand" refers to the power to control them. Alternate translation: "allowed Hazael the king of Aram, and Ben-Hadad, his son, to repeatedly defeat the Israelites in battle"

2 Kings 13:4

implored Yahweh

"prayed to Yahweh"

he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Aram was oppressing them

These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. The abstract noun "oppression" means the same as "the king of Aram was oppressing them." Alternate translation: "he saw how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel"

2 Kings 13:5

a rescuer

"someone to rescue them"

they escaped from the hand of the Arameans

Here "hand" refers to the power to control them. Alternate translation: "he enabled them to be free from Aram's power"

their tents

"their homes." The Israelites were living in houses at this time.

2 Kings 13:6

they did not depart from the sins of the house of Jeroboam

To stop sinning is spoken of as if they departed from the sins. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Israel did not stop doing the same sins as Jeroboam had done" or "Israel continued to commit the same sins as Jeroboam had committed"

house of Jeroboam

"the family of Jeroboam"

2 Kings 13:7

had destroyed them

"had defeated the army of Jehoahaz"

made them like the chaff at threshing time

The Aramean army had so severely defeated the army of Israel that what remained was so worthless that it is compared to wheat chaff that the laborers walk on at harvest time. Alternate translation: "had crushed them as workers crush chaff under their feet at harvest time"

2 Kings 13:8

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?

This question is used to remind the reader that the acts of Jehoahaz are recorded in another book. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 1:18]

2 Kings 13:9

lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died.

Jehoash

This is a man's name. Many translations read, "Joash."

2 Kings 13:10

In the thirty-seventh year of Joash king of Judah

"After Joash had ruled Judah for almost 37 years"

the reign of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz began over Israel in Samaria

"Jehoash son of Jehoahaz began to rule over Israel in Samaria"

Jehoash

This was a king of Israel who was the son of Jehoahaz.

2 Kings 13:11

He did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

Here "sight" represents God's thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "He did things that Yahweh considers to be evil"

He did not leave behind any of the sins of Jeroboam

To stop sinning is spoken of as if he left behind the sins. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Jehoash did not stop committing the same sins as Jeroboam" or "Jehoash kept committing the same sins as Jeroboam"

by which he had made Israel to sin

"by which Jeroboam had caused Israel to sin"

but he walked in them

To sin is spoken of as if he was walking along a sinful path. Alternate translation: "but Jehoash continued to do these same sins"

2 Kings 13:12

his might by which he fought against Amaziah king of Judah

Here the strength of Jehoash's army is spoken of as Jehoash's "might." Alternate translation: "the power that his army showed when they fought against the army of Amaziah king of Judah"

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?

This question is used to remind the reader that the acts of Jehoahaz are recorded in another book. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 1:18]

2 Kings 13:13

Jehoash lay down with his ancestors

This a polite way to say that Jehoash died.

Jeroboam sat on his throne

Here "sat on his throne" refers to ruling as king. Alternate translation: "Jeroboam became king after him" or "Jeroboam began to rule after him"

2 Kings 13:14

wept over him

"wept because Elisha was sick"

My father, my father

Elisha was not the king's literal father. King Joash used this term as a sign of respect.

the chariots of Israel and the horsemen are taking you away

This is a reference to Elijah going to heaven in [2 Kings 2:11]

the horsemen

This refers to the men who drove the chariots. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "the drivers of the chariots"

2 Kings 13:15

General Information:

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2 Kings 13:16

General Information:

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2 Kings 13:17

General Information:

Elisha continues to talk to Joash, king of Israel.

Open the window eastward

"open the window that faces east" or "open that window towards the east"

so he opened it

Since this happens after Joash takes the bow and arrows, he may have had a servant open the window. Alternate translation: "So a servant opened it"

he shot

"Joash shot the arrow"

This is Yahweh's arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram

The relationship between the arrow and victory can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "This arrow is a sign from Yahweh that he will give you victory over Aram" or "This arrow symbolizes the victory Yahweh will give you over Aram"

Aphek

This was a city in the land of Israel.

2 Kings 13:18

General Information:

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2 Kings 13:19

But the man of God was angry with him

"But Elisha was angry with King Joash"

until you annihilated it

"until you completely destroyed it" or "until they were completely wiped out"

2 Kings 13:20

Now

This word marks a stop in the main story. This new section gives background information for the part of the story that follows.

at the beginning of the year

"each year during spring"

2 Kings 13:21

As they were burying a certain man

"As some Israelites were burying a man's body"

they saw a marauding band of Moabites

It can be made explicit that they were afraid of the Moabites. Alternate translation: "they saw a group of Moabite raiders coming toward them and they were afraid"

Elisha's grave

"the grave where Elisha was buried"

As soon as the man touched Elisha's bones

Here "the man" refers to his dead body. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "As soon as the dead man's body touched the bones of Elisha"

he revived and stood up on his feet

"the dead man came back to life and stood up"

2 Kings 13:22

General Information:

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2 Kings 13:23

But Yahweh was gracious to Israel, and had compassion on them and concern for them

It may be helpful to divide this sentence into shorter parts. Alternate translation: "But Yahweh was very kind to the Israelite people. He helped them"

So Yahweh did not destroy them

Yahweh's covenant is the reason he did not destroy Israel. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "This is the reason that Yahweh did not destroy them" or "Because of his covenant, Yahweh did not destroy them"

has not driven them away from his presence

Yahweh's rejection is spoken of as if he had physically driven Israel away from where he was. Alternate translation: "has not rejected them"

2 Kings 13:24

Hazael ... Ben-Hadad

These are names of kings.

became king in his place

"became king after him"

2 Kings 13:25

Jehoash ... Jehoahaz

These are names of kings.

Jehoash attacked him three times

Here "Jehoash" and "him" refer to the kings and their armies. Alternate translation: "Jehoash's army attacked Ben-Hadad's army three times"

he recovered those cities of Israel

"Jehoash took back control of the Israelite cities that Ben-Hadad had captured"

Chapter 14

2 Kings 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The text begins to alternate between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah again.

Special concepts in this chapter

Pride

Pride in one's success can make a person attempt and fail at something else. Amaziah defeated Edom so he wanted to fight Israel. But Israel defeated him and thoroughly humiliated him.

2 Kings 14:1

In the second year of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel

"When Jehoash son of Jehoahaz had been king of Israel for almost two years"

Amaziah son of Joash, king of Judah, began to reign

"Amaziah son of Joash, became the king of Judah"

2 Kings 14:2

He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign

"He was 25 years old when he became king"

he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem

"he was the king in Jerusalem for 29 years"

Jehoaddan

2 Kings 14:3

He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, yet not like David his father

Here "the eyes of Yahweh" refers to his sight, and his sight refers to his judgment. Alternate translation: "Amaziah did many things that pleased Yahweh, but he did not do as many things that pleased Yahweh as King David had done"

He did everything that Joash, his father, had done

Joash obeyed Yahweh and did good things. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "He did the same good things that his father Joash had done"

2 Kings 14:4

General Information:

The story of Amaziah's rule as king of Judah continues.

But the high places were not taken away

This can be stated in active form. The high places were used for pagan worship. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "But he did not remove the high places"

sacrificed and burned incense at the high places

The high places were used for pagan worship. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "sacrificed and burned incense to pagan gods at the high places"

2 Kings 14:5

It came about

This is used to introduce a new event.

as soon as his rule was well established

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as soon as Amaziah securely established his royal rule and kingly authority"

he killed the servants

Amaziah probably ordered other people to kill the officials. Alternate translation: "he made his servants execute the officials"

2 Kings 14:6

General Information:

The narrator tells about what king Amaziah did after his father King Joash was murdered.

Yet he did not put to death the sons of the murderers

King Amaziah did not order his servants to kill the children of the men who killed his father. If he was going to have them executed though, he would have commanded his servants do it, he would not have done it himself. Alternate translation: "But he did not tell his servants to execute those officials' children"

the sons of the murderers, according to what was written in the book of the law of Moses

"the sons of the murderers. He obeyed what was written in the book of the law of Moses"

Fathers must not be put to death because of their children, neither must the children be put to death because of their fathers

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People must not kill the fathers for the sins of their children, and they must not kill the children for the sins of their parents"

2 Kings 14:7

He killed

Here "He" refers to his army. Alternate translation: "Amaziah's army killed" or "Amaziah's soldiers killed"

ten thousand soldiers

"10,000 soldiers"

Valley of Salt

This is the name of a place that is located south of the Dead Sea.

he also took Sela in war

Here the word "he" refers to King amaziah and represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: "King Amaziah's army captured the city of Sela"

Sela ... Joktheel

They renamed the city of Sela. The new name was Joktheel.

2 Kings 14:8

Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu king of Israel, saying, "Come, let us meet each other face to face in battle."

Here "each other" also included their armies. Alternate translation: "Then Amaziah sent messengers to King Jehoash of Israel, saying, 'Come here and let us and our armies fight each other in battle.'"

2 Kings 14:9

A thistle that was in Lebanon ... trampled down the thistle

This is a word picture and a riddle. A cedar tree is great and a thistle is small and worthless. Jehoash compares himself to the cedar and Amaziah to the thistle and warns Amaziah not to attack. If you have a similar comparison in your own language, you can use it.

thistle

type of bush with thorns

saying, 'Give your daughter to my son for a wife,'

This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "asking the cedar to give his daughter to the thistle's son for a wife"

2 Kings 14:10

You have indeed attacked Edom

This is the warning part of Jehoash's message to Amaziah. "Amaziah, you have definitely defeated Edom"

your heart has lifted you up

This is an idiom that refers to being proud. Alternate translation: "you are very proud of what you have done"

Take pride in your victory

"Be content with your victory"

for why should you cause yourself trouble and fall

Jehoash uses this question to warn Amaziah not to attack him. Alternate translation: "for you should not cause trouble for yourself and suffer defeat"

2 Kings 14:11

But Amaziah would not listen

Here "listen" refers to obeying the warning. Alternate translation: "However, Amaziah would not obey Jehoash's warning"

So Jehoash king of Israel attacked ... Amaziah king of Judah met each other

The armies of these kings went to battle with them. Alternate translation: "So Jehoash and his army went to fight Amaziah and his army and they met each other"

Beth Shemesh

This is a town in Judah near the border of Israel.

2 Kings 14:12

Judah was defeated by Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Israel defeated Judah"

every man fled to his tent

"all the men in the army of Judah ran home." The people of Judah lived in houses at this time.

2 Kings 14:13

General Information:

This is what happened after the army of Israel defeated the army of Judah at Beth Shemesh.

He came

Here "He" refers to Jehoash and his army. Alternate translation: "Jehoash and his army came ... Jehoash's soldiers took"

Ephraim Gate ... Corner Gate

There are the names of gates in the wall of Jerusalem.

four hundred cubits

"about 180 meters"

cubits

A cubit was about 46 centimeters.

2 Kings 14:14

He took

Here "He" refers to Jehoash and his army. Alternate translation: "Jehoash and his army came ... Jehoash's soldiers took"

with hostages also, and returned to Samaria

This implies that Jehoash needed to take these hostages to prevent Amaziah from attacking again. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "and they also took to Samaria some prisoners to make sure that Amaziah would cause them no more trouble"

2 Kings 14:15

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?

This question is used to remind the reader that the acts of Jehoahaz are recorded in another book. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 1:18]

2 Kings 14:16

Then Jehoash lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way to say that he died. Alternate translation: "Then Jehoash died"

became king in his place

"became king after him"

2 Kings 14:17

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

2 Kings 14:18

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah?

This question is used to remind the reader that these things are recorded. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 8:23]

2 Kings 14:19

They made a conspiracy against Amaziah in Jerusalem

A conspiracy is a secret plan to do harm to someone or something. Alternate translation: "Some people in Jerusalem plotted against Amaziah"

Lachish

This is a city in southwestern Judah.

but they sent men after him to Lachish

The men who made the conspiracy sent other men to follow Amaziah to Lachish.

2 Kings 14:20

General Information:

This is what happened after the death of King Amaziah.

They brought him back on horses

"They brought Amaziah's body back on horses"

2 Kings 14:21

All the people of Judah took Azariah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah

This is a generalization. Some people may not have wanted him to be king. Alternate translation: "The people of Judah took the 16 year-old Azariah and made him king after his father, Amaziah"

Azariah

This king is better known today by the name "Uzziah."

2 Kings 14:22

It was Azariah who rebuilt Elath

Azariah did not do this alone. Alternate translation: "It was Azariah who ordered Elath to be rebuilt" or "It was Azariah who supervised the rebuilding of Elath"

Elath

a city in Judah

restored it to Judah

"returned it to Judah"

lay down with his ancestors

This is a poetic way to say he died.

2 Kings 14:23

General Information:

This describes what King Uzziah did after he became king.

In the fifteenth year of Amaziah

"In year 15 of Amaziah"

forty-one years

"41 years"

2 Kings 14:24

evil in the sight of Yahweh

Here "sight" is a metaphor for judging or considering. Alternate translation: "evil according to Yahweh" or "what Yahweh considered to be evil"

He did not depart from any of the sins of Jeroboam

To stop sinning is spoken of as leaving a path. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "He did not stop committing the same sins as Jeroboam" or "He continued to commit the same sins as Jeroboam"

2 Kings 14:25

He restored the border

This means his army restored the land up to the border. Alternate translation: "His soldiers conquered again some of the territory that had previously belonged to Israel"

Lebo Hamath

This city was also called Hamath.

the Sea of the Arabah

"the Dead Sea"

2 Kings 14:26

it was very bitter

Suffering that was difficult is spoken of as if it had a bitter taste. Alternate translation: "it was very difficult"

there was no rescuer for Israel

"there was no one who could rescue Israel"

2 Kings 14:27

blot out

To completely destroy Israel is spoken of as if Yahweh wiped them away with a cloth. Alternate translation: "completely destroy"

the name of Israel

Here "the name of Israel" represents all of Israel and its inhabitants. Alternate translation: "the Israelite people"

under heaven

"on earth"

so he delivered them by the hand of Jeroboam son of Jehoash

Here "hand" is a metonym for power. Also, "Jehoash" is a synecdoche representing Jehoash and his army. Alternate translation: "so he caused King Jeroboam and his army to rescue them"

2 Kings 14:28

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?

This question is used to remind the reader that the acts of Jehoahaz are recorded in another book. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 1:18]

2 Kings 14:29

Jeroboam lay down with his ancestors, with the kings of Israel

This is a polite way to say that he died and was buried. Alternate translation: "Jeroboam died, and was buried where the other kings of Israel were buried"

Chapter 15

2 Kings 15 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel's evil

Israel assassinated one king after another. The Assyrians began attacking Israel. (See: evil)

2 Kings 15:1

In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam

It can be stated clearly that this is the twenty-seventh year of his reign. Alternate translation: "In year 27 of the reign of Jeroboam"

Azariah

This king is better known today by the name "Uzziah."

2 Kings 15:2

Jekoliah

This is the name of Azariah's mother.

2 Kings 15:3

He did what was right

"Azariah did what was right"

what was right in the eyes of Yahweh

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "what was right in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be right"

2 Kings 15:4

the high places were not taken away

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one took away the high places" or "Azariah did not have anyone take the high places away"

were not taken away

Being taken away represents being destroyed. Alternate translation: "were not destroyed"

2 Kings 15:5

to the day of his death

The abstract noun "death" can be expressed with the verb "die." Alternate translation: "until the day he died"

Jotham, the king's son, was over the household

The word "household" refers to the people living in the king's palace. Because Azariah was a leper, he had to live in a separate house. So his son, Jotham, took charge over the palace.

was over the household

Being over the household represents having authority over those in it. Alternate translation: "was in charge of the household" or "had authority over those in Azariah's palace"

2 Kings 15:6

are they not written ... Judah?

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Azariah is in this other book. This can also be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 8:23]

2 Kings 15:7

Azariah lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Azariah died as his ancestors had" or "like his ancestors, Azariah died"

they buried him with his ancestors

"his family buried him where his ancestors had been buried"

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Azariah"

2 Kings 15:8

In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah king of Judah

It can be stated clearly that this is the thirty-eighth year of his reign. Alternate translation: "In year 38 of the reign of Azariah king of Judah"

Zechariah son of Jeroboam

This Jeroboam was the second king of Israel that had that name. He was the son of King Jehoash.

reigned over Israel in Samaria for six months

Samaria is the city that Zechariah lived in when he was king of Israel. Alternate translation: "lived in Samaria and reigned over Israel for six months"

2 Kings 15:9

He did what was evil

"Zechariah did what was evil"

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]

He did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat

Departing from sins represents refusing to do those sins. Alternate translation: "Zechariah did not refuse to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat" or "He sinned as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned"

Jeroboam son of Nebat

This Jeroboam was the first king of the ten northern tribes that made up the kingdom of Israel.

who had caused Israel to sin

Here the word "Israel" represents the people of the kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: "who had caused the people of Israel to sin"

2 Kings 15:10

Shallum ... Jabesh

These are the names of two men.

against Zechariah

"against King Zechariah"

Ibleam

This was the name of a city.

Then he became king in his place

"Then Shallum became king in Zechariah's place"

2 Kings 15:11

they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you can read about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel"

2 Kings 15:12

This was the word of Yahweh

It can be stated clearly that the events described in verse 10 fulfilled the word of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "What happened to Zechariah was according to the word of Yahweh" or "What happened to Zechariah fulfilled the word of Yahweh"

Your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation

Sitting on the throne represents being the king. Alternate translation: "Your descendants will be the kings of Israel for four generations"

2 Kings 15:13

Shallum ... Jabesh

These are the names of two men. See how you translated these names in [2 Kings 15:10]

in the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah king of Judah

It can be stated clearly that this is the thirty-ninth year of his reign. Alternate translation: "in year 39 of the reign of Uzziah king of Judah"

Uzziah

Some ancient manuscripts and modern translations read, "Azariah."

he reigned only one month in Samaria

Samaria is the city that he lived in when was king of Israel. Alternate translation: "Shallum lived in Samaria and reigned over Israel for only one month"

2 Kings 15:14

Menahem ... Gadi

These are the names of two men.

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Shallum"

2 Kings 15:15

the conspiracy that he formed

The abstract noun "conspiracy" can be translated with the verb "plan." It can be stated clearly what this conspiracy was. Alternate translation: "how he planned to murder King Zechariah" or "and how he murdered King Zechariah"

they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you can read about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel"

2 Kings 15:16

Tiphsah

This is the name of a city. Some versions have "Tappuah," which is the name of another city.

2 Kings 15:17

In the thirty-ninth year of Azariah king of Judah

It can be stated clearly that this is the thirty-ninth year of his reign. Alternate translation: "In year 39 of the reign of Azariah king of Judah"

2 Kings 15:18

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]

For his whole life

The abstract noun "life" can be translated with the verb "live." Alternate translation: "The whole time that he lived"

he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat

Departing from sins represents refusing to do those sins. Alternate translation: "Zechariah did not refuse to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat" or "He sinned as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned"

who had caused Israel to sin

Here the word "Israel" represents the people of the kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: "who had caused the people of Israel to sin"

2 Kings 15:19

Pul the king of Assyria came against the land

The phrase "Pul the king of Assyria" represents Pul and his army. Alternate translation: "Pul the king of Assyria came with his army against the land"

Pul the king of Assyria

Pul is the name of a man who was king of Assyria. He was also named Tiglath-Pileser.

came against the land

The phrase "came against" is an idiom meaning to attack. "The land" refers to the land of Israel and represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: "came with his army to attack the people of Israel"

one thousand talents of silver

"1000 talents of silver." You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "thirty-three thousand kilograms of silver" or "thirty-three metric tons of silver"

so that Pul's support might be with him

The abstract noun "support" can be translated with the verb "support." Alternate translation: "so that Pul might support him"

to strengthen the kingdom of Israel in his hand

Having the kingdom in his hand represents ruling the kingdom. Alternate translation: "to strengthen his rule over the kingdom of Israel"

2 Kings 15:20

exacted this money from Israel

"took this money from Israel"

powerful men

These were important leaders, not strong soldiers.

fifty shekels of silver

You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "six hundred grams of silver" or "three-fifths of a kilogram of silver"

did not stay there in the land

"did not stay there in Israel"

2 Kings 15:21

are they not written ... Israel?

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Menahem is in this other book. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 1:18]

2 Kings 15:22

Menahem lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 10:35]

Pekahiah

This a man's name.

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Menahem"

2 Kings 15:23

In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah

It can be stated clearly that this is the fiftieth year of his reign. Alternate translation: "In year 50 of the reign of Azariah king of Judah"

Pekahiah

This is a man's name.

2 Kings 15:24

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]

He did not leave behind the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat

Leaving behind sins represents refusing to do those sins. Alternate translation: "Pekahiah did not refuse to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat" or "He sinned as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned"

he had caused Israel to sin

Here the word "Israel" represents the people of the kingdom of Israel.

2 Kings 15:25

Pekah ... Remaliah

These are men's names.

conspired against him

"secretly planned to kill Pekahiah"

fifty men

"50 men"

Argob ... Arieh

These are men's names.

the citadel of the king's palace

"the fortified part of the king's palace" or "the safe place in the king's palace"

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Pekahiah"

2 Kings 15:26

they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you can read about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel"

2 Kings 15:27

In the fifty-second year of Azariah king of Judah

It can be stated clearly that this is the fifty-second year of his reign. Alternate translation: "In year 52 of the reign of Azariah king of Judah"

2 Kings 15:28

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]

He did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat

Departing from sins represents refusing to do those sins. Alternate translation: "Zechariah did not refuse to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat" or "He sinned as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned"

2 Kings 15:29

In the days of Pekah king of Israel

It can be stated clearly that this refers to the time of Pekah's reign. Alternate translation: "In the days of the reign of Pekah king of Israel" or "During the time that Pekah was king of Israel"

Tiglath-Pileser

In [2 Kings 15:19]

Ijon ... Abel Beth Maakah ... Janoah ... Kedesh ... Hazor ... Gilead ... Galilee ... Naphtali

These are the names of cities or regions.

He carried away the people to Assyria

Here "He" refers to Tiglath-Pileser and represents him and his army. Carrying the people to Assyria represents forcing them to go to Assyria. Alternate translation: "He and his army forced the people to go to Assyria

the people

It can be stated clearly which people these are. Alternate translation: "the people of those places" or "the people of Israel"

2 Kings 15:30

Hoshea ... Elah

These are men's names.

a conspiracy

A conspiracy is a secret plan by a group to do harm to someone or something.

He attacked him and put him to death

"Hoshea attacked Pekah and killed him"

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Pekah"

in the twentieth year of Jotham son of Uzziah

It can be stated clearly that this is the twentieth year of his reign. Alternate translation: "In year 20 of the reign of Jotham son of Uzziah"

2 Kings 15:31

they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you can read about them in the book of the events of the kings of Israel"

2 Kings 15:32

In the second year of Pekah son of Remaliah, king of Israel

It can be stated clearly that this is the second year of his reign. Alternate translation: "In year 2 of the reign of Pekah son of Remaliah, king of Israel"

Jotham son of Uzziah, king of Judah began to reign

"Jotham son of Uzziah, king of Judah became king of Judah"

Uzziah

Some ancient manuscripts and modern translations read, "Azariah."

2 Kings 15:33

He was twenty-five years old ... sixteen years

"He was 25 years old ... 16 years"

Jerushah

This is a woman's name.

2 Kings 15:34

what was right in the eyes of Yahweh

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "what was right in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be right"

Uzziah

Some ancient manuscripts and modern translations read, "Azariah."

2 Kings 15:35

the high places were not taken away

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one took away the high places" or "Jotham did not have anyone take the high places away"

were not taken away

Being taken away represents being destroyed. Alternate translation: "were not destroyed"

Jotham built the upper gate

"Jotham built" represents Jotham making his workers build it. Alternate translation: "Jotham had his workers build the upper gate"

2 Kings 15:36

are they not written ... Judah?

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Jotham is in this other book. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 8:23]

2 Kings 15:37

In those days

This refers to a time period. What time period this refers to can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "During that time" or "While Jotham was king of Judah"

Rezin

This is a man's name.

Pekah ... Remaliah

These are men's names. Pekah was the king of Israel. See how you translated them in 2 Kings 15:37.

2 Kings 15:38

Jotham lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Jotham died as his ancestors had" or "Like his ancestors, Jotham died"

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Jotham"

Chapter 16

2 Kings 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Ahaz

Ahaz was a wicked king. Israel and Aram united to fight against him, so he paid the Assyrian king to attack Aram. Assyria defeated the people of Aram and took them into captivity. The people were to trust in Yahweh and not rely on military alliances with other Gentile nations. This showed a lack of trust in the power of Yahweh. (See: evil and trust)

2 Kings 16:1

In the seventeenth year of Pekah son of Remaliah

It can be stated clearly that this is the seventeenth year of his reign. Alternate translation: "In year 17 of the reign of Pekah son of Remaliah"

Pekah ... Remaliah

These are men's names. Pekah was the king of Israel. See how you translated them in [2 Kings 15:25]

2 Kings 16:2

what was right in the eyes of Yahweh his God

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "what was right in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh his God considers to be right"

as David his ancestor had done

David had done what is right.

2 Kings 16:3

he walked in the way of the kings of Israel

Walking represents behavior and actions. Alternate translation: "King Ahaz acted the same way that the kings of Israel had acted" or "he did the things that the kings of Israel had done"

He even made his son pass through the fire

You may need to make explicit why he caused his son be put into the fire and what happened after he did so. Alternate translation: "He even burned his son to death as an offering to his gods"

following the detestable practices of the nations

Here "following" represents doing what others do. Alternate translation: "copying the disgusting things that the other nations did, the nations"

the nations

The word "nations" represents the people of other nations. Here it refers to the people of the nations who had lived in that land. Alternate translation: "the people of other nations"

whom Yahweh had driven out

"Driven out" means "forced out." Alternate translation: "whom Yahweh had forced to leave"

before the people of Israel

The people of those nations fled as the people of Israel moved into the land. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "before the people of Israel who moved into the land" or "as the people of Israel moved into the land"

2 Kings 16:4

the high places, on the hilltops, and under every green tree

These are places where the people of the other nations worshiped their false gods.

under every green tree

God wanted his people to offer sacrifices to him in Jerusalem. The word "every" here is an exaggeration to show how determined King Ahaz was to disobey God by offering sacrifices in many other places instead. Alternate translation: "under many green trees" or "under many green trees around the country"

2 Kings 16:5

Rezin ... Pekah ... Remaliah

These are men's names. See how you translated them in [2 Kings 15:37]

besieged Ahaz

Ahaz was in Jerusalem. Here "Ahaz" represents himself and the people who were in Jerusalem with him. Alternate translation: "surrounded the city with Ahaz in it" or "surrounded Ahaz and the others in the city with him"

2 Kings 16:6

recovered Elath for Aram

Here "Aram" represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: "took back control of the city of Elath for the people of Aram"

Elath

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in [2 Kings 14:22]

drove the Jews out of Elath

"forced the Jews to leave Elath"

to this day

This means to the time of the writing of this book.

2 Kings 16:7

Tiglath-Pileser

In [2 Kings 15:19]

I am your servant and your son

Being a servant and a son represents submitting to someone's authority. Alternate translation: "I will obey you as if I were your servant or your son"

from the hand of the king of Aram and from the hand of the king of Israel

The hand is a metonym that represents power. Alternate translation: "from the power of the king of Aram and from the power of the king of Israel"

who have attacked me

The kings attacking Ahaz represent the armies of those kings attacking Ahaz and his people. Alternate translation: "who have attacked me with their armies" or "whose armies have attacked me"

2 Kings 16:8

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

2 Kings 16:9

the king of Assyria went up against Damascus

The word "king" represents the king and his army. Also, Damascus represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: "the king of Assyria and his army attacked the people of Damascus"

carried off its people as prisoners to Kir

Carrying off the people represents forcing them to go away. Alternate translation: "made the people his prisoners and forced them to go to Kir"

Kir

Possible meanings are 1) this is the name of a city or 2) this word means "city" and refers to the capital city of Assyria.

2 Kings 16:10

the design for all the workmanship needed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the instructions that the workers needed in order to build it"

2 Kings 16:11

General Information:

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2 Kings 16:12

General Information:

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2 Kings 16:13

General Information:

This is what King Ahaz did after he returned from Damascus and visited the new altar which Uriah the priest had built for him.

He made his burnt offering

"King Ahaz made his burnt offering"

on the altar

This refers to the altar that King Ahaz told Uriah to build.

2 Kings 16:14

from the front of the temple ... from between his altar and the temple of Yahweh

Both of these phrases tell where the bronze altar was. They refer to the same place.

2 Kings 16:15

the large altar

This refers to the new altar that Ahaz told Uriah to build.

the king's burnt offering and his grain offering

When Ahaz said "the king" and "his," he was referring to himself. The king treated his offerings as special. Alternate translation: "my burnt offering and my grain offering" or "the royal burnt offering and royal grain offering"

2 Kings 16:16

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

2 Kings 16:17

the portable stands

"the movable stands" or "the carts." These stands had wheels on them so they could be moved around.

he also took down the sea

"he also removed the large bowl." The "sea" was a huge basin or water bowl that was made of bronze.

2 Kings 16:18

because of the king of Assyria

Why they did this can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "to please the king of Assyria"

2 Kings 16:19

are they not written ... Judah?

This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Ahaz is in this other book. This can also be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 8:23]

2 Kings 16:20

Ahaz lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying Ahaz died. Alternate translation: "Ahaz died as his ancestors had" or "like his ancestors, Ahaz died"

was buried with his ancestors

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people buried him with his ancestors"

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Ahaz"

Chapter 17

2 Kings 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter ends the story about the kingdom of Israel and continues with Judah alone.

Special concepts in this chapter

Idol worship

Israel continued to worship idols, so God punished them by allowing Assyria to conquer them and take them away. Assyria brought people from other lands and settled them in what used to be Israel's territory and the new people worshiped their own gods in addition to Yahweh. (See: falsegod)

2 Kings 17:1

Hoshea son of Elah

Hoshea became the king of the northern kingdom of Israel.

Elah

This is the name of a man.

He ruled in Samaria

Samaria was the capital city of Israel.

2 Kings 17:2

evil in the sight of Yahweh

He did not obey Yahweh's laws as given to Moses. "In the sight of" is metaphor for judgment or opinion. Alternate translation: "evil to Yahweh"

2 Kings 17:3

Shalmaneser

This is the name of a man.

Hoshea became his servant and brought him tribute

Hoshea did as the King of Assyria commanded and brought money to him so that the King would not destroy Israel.

2 Kings 17:4

So

This is the name of a man.

year by year

"every year"

shut him up and bound him in prison

"put Hoshea in prison"

2 Kings 17:5

besieged it

put troops around the city in order to force it to surrender

2 Kings 17:6

carried Israel away to Assyria

The name "Israel" is metonymy for the people living there. Alternate translation: "took the Israelite people to Assyria"

Halah ... Habor River ... Gozan

These are the names of locations.

Medes

This is the name of a people group.

2 Kings 17:7

General Information:

The narrative pauses to summarize Yahweh's judgment on Israel.

This captivity

This refers to the capture of the Israelites by the Assyrians.

the hand of

"Hand" is metonymy for control, authority or power. Alternate translation: "the control of"

2 Kings 17:8

walking in the customs

"Walking" is metaphor for the ways or patterns of behavior people use in their lives. Alternate translation: "doing the activities"

2 Kings 17:9

General Information:

The narrative continues to summarize Yahweh's judgment on Israel.

2 Kings 17:10

on every high hill and under every green tree

These are exaggerations to show that worship of false gods was widespread. Alternate translation: "on high hills and under green trees everywhere"

2 Kings 17:11

General Information:

The narrative continues to summarize Yahweh's judgment on Israel.

performed wicked things to provoke Yahweh to anger

Possible ways to render this: 1) "did many wicked things that caused Yahweh to become angry" or 2) "did many sinful things that made Yahweh angry"

2 Kings 17:12

about which Yahweh had said to them

"about which Yahweh had warned them"

2 Kings 17:13

General Information:

The narrative continues to summarize Yahweh's judgment on Israel.

Yahweh had testified ... by every prophet

Yahweh spoke through the prophets.

Turn from your evil ways

"Stop doing the evil things you have been doing"

I sent to you by my servants the prophets

The prophets were sent by Yahweh to remind the people of God's Laws and to obey them.

2 Kings 17:14

General Information:

The summary of Yahweh's judgment on Israel continues.

they stiffened their necks

The phrase "stiffened their necks" is a metaphor that means that they became very stubborn. Alternate translation: "they became very stubborn"

2 Kings 17:15

rejected his statutes

They refused to obey God's Laws.

They followed useless practices

They followed the practices of the people around them.

not to imitate

"not to copy"

2 Kings 17:16

General Information:

The summary of Yahweh's judgment on Israel continues.

cast metal figures

Cast metal figures are objects made by pouring melted metal into a form (or mold) to make a shape.

2 Kings 17:17

used divination and enchantments

"Divination" is the use of magic gain information. "Enchantments" are sets of words that people believe have magic power over people and things. These two words together form a merism. Alternate translation: "practiced all kinds of magic"

sold themselves to do that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh

To "sell themselves" is a metaphor for committing completely to do that which was evil. Alternate translation: "committed themselves to do things that Yahweh said were evil"

2 Kings 17:18

removed them out of his sight

"Sight" is metonymy for being within the attention of Yahweh so he no longer cared for them. Alternate translation: "removed them from his attention"

2 Kings 17:19

General Information:

The summary of Yahweh's judgment on Israel includes how Judah also fell into idolatry.

Judah

The location "Judah" is metonymy for the people that live there. Alternate translation: "the people of Judah"

2 Kings 17:20

he afflicted them

"Yahweh punished the Israelites"

gave them into the hand of those who would take the possession as spoil

"Hand" is metonymy for control, power or authority. Alternate translation: "handed them over to those who robbed them of their property"

until he had cast them out of his sight

"his sight" is metaphor for attention and caring. Alternate translation: "until he got rid of them all" or "until they were no longer in his presence"

2 Kings 17:21

General Information:

The reason for Yahweh's judgment on Israel continues by relating the history behind it.

He tore Israel

"He tore" here is a metaphor for violent removal. Alternate translation: "Yahweh removed the people of Israel"

from the royal line of David

"from the rule of David's descendants"

drove Israel away from following Yahweh

"turned the people of Israel away from following Yahweh"

2 Kings 17:22

they did not depart from them

"the Israelites did not stop committing these sins" or "they did not turn away from those sins"

2 Kings 17:23

so Yahweh removed Israel from his sight

"Sight" here is a metaphor for attention and care. Alternate translation: "so Yahweh removed the people of Israel from his attention and care"

2 Kings 17:24

General Information:

Yahweh's judgment continues against the new Assyrian inhabitants who practice their pagan religions.

Kuthah ... Avva ... Hamath ... Sepharvaim

These are places in the Assyrian empire.

2 Kings 17:25

It happened at the beginning of their residence there that

"When those people first lived there"

2 Kings 17:26

The nations that you have carried away and placed in the cities of Samaria

"The people you have moved from other lands and sent to live in the cities of Samaria"

do not know the practices required by the god of the land

"do not know how to worship the God that the Israelites worshiped in this land"

2 Kings 17:27

Take one of the priests there whom you brought from there

"Take a priest who came from Samaria back there"

let him teach them

"let the Samaritan priest teach the people who are living there now"

2 Kings 17:28

General Information:

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2 Kings 17:29

General Information:

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2 Kings 17:30

Sukkoth Benoth ... Nergal ... Ashima

These are the names of gods, both male and female.

Kuthah ... Hamath

These are the names of places.

2 Kings 17:31

Nibhaz ... Tartak

These are the names of gods, both male and female.

Avvites ... Sepharvites

These are the names of people groups.

burned their children in the fire

"sacrificed their own children" or "burned their children in fire as an offering"

2 Kings 17:32

They

This refers to the pagan people that the king of Assyria moved into the cities of Samaria.

2 Kings 17:33

General Information:

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2 Kings 17:34

they persist in their old customs

"they continue in the same habits as before"

They neither honor Yahweh

The people were only interested in appeasing Yahweh. They were either not interested or not aware Yahweh was interested in a relationship with them.

2 Kings 17:35

General Information:

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2 Kings 17:36

General Information:

The summary comes toward the end with an appeal to worship only Yahweh.

with great power and with an outstretched arm

The phrase "raised arm" is metonymy for displaying power and means basically the same thing as "great power." Alternate translation: "with very great power"

2 Kings 17:37

keep them

"obey them"

2 Kings 17:38

General Information:

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2 Kings 17:39

General Information:

The summary now ends with an appeal to worship only Yahweh and a description of the sins of the people.

2 Kings 17:40

They would not listen

"Listen" here is a metaphor for paying attention and acting on the command. Alternate translation: "They did not obey"

2 Kings 17:41

these nations feared Yahweh

These nations feared Yahweh only to the point of appeasing him the same way they treated their own gods.

up to this day

"and have continued ever since." The phrase "this day" refers to the time period in which the writer lived.

Chapter 18

2 Kings 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the story of Hezekiah, one of the great kings of Judah (2 Kings 18–20). Because he was so important, there is more space dedicated to the history of his reign.

Special concepts in this chapter

Trust in Yahweh

Hezekiah trusted and obeyed God. He stopped paying tribute to Assyria so the Assyrians invaded Judah. The Assyrian king told the people of Judah that resistance was useless. Despite this, Hezekiah trusted in the power of Yahweh. (See: trust)

2 Kings 18:1

General Information:

Hezekiah becomes king over Judah in place of his father King Ahaz.

Hoshea ... Elah

These are the names of men.

2 Kings 18:2

Zechariah

These are the names of men.

Abijah

This is the name of a woman.

2 Kings 18:3

He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh

"In the eyes" here is a metaphor for Yahweh's attention and care. Alternate translation: "King Hezekiah did what was right to Yahweh" or "Hezekiah did things that Yahweh said are right"

2 Kings 18:4

General Information:

The story of King Hezekiah's reign continues.

He removed the high places, destroyed the stone pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles

"Hezekiah removed the high places of worship, smashed into pieces the memorial stones, and cut down the wooden poles of Asherah"

Nehushtan

This name could be translated "Bronze Serpent Idol."

2 Kings 18:5

General Information:

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2 Kings 18:6

General Information:

The story of King Hezekiah's reign continues.

he held on to Yahweh

To "hold on" is metaphor for staying loyal and attached. Alternate translation: "Hezekiah stayed loyal to Yahweh" or "Hezekiah remained faithful to Yahweh"

2 Kings 18:7

wherever he went he prospered

"wherever Hezekiah went he was successful"

2 Kings 18:8

fortified city

city with a wall all around it

2 Kings 18:9

Hoshea ... Elah ... Shalmaneser

These are the names of men.

2 Kings 18:10

General Information:

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2 Kings 18:11

Halah ... Habor River ... Gozan

These are the names of places.

Medes

This is the name of a people group.

So the king of Assyria carried Israel away to Assyria

"So the king of Assyria commanded his army to take the Israelites away from their homes, and he made them live in Assyria"

2 Kings 18:12

the voice of Yahweh

"Voice" is metonymy for the message about the command of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "the command of Yahweh"

2 Kings 18:13

Sennacherib

This is the name of a man.

fortified cities

Cities with walls around them for protection. See how you translated "fortified city" in 2 Kings 18:8.

2 Kings 18:14

Lachish

This is the name of a city.

Withdraw from me

This expression assumes that "me" represents the kingdom of Hezekiah. Alternate translation: "Take your army out of my territory"

Whatever you put on me I will bear

"I will pay you whatever you demand of me"

talents

This is the name of type of weight that was used for money. One talent weighted about 33 kilograms.

2 Kings 18:15

treasuries

This was the place in the palace where money and valuable things were stored.

2 Kings 18:16

General Information:

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2 Kings 18:17

the king of Assyria mobilized his great army, sending Tartan and Rabsaris and the chief commander

Sennacherib sent a group of men from his army to Jerusalem to meet with King Hezekiah, including officials named Tartan and Rabsaris.

Tartan ... Rabsaris

Some Bibles translate these as proper names. Other versions of the Bible translate them as titles. Alternate translation: "the Tartan ... the Rabsaris" or "the leader of the soldier ... a court official"

Lachish

This is the name of a city.

the conduit of the upper pool

the channel where the water stored in the "upper pool" flows into the city of Jerusalem

stood by it

"and waited there for King Hezekiah to meet with them"

2 Kings 18:18

Eliakim ... Hilkiah ... Shebna ... Joah ... Asaph

These are the names of men.

2 Kings 18:19

General Information:

Rabshakeh continues telling the message from the king of Assyria to King Hezekiah's men.

What is the source of your confidence?

The King of Assyria

2 Kings 18:20

you have counsel and strength for war

The speaker is trying to convince the hearers that Hezekiah does not know how to defeat the Assyrians and would not have the might to carry out such a plan if he had one.

In whom are you trusting, that you should rebel against me?

The speaker wants to make the hearers doubt that Egypt can support Judah. He does not ask this question looking for an answer. Alternate translation: "You cannot trust anyone to help you rebel against me."

2 Kings 18:21

Egypt, this walking stick of crushed reed

The speaker compares Egypt to a weak walking stick; you expect that it will support you when you lean on it, but instead it breaks and cuts you. Alternate translation: "Egypt, which is like a walking stick made from a crushed reed"

if a man leans ... and pierce it

The speaker is extending the metaphor by describing what happens when a reed is used as a support.

2 Kings 18:22

General Information:

Rabshakeh continues telling the message from the king of Assyria to King Hezekiah's men.

is not he the one whose high places ... Jerusalem'?

This question assumes the listeners know the answer and is used for emphasis. Alternate translation: "You need to remember that he is the one whose high places ... Jerusalem'!"

2 Kings 18:23

General Information:

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2 Kings 18:24

General Information:

Rabshakeh continues telling the message from the king of Assyria to King Hezekiah's men.

How could you resist even one captain of the least of my master's servants?

He asks this question to emphasize that the army of Hezekiah does not have the resources to fight. He also uses exaggeration to mock Hezekiah's army. Alternate translation: Possible meanings are 1) "You could not defeat even one of the least of the king's soldiers." or 2) "You could not defeat a group of the king's soldiers commanded by his least important officer."

2 Kings 18:25

Have I traveled up here without Yahweh to fight against this place and destroy it?

He asks this question to emphasize that Yahweh is behind his success to obey the command to destroy Israel. Alternate translation: "Yahweh himself told us to come here and destroy this land!"

2 Kings 18:26

Eliakim ... Hilkiah ... Shebnah ... Joah

Translate the names of these men as in [2 Kings 18:18]

in the ears of the people who are on the wall

"In the ears" is metonymy for being able to listen. Alternate translation: "because the people standing on the city wall will hear it and be afraid"

2 Kings 18:27

Has my master sent me to your master and to you to speak these words? Has he not sent me to the men who sit on the wall, who will have to eat their own dung and drink their own urine with you?

He asks these questions assuming the listeners know the answers to emphasize their intention to destroy and humiliate the leaders and people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "My master sent me not only to you and your master, but also to speak to the people in this city, who will suffer with you when they have to eat their own dung and drink their own urine to survive."

2 Kings 18:28

General Information:

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2 Kings 18:29

from my power

"my power" is metonymy for the ability of the king himself. Alternate translation: "from me" or "from the power of my army"

2 Kings 18:30

this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria

This can be expressed in an active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will never allow the king of Assyria's army to take this city"

the hand

"Hand" is metonymy for control, authority and power.

2 Kings 18:31

Make peace with me and come out to me

"Come out of the city and surrender to me" or "Make an agreement with me to surrender, and come out of the city to me"

his own vine ... his own fig tree ... his own cistern

These sources of food and water are metaphors for security and plenty. This also was a common way of expressing this idea.

2 Kings 18:32

a land of grain and new wine ... bread and vineyards ... olive trees and honey

These are metaphors for having good things and plenty in daily life.

2 Kings 18:33

General Information:

Rabshakeh continues telling the message from the king of Assyria to King Hezekiah's men.

Has any of the gods ... Assyria?

He asks this question for emphasis because they know the answer. Alternate translation: "None the gods of the peoples have rescued them ... Assyria."

2 Kings 18:34

Where are the gods of ... Arpad?

He asks this question for emphasis because they know the answer. Alternate translation: "I have destroyed the gods of ... Arpad!"

Hamath ... Arpad ... Sepharvaim ... Hena ... Ivvah ... Samaria

These are the names of places that represent the people living there.

out of my hand

"Hand" is metonymy for control, power, or authority. Alternate translation: "out from my control"

2 Kings 18:35

is there any god who has rescued his land from my power?

He asks this question for emphasis because they know the answer. Alternate translation: "No god has rescued his land from my power."

from my power

"My power" is metonymy for the person whose has the power. Alternate translation: "from me"

How could Yahweh save Jerusalem from my might?

He asks this question for emphasis because they know the answer. Alternate translation: "There is no way Yahweh can save Jerusalem from my might!"

2 Kings 18:36

General Information:

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2 Kings 18:37

Eliakim ... Shebna ... Joah ... Asaph

These are the names of men.

who was over the household

"who managed the king's palace"

the recorder

"the history keeper"

chief commander

and is the translation of the Hebrew; some see this as a personal name, "Rabshakeh"

Chapter 19

2 Kings 19 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Hezekiah continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

God's power

God is in control of everything. God caused the Assyrian king to fail in conquering Jerusalem because he mocked God.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

"The virgin daughter of Zion" here is an idiom meaning the people of Jerusalem. "The virgin daughter of Zion despises you and laughs you to scorn" means that "the people of Jerusalem know that Assyria will fail because they have mocked God."

2 Kings 19:1

house of Yahweh

This is another way of saying "temple of Yahweh."

2 Kings 19:2

Eliakim ... Shebna ... Isaiah ... Amoz

These are all names of men.

He sent Eliakim

"Hezekiah sent Eliakim"

all covered with sackcloth

"all wearing sackcloth"

2 Kings 19:3

This day is a day of distress

"This is a time of distress"

the children have come to the time of birth, but there is no strength for them to be born

This is a metaphor to describe how the people and their leaders have become so weak and unable to fight the enemy.

2 Kings 19:4

all the words of the chief commander

"everything that the chief commander has said"

lift up your prayer

This a common way

2 Kings 19:5

General Information:

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2 Kings 19:6

General Information:

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2 Kings 19:7

I will put a spirit in him, and he will hear a certain report and go back to his own land

"I will control the attitude of the king of Assyria, so when he hears a report, he will want to return to his own country"

I will put a spirit in him

"I will influence his thinking" or "I will cause him to think differently." Here "spirit" probably refers to his attitude and thoughts, rather than to a spirit being.

certain report

You should translate this phrase using a word for a message that could be either true or false.

I will cause him to fall by the sword

"Fall by the sword" is metonymy for being killed. Alternate translation: "I will cause him to die by the sword" or "I will cause some men to kill him with a sword"

2 Kings 19:8

the chief commander

"the official from Assyria in charge under the king"

found the king of Assyria fighting

"discovered that the Assyrian army was fighting"

Libnah ... Lachish

The names of cities in the kingdom of Judah.

2 Kings 19:9

Sennacherib ... Tirhakah

These are the names of men.

had mobilized to fight against him

"had prepared his army to fight against Assyria"

so he sent

"so Sennacherib sent"

a message

This message was written in a letter.

2 Kings 19:10

General Information:

This is the message that King Sennacharib of Assyria sent to King Hezekiah.

Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying

"Do not believe your God in whom you trust. He is lying when he says"

the hand of the king of Assyria

"Hand" is metonymy for control, authority or power. Alternate translation: "the control of the government of Assyria"

2 Kings 19:11

See, you have heard

"Notice, you have heard" or "You have certainly heard." Here "see" was used to draw attention to what he was about to say next.

So will you be rescued?

Sennacharib used this question to emphasize that God will not be able to rescue them. Alternate translation: "Your God will not rescue you!" or "You will not be able to escape either!"

2 Kings 19:12

General Information:

King Sennacharib's message to King Hezekiah continues.

Have the gods of the nations rescued them, the nations ... destroyed: Gozan ... Assar?

This question assumes Hezekiah knows the answer and provides emphasis. Alternate translation: "The gods of the nations, the nations ... destroyed—Gozan ... Assar—certainly did not rescue them!"

my fathers

"the previous kings of Assyria" or "the armies of the previous kings of Assyria"

Gozan ... Haran ... Rezeph ... Eden ... Tel Assar

These are all place names.

2 Kings 19:13

Hamath ... Arpad ... Sepharvaim ... Hena ... Ivvah

These are all place names.

2 Kings 19:14

this letter

This refers to the letter that King Sennacherib of Assyria sent to Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:8).

2 Kings 19:15

you who sit above the cherubim

You may need to make explicit that the cherubim are those on the lid of the ark of the covenant. The biblical writers often spoke of the ark of the covenant as if it were Yahweh's footstool upon which he rested his feet as he sat on his throne in heaven above. Alternate translation: "you who sit on your throne above the cherubim on the ark of the covenant"

2 Kings 19:16

General Information:

King Hezekiah continues praying to Yahweh after receiving the letter from King Sennacherib of Assyria.

Incline your ear, Yahweh, and listen. Open your eyes, Yahweh, and see

Both of these sentences urge Yahweh to pay attention to the things that Sennacherib is saying.

Incline your ear, Yahweh, and listen

The words "Incline your ear" and "listen" mean the same thing and add emphasis to the plea. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, please listen to what he is saying"

Incline your ear

To "incline the ear" is to lean toward the speaker so as to better hear the words. This is a metaphor for listening carefully and paying attention. Alternate translation: "Listen carefully" or "Pay attention"

Open your eyes, Yahweh, and see

The words "Open your eyes" and "see" mean the same thing and add emphasis to the plea. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, please pay attention to what is happening"

2 Kings 19:17

General Information:

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2 Kings 19:18

They have put their gods into the fire

"The Assyrian kings have burned up the gods of the other nations"

Assyrians have destroyed them

"Assyrians have destroyed both the nations and the nations' gods"

2 Kings 19:19

General Information:

King Hezekiah continues praying to Yahweh after receiving the letter from King Sennacherib of Assyria.

I implore you

"I beg of you"

from his power

"from the power of the King of Assyria" or "from the armies of the King of Assyria"

2 Kings 19:20

General Information:

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2 Kings 19:21

General Information:

The writer begins to quote a poem by the prophet Isaiah that contains a prophecy.

The virgin daughter of Zion

"Virgin daughter" here is a metaphor for the people of Jerusalem as if they are young, vibrant and beautiful. The term "daughter" was used to give personal characteristics to cities by some biblical writers. Alternate translation: "The beautiful people of Jerusalem"

The daughter of Jerusalem

"Daughter" is metaphor for the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "The people of the city of Jerusalem"

shakes her head at you

This action is a metaphor to represent disdain at the pride of the Assyrians. Alternate translation: "scorns you"

2 Kings 19:22

Whom have you defied and slandered? Against whom have you exalted your voice and lifted up your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!

Yahweh uses rhetorical questions to rebuke Sennacherib. Alternate translation: "You have defied and slandered me! You have exalted your voice and lifted up your eyes in pride against me, the Holy One of Israel!"

lifted up your eyes in pride

"lifted up your eyes in pride" is metonymy for a haughty or arrogant facial expression. Alternate translation: "looked at very proudly"

the Holy One of Israel

An expression for the God of Israel, Yahweh.

2 Kings 19:23

General Information:

This continues the message from Yahweh given by Isaiah, the prophet, to King Hezekiah concerning King Sennacherib. It uses parallelism throughout.

you have defied the Lord

To "defy" is to openly resist or mock.

I have gone up ... I will cut down ... I will enter

These boasts made by Sennacherib could only be fulfilled by his army. The pronoun "I" represents him and his army.

2 Kings 19:24

I dried up all the rivers of Egypt under the soles of my feet.

This is a boast that Sennacherib has so many soldiers that their feet dry up the water when they cross a river. This is an exaggeration to emphasize the great number of soldiers he has. Alternate translation: "And by marching through the streams of Egypt, we dried them all up!"

2 Kings 19:25

General Information:

This continues the message from Yahweh, given by Isaiah, the prophet, for King Hezekiah concerning King Sennecherib. It uses parallelism throughout.

Have you not heard how ... times?

To make the point strongly this question assumes the listener knows the answer. Alternate translation: "Surely you know how ... times."

impregnable cities

"cities that cannot be captured" or "cities surrounded by high walls"

2 Kings 19:26

plants in the field, green grass

This metaphor compares the weak victims of the Assyrian advance to fragile plants. Alternate translation: "as frail as plants and grass in the fields" or "as weak as shallow rooted plants"

the grass on the roof or in the field, burned before it has grown up

This continues the metaphor comparing the weak victims of the Assyrian advance to fragile plants in difficult conditions for growing fully. Alternate translation: "like grass before it has matured" or "like grass before it has grown tall"

2 Kings 19:27

General Information:

This continues the message from Yahweh, given by Isaiah, the prophet, for King Hezekiah concerning King Sennecherib. It uses parallelism throughout.

raging against me

"angry shouting about me"

2 Kings 19:28

because your arrogance has reached my ears

"Ears" are metonymy for listening or hearing. Alternate translation: "because I have heard your proud words"

I will put my hook in your nose, and my bit in your mouth

A "hook" and a "bit"

I will turn you back the way you came

That Sennacherib will return home before he can conquer Jerusalem can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "I will make you return to your own country the same way you came, without conquering Jerusalem"

2 Kings 19:29

General Information:

Here Isaiah is talking to King Hezekiah. He continues using parallelism throughout.

grows wild

"grows without having been planted"

2 Kings 19:30

The remnant of the house of Judah that survives will again take root and bear fruit

This metaphor compares restoration of the remnant to plantings that take hold and produce results. Alternate translation: "The people of Judah who remain alive will restore their lives and prosperity" or "The people who remain in Judah will prosper and have many children"

2 Kings 19:31

The zeal of Yahweh of hosts will do this

"The strong action of Yahweh will make this happen"

2 Kings 19:32

General Information:

This is the end of the message from Yahweh, spoken through the prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah. It uses parallelism throughout.

nor shoot an arrow here

"Arrow" is metonymy representing all tools of warfare and destruction. Alternate translation: "nor do any fighting here"

or build up a siege ramp against it

"and they will not even build up high mounds of earth against the city wall to enable them to attack the city"

2 Kings 19:33

this is Yahweh's declaration

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: "this is what Yahweh has declared" or "this is what I, Yahweh, have declared"

2 Kings 19:34

for my own sake and for my servant David's sake

"for the sake of my own reputation and because of what I promised to King David, who served me well"

2 Kings 19:35

It came about

"It happened"

185,000 soldiers

"one hundred eighty-five thousand soldiers"

When the men arose

"When the men who were left alive got up"

2 Kings 19:36

General Information:

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2 Kings 19:37

Adrammelek ... Sharezer ... Esarhaddon

These are the names of men.

Chapter 20

2 Kings 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter finishes the story of Hezekiah.

Special concepts in this chapter

Hezekiah's additional time

God hears the distressed call of his faithful believers. Hezekiah was dying but when he prayed, God gave him 15 more years of life. (See: faithful and believe)

2 Kings 20:1

Set your house in order

"House" is metonymy for what was under Hezekiah's control. Alternate translation: "Give final instructions to your household and government"

2 Kings 20:2

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2 Kings 20:3

call to mind

This is a common way of speaking, an idiom, urging Yahweh to remember. Alternate translation: "remember"

walked

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "lived my life"

good in your sight

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in your judgment"

2 Kings 20:4

the word of Yahweh came

"Word" represents the message Yahweh revealed to Isaiah. This is a common way of speaking, an idiom. Alternate translation: "Yahweh spoke his word"

2 Kings 20:5

I have heard your prayer, and I have seen your tears

The second part reinforces the first part to make one message by using parallelism. Alternate translation: "I have heard your prayers and seen your tears"

on the third day

"two days from now" The day Isaiah said this was the first day, so "the third day" would be the same as "two days from now."

2 Kings 20:6

General Information:

The message from Yahweh to King Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah continues.

fifteen years

15 years

from the hand of the king of Assyria

"Hand" is metonymy for power, authority and control. Alternate translation: "from the control of the king of Assyria"

2 Kings 20:7

lump of figs

"paste made of boiled figs"

They did so and put it on his boil

"Hezekiah's servants did this and put the paste on Hezekiah's sore"

2 Kings 20:8

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2 Kings 20:9

Will the shadow go forward ten steps, or go back ten steps?

The source of "the shadow" can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Do you want Yahweh to make the shadow caused by the sunlight on the stairway to go forward ten steps or to go back ten steps?"

ten steps

This expression refers to the "stairway of Ahaz" in 2 Kings 20:11. This was probably a special stairway built for King Ahaz in such a way that its steps marked the hours of daylight as the sun's rays advanced along them. In this way, the staircase served to tell the time during the day.

2 Kings 20:10

It is an easy thing for the shadow to go forward ten steps

Why "it is an easy thing" can be stated clearly. "It is easy to cause the shadow to move forward ten steps, because that is the normal thing for it to do"

2 Kings 20:11

the stairway of Ahaz

This was probably a special stairway built for King Ahaz in such a way that its steps marked the hours of daylight as the sun's rays advanced along them. In this way, the staircase served to tell the time during the day. Alternate translation: "the steps that had been built for King Ahaz"

2 Kings 20:12

Marduk-Baladan ... Baladan

These are the names of the king of Babylon and his son.

2 Kings 20:13

listened to those letters

1) "carefully considered those letters" or 2) "heard the message from the king of Babylon"

There was nothing in his house, nor in all his kingdom, that Hezekiah did not show them

Here "There was nothing ... did not show them" is an exaggeration used for emphasis. It means Hezekiah showed them all of his most valuable things. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Hezekiah showed him absolutely everything valuable in his house and in all his kingdom"

2 Kings 20:14

these men

This refers to the men sent to King Hezekiah with a message and gifts from Marduk-Baladan.

2 Kings 20:15

They have seen everything in my house. There is nothing among my valuable things that I have not shown them

Hezekiah repeats the same idea in two ways to emphasize his point.

There is nothing among my valuable things that I have not shown them

"Nothing" and "not" cancel each other out to make the idea positive. This exaggeration is used for emphasis. Alternate translation: "I showed them absolutely every one of my valuable things"

2 Kings 20:16

So Isaiah said to Hezekiah

Why Isaiah spoke can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "So, because Isaiah knew Hezekiah had been foolish to show the men all his valuable things, Isaiah said to him"

the word of Yahweh

"the message of Yahweh"

2 Kings 20:17

Look, the days are about to come when

"Listen to me, someday there will come a time when"; "Look" is used to draw attention to what Isaiah is about to tell Hezekiah.

the days

"Days" is synecdoche to refer to an undefined span of time.

2 Kings 20:18

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2 Kings 20:19

For he thought

"Because Hezekiah thought"

Will there not be peace and stability in my days?

Hezekiah asks this question for emphasis knowing the answer already. Alternate translation: "I can be sure that there will be peace and stability in my days."

2 Kings 20:20

pool

A small area of still water for storage

conduit

A tunnel for carrying the water

are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah?

This question is used to remind the reader that these things are recorded. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 8:23]

2 Kings 20:21

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Chapter 21

2 Kings 21 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God's judgment

God judges sin. When Manasseh worshiped idols and did many evil things, God said he would cause Judah to be destroyed by its enemies. (See: judge and sin and evil)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Simile

"I will wipe Jerusalem clean, as a man wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down" means "God would completely destroy Jerusalem."

2 Kings 21:1

Hephzibah

The mother of King Manasseh

2 Kings 21:2

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]

like the disgusting things

Another possible meaning is "including the disgusting things."

2 Kings 21:3

he rebuilt the high places ... he built altars for Baal, made an Asherah pole

Manasseh would have commanded his workers to do the building for him. Alternate translation: "he had the high places rebuilt ... he had altars built for Baal, had an Asherah pole made" or "he had his workers rebuild the high places ... he had them build altars for Baal, make an Asherah pole"

2 Kings 21:4

General Information:

The story of King Manasseh's reign continues.

It is in Jerusalem that my name will be forever

The name is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: "Jerusalem is where I will forever make known who I am"

2 Kings 21:5

He built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courtyards of the house of Yahweh

It is implied that he built these altars so people could make sacrifices and worship the stars. Also, he would not have built these altars himself, rather he would have commanded his workers to do it. Alternate translation: "He had his workers build altars in the two courtyards of the house of Yahweh so that the people could worship the stars and offer them sacrifices"

2 Kings 21:6

He caused his son to pass through the fire

You may need to make explicit why he caused his son be put into the fire and what happened after he did so. Alternate translation: "He burned his son to death as an offering to his gods"

consulted with

"asked for information from"

much evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Kings 3:2]

2 Kings 21:7

General Information:

The story of King Manasseh's reign continues.

that he had made

Manasseh probably did not do the work. His servants would have done the work. Alternate translation: "that Manasseh had ordered his servants to make"

that I will put my name forever

Here Yahweh putting his "name" on the temple represents him designating it as the place to worship him. Alternate translation: "where I want people to worship me forever"

2 Kings 21:8

the feet of Israel

The feet are a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel" or "the Israelites"

2 Kings 21:9

even more than the nations that Yahweh had destroyed before the people of Israel

Here "nations" refers to the people who had lived in the land of Canaan before the Israelites had arrived. Alternate translation: "even more than the people whom Yahweh had destroyed as the people of Israel advanced through the land"

2 Kings 21:10

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2 Kings 21:11

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2 Kings 21:12

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2 Kings 21:13

stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria, and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab

The words "measuring line" and "plumb line" are metaphors for the standards Yahweh uses to judge people. Alternate translation: "judge Jerusalem using the same measure I used when I judged Samaria and the house of Ahab"

against Samaria

Samaria is the capital city and it represents all the people of the kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: "against the people of Israel"

plumb line

a tool made of a heavy weight and a thin rope used to show if a wall is straight

the house of Ahab

Here "house" represents family. Alternate translation: "the family of Ahab"

2 Kings 21:14

I will throw off

"I will abandon" or "I will reject"

give them into the hand of their enemies

Here the "hand" of the enemies refers to their enemies' control. Alternate translation: "let their enemies defeat them and take over their land"

2 Kings 21:15

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2 Kings 21:16

Moreover, Manasseh

"Also, Manasseh" or "In addition, Manasseh"

Manasseh shed much innocent blood

The words "shed much innocent blood" are a metonym for killing people violently. It might be best to translate this so the reader understands that other people helped Manasseh do this. Alternate translation: "Manasseh ordered his soldiers to kill many innocent people"

he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another with death

This hyperbole emphasizes the great number of people Manasseh had killed throughout Jerusalem. The abstract noun "death" can be stated as "dead people." Alternate translation: "there were very many dead people throughout Jerusalem"

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]

2 Kings 21:17

are they not written ... Judah?

This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 8:23]

2 Kings 21:18

lay down with his ancestors and

This is a polite way of saying he "died, as his ancestors had, and"

the garden of Uzza

Possible meanings are 1) "the garden that had once belonged to a man named Uzza" or 2) "Uzza Garden."

Amon

This is a man's name

2 Kings 21:19

Amon ... Haruz

These are names of men.

Meshullemeth

This is the name of a woman.

Jotbah

This is the name of a city.

2 Kings 21:20

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]

2 Kings 21:21

followed in all the way that his father had walked in

"walked in all the ways that his father walked in." The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "lived completely the way his father had lived"

2 Kings 21:22

He abandoned Yahweh

"He went away from Yahweh" or "He paid no more attention to Yahweh"

2 Kings 21:23

conspired against him

"made plans and worked together to harm him"

2 Kings 21:24

the people of the land

This is a generalization. Alternate translation: "some of the people in Judah"

conspired against

"made plans and worked together to harm." See how you translated this in 2 Kings 21:23.

2 Kings 21:25

are they not written ... Judah?

This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 8:23]

2 Kings 21:26

the garden of Uzza

Possible meanings are 1) "the garden that had once belonged to a man named Uzza" or 2) "Uzza Garden." See how you translated this in [2 Kings 21:18]

Chapter 22

2 Kings 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The next two chapters (2 Kings 22-23) tell about the spiritual revival under King Josiah. A revival occurs when the people begin to worship Yahweh properly again. (See: spirit)

Special concepts in this chapter

The law

The priests found a copy of the law in the temple and took it to the king. He was upset because the people had disobeyed the law so badly. Josiah asked God about it. God said that he would destroy Judah for these sins but not in Josiah's lifetime, since he humbled himself and wanted to do better. Many scholars believe this was a copy of the book of Deuteronomy. (See: priest, lawofmoses and temple and sin)

2 Kings 22:1

thirty-one years

"31 years"

Jedidah

This is the name of a woman.

Adaiah

This is the name of a man.

Bozkath

This is the name of a town in Judah.

2 Kings 22:2

He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh

Here "eyes" represents Yahweh's thoughts or what he considered about something. Alternate translation: "He did what Yahweh considered to be right" or "He did what was right according to Yahweh"

He walked in all the way of David his ancestor

"He walked in all the ways of David his ancestor" Josiah behaving as David did is spoken of as if he walked on the same road or way as David. Alternate translation: "He lived the way David his ancestor had lived" or "He followed the example of David his ancestor"

he did not turn away either to the right or to the left

To fully obey Yahweh is spoken of as if a person were on the correct road and never turned from it. Alternate translation: "he did not do anything that would displease Yahweh" or "he fully obeyed all the laws of Yahweh"

2 Kings 22:3

It came about that

If your language has a way to mark the beginning of a new part of the story, consider using it here.

the eighteenth year

"Eighteenth" is the ordinal form of 18. Alternate translation: "year 18"

Shaphan ... Azaliah ... Meshullam

These are men's names.

2 Kings 22:4

Go up to Hilkiah

The phrase "Go up" is used because Yahweh's temple was higher in elevation than where King Josiah was located. Alternate translation: "Go to Hilkiah"

Hilkiah

This is a man's name.

that has been brought into the house of Yahweh, which the temple guards have gathered from the people

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the temple guards who gathered the money from the people brought into the temple of Yahweh"

house of Yahweh

This is another name for the "temple" (verse 3).

2 Kings 22:5

house of Yahweh ... in the temple

Here "house of Yahweh" and "temple" mean the same thing.

Let it be given into the hand of the workmen

Here "hand" represents the workmen as a whole. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Tell Hilkiah to give the money to the workmen"

2 Kings 22:6

General Information:

The message from King Josiah to Hilkiah, the high priest, continues.

Let them give money

Here "them" refers to the workmen who are in charge of the house of Yahweh in 2 Kings 22:5.

the carpenters, the builders, and the masons

These are the same as the workmen who are in the house of Yahweh in 2 Kings 22:5. Here the workers are described in more detail.

carpenters

workers who build with wood

masons

workers who build with stone

2 Kings 22:7

was given to them ... because they handled

Here "them" and "they" refer to the workmen who are in charge of the house of Yahweh in 2 Kings 22:5.

no accounting was required for the money that was given to them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the workmen who were in charge did not have to report how they used the money that the temple guards gave them"

because they handled it faithfully

"because they used the money honestly"

2 Kings 22:8

Hilkiah

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 18:18]

the book of the law

Most likely these laws were written on a scroll. A scroll was a type of book made of one long, rolled-up sheet of papyrus or leather.

2 Kings 22:9

given it into the hand of the workmen

Here "hand" represents the workmen as a whole. Alternate translation: "given it to the workmen"

2 Kings 22:10

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2 Kings 22:11

It came about that

If your language has a way to mark the beginning of a new part of the story, consider using it here.

had heard the words of the book of the law

Here "words" represents the message of the law. Alternate translation: "had heard the laws that were written in the book" or "had heard the laws that were written in the scroll"

he tore his clothes

This is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness.

2 Kings 22:12

Ahikam ... Shaphan ... Akbor ... Micaiah ... Asaiah

These are names of men.

2 Kings 22:13

Go and consult with Yahweh

It is made clear in 22:14 that the king means for the men to go to the prophetess of Yahweh to determine Yahweh's will.

consult

to go to someone to ask for advice

the words of this book that has been found

Here "words" represents the laws. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the laws in this book that Hilkiah has found"

For great is the anger of Yahweh that has been kindled against us

Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that was lit. Alternate translation: "For Yahweh is very angry with us"

all that was written concerning us

This refers to the law that was given to Israel. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all that Moses wrote in the law that we should do" or "all the laws that God gave through Moses to the people of Israel"

2 Kings 22:14

Huldah

This is a woman's name.

Shallum ... Tikvah ... Harhas

These are men's names.

keeper of the wardrobe

Possible meanings are 1) the person who took care of the clothing that priests wore in the temple or 2) the person who took care of the king's clothing.

she lived in Jerusalem in the second quarter

Here "second quarter" refers to the new part of the city that was built on the north side of Jerusalem. Also, "second" is the ordinal form of 2. Alternate translation: "she lived in Jerusalem in the new part of the city" or "she lived in the new part of Jerusalem"

2 Kings 22:15

the man who sent you to me

Here "the man" refers to King Josiah.

2 Kings 22:16

I will bring disaster to this place and to its inhabitants

Yahweh causing terrible things to happen is spoken of as if disaster were an object that he could bring to a place. Alternate translation: "I will cause terrible things to happen to this place and to those who live there"

to this place

"to Jerusalem." This refers to the city of Jerusalem which represents the whole land of Judah. Alternate translation: "to Judah"

2 Kings 22:17

General Information:

The message Yahweh sent to King Josiah through Huldah, the prophetess, continues.

my anger has been kindled against this place, and it will not be extinguished

Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that was lit. Alternate translation: "my anger against this place is like a fire that cannot be put out"

this place

Here "place" represents the people who live in Jerusalem and Judah. Alternate translation: "these people"

2 Kings 22:18

About the words that you heard

Here "words" represents the message that Huldah just spoke. Alternate translation: "About the message that you heard"

2 Kings 22:19

because your heart was tender

Here "heart" represents a person's inner being. Feeling sorry is spoken of as if the heart were tender. Alternate translation: "because you felt sorry" or "because you repented"

that they would become a desolation and a curse

The abstract nouns "desolation" and "curse" can be stated as an adjective and a verb. Alternate translation: "that I would make the land desolate and would curse them"

torn your clothes

This is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness.

this is Yahweh's declaration

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 19:33]

2 Kings 22:20

General Information:

This is the end of the message from Yahweh to King Josiah through the prophetess Huldah.

See, I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace

Both statements mean basically the same thing. They are polite ways of saying he will die. Alternate translation: "So I will allow you to die and be buried peacefully"

Your eyes will not see

Here "will not see" represents not experiencing something. Alternate translation: "You will not experience"

Your eyes

Here "eyes" represents the whole person.

the disaster that I will bring upon this place

Yahweh causing terrible things to happen is spoken of as if disaster were an object that Yahweh would bring to a place. Alternate translation: "the terrible things I will cause to happen in this place"

Chapter 23

2 Kings 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Josiah ends in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Ending idolatry

Josiah destroyed idolatry in Judah and in the deserted areas of Israel. But he fought against Egypt and was killed in battle. After his death, Egypt set up a government of Judah that it controlled.

2 Kings 23:1

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2 Kings 23:2

all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem

This is a generalization. Alternate translation: "many other people"

from small to great

This merism includes everyone in between. Alternate translation: "from the least important to the most important"

He then read in their hearing

"Then the king read aloud so that they could hear"

that had been found

In [2 Kings 22:8]

2 Kings 23:3

walk after Yahweh

The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path, and "to walk after" someone is a metonym for doing what that other person does or wants others to do. Alternate translation: "live obeying Yahweh"

his commandments, his regulations, and his statutes

These words all share similar meanings. Together they emphasize everything that Yahweh had commanded in the law.

with all his heart and all his soul

The idiom "with all his heart" means "completely" and "with all his soul" means "with all his being." These two phrases have similar meanings. Alternate translation: "with all his being" or "with all his energy"

that were written in this book

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that this book contained"

stand by the covenant

This idiom means to "obey the terms of the covenant."

2 Kings 23:4

the priests under him

"the other priests who served him"

gatekeepers

men who guarded the gates to the temple

for Baal ... for all the host of heaven

"so people could use them to worship Baal ... so people could use them to worship all the stars"

He burned ... and carried

The word "he" refers to Josiah. He would have commanded his workers to do these things. It is likely that Hilkiah and the priests who assisted him did these things. Alternate translation: "he had them burn them ... and carry them"

Kidron Valley ... Bethel

names of places

2 Kings 23:5

He got rid

The word "He" refers to Josiah. He would have commanded his workers to do these things. It is likely that Hilkiah and the priests who assisted him did these things. Alternate translation: "He had them get rid"

to Baal, to the sun and the moon, to the planets, and to all the host of heaven

"as a way to worship Baal, the sun and the moon, the planets, and all the stars"

2 Kings 23:6

General Information:

This continues to tell what King Josiah did in response to the message from Yahweh.

He brought out ... and burned it ... He crushed it ... and threw

The word "he" refers to Josiah. He would have commanded his workers to do these things. Hilkiah and the priests who assisted him did these things. Alternate translation: "He had them bring out ... and burn it ... He had them crush it ... and throw"

2 Kings 23:7

He broke

The word "He" refers to Josiah. He would have commanded his workers to do these things. Hilkiah and the priests who assisted him did these things. Alternate translation: "He had them clear"

the houses of the cultic prostitutes in the temple of Yahweh

Possible meanings are 1) the houses were in the temple or 2) the prostitutes were in the temple.

in the temple of Yahweh

You may need to make explicit that the houses were in the courtyard around the building, not in the building itself. Alternate translation: "by the temple of Yahweh"

wove garments

"made clothes"

2 Kings 23:8

Josiah brought ... and defiled ... He destroyed

Josiah would have commanded his workers to do these things. It is likely that Hilkiah and the priests who assisted him did these things. Alternate translation: "He commanded them to bring ... and to defile ... He had them destroy"

Geba ... Beersheba

names of places

Joshua (the city governor)

"the city ruler named Joshua" or "the city leader named Joshua." This is a different Joshua from the Joshua in the Old Testament Book of Joshua.

2 Kings 23:9

their brothers

Here "brothers" refers to their fellow priests who served at the temple.

2 Kings 23:10

Topheth ... Ben Hinnom

place names

cause his son or his daughter to pass through the fire as a sacrifice to Molech

"put his son or his daughter in the fire and burn them as an offering to Molech"

2 Kings 23:11

He took away

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people, perhaps Hilkiah and "the priests under him"

the horses

Possible meanings are 1) real horses or 2) statues of horses.

had given to the sun

Here "given" represents being dedicated for worship. Alternate translation: "had used to worship the sun"

Nathan-Melek

a man's name

2 Kings 23:12

Josiah the king destroyed ... Josiah smashed ... and threw

Josiah would have commanded his workers to do these things. It is likely that Hilkiah and the priests who assisted him did these things. Alternate translation: "Josiah the king commanded them to destroy ... He had them smash ... had them throw"

the kings of Judah had made ... Manasseh had made

Manasseh and the kings of Judah probably commanded their workers to make these things. Alternate translation: "the kings of Judah had had their workers make ... Manasseh had had his workers make"

Kidron Valley

place name. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 23:4]

2 Kings 23:13

The king ruined

Josiah would have commanded his workers to do these things. It is likely that Hilkiah and the priests who assisted him did these things. Alternate translation: "He had them ruin ... He had them break ... they filled"

Solomon the king of Israel had built

Solomon would have commanded his workers to do these things. Alternate translation: "Solomon the king of Israel had had his workers build"

2 Kings 23:14

He broke ... he filled

Josiah would have commanded his workers to do these things. It is likely that Hilkiah and the priests who assisted him did these things. Alternate translation: "He had them break ... they filled"

filled those places with the bones of human beings

"covered the ground with human bones so people could not use it as a shrine anymore"

2 Kings 23:15

Josiah also completely destroyed ... He also burned ... and crushed ... He also burned

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people, perhaps Hilkiah and "the priests under him"

2 Kings 23:16

spoke of these things beforehand

"had said that these things would happen"

2 Kings 23:17

monument

marker or statue that honors a person. A tomb is one kind of monument.

2 Kings 23:18

So they let his bones alone, along with the bones of

"So they did not touch his bones or the bones of"

2 Kings 23:19

Josiah removed ... He did

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people, perhaps Hilkiah and "the priests under him"

the kings of Israel had made

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people, probably the kings' workers, might have helped the kings make these things.

what had been done

"what he had done"

2 Kings 23:20

He slaughtered ... he burned

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people, perhaps Hilkiah and "the priests under him"

he burned human bones on them

You may need to make explicit why he burned the bones. "he burned human bones on them so no one would use them again"

2 Kings 23:21

Keep the Passover

"You must celebrate the Passover"

2 Kings 23:22

Such a Passover celebration had never been held from the days of

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Israel had not celebrated the Passover festival in such a great way in the time of"

ruled Israel

The name "Israel" is a metonym for "the descendants of Israel."

the days of the kings of Israel or Judah

"the time when the people of Israel had their own king and the people of Judah had their own king"

2 Kings 23:23

this Passover of Yahweh was celebrated

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people of Judah celebrated this Passover of Yahweh"

2 Kings 23:24

completely removed

This phrase translates a word that can mean to burn things, which is probably what Josiah did to the fetishes, idols, and disgusting things. The phrase can also mean simply to remove things, and Josiah probably told the sorcerers and spiritists to leave Judah, but he may have literally executed them by burning them or executed them some other way and burned their dead bodies.

sorcerers and spiritists

See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 21:6.

fetishes

things that people wrongly believe have special power

2 Kings 23:25

who turned to Yahweh

"who gave himself completely to Yahweh"

Nor did any king like Josiah arise after him

"And since then there has never been a king who was like Josiah"

2 Kings 23:26

Nevertheless

The writer uses this word to show that even though all of these things that Josiah did were good, Yahweh was still angry with Judah.

Yahweh did not turn away from the burning of his raging anger, which burned against Judah

Fire is a metaphor for anger, and starting a fire is a metaphor for becoming angry. The abstract noun "anger" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "Yahweh did not stop being furiously angry with Judah"

had done to provoke him

"had done to cause him to be angry"

2 Kings 23:27

out of my sight

"from where I am" or "from being near me"

My name will be there

The name is a metonym for the honor that people should give to the person. Alternate translation: "People should worship me there"

2 Kings 23:28

are they not written ... Judah?

This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 8:23]

2 Kings 23:29

In his days, Pharaoh Necho, king of Egypt

"During the time of Josiah, Pharaoh Necho, king of Egypt"

Necho ... Megiddo

Necho is the name of a man. Megiddo is the name of a city.

2 Kings 23:30

General Information:

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2 Kings 23:31

twenty-three years old

"23 years old"

Hamutal

This is a woman's name.

Libnah

This is the name of a place.

2 Kings 23:32

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]

2 Kings 23:33

Riblah ... Hamath

These are names of places.

put him in chains

Being put "in chains" represents being captured and imprisoned. Alternate translation: "put him in prison"

imposed a fine on Judah

"punished the people of Judah by forcing them to give him"

one hundred talents ... one talent

A talent was about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "3,300 kilograms ... 33 kilograms"

2 Kings 23:34

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2 Kings 23:35

Jehoikim taxed the land

"Jehoikim collected taxes from the people who owned land"

people of the land

"people of the land of Judah." Possible meanings are 1) "the people who lived in the land of Judah" or 2) "the richest and most powerful of those who lived in Judah."

2 Kings 23:36

Zebidah

This is a woman's name.

Pedaiah

This is a man's name.

Rumah

This is the name of a place.

2 Kings 23:37

did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]

Chapter 24

2 Kings 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

These last two chapters are the final defeat of Judah and the beginning of their exile to Babylon.

Special concepts in this chapter

God's punishment

God punished Judah because of their sin. The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem and carry away all the craftsmen, soldiers and wealthy. They make Zedekiah the king. He was not truly a king because he lacked absolute authority. (See: sin)

2 Kings 24:1

In Jehoiakim's days

"During the time that Jehoiakim ruled Judah"

attacked Judah

You may need to make explicit what happened after Nebuchadnezzar attacked Judah. Alternate translation: "attacked and defeated Judah"

2 Kings 24:2

This was in conformity with the word of Yahweh that had been spoken through his servants the prophets

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "This was according to the word of Yahweh that his servants the prophets had spoken" or "This was exactly what Yahweh had told his servants the prophets to say would happen"

2 Kings 24:3

It was certainly at the mouth of Yahweh

Some versions have, "It was certainly because of the wrath of Yahweh," which is just as good a reading of the original text. If translators have access to versions in major languages in their region, they should probably follow their choice.

at the mouth of Yahweh

Here "mouth" represents Yahweh's command. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh had commanded"

remove them out of his sight

"get rid of them" or "destroy them"

2 Kings 24:4

innocent blood that he shed

Blood is a metonym for innocent life, and shedding blood is a metonym for killing innocent people. Alternate translation: "innocent people whom he killed"

he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood

Blood is a metonym for innocent life, and shedding blood is a metonym for killing innocent people. Alternate translation: "he killed many innocent people in Jerusalem"

2 Kings 24:5

are they not written ... Judah?

This is written as a rhetorical question because at the time this was written people were already aware of this information. This can be written as a statement. It can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 8:23]

2 Kings 24:6

lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "died and was buried along with his ancestors"

2 Kings 24:7

The king of Egypt did not attack any more out of his land

"The king of Egypt did not come out of his land any more to attack other people groups"

2 Kings 24:8

Nehushta ... Elnathan

Nehushta is the name of a woman. Elnathan is the name of a man.

2 Kings 24:9

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]

he did all that his father had done

Here "all" is a generalization. It means he did the same sinful things as his father. Alternate translation: "he committed the same kinds of sins his father had committed"

2 Kings 24:10

the servants

"the army." These men served Nebuchadnezzar as soldiers.

2 Kings 24:11

his servants

"his army." These men served Nebuchadnezzar as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 24:11.

2 Kings 24:12

Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, his mother, his servants, his princes, and his officers

You may need to make explicit why Jehoiachin went out to meet Nebuchadnezzar. Alternate translation: "Jehoiachin the king of Judah, with his mother, his servants, his princes, and his officers, went out to where the king of Babylon was, to surrender to him"

The king of Babylon captured him in the eighth year of his own reign

"After the king of Babylon had been king for more than seven years, he captured Jehoiachin"

2 Kings 24:13

Solomon king of Israel had made

You might want to translate this so the reader understands that Solomon might have had others help him do this.

2 Kings 24:14

He took into exile all Jerusalem

Here "Jerusalem" is a metonym for the people who lived there. And, "all" is a generalization. It means all the most important people Alternate translation: "Nebuchadnezzar took all the important people away from Jerusalem"

the craftsmen and the smiths

"the men who knew how to make and repair things that are made from metal"

No one was left except the poorest people in the land

"Only the poorest people in the land were left"

was left

"still lived there"

2 Kings 24:15

nobles

This probably refers to men who were wealthy or were leaders because people thought they were wise.

2 Kings 24:16

seven thousand ... one thousand

"7,000 ... 1,000"

2 Kings 24:17

Mattaniah

This is a man's name.

2 Kings 24:18

twenty-one ... eleven

"21 ... 11"

Hamutal

This is a woman's name.

Jeremiah

This is a man's name.

Libnah

This is the name of a place.

2 Kings 24:19

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]

2 Kings 24:20

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Chapter 25

2 Kings 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is the final defeat of Judah and the beginning of their exile to Babylon.

Special concepts in this chapter

Zedekiah's revolt

Zedekiah revolted against the Babylonians, so they came and completely destroyed Jerusalem. They tore down the city walls and took the rest of the people to Babylon as slaves, except the very poorest people remained.

2 Kings 25:1

in the ninth year
in the tenth month, and on the tenth day of the month

This is the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the end of December on Western calendars. This is during the cold season when there may be rain and snow.

came with all his army against Jerusalem

The name "Jerusalem" is a metonym for the people who lived in it. Alternate translation: "came with his whole army to fight against the people of Jerusalem" or "came with his whole army to conquer Jerusalem"

2 Kings 25:2

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2 Kings 25:3

the ninth day of the fourth month

This is the fourth month of the Hebrew calendar. The ninth day is near the end of June on Western calendars. This is during the dry season when there is very little or no rain.

the people of the land

These are the inhabitants of Jerusalem, including refugees from the surrounding villages that fled to Jerusalem when the war started.

2 Kings 25:4

Then the city was broken into

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then the Babylonian army broke into the city"

all the fighting men

"all the warriors"

by the way of the gate

"by using the gate"

the Chaldeans

Some translations use "Chaldeans" and others use "Babylonians." Both terms refer to the same people group.

The king went in the direction of

"King Zedekiah also fled and he went toward"

2 Kings 25:5

All his army was scattered away from him

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "His whole army ran away from him" or "The Chaldeans chased away his whole army"

2 Kings 25:6

Riblah

This is the name of a place.

passed sentence on him

"decided what they would do to punish him"

2 Kings 25:7

they slaughtered them before his eyes

The eyes are synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "they forced king Zedekiah to watch them kill his sons"

he put out his eyes

"Nebuchadnezzar put out Zedekiah's eyes." It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people might have helped Nebuchadnezzar do this.

2 Kings 25:8

in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month

This is the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar. The seventh day is near the end of July on Western calendars.

the nineteenth year

This is the ordinal form of the number 19.

Nebuzaradan

This is the name of a man.

2 Kings 25:9

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2 Kings 25:10

As for all the walls around Jerusalem, all

"This is what happened to all the walls around Jerusalem: all"

who were under

"who were following the orders of"

2 Kings 25:11

As for the rest of the people ... city, those

"This is what happened to the rest of the people ... city: those"

the rest of the people who were left in the city

"the people who remained in the city"

deserted to the king

"left the city and gone to be with the king"

2 Kings 25:12

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2 Kings 25:13

As for the bronze pillars ... Yahweh, the Chaldeans

"This is what happened to the bronze pillars ... Yahweh: the Chaldeans"

the stands

This refers to the large, moveable bronze stands with bronze wheels and axles. "the moveable bronze stands" or "the bronze stands with wheels"

the bronze sea

"the large bronze basin"

broke them into pieces

"cut them into pieces" or "chopped them up into small pieces"

2 Kings 25:14

shovels

A shovel was a tool that was used to clean the altar, typically used to move big piles of dirt, sand, or ashes.

with which the priests had served in the temple

"which the priests had used in the temple service"

2 Kings 25:15

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2 Kings 25:16

the sea

"the large bronze basin." See how you translated this in 2 Kings 25:13.

the stands

See how you translated this in 2 Kings 25:13.

2 Kings 25:17

eighteen cubits ... three cubits

A cubit was 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 8.3 meters ... about 1.4 meters"

a capital of bronze

"an artistic, bronze design" or "a bronze piece with designs"

latticework

This was a design made of crossed strips that looked like a net.

all made of bronze

"completely made of bronze"

2 Kings 25:18

The commander of the bodyguard

See how you translated this in 2 Kings 25:8.

Seraiah

This is the name of a man.

the second priest

These words refer to Zephaniah. Another possible meaning is "the priest under Seraiah."

gatekeepers

See how you translated this in 2 Kings 7:10.

2 Kings 25:19

took prisoner

"captured and kept from escaping"

an officer who was in charge of soldiers

Other translations may read "a eunuch who was in charge of soldiers." A eunuch is a man whose private parts have been removed.

officer responsible for drafting men into the army

Possible meanings are 1) the officer forced men to become soldiers or 2) the officer wrote down the names of the men who became soldiers.

2 Kings 25:20

Nebuzaradan

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 25:8.

Riblah

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 25:6.

2 Kings 25:21

put them to death

This is a polite way of saying "killed them." It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people might have helped the king do this.

In this way, Judah went out of its land into exile

"So Judah was taken into exile out of its land"

Judah went out of its land

Judah, the name of the people group, is a metonym for the people themselves. Alternate translation: "the people of Judah went out of their land"

2 Kings 25:22

Gedaliah ... Ahikam ... Shaphan

These are the names of men.

2 Kings 25:23

Ishmael ... Nethaniah ... Johanan ... Kareah ... Seraiah ... Tanhumeth ... Jaazaniah

These are the names of men.

Netophathite

This refers to a person who is a descendant of a man named Netophah.

Maakathite

This refers to a person who comes from a place called Maakah.

2 Kings 25:24

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2 Kings 25:25

the seventh month

This is the seventh month on the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars.

Elishama

This is the name of a man.

2 Kings 25:26

all the people

This is a generalization. Alternate translation: "many people"

from the least to the greatest

This is a merism that means "everyone," which is a generalization. Alternate translation: "from the least important to the most important" or "everyone"

2 Kings 25:27

in the thirty-seventh year
in the twelfth month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month

This is the twelfth month of the Hebrew calendar. The twenty-seventh day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars.

Awel-Marduk

This is a man's name.

2 Kings 25:28

a seat more honorable than that of the other kings

Giving a good place at the dining table is a metonym for honoring him. Alternate translation: "more honor than the other kings"

2 Kings 25:29

removed Jehoiachin's prison clothes

The act of removing Jehoiachins' prison clothes represents making him a free man.

at the king's table

"with the king and his officials"

2 Kings 25:30

A regular food allowance was given to him

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The king made sure that he had a regular food allowance"

A regular food allowance

"Money to buy food"

Book: 1 Chronicles

Chapter 1

1 Chronicles 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter gives the genealogies of Abraham, Esau and the early kings of Edom.

1 Chronicles 1:1

Adam ... Seth ... Enosh

These are all names of men. Each man was the father or ancestor of the next man in the list. If your language has a specific way to mark this kind of list, you can use it here.

1 Chronicles 1:2

Kenan ... Mahalalel ... Jared

These are all names of men. Each man was the father or ancestor of the next man in the list. If your language has a specific way to mark this kind of list, you can use it here.

1 Chronicles 1:3

Enoch ... Methuselah ... Lamech

These are all names of men. Each man was the father or ancestor of the next man in the list. If your language has a specific way to mark this kind of list, you can use it here.

1 Chronicles 1:4

The sons of Noah were Shem, Ham, and Japheth

Some versions, including the ULB and UDB, include "The sons of" in order to make it clear that Shem, Ham, and Japheth were brothers to each other and sons of Noah. Otherwise, the reader would assume that each person represented one generation farther away from Noah, their ancestor.

Noah

Noah was Lamech's son. Alternate translation: "Lamech's son Noah"

1 Chronicles 1:5

Gomer ... Magog ... Madai ... Javan ... Tubal ... Meshech ... Tiras

These are all names of men.

1 Chronicles 1:6

Ashkenaz ... Riphath ... Togarmah

These are all names of men.

1 Chronicles 1:7

Elishah ... Tarshish

These are names of men.

Kittites ... Rodanites

These are names of people groups.

Rodanites

This name is sometimes spelled "Dodanites."

1 Chronicles 1:8

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 1:9

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 1:10

who began to be a mighty man

Possible meanings are 1) "who became a mighty man" or 2) "who was the first mighty man."

mighty man

or "warrior" or "conqueror"

1 Chronicles 1:11

Ludites ... Anamites ... Lehabites ... Naphtuhites

These are names of people groups.

1 Chronicles 1:12

Pathrusites ... Kasluhites ... Philistines ... Caphtorites

These are names of people groups.

from whom the Philistines came

"the ancestors of the Philistines"

1 Chronicles 1:13

Canaan ... Sidon

These are names of men.

Hittites

This is the name of a people group.

1 Chronicles 1:14

Jebusites ... Amorites ... Girgashites

These are names of people groups.

1 Chronicles 1:15

Hivites ... Arkites ... Sinites

These are names of people groups.

1 Chronicles 1:16

Arvadites ... Zemarites ... Hamathites

These are names of people groups.

1 Chronicles 1:17

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 1:18

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 1:19

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 1:20

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 1:21

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 1:22

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 1:23

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 1:24

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 1:25

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 1:26

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 1:27

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 1:28

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 1:29

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 1:30

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 1:31

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 1:32

General Information:

All of the names here except for Keturah are names of men. Keturah is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 1:33

General Information:

All of the names here except for Keturah are names of men. Keturah is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 1:34

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 1:35

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1 Chronicles 1:36

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 1:37

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 1:38

General Information:

All of the names in this verse are names of men.

1 Chronicles 1:39

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men, execpt for Timna. Timna is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 1:40

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 1:41

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 1:42

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1 Chronicles 1:43

Edom ... Dinhabah

These are the names of places.

Bela ... Beor

These are the names of men.

1 Chronicles 1:44

Bela ... Jobab ... Zerah

These are the names of men.

Bozrah

This is the name of a place.

reigned in his place

"reigned in Bela's place" or "reigned instead of Bela." This means that Jobab became king after Bela. Alternate translation: "succeeded Bela as king" or "became king after him"

1 Chronicles 1:45

Jobab ... Husham

These are names of men.

Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place

"Husham, from the land where Teman's descendants lived, reigned after him"

Temanites

This is the name of a people group.

1 Chronicles 1:46

Husham ... Hadad ... Bedad

These are names of men.

Avith

This is the name of a place.

1 Chronicles 1:47

Hadad ... Samlah

These are names of men.

Masrekah

This is the name of a place.

1 Chronicles 1:48

Samlah ... Shaul

These are names of men.

Shaul of Rehoboth on the river reigned in his place

Shaul lived in Rehoboth. Rehoboth was by the Euphrates river. This information may be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Shaul reigned in his place. He was from Rehoboth, which is by the Euphrates River" or "Shaul, who was from Rehoboth by the river, became king after him"

Rehoboth

This is the name of a place.

1 Chronicles 1:49

Shaul ... Baal-Hanan ... Akbor

These are the names of men.

1 Chronicles 1:50

Baal-Hanan ... Hadad ... Me-Zahab

These are the names of men.

Pau

This is the name of a place.

Mehetabel ... Matred

These are the names of women.

1 Chronicles 1:51

Hadad ... Timna ... Alvah ... Jetheth

These are names of men.

Edom

This is the name of a place.

1 Chronicles 1:52

Oholibamah ... Elah ... Pinon

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 1:53

Kenaz ... Teman ... Mibzar

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 1:54

Magdiel ... Iram

These are names of men.

Edom

This is the name of a place.

Chapter 2

1 Chronicles 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the descendants of Judah, son of Jacob.

1 Chronicles 2:1

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:2

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:3

Er ... Onan ... Shelah ... Shua ... Judah

These are the names of men.

who were born to him by Shua's daughter, a Canaanite woman

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "his sons whom Shua's daughter, a Canaanite woman, bore"

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents his judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh judged"

Yahweh killed him

The reader should understand that Yahweh may have had a person kill Er.

1 Chronicles 2:4

Tamar

This is the name of a woman.

daughter-in-law

This refers to the wife of his son.

Perez ... Zerah ... Judah

These are the names of men.

bore him Perez and Zerah

"gave birth to his sons Perez and Zerah"

five sons

"5 sons"

1 Chronicles 2:5

Perez ... Hezron ... Hamul

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:6

Zerah ... Zimri ... Ethan ... Heman ... Kalkol ... Darda

These are all names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:7

Karmi ... Achar

These are names of men.

what was devoted to God

what God had said he wanted the people to destroy

1 Chronicles 2:8

Ethan ... Azariah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:9

Hezron ... Jerahmeel ... Ram ... Caleb

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:10

Ram ... Amminadab ... Nahshon ... Judah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:11

Nahshon ... Salmon ... Boaz

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:12

Boaz ... Obed ... Jesse

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:13

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

the second ... the third

The word "son" is understood. Also, the numbers are in ordinal form. Alternate translation: "the second son ... the third son"

1 Chronicles 2:14

Nethanel ... Raddai

These are names of men.

the fourth ... the fifth

The word "son" is understood. Also, the numbers are in ordinal form. Alternate translation: "the fourth son ... the fifth son"

1 Chronicles 2:15

Ozem ... David

These are names of men.

the sixth ... the seventh

The word "son" is understood. Also, the numbers are in ordinal form. Alternate translation: "the sixth son ... the seventh son"

1 Chronicles 2:16

General Information:

All names here except Zeruiah and Abigail are the names of men. Zeruiah and Abigail are the names of women.

1 Chronicles 2:17

Amasa ... Jether

These are names of men.

Jether the Ishmaelite

"Jether, a descendant of Ishmael"

1 Chronicles 2:18

Caleb ... Hezron ... Jesher ... Shobab ... Ardon

These are names of men.

Azubah ... Jerioth

These are names of women.

1 Chronicles 2:19

Caleb ... Hur

These are names of men.

Azubah ... Ephrath

These are names of women.

1 Chronicles 2:20

Hur ... Uri ... Bezalel

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:21

General Information:

All names in this list are the names of men.

bore him

"gave birth to"

1 Chronicles 2:22

Segub ... Jair

These are names of men.

land of Gilead

People gave the land the name of the man.

1 Chronicles 2:23

Geshur ... Aram

These are names of people groups named after ancestors. Translate "Aram" as in 1 Chronicles 1:17.

Havvoth Jair and Kenath

These are the names of places.

Makir ... Gilead

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:24

Hezron ... Caleb ... Ashhur ... Tekoa

These are names of men.

Caleb went to Ephrathah

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with her. Alternate translation: "Caleb had sexual relations with Ephrathah" or "Caleb lay with Ephrathah"

Ephrathah

This is the name of a woman.

bore him

"gave birth to his son"

1 Chronicles 2:25

Jerahmeel ... Hezron ... Ram ... Bunah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:26

Jerahmeel ... Onam

These are names of men.

Atarah

This is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 2:27

Ram ... Jerahmeel ... Maaz, Jamin, and Eker

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:28

Onam ... Shammai ... Jada ... Nadab ... Abishur

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:29

Abishur ... Ahban ... Molid

These are names of men.

Abihail

This is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 2:30

Nadab ... Seled ... Appaim

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:31

Appaim ... Ishi ... Sheshan ... Ahlai

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:32

Jada ... Shammai ... Jether ... Jonathan

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:33

Jonathan ... Peleth ... Zaza ... Jerahmeel

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:34

Sheshan ... Jarha

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:35

Sheshan ... Jarha ... Attai

These are names of men.

bore him

"gave birth to his son"

1 Chronicles 2:36

Attai ... Nathan ... Zabad

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:37

Zabad ... Ephlal ... Obed

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:38

Obed ... Jehu ... Azariah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:39

Azariah ... Helez ... Eleasah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:40

Eleasah ... Sismai ... Shallum

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:41

Shallum ... Jekamiah ... Elishama

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:42

Caleb ... Jerahmeel ... Mesha ... Ziph ... Mareshah ... Hebron

These are names of men.

the father of Hebron

Some modern translations read, "the founder of the clan of Hebron"

1 Chronicles 2:43

Hebron ... Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:44

Shema ... Raham ... Jorkeam ... Rekem ... Shammai

These are names of men.

the father of Raham, the father of Jorkeam ... the father of Shammai

Some modern translations read, "the founder of the clan of Hebron ... the founder of the clan of Raham, the founder of the clan of Jorkeam ... the founder of the clan of Shammai."

1 Chronicles 2:45

Shammai ... Maon ... Beth Zur

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:46

Caleb ... Haran ... Moza ... Gazez

These are names of men.

Ephah

This is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 2:47

Jahdai ... Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 2:48

Caleb ... Sheber ... Tirhanah

These are names of men.

Maakah

This is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 2:49

She also bore

"She also gave birth to"

Shaaph ... Madmannah ... Sheva ... Makbenah ... Gibea ... Caleb

These are names of men.

Aksah

This is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 2:50

Hur ... Shobal

These are names of men.

Ephrathah

This is the name of a woman.

father of Kiriath Jearim

Kiriath Jearim is the name of a town. The name of the town is a metonym for the people who live in the town. Alternate translation: "founder of Kiriath Jearim"

1 Chronicles 2:51

Salma ... Hareph

These are names of men.

father of Bethlehem ... father of Beth Gader

Bethlehem and Beth Gader are the names of towns. The names of the towns are metonyms for the people who live in the towns. Alternate translation: "founder of Bethlehem ... founder of Beth Gader"

1 Chronicles 2:52

General Information:

See:

Shobal the father of Kiriath Jearim

Shobal is the name of a man, and Kiriath Jearim is the name of a town. See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 2:50]

Manahathites

This is the name of a clan.

1 Chronicles 2:53

Ithrites, Puthites, Shumathites ... Mishraites ... Zorathites ... Eshtaolites

These are the names of clans.

1 Chronicles 2:54

Salma

This is the name of a man.

Bethlehem

This is the name of a town where Salma's descendants settled and represents the people living in that town. Alternate translation: "the people of Bethlehem"

Netophathites ... Atroth Beth Joab ... Manahathites ... Zorites

These are names of clans.

1 Chronicles 2:55

Jabez

This is the name of a town.

Tirathites ... Shimeathites ... Sucathites ... Kenites

These are names of clans.

the Kenites who came from Hammath

"the Kenites who descended from Hamath"

Hammath ... Rekab

These are names of men.

Chapter 3

1 Chronicles 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the descendants of King David.

1 Chronicles 3:1

David

David was a son of Jesse, who was a descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:15).

Ahinoam ... Abigail

These are the names of women who were David's wives.

Daniel

This man has the same name as an Israelite prophet but is a different person.

1 Chronicles 3:2

Maakah ... Haggith

These are the names of women who were David's wives.

Talmai

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 3:3

Abital ... Eglah

These are the names of women who were David's wives.

Shephatiah ... Ithream

These are the names of men.

1 Chronicles 3:4

where he reigned seven years and six months

This can also be translated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: "David reigned there seven years and six months"

thirty-three years

"33 years"

1 Chronicles 3:5

Ammiel ... Shammua ... Shobab ... Nathan

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 3:6

Ibhar, Elishua, Eliphelet

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 3:7

Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 3:8

Elishama ... Eliada ... Eliphelet

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 3:9

Tamar

This is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 3:10

General Information:

This is the beginning of the list of David's descendants who became king. All of the names in this list are the names of men.

Solomon's son was Rehoboam. Rehoboam's son was Abijah

Solomon had more than one son. The same is true of other men in the list. Alternate translation: "Solomon was the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam was the father of Abijah"

1 Chronicles 3:11

General Information:

This continues the list of David's descendants who became king. All of the names in this list are the names of men. Form these sentences as you did starting in 1 Chronicles 3:10.

1 Chronicles 3:12

General Information:

This continues the list of David's descendants who became king. All of the names in this list are the names of men. Form these sentences as you did starting in 1 Chronicles 3:10.

Azariah

This was another name for Uzziah, the better-known name for this king. Translators may decide to use "Uzziah" everywhere for this king.

1 Chronicles 3:13

General Information:

This continues the list of David's descendants who became king. All of the names in this list are the names of men. Form these sentences as you did starting in 1 Chronicles 3:10.

1 Chronicles 3:14

General Information:

This continues the list of David's descendants who became king. All of the names in this list are the names of men. Form these sentences as you did starting in 1 Chronicles 3:10.

1 Chronicles 3:15

General Information:

This continues the list of David's descendants who became king. All of the names in this list are the names of men. Form these sentences as you did starting in 1 Chronicles 3:10.

1 Chronicles 3:16

General Information:

This continues the list of David's descendants who became king. All of the names in this list are the names of men. Form these sentences as you did starting in 1 Chronicles 3:10.

1 Chronicles 3:17

Jehoiachin ... Shealtiel

These are names of men.

Jehoiachin

Some versions have "Jeconiah," which is a variation of "Jehoiachin."

the captive

This may be a title that was given to Jehoiachin because he was taken into captivity. However, some versions regard the word as "Assir," the name of one of his sons.

1 Chronicles 3:18

General Information:

These are all names of men.

1 Chronicles 3:19

General Information:

All of the names in this list except Shelomith are the names of men. Shelomith is a woman's name.

1 Chronicles 3:20

General Information:

These are all names of men.

1 Chronicles 3:21

General Information:

These are all names of men.

Obadiah

This man has the same name as the prophet Obadiah but is a different person.

further descendants were Arnan, Obadiah, and Shekaniah

Different versions put these people into different relationships with each other because the Hebrew is not very clear about them.

1 Chronicles 3:22

General Information:

All of the names in this list are the names of men.

1 Chronicles 3:23

General Information:

These are all names of men.

1 Chronicles 3:24

General Information:

These are all names of men.

Chapter 4

1 Chronicles 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the other descendants of Judah.

1 Chronicles 4:1

General Information:

All of the names in this list are the names of men.

1 Chronicles 4:2

General Information:

All of the names in this list except the Zorathites are the names of men. Zorathites is the name of a people group who took their name from the town of Zorah where they lived.

1 Chronicles 4:3

the sons of Etam

There was a village named Etam. Possible meanings are 1) Etam was a man, and the word "sons" refers to his own sons, or 2) Etam here is the village, and "sons" is a metaphor meaning those who start a village. and

Jezreel ... Ishma ... Idbash

These are names of men.

Hazzelelponi

This is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 4:4

Penuel was the father of Gedor. Ezer was the father of Hushah.

There was a man named Gedor and a city named Gedor. The name Hushah occurs only in this verse. Possible meanings are 1) the names Gedor and Hushah refer to two men, or 2) the names Gedor and Hushah refer to cities, and "father" is a metaphor meaning someone who starts a city.

Penuel ... Ezer ... Hur ... Ephrathah

These are the names of men.

These were descendants of Hur

The word "These" refers to Peniel and Ezer.

Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah

Hur was Ephrathah's first son.

Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem

Bethlehem is the name of a city. The word "father" is a metaphor meaning someone who starts a city. Alternate translation: "Ephrathah, who started the city of Bethlehem."

1 Chronicles 4:5

Ashhur ... Tekoa

See how you translated these men's names in 1 Chronicles 2:24.

Helah ... Naarah

These are the names of women.

1 Chronicles 4:6

bore him

"gave birth to his sons"

Ahuzzam ... Hepher

These are names of men.

Temeni ... Haahashtari

These are understood here as the names of men. However, some versions understand them as the names of clans that were begun by the sons of Ashhur.

1 Chronicles 4:7

Zereth ... Zohar ... Ethnan

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 4:8

Koz ... Anub ... Hazzobebah ... Aharhel ... Harum

These are the names of men.

and of the clans descended from Aharhel son of Harum

A new sentence can start here. "Koz also became the ancestor of Harum and the clans that descended from Harum's son Aharhel"

1 Chronicles 4:9

Jabez

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 4:10

expand my territory

"give me more land"

your hand will be with me

Possible meanings are that God's hand is 1) a metonym for his guidance, his power, or his protection. Alternate translation: "you will guide me" or "you will make me prosper" or "you will protect me" or 2) a synecdoche for himself. Alternate translation: "you will be with me"

granted him his prayer

The words "his prayer" are a metonym for what Jabez asked in the prayer. Alternate translation: "did what Jabez had asked him to do"

1 Chronicles 4:11

Kelub ... Shuhah ... Mehir ... Eshton

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 4:12

Eshton ... Beth Rapha ... Paseah ... Tehinnah

These are names of men.

Tehinnah, the father of Ir Nahash

It apprears that Ir Nahash may have been a city. Alternate translation: "Tehinnah, the founder of the city of Nahash"

Nahash ... Rekah

These are the names of places.

1 Chronicles 4:13

General Information:

It may be helpful to create a verse bridge and to put verse 15 together with verse 13 since Kenaz was a descendant of Jephunneh and Caleb.

Kenaz ... Othniel ... Seraiah ... Hathath ... Meonothai

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 4:14

Meonothai ... Ophrah ... Joab

These are names of men.

Ge Harashim, whose people were craftsmen

Ge Harashim means "Valley of Craftsmen." This can be made explicit with an explanation. Alternate translation: "Ge Harashim, which means 'Craftsmen's Valley.' It was called this because its people were craftsmen"

craftsmen

people skilled at making or building things

1 Chronicles 4:15

Jephunneh ... Iru ... Elah ... Naam ... Kenaz

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 4:16

Jehallelel ... Ziph ... Ziphah ... Tiria ... Asarel

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 4:17

Ezrah ... Jether ... Mered ... Epher ... Jalon ... Miriam ... Shammai ... Ishbah ... Eshtemoa

These are the names of men.

1 Chronicles 4:18

These were the sons of Bithiah

The word "these" refers to Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah. They were the sons Bithiah bore for her husband Mered.

Bithiah

This is the name of a woman.

Mered's Judahite wife

The Hebrew text says, "His Judahite wife," but most versions understand "his" to refer to Mered. This refers to a different wife of Mered, in addition to Bithiah.

Jered ... Gedor ... Heber ... Soko ... Jekuthiel ... Zanoah

These are the names of men.

1 Chronicles 4:19

Hodiah ... Naham ... Keilah ... Eshtemoa

These are names of men.

Garmite

This is someone from the Gar people group.

Maakathite

This is someone from the region of Maakah.

1 Chronicles 4:20

Shimon ... Amnon ... Rinnah ... Ben-Hanan ... Tilon ... Ishi ... Zoheth ... Ben-Zoheth

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 4:21

Shelah ... Er ... Laadah

These are names of men.

Lekah ... Mareshah ... Beth Ashbea

These are names of towns.

linen workers

people who made clothing out of a fabric made from crushed reeds

1 Chronicles 4:22

Jokim ... Joash ... Saraph

These are names of men.

Kozeba ... Jashubi Lehem

These are names of towns.

1 Chronicles 4:23

the potters

the people who make containers out of clay

Netaim ... Gederah

These are names of towns.

1 Chronicles 4:24

Nemuel ... Jamin ... Jarib ... Zerah ... Shaul

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 4:25

Shallum ... Mibsam ... Mishma

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 4:26

Mishma ... Hammuel ... Zakkur ... Shimei

These are names of men.

Zakkur his grandson

the son of Mishma's son

great-grandson

the son of Mishma's grandson

1 Chronicles 4:27

sixteen sons and six daughters

"16 sons and 6 daughters"

1 Chronicles 4:28

Moladah ... Hazar Shual

These are the names of towns.

1 Chronicles 4:29

General Information:

The list of the cities where Simeon's descendants lived continues.

Bilhah ... Ezem ... Tolad

These are the names of towns.

1 Chronicles 4:30

Bethuel ... Hormah ... Ziklag

These are names of towns.

1 Chronicles 4:31

Beth Markaboth ... Hazar Susim ... Beth Biri ... Shaaraim

These are names of towns.

1 Chronicles 4:32

General Information:

The list of places where Simeon's descendants lived continues.

Etam ... Ain ... Rimmon ... Token ... Ashan

These are the names of villages.

1 Chronicles 4:33

outlying villages

the villages that were near but outside the main town

Baalath

This is the name of a town.

1 Chronicles 4:34

Meshobab ... Jamlech ... Joshah ... Amaziah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 4:35

Joel ... Jehu ... Joshibiah ... Seraiah ... Asiel

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 4:36

Elioenai ... Jaakobah ... Jeshohaiah ... Asaiah ... Adiel ... Jesimiel ... Benaiah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 4:37

Ziza ... Shiphi ... Allon ... Jedaiah ... Shimri ... Shemaiah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 4:38

These mentioned by name were leaders

"These men were leaders"

their fathers' houses increased greatly

The house is a metonym for the people in the house. Alternate translation: "the number of people in their families increased greatly"

1 Chronicles 4:39

Gedor

This is the name of a town.

pasture for their flocks

an area of land where their flocks could feed on the grass

1 Chronicles 4:40

abundant and good pasture

"pastures with much good food for their animals"

Hamites

a people group, descendants of Ham

1 Chronicles 4:41

Hamite tents

Or "homes of the Hamites" or "places where the Hamites lived." The Hamites probably did not still live in tents.

Meunites

a people. Alternate translation: "descendants of Meun"

1 Chronicles 4:42

five hundred men

"500 men"

Pelatiah ... Neariah ... Rephaiah ... Uzziel ... Ishi

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 4:43

the rest of the escaped remnant of Amalekites

"the rest of the remaining Amalekites who had escaped"

to this day

"from then until now." This refers to the day when the author was writing this account.

Chapter 5

1 Chronicles 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the descendants of Jacob's sons who lived east of the Jordan River: Reuben, Gad and Manasseh.

1 Chronicles 5:1

now Reuben

The word "now" is used here to mark the change from the lists of descendants to background information about Reuben.

but his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but Israel gave Reuben's birthright to the sons of Joseph, another of Israel's sons"

Reuben had defiled his father's couch

This is a polite way to speak about Reuben sleeping with his father's secondary wife. The couch is the place where a man and his wife would have slept together.

he is not recorded in the genealogy as having the birthright

This can be stated in active form. The word "recorded" carries the idea of a written record, so if your language has such a word, you may want to use it here. Alternate translation: "the family history does not list Reuben as the oldest son"

1 Chronicles 5:2

General Information:

This verse finishes the background information about Reuben.

1 Chronicles 5:3

Hanok ... Pallu ... Hezron ... Karmi

These are the names of men.

1 Chronicles 5:4

Joel ... Shemaiah ... Gog ... Shimei

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 5:5

Shimei ... Micah ... Reaiah ... Baal

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 5:6

Baal ... Beerah ... Tiglath-Pileser

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 5:7

clans, enrolled in the genealogy

This can start a new sentence: "clans. Their genealogical records list them as"

genealogy

a record that shows how people in a family are related to each other

Jeiel ... Zechariah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 5:8

Bela ... Azaz ... Shema

These are names of men.

Aroer ... Nebo ... Baal Meon

These are the names of cities.

1 Chronicles 5:9

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 5:10

the Hagrites

This is a name of a people group.

lived in the Hagrites' tents

The tents are a synecdoche for the land and the buildings on the land. Alternate translation: "took over all the Hagrites' land and buildings" or "lived in all the Hagrite territory"

1 Chronicles 5:11

Salekah

This is the name of a city.

1 Chronicles 5:12

Joel ... Shapham ... Janai ... Shaphat

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 5:13

Michael ... Meshullam ... Sheba ... Jorai ... Jakan ... Zia ... Eber

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 5:14

Abihail ... Huri ... Jaroah ... Gilead ... Michael ... Jeshishai ... Jahdo ... Buz

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 5:15

Ahi ... Abdiel ... Guni

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 5:16

They lived

"The tribe of Gad lived"

the pasturelands

the areas of land where animals feed on grass

1 Chronicles 5:17

All these were listed by genealogical records

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Genealogical records listed them all" or "The records of their family's ancestry listed them all"

All these

It is not clear how many of the preceding people this refers to.

1 Chronicles 5:18

Reubenites

This refers to the people from the tribe of Rueben.

Gadites

This refers to the people from the tribe of Gad.

44,760 soldiers

"forty-four thousand seven hundred and sixty soldiers"

who carried shield and sword and who drew the bow

The soldiers are described as skilled in warfare by the weapons they carried. Alternate translation: "who were all trained to fight well in battles"

1 Chronicles 5:19

Hagrites ... Jetur ... Naphish ... Nodab

These are the names of people groups.

1 Chronicles 5:20

the Israelites cried out to God

"the Israelites cried to God for help"

1 Chronicles 5:21

They captured their animals

"The Israelites captured the Hagrites' animals"

fifty thousand camels

"50,000 camels"

250,000 sheep

"two hundred and fifty thousand sheep"

two thousand donkeys

"2,000 donkeys"

100,000 men

"one hundred thousand men"

1 Chronicles 5:22

the battle was from God

God's help in battle is described as if he were the one who caused the battle. Alternate translation: "God helped them"

1 Chronicles 5:23

The sons of the half tribe

"the families of the half tribe" or "the people of the half tribe"

Baal Hermon ... Senir

These are the names of mountains.

1 Chronicles 5:24

Epher ... Ishi ... Eliel ... Azriel ... Jeremiah ... Hodaviah ... Jahdiel

These are the names of men.

fathers' houses

extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UDB calls "clans"

1 Chronicles 5:25

They acted like prostitutes with the gods

When Yahweh's people worship other gods, they are spoken of as spiritual prostitutes. Alternate translation: "they acted like prostitutes by worshiping the gods" (See:

1 Chronicles 5:26

Pul ... Tiglath-Pileser

These are the names of men.

Reubenites ... Gadites

These are the names of people groups.

Halah ... Habor ... Hara

These are names of towns.

Gozan

This is the name of a river.

to this day

See how you translated this phrase in 1 Chronicles 4:43

Chapter 6

1 Chronicles 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the descendants of Levi.

1 Chronicles 6:1

Gershon ... Kohath ... Merari

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:2

Kohath ... Amram ... Izhar ... Hebron ... Uzziel

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:3

Amram ... Nadab ... Abihu ... Eleazar ... Ithamar

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:4

Eleazar ... Abishua

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:5

Abishua ... Bukki ... Uzzi

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:6

Uzzi ... Zerahiah ... Meraioth

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:7

Meraioth ... Amariah ... Ahitub

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:8

Ahitub ... Zadok ... Ahimaaz

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:9

Ahimaaz ... Johanan

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:10

Solomon built

The reader should understand that Solomon probably hired workers to do the work.

1 Chronicles 6:11

Amariah ... Ahitub

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:12

Ahitub ... Zadok ... Shallum

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:13

Hilkiah

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 6:14

Seraiah ... Jozadak

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:15

exiled Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar

The power Nebuchadnezzar has through his army is described as the part of his body

1 Chronicles 6:16

Gershon ... Kohath ... Merari

Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 6:1.

1 Chronicles 6:17

Libni ... Shimei

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:18

Amram ... Izhar ... Hebron ... Uzziel

Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 6:2.

1 Chronicles 6:19

Merari ... Mahli ... Mushi

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:20

Libni ... Jahath ... Zimmah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:21

Joah ... Iddo ... Zerah ... Jeatherai

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:22

Amminadab ... Korah ... Assir

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:23

Elkanah ... Ebiasaph ... Assir

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:24

Tahath ... Uriel ... Uzziah ... Shaul

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:25

Elkanah ... Amasai ... Ahimoth

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:26

Elkanah ... Zophai ... Nahath

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:27

Eliab ... Jeroham ... Elkanah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:28

Joel

This is the name of a man.

second-born

the second son

1 Chronicles 6:29

Merari ... Mahli ... Libni ... Shimei ... Uzzah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:30

Shimea ... Haggiah ... Asaiah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:31

the house of Yahweh

"where people met with Yahweh" This was a tent in David's time.

the ark came to rest there

"the people of Israel placed the ark there"

1 Chronicles 6:32

the tabernacle, the tent of meeting

Possible meanings are 1) that "the tent of meeting" and "the tabernacle" are two names for the same thing or 2) the tabernacle is part of the tent of meeting, "the sanctuary of the tent of meeting"

They fulfilled their duties

"They did their work" or "They did their various kinds of work"

according to the instructions given to them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "according to the instructions that David gave them" or "according to the instructions they received"

1 Chronicles 6:33

These were those

"These were the musicians"

Kohathites

This is the name of a people group, the descendants of Kohath

going back in time

This means the list is going in order from the most recent to the oldest.

Heman

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 6:34

Jeroham ... Eliel ... Toah

These are names of men.

Elkanah

See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 6:25.

1 Chronicles 6:35

Toah ... Zuph ... Mahath

These are names of men.

Elkanah ... Amasai

See how you translated these men's names in 1 Chronicles 6:25.

1 Chronicles 6:36

Amasai ... Elkanah

See how you translated these men's names in 1 Chronicles 6:25.

Joel

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 6:37

Tahath ... Assir ... Ebiasaph

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:38

Izhar ... Kohath

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:39

who stood at his right hand

The authority of a person is described by where they stand. The right side of a person is the place where the person with the most authority stands.

Berekiah ... Shimea

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:40

Shimea ... Michael ... Baaseiah ... Malkijah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:41

Malkijah ... Ethni ... Zerah ... Adaiah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:42

Adaiah ... Ethan ... Zimmah ... Shimei

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:43

Shimei ... Jahath ... Gershon

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:44

General Information:

See:

At Heman's left hand

"Standing on Heman's left side"

Heman ... Ethan

See how you translated these men's names in 1 Chronicles 2:6.

Merari

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 6:1.

Kishi ... Abdi ... Malluk

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:45

Malluk ... Hashabiah ... Amaziah ... Hilkiah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:46

Hilkiah ... Amzi ... Bani ... Shemer

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:47

Mahli ... Mushi

See how you translated these men's names in 1 Chronicles 6:19.

1 Chronicles 6:48

Their associates, the Levites, were assigned to do

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God had assigned their associates, the Levites, to do" or "It was the duty of their fellow workers, the Levites, to do"

1 Chronicles 6:49

These offerings made atonement for Israel

"They offered these things to make atonement for the sins of the people of Israel"

1 Chronicles 6:50

Aaron's descendants are reckoned as follows

"These were the descendants of Aaron"

Eleazar ... Abishua

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:51

Bukki ... Uzzi ... Zerahiah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:52

Meraioth ... Amariah ... Ahitub

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 6:53

Ahimaaz

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 6:54

These are the locations where Aaron's descendants were assigned to live

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "These are the places where God assigned Aaron's descendants to live"

for the descendants of Aaron ... Kohathites

"where the descendants of Aaron ... Kohathites were to live"

Kohathites (the first lot was theirs)

The Israelites drew lots to decide where people would live. Alternate translation: "Kohathites. The first lot that they drew was theirs"

Kohathites

This is the name of a people group, the descendants of Kohath (1 Chronicles 6:1). See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 6:33.

1 Chronicles 6:55

To them they gave Hebron

"They gave Hebron to the Kohathites"

its pasturelands

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:56

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 6:57

Hebron ... Libnah ... Jattir ... Eshtemoa

These are names of places.

its pasturelands

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:58

Hilen ... Debir

These are names of places.

1 Chronicles 6:59

Ashan ... Juttah ... Beth Shemesh

These are names of towns.

its pasturelands

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:60

Geba ... Alemeth ... Anathoth

These are names of towns.

1 Chronicles 6:61

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 6:62

To Gershon's descendants in their various clans were given thirteen cities

"The clans of Gershon's descendants gained 13 cities"

1 Chronicles 6:63

Merari

See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 6:1.

1 Chronicles 6:64

their pasturelands

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:65

these towns mentioned by name

The towns mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:55 and 1 Chronicles 6:60.

1 Chronicles 6:66

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 6:67

Shechem ... Gezer

These are names of towns.

its pasturelands

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:68

Jokmeam ... Beth Horon

These are names of towns.

1 Chronicles 6:69

Aijalon ... Gath Rimmon

These are names of towns.

1 Chronicles 6:70

Aner ... Bileam

These are names of towns.

its pasturelands

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:71

Gershon

See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 6:1.

Golan ... Ashtaroth

These are names of towns.

its pasturelands

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:72

Kedesh ... Daberath

These are names of towns.

1 Chronicles 6:73

Ramoth ... Anem

These are names of towns.

1 Chronicles 6:74

Issachar received from the tribe of Asher

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The tribe of Asher gave Issachar"

Mashal ... Abdon

These are names of towns.

its pasturelands

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:75

Hukok ... Rehob

These are names of towns.

1 Chronicles 6:76

They received from the tribe of Naphtali

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The tribe of Naphtali gave them"

Kedesh ... Hammon ... Kiriathaim

These are names of towns.

1 Chronicles 6:77

The rest ... descendants received from the tribe of Zebulun

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The tribe of Zebulun gave the rest ... descendants"

Merari's

Translate "Merari" as in 1 Chronicles 6:1.

Jokneam ... Kartah ... Rimmono ... Tabor

These are names of towns.

its pasturelands

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:78

General Information:

The information in 1 Chronicles 6:78-79 can be rearranged as in the UDB so its meaning can be more easily understood.

from the tribe of Reuben, across ... Jericho, they received

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the tribe of Reuben, across ... Jericho, gave them"

Bezer ... Jahzah

These are names of towns.

1 Chronicles 6:79

General Information:

The information in 1 Chronicles 6:78-79 can be rearranged as in the UDB so its meaning can be more easily understood.

Kedemoth ... Mephaath

These are names of towns.

1 Chronicles 6:80

The Levites received from the tribe of Gad

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The tribe of Gad gave the Levites"

Ramoth ... Mahanaim

These are names of towns.

its pasturelands

the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.

1 Chronicles 6:81

Heshbon ... Jazer

These are names of towns.

Chapter 7

1 Chronicles 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Ephraim, Asher, and Manasseh living west of the Jordan River.

1 Chronicles 7:1

Issachar ... Tola, Puah, Jashub ... Shimron

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:2

General Information:

All of the names here are the names of men.

They numbered 22,600

"They numbered twenty-two thousand six hundred" or "There were 22,600 men"

in the days of David

"during David's life" or "while David was alive"

1 Chronicles 7:3

General Information:

All of the names here are the names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:4

Along with them ... they had

Another possible meaning is "Among them ... were."

thirty-six thousand troops of the army for battle

"36,000 soldiers who were ready for battle"

1 Chronicles 7:5

eighty-seven thousand mighty warriors

"87,000 mighty warriors"

1 Chronicles 7:6

Bela ... Beker ... Jediael

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:7

General Information:

All of the names here are the names of men.

22,034 of them

"twenty-two thousand and thirty-four of them"

1 Chronicles 7:8

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:9

20,200 heads of their clans

"twenty thousand two hundred clan leaders"

1 Chronicles 7:10

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:11

Jediael

This is the name of a man.

Listed in their clan lists were 17,200

"The clan lists contained 17,200"

17,200 heads of houses

"seventeen thousand two hundred heads of houses"

1 Chronicles 7:12

Ir ... Aher

These are names of men.

Shuppites ... Huppites ... Hushites

These are names of clans of people.

1 Chronicles 7:13

Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem

These are names of men.

Bilhah

This is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 7:14

Asriel

This is the name of a man.

descendant through his Aramean concubine

"descendant, to whom his Aramean concubine gave birth"

Makir ... Gilead

These are names of men. See how you translated "Makir, father of Gilead" in 1 Chronicles 2:21.

1 Chronicles 7:15

Makir ... Zelophehad

These are names of men.

Huppites ... Shuppites

See how you translated these names in 1 Chronicles 7:12.

Maakah

This is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 7:16

Maakah, wife of Makir

This woman is different from Makir's sister Maakah 1 Chronicles 7:15.

Makir ... Peresh ... Sheresh ... Ulam ... Rakem

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:17

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:18

General Information:

All of the names here except Hammoleketh are names of men. Hammoleketh is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 7:19

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:20

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:21

General Information:

All of the names here except Gath are names of men. Gath is the name of a place.

Ezer and Elead were killed by men of Gath, natives in the land

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Men of Gath, the natives in the land, killed Ezer and Elead"

they went to steal their livestock

"the brothers went to steal the livestock from the people of Gath"

1 Chronicles 7:22

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 7:23

He went to his wife

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with his wife. See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Chronicles 2:24]

She conceived and bore a son

"She became pregnant and gave birth to a son"

Ephraim ... Beriah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:24

Sheerah

This is the name of a woman.

Upper Beth Horon ... Uzzen Sheerah

These are names of towns.

1 Chronicles 7:25

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:26

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:27

Nun

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 7:28

General Information:

All of the names listed here are names of towns.

Their possessions and residences were Bethel ... villages

The abstract nouns "possessions" and "residences" can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: "They possessed and resided in Bethel ... villages" or "They owned and lived in Bethel ... villages"

1 Chronicles 7:29

Beth Shan ... Taanach ... Megiddo ... Dor

These are names of towns.

In these towns the descendants of Joseph son of Israel lived

"The descendants of Joseph, son of Israel, lived in these towns"

1 Chronicles 7:30

General Information:

All of the names here except Serah are names of men. Serah is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 7:31

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:32

General Information:

All of the names here except Shua are names of men. Shua is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 7:33

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:34

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:35

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:36

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:37

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:38

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:39

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 7:40

Asher

This is the name of a man.

distinguished men

"important men"

There were twenty-six thousand men listed who were fit for military service recorded in their genealogy

"According to the clan records, there were 26,000 men who were able to serve in the military"

Chapter 8

1 Chronicles 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the genealogy of Saul's family.

1 Chronicles 8:1

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:2

Nohah ... Rapha

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:3

Bela ... Addar, Gera, Abihud

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:4

Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:5

Gera, Shephuphan ... Huram

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:6

Ehud

This is the name of a man.

fathers' houses

extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UDB calls "clans"

Geba ... Manahath

These are names of towns.

were compelled to move

"needed to move" or "had to move"

1 Chronicles 8:7

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:8

Shaharaim

This is the name of a man.

Hushim ... Baara

These are names of women.

1 Chronicles 8:9

Shaharaim ... Jobab ... Zibia ... Mesha ... Malkam

These are names of men.

By his wife Hodesh, Shaharaim became the father of

"Shaharaim and his wife Hodesh had the following sons:"

Hodesh

This is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 8:10

Jeuz ... Sakia ... Mirmah

These are names of men.

fathers' houses

extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UDB calls "clans"

1 Chronicles 8:11

Abitub ... Elpaal

These are names of men.

Hushim

This is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 8:12

Elpaal ... Eber ... Misham ... Shemed

These are names of men.

Ono ... Lod

These are names of places.

1 Chronicles 8:13

Beriah ... Shema

These are names of men.

fathers' houses

extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UDB calls "clans"

Aijalon ... Gath

These are names of places.

1 Chronicles 8:14

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:15

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:16

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:17

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:18

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:19

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:20

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:21

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:22

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:23

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:24

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:25

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:26

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:27

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:28

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 8:29

The father of Gibeon, Jeiel, whose wife's name was Maakah, lived in Gibeon

Here "father of" refers to Jeiel's status as the leading person in the city of Gibeon. Alternate translation: "Jeiel, the leader of Gibeon, lived in Gibeon. His wife's name was Maakah"

Gibeon

This is the name of a town.

Jeiel

This is the name of a man.

Maakah

This is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 8:30

His firstborn

"Jeiel's first son"

Abdon ... Zur ... Kish ... Baal ... Nadab

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:31

Gedor ... Ahio ... Zeker

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:32

Jeiel ... Mikloth ... Shimeah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:33

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:34

Jonathan ... Merib-Baal ... Micah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:35

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:36

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:37

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:38

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 8:39

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third

"Jeush, who was born after Ulam, and Eliphelet, who was born after Jeush"

1 Chronicles 8:40

Ulam

This is the name of a man.

many sons and grandsons, a total of 150

"a total of one hundred fifty sons and grandsons"

Chapter 9

1 Chronicles 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the genealogy of the people who returned to Jerusalem after the exile and the family of Saul.

1 Chronicles 9:1

all Israel was recorded in genealogies

This can be translated in active form. The reader should understand that the people who wrote the genealogies included the names of the people who had already died. Alternate translation: "The Israelites recorded all of themselves in genealogies"

genealogies

family records that name ancestors and descendants

They were recorded in the book ... Israel

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "They wrote the names in the book ... Israel"

the book of the kings of Israel

This refers to a book that no longer exists.

they were carried away in exile

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Babylonians carried them away in exile"

1 Chronicles 9:2

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 9:3

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 9:4

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 9:5

Shelanites

This is the name of a people group descended from Shelah.

Asaiah

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 9:6

Zerah ... Jeuel

These are names of men.

numbered 690

"numbered six hundred ninety people"

1 Chronicles 9:7

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 9:8

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 9:9

heads of fathers' houses for their fathers' houses

"leaders of their extended families." Extended families are people related to each other who usually live in different houses, what the UDB calls "clans."

1 Chronicles 9:10

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 9:11

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

the house of God

the second temple, which the people built after they returned from Babylon

1 Chronicles 9:12

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 9:13

They were very capable men for the work of service

"These capable men worked"

the house of God

the second temple, which the people built after they returned from Babylon

numbered 1,760

"numbered one thousand and sixty priests" or "numbered seventeen hundred and sixty priests"

1 Chronicles 9:14

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

among the descendants

"one of the descendants"

1 Chronicles 9:15

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 9:16

General Information:

All of the names here except "Netophathites" are the names of men. The Netophathites were a people group.

1 Chronicles 9:17

The doorkeepers were

"The guards were" or "The gatekeepers were"

Shallum ... Akkub ... Talmon ... Ahiman

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 9:18

they stood guard at the king's gate on the east side for the camp of Levi's descendants

"Levi's descendants guarded the king's gate on the east side of their camp"

1 Chronicles 9:19

Shallum ... Kore ... Ebiasaph

These are all the names of men.

Korahites

descendants of Korah

the door to the tent ... the entrance

These phrases both refer to the entrance of the tent of meeting, or the tabernacle.

the tent

This is a metonym for the second temple, which the people built after they returned from Babylon.

1 Chronicles 9:20

Eleazar

This is the name of a man.

in charge of them

"in charge of the Korahites" (1 Chronicles 9:19)

1 Chronicles 9:21

Meshelemiah

This is the name of a man.

the tent of meeting

The building where the Israelites prayed and offered sacrifices to God was sometimes called "the tent of meeting" in memory of the tent where Moses met with God when he and the Israelites were in the wilderness many years before this. Alternate translation: "the tent of meeting, that is, the temple"

1 Chronicles 9:22

General Information:

See:.

who were chosen as gatekeepers

It is not clear who chose these men, so if you have to translate in active form, use your language's most general way of doing so. Alternate translation: "whom they had chosen to be gatekeepers"

numbered 212

"numbered two hundred and twelve"

Their names were recorded in the people's genealogies in their villages

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The records in peoples' villages included the names of these men"

1 Chronicles 9:23

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 9:24

gatekeepers were posted

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "men guarded the entrances"

on all four sides, toward the east, west, north, and south

The words "east, west, north, and south" explain the words "all four sides."

1 Chronicles 9:25

Their brothers

"The guards' brothers"

came in for seven-day rotations, in turn

"would come to help for 7-day periods, taking turns"

1 Chronicles 9:26

the four leaders ... were entrusted with the rooms

It is not clear who entrusted these men, so if you have to translate in active form, use your language's most general way of doing so. Alternate translation: "they entrusted the four leaders ... with the rooms"

entrusted with

You may want to make explicit that they were entrusted to guard the rooms. Alternate translation: "entrusted to guard"

the house of God

the second temple, which the people built after they returned from Babylon

1 Chronicles 9:27

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 9:28

Some of them

"Some of the guards"

they counted the articles when they were brought in and when they were taken out

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "they counted the articles that people took out to use, and they counted the articles when people brought them back"

1 Chronicles 9:29

Some of them also were assigned to take care of

It is not clear who assigned these men, so if you have to translate in active form, use your language's most general way of doing so. Alternate translation: "The leaders also assigned some of them to take care of" or "Some of them also took care of"

1 Chronicles 9:30

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 9:31

Mattithiah ... Shallum

These are names of men.

Korahite

This is the name of a people group.

1 Chronicles 9:32

Kohathites

This is the name of a people group.

bread of the presence

See the translationWord page about "bread" for the specific definition of "bread of the presence."

1 Chronicles 9:33

they were free from work

"they did not have to do other work"

carry out their assigned tasks

"complete the tasks they needed to do"

day and night

This means "at all times" and can be translated using a phrase or word from your language or culture that gives the same meaning.

1 Chronicles 9:34

These were leaders of the clans of the Levites, according to the genealogical records

"The family history lists included the names of these Levite family leaders"

1 Chronicles 9:35

Gibeon ... Gibeon

"the man Gibeon ... the town of Gibeon"

Jeiel

This is the name of a man.

Maakah

This is the name of a woman.

1 Chronicles 9:36

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 9:37

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 9:38

Mikloth ... Shimeam

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 9:39

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 9:40

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 9:41

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 9:42

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

1 Chronicles 9:43

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son

Possible meanings are 1) Rephaiah was Bineah's son, Eleasah was Rephaiah's son, and Azel was Eleasah's son, or 2) Rephaiah, Eleasah, and Azel were all sons of Moza.

1 Chronicles 9:44

General Information:

All of the names here are names of men.

Chapter 10

1 Chronicles 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The death of Saul

Saul died because he disobeyed God.

1 Chronicles 10:1

Every man of Israel fled from before the Philistines and fell down dead on Mount Gilboa

It is implied that these men were Israelite soldiers. Alternate translation: "The whole army of Israel ran away from the Philistines"

Every man of Israel ... fell down dead

This is probably a generalization. It seems that while all the soldiers did run away, not all of them died. Alternate translation: "Every man of Israel ... most of them died"

1 Chronicles 10:2

Abinadab ... Malki-Shua

See how you translated these men's names in [1 Chronicles 8:33]

1 Chronicles 10:3

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 10:4

thrust me through with it

The action of stabbing is a metonym for the result, death. Alternate translation: "kill me with it"

these uncircumcised will come

The nominal adjective "uncircumcised" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "these people who are uncircumcised will come" or "these uncircumcised people will come"

these uncircumcised

Here "uncircumcised" represents people who do not belong to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "these people who do not belong to Yahweh" or "these heathen Philistines"

fell on it

Saul probably stuck the handle into the ground and leaned on the point so the sword would go through his body as he fell down. The action is a metonym for the result, death. Alternate translation: "killed himself with it"

1 Chronicles 10:5

fell on his sword

He probably stuck the handle into the ground and leaned on the point so the sword would go through his body as he fell down. The action is a metonym for the result, death. See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 10:4]

1 Chronicles 10:6

and his three sons

The word "died" is understood from the previous phrase. It can be repeated. Alternate translation: "and his 3 sons died"

1 Chronicles 10:7

When all the men of Israel

This is probably a generalization. Alternate translation: "When the men of Israel"

they had fled

"the Israelite soldiers had fled"

the Philistines came and lived in them

"the Philistines came and lived in the cities from which the Israelites had fled." This probably happened after the events in verses 8-12.

1 Chronicles 10:8

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

to strip the dead

"to take everything of value off of the dead bodies"

Saul and his sons fallen

Here "fallen" is a polite way to refer to someone who died in battle. Alternate translation: "Saul and his sons dead"

1 Chronicles 10:9

They stripped him

"The Philistines removed everything from Saul's body"

to carry the news to their idols and to the people

They told the people what had happened and praised their idols in prayer.

to carry the news

A person telling others about something that has happened is spoken of as if the person were carrying a solid object and giving it to those other people. Alternate translation: "to tell what had happened"

1 Chronicles 10:10

They put his armor

"The Philistines put Saul's armor"

Dagon

This is the name of a false god.

1 Chronicles 10:11

When all Jabesh Gilead heard of all that the Philistines

Both instances of the word "all" are generalizations. The name of the town is a metonym for the people who live in the town, and the people group name is a metonym for that people group's soldiers. Alternate translation: "When the people of Jabesh Gilead heard what the soldiers of the Philistine army"

Jabesh Gilead

This is the name of a town in the region of Gilead.

1 Chronicles 10:12

their bones

The bones are a synecdoche for the dead bodies. Alternate translation: "their bodies"

seven days

"7 days"

1 Chronicles 10:13

Connecting Statement:

Verses 13 and 14 give a summary of why Saul died. If your language has a way of showing that this is not part of the story, you could use it here.

1 Chronicles 10:14

Connecting Statement:

Verses 13 and 14 give a summary of why Saul died. If your language has a way of showing that this is not part of the story, you could use it here.

did not seek guidance from Yahweh

"did not ask Yahweh to guide him"

turned over the kingdom to David son of Jesse

Here "turned over the kingdom" is an idiom that means to give someone authority over a kingdom. Alternate translation: "made David, son of Jesse, king"

Chapter 11

1 Chronicles 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of David begins here and continues throughout the remainder of this book.

Special concepts in this chapter

King David the military leader

David was made the king of all Israel and was the leader of their army. He conquered Jerusalem and strengthened its defenses. He had many brave men in his army that did great deeds. (See: works)

1 Chronicles 11:1

all Israel gathered together with David

This is a generalization that means people from every tribe in Israel came to David, but not every individual. Alternate translation: "people from throughout Israel came to be with David" or "people from every tribe in Israel came to be with David"

we are your flesh and bone

This idiom means that they are relatives. Alternate translation: "we are your relatives" or "we have the same ancestors as you"

1 Chronicles 11:2

In the recent past

This is historical information. Saul had been their king before David.

You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become a ruler over my people Israel

These two clauses mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh had chosen David to be king.

You will shepherd my people Israel

Here ruling over the people is spoken of as shepherding them. Alternate translation: "'You will care for my people Israel" or "You will lead my people Israel"

1 Chronicles 11:3

They anointed David king over Israel

To "anoint" is a symbolic act to show that they recognized that God had chosen David as king.

the word of Yahweh that had been declared by Samuel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the word of Yahweh that Samuel had declared"

1 Chronicles 11:4

David and all Israel

Here the phrase "all Israel" represents the entire Israelite army. Alternate translation: "David and all the Israelite army"

Now the Jebusites ... were there

The word "now" is used to mark a stop in the main story. Here the narrator tells background information about Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 11:5

David took the stronghold of Zion

Here the word "took" is an idiom that means "captured" or "conquered." Since David led the army, his name here is a synecdoche for the whole army who attacked the city. Alternate translation: "David captured the stronghold of Zion" or "David and the Israelite army captured the stronghold of Zion"

the stronghold of Zion ... the city of David

Both of these names refer to Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 11:6

Zeruiah

This is the name of a man.

so he was made the chief

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so David made Joab the chief"

1 Chronicles 11:7

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 11:8

He built the city all around ... Joab restored the rest of the city

The word "he" refers to David. The reader should understand that David and Joab were probably in charge of other men who made the fortifications.

the Millo

This likely refers to a terraced structure that consisted of retaining walls with dirt filled in behind them.

1 Chronicles 11:9

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 11:10

These were the leaders David had

"These were the leaders of David's warriors"

who showed themselves strong with him in his kingdom ... to make him king

This phrase means that both the leaders of David's army, and the full army, helped David to establish himself as king over Israel. Alternate translation: "who strongly supported David's kingdom ... to make him king"

1 Chronicles 11:11

Jashobeam

This is the name of a man.

a Hakmonite

This refers to a person from the clan descended from a man named Hakmon.

on one occasion

"in one battle"

1 Chronicles 11:12

After him

"After Jashobeam"

Eleazar ... Dodo

These are the names of men.

the Ahohite

The "Ahohites" is the name of a people group.

1 Chronicles 11:13

Pas Dammim

This is the name of a place.

1 Chronicles 11:14

They stood in the middle of the field

"David and Eleazar stood in the middle of the field"

cut down the Philistines

This means that they killed the Philistine soldiers with their swords. Alternate translation: "killed the Philistines"

1 Chronicles 11:15

three of the thirty

"3 of the 30"

the cave of Adullam

"the cave near the town of Adullam." Adullam is near Bethlehem.

the Valley of Rephaim

This is the name of a place.

1 Chronicles 11:16

in his stronghold, a cave

"in his safe place in a cave"

the Philistines had established their camp at Bethlehem

"the Philistines had stationed soldiers in Bethlehem"

1 Chronicles 11:17

the well at Bethlehem, the well that is by the gate

These two phrases refer to the same well. The second specifies which well in Bethlehem.

1 Chronicles 11:18

three mighty men

"3 mighty men"

broke through the army of the Philistines

"fought their way through the army of the Philistines"

the well of Bethlehem, the well at the gate

These two phrases refer to the same well. The second specifies which well in Bethlehem. See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Chronicles 11:17]

he poured it out to Yahweh

This means that he poured out the water as an offering to Yahweh.

1 Chronicles 11:19

Far be it for me before God that I should ever do this

"May God never see me do something like this" or "This is something I, who fear God, should never do"

Should I drink the blood of these men who have risked their lives?

David speaks of the water as if it were blood because the men risked their lives to bring the water to him. He uses a question to emphasize this. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I should not drink this water, which would be like drinking the blood of these men who have risked their lives to bring it to me."

1 Chronicles 11:20

Abishai

See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 2:16.

captain over the Three

This means Abishai was the leader of the three men who went and got water for David.

three hundred

"300 men" or "300 warriors"

He had a name along with the Three

The word "name" here is a metonym for a good reputation, for being honored as a mighty warrior. Alternate translation: "People honored him the same way they honored the Three"

1 Chronicles 11:21

Of the Three, he was given double honor and became

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) that he received double the honor that the Three received. Alternate translation: "People gave him twice as much honor as they gave the Three and he became" or 2) the Three honored him more than they honored others. Alternate translation: "The Three honored him more than they honored others and he became"

1 Chronicles 11:22

Benaiah ... Jehoiada ... Ariel

These are the names of men.

Kabzeel

This is the name of a city.

1 Chronicles 11:23

five cubits

A "cubit" is a unit of measurement equal to 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2.3 meters"

a spear like a weaver's beam

This compares the size of the spear with the size of a weaver's beam. Alternate translation: "a spear the size of a weaver's beam"

he went down to him

"Benaiah went down to the Egyptian." This idiom means that he met him in battle. Alternate translation: "he attacked him"

1 Chronicles 11:24

did these feats

"did these mighty deeds"

he was named alongside the three mighty men

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people praised him like they praised the three mighty men"

1 Chronicles 11:25

He was more highly regarded than the thirty soldiers in general, but he was not regarded quite as highly as the three mighty men

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The people respected him more than the 30 soldiers, but not as much as the 3 most elite soldiers"

his bodyguard

the group of people responsible for protecting David

1 Chronicles 11:26

General Information:

This begins a list of David's thirty most important warriors. The list contains the names of the men and the clans to which they belonged. The list continues through 1 Chronicles 11:47.

1 Chronicles 11:27

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:28

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:29

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:30

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:31

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:32

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:33

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:34

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:35

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:36

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:37

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:38

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:39

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:40

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:41

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:42

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

thirty with him

"30 men with him"

1 Chronicles 11:43

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:44

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:45

Connecting Statement:

This concludes the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:46

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

1 Chronicles 11:47

Connecting Statement:

This ends the list of David's thirty most important warriors.

Chapter 12

1 Chronicles 12 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

"[They] could use both the right hand and the left"

These soldiers were very skilled. They were able to fight with either hand.

King David

This chapter records all those who supported David as king over Saul. The extent of this record shows that there was nearly universal support for David.

1 Chronicles 12:1

while he was still banished from the presence of

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "during the time when he could not be in the presence of"

1 Chronicles 12:2

could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows

"could use either their right hands or their left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows"

slinging stones

The sling was a strip of leather that a person would use to throw a stone long distances.

1 Chronicles 12:3

General Information:

This begins a list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag.

1 Chronicles 12:4

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag.

the thirty

"the 30 soldiers"

1 Chronicles 12:5

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag.

1 Chronicles 12:6

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag.

1 Chronicles 12:7

Connecting Statement:

This ends the list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag.

1 Chronicles 12:8

General Information:

This begins a list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David.

whose faces were as fierce as the faces of lions

Here the word "faces" represents the men and the lions. Their faces express the fierceness with which they fight battles. Alternate translation: "who were as fierce in battle as lions hunting prey"

They were as swift as gazelles on the mountains

This hyperbole compares how swiftly these men were able to run with how swiftly gazelles are able to run over rugged mountain terrain.

gazelles

animals similar to deer that can run quickly over hills and rough ground

1 Chronicles 12:9

Ezer the leader, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third

This begins a list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David, in order of their importance.

1 Chronicles 12:10

Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth

This continues a list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David, in order of their importance.

1 Chronicles 12:11

Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh

This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David, in order of their importance.

1 Chronicles 12:12

Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth

This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David, in order of their importance.

1 Chronicles 12:13

Jeremiah the tenth, Makbannai the eleventh

This ends the list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David, in order of their importance.

1 Chronicles 12:14

The least led a hundred

The least of the sons led groups of one hundred soldiers.

the greatest led a thousand

The greatest of the sons led groups of a thousand soldiers.

The least ... the greatest

Possible meanings are "The youngest sons ... the oldest sons," "The weakest sons ... the strongest sons," or "The most important sons ... the least important sons"

1 Chronicles 12:15

first month

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. It is at the beginning of the spring season when the late rains come.

when it overflowed its banks

"when the Jordan overflowed its banks"

caused all those living in the valleys to flee

"they chased away all those living in the valleys"

1 Chronicles 12:16

men of Benjamin and Judah

"men from the tribes of Benjamin and Judah"

1 Chronicles 12:17

may the God of our ancestors see

What God will see may be supplied in translation. Alternate translation: "may the God of our ancestors see what you intend to do"

1 Chronicles 12:18

clothed Amasai

The topic of this metaphor is that because of what the Spirit did, Amasai had special powers. Possible images are 1) the Spirit came over or came on or covered Amasai like a garment, thus giving Amasai special powers. Alternate translation: "came over Amasai" or "took control of Amasai" Or 2) the Spirit covered himself with Amasai and so acted through him.

Amasai

This is the name of a man.

the thirty

"the 30 soldiers"

We are yours, David. We are on your side, son of Jesse

These phrases share similar meanings. The idioms "we are yours" and "we are on your side" both mean that the men support David. Alternate translation: "We are devoted to you, David. We support you, son of Jesse"

Peace, may peace be to whoever helps you

Here the word "peace" refers to prosperity and well-being. The word is repeated to emphasize great prosperity. Alternate translation: "May whoever helps you greatly prosper"

1 Chronicles 12:19

deserted to

"left their leaders to join"

He will desert to his master Saul

"He will stop fighting with us and fight for his master Saul"

1 Chronicles 12:20

Ziklag

This is the name of a city.

Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai

These are the names of men.

captains over thousands of Manasseh

This means that each of these men led groups of a thousand soldiers in the tribe of Manasseh. Alternate translation: "each a captain over 1,000 men in the tribe of Manasseh"

1 Chronicles 12:21

the roving bands

"the groups of robbers." This refers to groups of people who robbed people traveling through the countryside.

1 Chronicles 12:22

Day after day

"Each day"

a great army, like the army of God

Possible meanings are 1) the phrase "like the army of God" means "like an army that God assembled" or 2) the word "God" is used as an idiom that refers to the great size of the army. Alternate translation: "a very large army"

1 Chronicles 12:23

General Information:

This begins the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.

to turn the kingdom of Saul over to him

The men making David king in place of Saul is spoken of as if they gave possession of Saul's kingdom to David. Alternate translation: "to make David king in place of Saul"

carried out Yahweh's word

"made Yahweh's word true" or "fulfilled Yahweh's word"

1 Chronicles 12:24

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.

6,800, armed for war

"six thousand eight hundred, armed for war"

1 Chronicles 12:25

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.

From the Simeonites

"From Simeon" or "From the tribe of Simeon"

7,100 mighty warriors

"seven thousand one hundred mighty warriors"

1 Chronicles 12:26

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.

4,600 fighting men

"four thousand six hundred fighting men"

1 Chronicles 12:27

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.

Jehoiada

This is the name of a man.

with him were 3,700

"with him were three thousand seven hundred"

1 Chronicles 12:28

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.

twenty-two leaders

"22 leaders"

1 Chronicles 12:29

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.

From Benjamin, Saul's kinsmen

"From Benjamin, the tribe to which Saul belonged"

three thousand

"3,000"

kept watch over

This is a metaphor for being loyal to someone. Alternate translation: "been loyal to"

1 Chronicles 12:30

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.

20,800 mighty warriors

"twenty thousand eight hundred mighty warriors"

From the Ephraimites

"From Ephraim" or "From the tribe of Ephraim"

1 Chronicles 12:31

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.

eighteen thousand

"18,000"

1 Chronicles 12:32

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.

two hundred

"200"

who had understanding of the times

Possible meanings are 1) these men knew the right time to act or 2) these men had a good understanding of current political events within Israel.

1 Chronicles 12:33

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.

fifty thousand

"50,000"

ready to give undivided loyalty

It is implicit that they would give loyalty to David. Alternate translation: "ready to give undivided loyalty to David"

1 Chronicles 12:34

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.

one thousand ... thirty-seven thousand

"1,000 ... 37,000"

1 Chronicles 12:35

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.

From the Danites

"From Dan" or "From the tribe of Dan"

28,600 men

"twenty-eight thousand six hundred men"

1 Chronicles 12:36

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.

forty thousand

"40,000"

1 Chronicles 12:37

Connecting Statement:

This ends the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.

the Reubenites, Gadites

"Reuben, Gad" or "the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad"

120,000 men

"one hundred twenty thousand men"

1 Chronicles 12:38

with a whole heart

The word "heart" here is a metonym for a person's intentions or desires. Alternate translation: "with firm intentions" or "determined to make David king"

1 Chronicles 12:39

They were there with David

"These soldiers were there with David"

three days

"3 days"

1 Chronicles 12:40

there was joy in Israel

The people of Israel were very happy.

Chapter 13

1 Chronicles 13 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Ark of the covenant

David tried to bring the ark to Jerusalem on an ox cart instead of being carried by priests as the law said to do. The ox stumbled and Uzzah touched the ark to keep it from falling and he immediately died because of this. (See: priest and lawofmoses and covenant)

1 Chronicles 13:1

the commanders of thousands and of hundreds

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. Alternate translation: "the commanders of 1,000 soldiers and the commanders of 100 soldiers" or 2) the words translated as "thousands" and "hundreds" do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: "the commanders of large military divisions and the commanders of smaller military divisions"

1 Chronicles 13:2

all the assembly of Israel

This refers to all of the Israelites who were assembled in this place. Alternate translation: "all of the Israelites who were assembled there"

if this comes from Yahweh our God

This idiom means that this action is something that Yahweh approves. Alternate translation: "if this is something that Yahweh our God approves"

Let them be told to come together with us

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let messengers tell them to join us" or "Let them join us"

1 Chronicles 13:3

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 13:4

in the eyes of all the people they seemed to be what was right

Here the word "eyes" is a metonym for what the people thought or judged because of what they saw. Alternate translation: "all the people considered these things to be right"

1 Chronicles 13:5

David assembled all Israel together

Here the word "all" is a generalization. The phrase means that David assembled people from all over Israel, not that he assembled every person in Israel. Alternate translation: "David assembled people together from all Israel"

Lebo Hamath ... Kiriath Jearim

These are the names of places.

1 Chronicles 13:6

Baalah ... Kiriath Jearim

These are the names of places. "Baalah" is another name for Kiriath Jearim.

which belongs to Judah

"which is in Judah"

to bring up from there the ark of God

It is implied that they are taking the ark to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "to take to Jerusalem the ark of God"

to bring up from there

Jerusalem is higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of going up to Jerusalem and going down from it.

which is called by Yahweh's name

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) the idiom "called by ... name" refers to a person owning the thing. Alternate translation: "which belongs to Yahweh" or 2) the ark has Yahweh's name written on it. Alternate translation: "which bears Yahweh's name"

who sits enthroned over the cherubim

You may need to make explicit that the cherubim are those on the lid of the ark of the covenant. The biblical writers often spoke of the ark of the covenant as if it were Yahweh's footstool upon which he rested his feet as he sat on his throne in heaven above. Alternate translation: "who sits on his throne above the cherubim on the ark of the covenant"

1 Chronicles 13:7

Abinadab ... Uzzah ... Ahio

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 13:8

David and all Israel

Here the word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "David and all of the Israelites who were present"

singing with harps and lutes

"singing while playing harps and lutes"

tambourines

hand drums with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instruments are shaken

cymbals

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound

1 Chronicles 13:9

Kidon ... Uzzah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 13:10

the anger of Yahweh burned against Uzzah

Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that burned the one with whom Yahweh is angry. Alternate translation: "Yahweh was very angry with Uzzah"

before God

"in the presence of God"

1 Chronicles 13:11

That place is called

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People call that place"

Perez Uzzah

This is the name of a place. Translator may add a footnote that says, "The name 'Perez Uzzah' means 'the punishment of Uzzah.'"

to this day

See how you translated this phrase in 1 Chronicles 4:43

1 Chronicles 13:12

How can I bring the ark of God home to me?

David uses this question to emphasize that he is afraid to take the ark to Jerusalem. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am too afraid to bring the ark of Yahweh with me to Jerusalem."

1 Chronicles 13:13

Obed-Edom the Gittite

This is the name of a man. A "Gittite" is a person from the city of Gath.

1 Chronicles 13:14

in Obed-Edom's household in his house

"with Obed-Edom's family in his house"

three months

"3 months"

Yahweh blessed his house

Here the word "house" is a metonym for his family. Alternate translation: "Yahweh blessed his family"

Chapter 14

1 Chronicles 14 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

David asked for help from God and because of this, God enabled him to defeat the Philistines when they tried to capture him.

1 Chronicles 14:1

Hiram

This is the name of a man.

carpenters

people who make things with wood

masons

people make things with stone or brick

They built a house for him

"The carpenters and masons built a house for David"

1 Chronicles 14:2

established him as

"made him"

his kingdom was exalted on high

The idiom "exalted on high" means that Yahweh had given great honor to David's kingdom. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh had exalted David's kingdom on high" or "Yahweh had given great honor to David's kingdom"

for the sake of his people Israel

Here the word "his" refers to Yahweh.

1 Chronicles 14:3

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 14:4

the children who were born to him

"the children whom his wives bore for him"

Shammua, Shobab, Nathan

These are names of men. See how you translated these in [1 Chronicles 3:5]

1 Chronicles 14:5

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the children who were born to David in Jerusalem.

Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet

These are names of men. These names appear also in 1 Chronicles 3:6, although there "Elpelet" is spelled "Eliphelet."

1 Chronicles 14:6

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the children who were born to David in Jerusalem.

Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia

These are names of men. These names appear also in 1 Chronicles 3:7.

1 Chronicles 14:7

Connecting Statement:

This ends the list of the children who were born to David in Jerusalem.

Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet

These are names of men. These names appear also in 1 Chronicles 3:8, although there "Beeliada" is spelled "Eliada."

1 Chronicles 14:8

Now

The writer uses this word to show that he has finished giving the background information that he started in 1 Chronicles 14:3 and is starting a new part of the story. Your language may have a different way of doing this.

David had been anointed as king

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the elders of Israel had anointed David as king"

went out against them

It is implied that David led his army out to fight against them. Alternate translation: "led his army out to fight against them"

1 Chronicles 14:9

Valley of Rephaim

This is the name of a place.

1 Chronicles 14:10

give them to you

This idiom means that Yahweh will enable David to have victory over them. Alternate translation: "give you victory over them"

1 Chronicles 14:11

Baal Perazim

This is the name of a place. You may add a footnote that says, "The name 'Baal Perazim' means 'Lord of breaking through.'"

God has burst through my enemies ... like a bursting flood of water

David speaks of God easily defeating David's enemies as if God had burst through them, like a flood bursts through anything in its path. Alternate translation: "God has easily defeated my enemies ... like a flood easily bursts through everything"

by my hand

This refers to David's resources. Alternate translation: "using my army"

1 Chronicles 14:12

that they should be burned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to burn their false gods"

1 Chronicles 14:13

the valley

"the Valley of Rephaim"

1 Chronicles 14:14

attack their front

"attack from the front"

circle around behind them and come on them through the balsam woods

"go through the forest of balsam trees and attack them from behind"

balsam woods

"Balsam" here is a type of tree, and the "woods" describe many balsam trees growing together.

1 Chronicles 14:15

Connecting Statement:

God continues his answer to David's question.

When you hear the sound of marching in the wind blowing through the balsam treetops

This speaks of the sound of the leaves rustling as wind blows through them as if it were the sound of marching. Alternate translation: "When the wind blowing through the tops of the balsam trees sounds like men marching"

1 Chronicles 14:16

Gezer

This is the name of a town.

1 Chronicles 14:17

David's fame went out into all lands

The word "fame" here is spoken of as if it were a person who could move. The word "lands" is a metonym for the people living in those lands. Alternate translation: "People in all the lands nearby knew who David was" or "People in all the lands nearby knew that David was a mighty warrior"

Chapter 15

1 Chronicles 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapters 15 and 16 explain how David organized the priests and Levites. (See: priest)

1 Chronicles 15:1

David built houses for himself ... He prepared

It might be best to translate this so that the reader understands that David had other people do this for him. Alternate translation: "David had workers build houses for him ... He had them prepare"

1 Chronicles 15:2

they had been chosen by Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh had chosen them"

1 Chronicles 15:3

David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem

Here the word "all" is a generalization. The phrase "all Israel" means that David assembled people from all over Israel, not that he assembled every person in Israel. Alternate translation: "David assembled at Jerusalem people from all over Israel"

1 Chronicles 15:4

General Information:

This begins the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans.

1 Chronicles 15:5

120 men

"one hundred twenty men"

1 Chronicles 15:6

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans.

220 men

"two hundred twenty men"

1 Chronicles 15:7

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans.

1 Chronicles 15:8

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans.

1 Chronicles 15:9

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans.

1 Chronicles 15:10

Connecting Statement:

This ends the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans.

1 Chronicles 15:11

Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab

These are names of men. See how you translated them in [1 Chronicles 15:5-6]

1 Chronicles 15:12

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 15:13

You did not carry it

"You did not carry the ark"

broke out against us

The idiom to "break out against" means to act violently toward someone. Alternate translation: "acted violently toward us" or "attacked us"

we did not seek him

Here seeking Yahweh means to seek his counsel. Alternate translation: "we did not ask him for instructions"

1 Chronicles 15:14

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 15:15

the rules given by the word of Yahweh

The word "word" can be translated with a verb. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the rules that the word of Yahweh had given" or "the rules that Yahweh had spoken"

1 Chronicles 15:16

cymbals

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 13:8]

lift up sounds of joy

This idiom means to sing and play the instruments loudly and joyfully. Alternate translation: "sing and play the instruments loudly and joyfully"

1 Chronicles 15:17

General Information:

This begins the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 15:18

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem.

With them were their kinsmen of second rank

This likely means that these men served in lower positions and were assistants to Heman, Asaph, and Ethan. Alternate translation: "With them were their kinsmen who were in a lower position of power" or "The following relatives would help them"

Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, the gatekeepers

The word "gatekeepers" refers to people who guard gates or entryways. Here it refers to guarding access to the ark of the covenant and applies to Obed-Edom and Jeiel. Alternate translation: "Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers, Obed-Edom and Jeiel"

1 Chronicles 15:19

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem.

The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were appointed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Levites appointed the musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan"

cymbals

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 13:8]

1 Chronicles 15:20

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem.

Alamoth

The meaning of this word is not clear but may refer to a style of music.

1 Chronicles 15:21

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem.

Sheminith

The meaning of this word is not clear but may refer to a style of music.

led the way

"led the other musicians" or "led the processional"

1 Chronicles 15:22

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 15:23

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 15:24

Connecting Statement:

This ends the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 15:25

the commanders over thousands

Possible meanings are 1) the word "thousands" represents the exact amount of soldiers that each of these commanders and led. Alternate translation: "the commanders of 1,000 soldiers" or 2) the word translated as "thousands" does not represent an exact numbers but is the name of a large military division. Alternate translation: "the commanders of large military divisions"

Obed-Edom

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 15:26

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 15:27

David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were the Levites who carried the ark, the singers, and Kenaniah, the leader of the song with the singers

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "David, the Levites who carried the ark, the singers, and Kenaniah, the leader of the song with the singers all wore fine linen robes"

linen

a cloth made from fibers of the flax plant

Kenaniah

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 15:28

So all Israel brought up the ark

Here the word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "So a great crowd of Israelites brought up the ark"

cymbals

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 13:8]

1 Chronicles 15:29

as the ark of the covenant of Yahweh came to the city of David

"as the people brought the ark of the covenant of Yahweh to the city of David"

Michal

This is the name of David's wife.

she despised him in her heart

Here "heart" represents thoughts or emotions. Alternate translation: "she despised him" or "she hated him"

Chapter 16

1 Chronicles 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapters 15 and 16 tell how David organized the priests and Levites. (See: priest)

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetic song in 16:8-36.

Special concepts in this chapter

David's psalm

As David organized the priests in their work in the tent, he wrote a psalm of praise to Yahweh.

1 Chronicles 16:1

General Information:

The word "they" in these verses refers to the priests and Levites.

before God

"to God"

1 Chronicles 16:2

When David had finished offering up the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings

This is a metonym for David directing the priests, who performed the actual sacrifices.

he blessed the people in the name of Yahweh

To bless "in the name of Yahweh" means to bless with Yahweh's power and authority or as his representative.

1 Chronicles 16:3

He distributed to every man of Israel

David probably had those under his authority distribute the items.

cake of raisins

a baked sweet bread made with dried grapes

1 Chronicles 16:4

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 16:5

Zechariah ... Jaaziel ... Shemiramoth ... Jehiel ... Mattithiah ... Eliab ... Benaiah ... Obed-Edom ... Jeiel

These are names of men.

second to him

This means next to him in authority and position.

cymbals

These are two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 13:8]

1 Chronicles 16:6

Benaiah

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 16:7

on that day

Here "that day" refers to the day the ark of the covenant was moved from the house of Obed Edom to Jerusalem.

song of thanksgiving

"song of giving thanks"

1 Chronicles 16:8

call on his name

Here "his name" represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: "call on Yahweh"

the nations

This refers to the people in the nations. Alternate translation: "the people of the nations"

1 Chronicles 16:9

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 16:10

Boast in his holy name

Here "his holy name" represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: "Boast in who Yahweh is" or "Boast in Yahweh"

let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice

Here "the heart" represents the person who seeks Yahweh. Alternate translation: "let the people who seek Yahweh rejoice"

1 Chronicles 16:11

Seek Yahweh and his strength

To "seek Yahweh's strength" means to ask him to strengthen you. Alternate translation: "Seek Yahweh and ask him to give you his strength"

seek his presence continually

"seek to be near him always"

1 Chronicles 16:12

Recall the marvelous things

"Remember the marvelous things"

done, his miracles and

The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: "done; recall his miracles and"

decrees from his mouth

Here "mouth" refers to the things that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: "decrees that he has spoken"

1 Chronicles 16:13

you descendants of Israel his servant, you people of Jacob, his chosen ones

These phrases share similar meanings and are used for emphasis.

1 Chronicles 16:14

His decrees are on all the earth

Here "all the earth" refers to all the people of the earth. Alternate translation: "His laws are for all the people of the earth"

1 Chronicles 16:15

Keep his covenant ... for a thousand generations

These two phrases share similar meanings and are used together for emphasis. Here "word" refers to the covenant. Alternate translation: "Keep his covenant in mind forever, the promise that he made for a thousand generations"

Keep his covenant in mind

This means to remember and think about his covenant. Alternate translation: "Remember his covenant"

a thousand generations

"1,000 generations"

1 Chronicles 16:16

He calls to mind

The phrase "calls to mind" means to remember something. Alternate translation: "He remembers"

the covenant that he made with Abraham, and his oath to Isaac

Both "the covenant" and "the oath" refer to the same promise that Yahweh made to his people.

his oath to Isaac

This refers to the oath that he had previously made to Issac. Alternate translation: "his oath that he made to Isaac"

1 Chronicles 16:17

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 16:18

General Information:

The words "you" and "your" in this verse refers to Israel.

the assigned portion of your inheritance

"the part of your inheritance that God has assigned to you"

1 Chronicles 16:19

General Information:

The word "they" in this verse refers to Israel.

strangers in the land

It is implied that "the land" refers to Canaan. Alternate translation: "foreigners in the land of Canaan"

1 Chronicles 16:20

General Information:

The word "they" in this verse refers to Israel.

from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another

These two phrases have similar meanings and are used together for emphasis.

1 Chronicles 16:21

General Information:

The words "them" and "their" in this verse refers to Israel.

for their sakes

"for their own well-being"

1 Chronicles 16:22

Do not touch my anointed ones

Here "touch" means to harm. It is an exaggeration Yahweh used to strengthen his warning to not harm his people. Alternate translation: "Do not harm the people I have anointed"

1 Chronicles 16:23

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

all the earth

This refers to the people of the earth. Alternate translation: "all you people who live on the earth"

announce his salvation

The abstract noun "salvation" can be translated using the verb "save." Alternate translation: "announce that he has saved us" or "tell people that he is the one who saves"

day after day

"every day"

1 Chronicles 16:24

Declare his glory among the nations

"Tell all the people in every nation about his great glory"

1 Chronicles 16:25

Yahweh is great and is to be praised greatly

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is great. Praise him greatly" or "Yahweh is great, and people should praise him greatly"

he is to be feared above all other gods

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "fear him above all other gods"

1 Chronicles 16:26

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 16:27

Splendor and majesty are in his presence

The author speaks as if splendor and majesty are people who can stand before a king.

in his presence

"all around him" or "where he is"

Strength and joy are in his place

The author speaks as if strength and joy are people who can be in Yahweh's sanctuary.

in his place

"in his temple" or "in his sanctuary"

1 Chronicles 16:28

Ascribe to Yahweh

"Give praise to Yahweh" or "Praise Yahweh"

ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength

The abstract nouns "glory" and "strength" can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "praise Yahweh because he is glorious and strong"

1 Chronicles 16:29

Ascribe to Yahweh the glory his name deserves

The abstract noun "glory" can be stated as a verb or adjective. Alternate translation: "Glorify Yahweh just as his name deserves" or "Proclaim that Yahweh is glorious just as his name deserves"

his name deserves

Here "his name" refers to the person of God. Alternate translation: "due to him" or "he deserves" or "he is worthy to receive"

Bow down to Yahweh

The implied information is that the people were to bow down in worship. Alternate translation: "Bow down to worship Yahweh"

in the splendor of holiness

The abstract nouns "splendor" and "holiness" can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "because he is gloriously beautiful and holy"

1 Chronicles 16:30

Tremble

shake because of fear

all the earth

This is a metonym for all the people who live on the earth. Alternate translation: "all the people of the earth"

1 Chronicles 16:31

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let them say

Possible meanings are 1) the heavens and the earth are spoken of as if they have emotions like people. Alternate translation: "Let it be as if the heavens are glad and the earth rejoices and they say" or 2) "the heavens" and "the earth" are metonyms for those who dwell in those places. Alternate translation: "Let those who live in the heavens be glad and let those who live on the earth rejoice, and let them say"

let them say among the nations

The people of the nations would observe what is said. Alternate translation: "let them say to the nations"

1 Chronicles 16:32

that which fills it shout with joy

The implied information is that this refers to all the creatures living in the sea. They are spoken of as if they should shout with joy like people might do. Alternate translation: "the sea creatures shout joyfully"

Let the fields be joyful, and all that is in them

"Let the fields and all that is in them be joyful." The author speaks as if the fields and the animals that live in them have emotions like people. Alternate translation: "Let it be as if the fields themselves and all the animals that live in them are rejoicing"

1 Chronicles 16:33

let the trees in the forest shout for joy

This speaks about the trees as if they were people who could shout for joy.

1 Chronicles 16:34

for his covenant faithfulness endures forever

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithfully" or "faithful." Alternate translation: "for he faithfully loves us forever" or "for he is faithful to his covenant forever"

1 Chronicles 16:35

from the other nations

Here "the other nations" represents the people in those nations. Alternate translation: "from the people of other nations" or "from the armies of other nations"

give thanks to your holy name

Here Yahweh is referred to by his "holy name." Alternate translation: "give thanks to you" or "give thanks to Yahweh"

1 Chronicles 16:36

from everlasting to everlasting

This refers to two extremes and means for all time. Alternate translation: "for all eternity"

All the people

This is a generalization that refers to the group of people assembled to worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: "The people" or "Everyone who was there"

1 Chronicles 16:37

his brothers

"his relatives"

as every day's work required

The implied information is that they were to perform the daily duties that were given in the law of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "as was required every day by the law"

1 Chronicles 16:38

Obed-Edom ... Jeduthun ... Hosah

These were names of men.

sixty-eight relatives

"68 relatives"

1 Chronicles 16:39

to serve before the tabernacle

"to serve at the tabernacle"

1 Chronicles 16:40

General Information:

The word "They" in this verse refers to the priests.

continually morning

"every day, morning"

1 Chronicles 16:41

General Information:

The word "them" in this verse refers to the priests.

Heman ... Jeduthun

These were names of men.

1 Chronicles 16:42

cymbals

These are two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 13:8]

guarded the gate

The implied information is that they were to guard the entrance to the tabernacle. Alternate translation: "guarded the tabernacle gate"

1 Chronicles 16:43

General Information:

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Chapter 17

1 Chronicles 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Building the temple

David wanted to build a temple for God but God would not allow him to. Instead he promised that his son, Solomon, would build the temple and he promised David would have a descendant who would be king forever. (See: temple and promise and eternity)

1 Chronicles 17:1

It happened

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

settled

comfortable and happy, without the desire to move or change

I am living in a house of cedar

Cedar is a kind of tree that is known for its strength. If you have an equivalent type of tree in your culture, you can use that name, otherwise you can reword this. Alternate translation: "I am living in a strong, permanent house"

the ark of the covenant of Yahweh is staying under a tent

Tents are temporary dwellings. If you do not have tents in your culture, you can word this differently. Alternate translation: "the ark of the covenant of Yahweh is staying in a temporary place"

1 Chronicles 17:2

do what is in your heart

Here "heart" represents the mind. Alternate translation: "do what you think you should"

God is with you

Here "with you" means God is helping and blessing David.

1 Chronicles 17:3

the word of God came to Nathan, saying,

The idiom "the word of God came to" is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: "God gave a message to Nathan. He said," or "God spoke this message to Nathan:"

1 Chronicles 17:4

Go and tell David my servant, 'This is what Yahweh says: You will not build me a house in which to live

This has quotations within quotations. It may be necessary to translate them as indirect quotations. Alternate translation: "Go and tell David my servant that he will not be the one to build a house in which I will live"

build me a house

Here "house" means a temple. In 1 Chronicles 17:10 Yahweh will say that he will build a house for David. There "house" means a family. If your language has a word that can express both ideas, use it here and in 17:10.

1 Chronicles 17:5

that I brought up Israel

The implied information is that this refers to God bringing up Israel out of the land of Egypt. Alternate translation: "that I brought the Israelites to the promised land from the land of Egypt"

a tent, a tabernacle

Both the words "tent" and "tabernacle" describe the same thing and emphasize that he had lived in a place that was not a permanent building.

1 Chronicles 17:6

did I ever say anything to any of Israel's judges, whom I appointed to shepherd my people, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?"

This has a quotation within a quotation. The direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "did I ever ask any of Israel's judges, whom I appointed to shepherd my people, why they had not built me a house of cedar?"

did I ever say anything to any of Israel's judges

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he never asked any of Israel's judges to build him a house. Alternate translation: "I never said anything to any of Israel's judges"

whom I appointed to shepherd my people

Those who are leaders of the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were shepherds and the people were sheep.

Why have you not built me a house of cedar?

If Yahweh had asked the leaders this question, he would have been using a question to scold them for not building him a house of cedar. But, Yahweh said previously that he did not ask them this question. Alternate translation: "You should have built me a house of cedar."

1 Chronicles 17:7

General Information:

Yahweh describes his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

tell my servant David

Yahweh is still telling the prophet Nathan what he should tell David.

I took you from the pasture

David's job as a shepherd is referred to by the place he watched his sheep. Alternate translation: "I took you from your job as a shepherd"

pasture

an area of land where animals feed on the grass. See how you translated this word in 1 Chronicles 4:39 and 4:40.

1 Chronicles 17:8

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

I have been with you

Here "with you" means that Yahweh has helped and blessed David.

cut off all your enemies

Yahweh destroying David's enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh cut them off, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree.

I will make you a name

Here "name" represents a person's reputation. Alternate translation: "I will make your name to be great and well known"

the great ones

The phrase "great ones" means famous persons.

1 Chronicles 17:9

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

I will appoint a place

"I will choose a place"

will plant them there

God causing the people to live in the land permanently and securely is spoken of as if he would plant them in the land. Alternate translation: "I will settle them there"

be troubled no more

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will ever trouble them"

1 Chronicles 17:10

General Information:

The words "your" and "you" in this verse refers to David.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

from the days

Here "days" represents a longer period of time. Alternate translation: "from the time"

I commanded judges

After the people of Israel entered the land of Canaan and before they had kings to rule them, God appointed leaders called "judges" to lead them in times of trouble.

to be over my people Israel

To be in authority is referred to as being over someone. Alternate translation: "to rule my people Israel"

subdue

make a person or animal unable to attack

build you a house

Here the metonym "house" refers to David's ancestors continuing on as the rulers of Israel. In 1 Chronicles 17:4 God told David he would not be the one to build a house for Yahweh. There "house" represented a temple. If your language has a word that can express both ideas, use it here and in 17:4.

1 Chronicles 17:11

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

It will come about

"It will happen"

when your days are fulfilled for you to go to your fathers

The two phrases "when your days are fulfilled" and "go to your fathers" have similar meanings and are combined for emphasis. They both are polite ways to refer to death and dying.

I will raise up your descendant after you

God appointing David's descendant is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift him up.

1 Chronicles 17:12

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

I will establish his throne forever

The right to rule as king is described by the place where a king sits. Alternate translation: "I will make his rule over Israel to last forever"

1 Chronicles 17:13

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

I will not take my covenant faithfulness away from him, as I took it from Saul

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as "faithfully." Alternate translation: "I will never stop faithfully loving him, as I stopped loving Saul"

1 Chronicles 17:14

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh finishes describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.

I will set him over my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne will be established forever

These two phrases have similar meanings and emphasize that David's dynasty will last forever.

his throne will be established forever

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will establish his throne forever"

his throne

A king's right to rule is referred to by the place a king sits. Alternate translation: "his right to rule"

1 Chronicles 17:15

reported to him

"told him"

all these words

Here "words" represents what Yahweh said.

1 Chronicles 17:16

he said

"David said"

Who am I, Yahweh God, and what is my family, that you have brought me to this point?

David asks this question to express the deep emotion he felt from hearing Yahweh's proclamation. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "My family and I are not worthy of this honor, Yahweh God."

1 Chronicles 17:17

Connecting Statement:

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

this was a small thing

Something that is not important is described as being small.

in your sight

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in your judgment"

your servant's family

Here David refers to himself as "your servant." This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "my family"

for a great while to come

This speaks about time as if it were something that travels and arrives somewhere. Alternate translation: "and what will happen to them in the future"

your servant

Here David refers to himself as "your servant." This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "me"

1 Chronicles 17:18

Connecting Statement:

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

What more can I, David, say to you?

David uses this question to emphasize that he has nothing left to say to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "There is nothing more I can say to you."

You have honored your servant. You have given your servant special recognition

These two phrases have similar meanings and are repeated for emphasis.

You have given your servant special recognition

The abstract noun "recognition" can be translated using the verb "recognize." Alternate translation: "You have recognized your servant in a special way"

1 Chronicles 17:19

Connecting Statement:

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

your servant's sake

Here David refers to himself as "your servant." This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "my sake" or "my benefit"

to fulfill your own purpose

"to accomplish what you planned to do"

1 Chronicles 17:20

Connecting Statement:

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

there is none like you, and there is no God besides you

These phrases have similar meaning and are repeated for emphasis.

as we have always heard

Here "we" refers to David and the nation of Israel.

1 Chronicles 17:21

Connecting Statement:

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

what nation on earth ... by great and awesome deeds?

This question expects a negative answer to make the point that there was no other nation like Israel. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "there is no nation on earth ... by great and awesome deeds."

you rescued from Egypt

The implied information is that they were rescued from slavery. Alternate translation: "you rescued from slavery in Egypt"

to make a name for yourself

Here "name" represents Yahweh's reputation. Alternate translation: "to make all people know who you are"

You drove out nations

Here "nations" represents the people groups that were living in Canaan.

1 Chronicles 17:22

Connecting Statement:

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

1 Chronicles 17:23

Connecting Statement:

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

So now

Here "now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

may the promise that you made concerning your servant and his family be established forever

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "may you do what you promised to me and my family, and may your promise never change"

your servant and his family

David is speaking about himself in the third person. This can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: "me and my family"

1 Chronicles 17:24

Connecting Statement:

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

May your name

Here "name" represents Yahweh's reputation.

the house of me, David, your servant

Here "house" represents family. Alternate translation: "my family"

is established before you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "is secure because of you" or "continues because of you"

1 Chronicles 17:25

Connecting Statement:

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

your servant

David refers to himself as "your servant." This can be expressed in the first person. Alternate translation: "me"

that you will build him a house

Here the metonym "house" refers to David's ancestors continuing on as the rulers of Israel. In [1 Chronicles 17:4]

I, your servant, have found courage

The abstract noun "courage" can be expressed here as the verb "encouraged." Alternate translation: "I, your servant, am encouraged"

1 Chronicles 17:26

Connecting Statement:

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

Now

This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

1 Chronicles 17:27

Connecting Statement:

David continues to speak to Yahweh.

your servant's house

David speaks of himself in the third person. This can be expressed in the first person. Alternate translation: "my house" or "my family"

You, Yahweh, have blessed it, and it will be blessed forever

These two phrases have about the same meaning and are repeated here for emphasis.

it will be blessed forever

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will continue to bless it forever"

Chapter 18

1 Chronicles 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

David's victories

David conquered all kingdoms neighboring Israel. The gold, silver and bronze he received from these victories, he saved for building the temple. This may indicate that he believed that the victories were because of Yahweh and therefore the goods received in victory belonged to him. (See: temple)

1 Chronicles 18:1

After this

"After God's promise to bless David"

it came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

1 Chronicles 18:2

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 18:3

David then defeated Hadadezer

Here David and Hadadezer are spoken of as if they were alone, but the reader should understand that these kings represent their armies that were with them. Alternate translation: "David and his army then defeated the army of Hadadezer"

Hadadezer

This is the name of a man.

Zobah

This is the name of a country.

was traveling to establish his rule by the Euphrates River

"was going to the Euphrates river to conquer people in that area"

1 Chronicles 18:4

a thousand chariots

"1,000 chariots"

seven thousand horsemen

These are soldiers who rode on horses. "7,000 horsemen"

twenty thousand footmen

These are soldiers who walked. "20,000 footmen"

hamstrung all the chariot horses

David had his soldiers cut the hamstring muscles on the backs of the horses' thighs so they would no longer be able to run.

reserved

to keep for a special use

a hundred chariots

"100 chariots"

1 Chronicles 18:5

killed twenty-two thousand

"killed 22,000"

1 Chronicles 18:6

garrisons

groups of soldiers assigned to particular areas

Yahweh gave victory to David

"Yahweh caused David to be victorious"

1 Chronicles 18:7

Hadadezer

This was the king of Zobah. See how you translated his name in 1 Chronicles 18:3.

that were on Hadadezer's servants

"that Hadadezar's servants carried"

1 Chronicles 18:8

Tebah ... Kun

These are the names of cities.

very much bronze

"a large quantity of bronze"

It was with this bronze that Solomon later made the bronze basin called "The Sea," the pillars, and the bronze equipment

The writer adds this background information to explain what would happen to this bronze at a later time.

the bronze basin called "The Sea,"

This a large bronze bowl, about 5 meters across, that was kept in the temple for ceremonial washing.

1 Chronicles 18:9

Tou

This is the name of a man.

Hamath ... Zobah

These are the names of places.

1 Chronicles 18:10

Tou ... Hadoram

These are the names of men.

fought against

"been at war with"

1 Chronicles 18:11

set these objects apart to Yahweh

"decided that these objects would only be used to worship Yahweh"

he carried away from all the nations

"David took from all the nations that he defeated"

1 Chronicles 18:12

Abishai ... Zeruiah

These are names of men.

eighteen thousand Edomites

"18,000 Edomites"

Valley of Salt

This is the name of a valley between Edom and Judah that was used as a battlefield.

1 Chronicles 18:13

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 18:14

over all Israel

"over all the Israelites"

he administered justice and righteousness to all his people

The abstract nouns "justice" and "righteousness" can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "he did what was just and right for all his people"

1 Chronicles 18:15

Zeruiah ... Ahilud

These are names of men.

recorder

the person who writes down details of special events

1 Chronicles 18:16

Ahitub ... Abiathar ... Shavsha

These are the names of men.

Ahimelek

This spelling represents a correction of the spelling "Abimelek," which some versions follow. The corrected spelling makes this verse agree with 2 Samuel 8:17.

1 Chronicles 18:17

Benaiah ... Jehoiada

These are the names of men.

Kerethites ... Pelethites

These are the names of foreign people groups who became David's bodyguards.

Chapter 19

1 Chronicles 19 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the beginning of the story about the war against the Ammonites. This story continues in the first part of the next chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Insults

The young king of Ammon insulted David when he had David's servants shaved and cut off their garments. Knowing David was going to attack him for this, he hired mercenaries from Aram to help him. Israel was able to defeat the Aramean mercenaries.

1 Chronicles 19:1

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Nahash

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 19:2

Nahash ... Hanun

These are names of men.

I will show kindness ... showed kindness

The abstract noun "kindness" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "I will be kind ... was kind"

console

comfort

1 Chronicles 19:3

Do you think that David is honoring your father because he has sent men to comfort you?

The princes asked this question to turn the king against David. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not think that David is honoring your father because he has sent men to comfort you."

Do not his servants come to you to explore and examine the land in order to overthrow it?

The princes asked this question to turn the king against David. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Surely his servants come to you to explore the land in order to overthrow it."

1 Chronicles 19:4

So Hanun seized

Hanun did not do this personally, but ordered his men to do it. Alternate translation: "So Hanun's men seized"

1 Chronicles 19:5

he sent to meet with them

"David sent some messengers to encourage them"

deeply ashamed

In this idiom, shame is described as deep to show that it has greatly affected them. Alternate translation: "very ashamed"

The king

This refers to David.

then return

"then return to Jerusalem"

1 Chronicles 19:6

saw that they had become a stench to David

The word "stench" refers to a bad smell. This describes the Ammonites as something unpleasant and unwanted. Alternate translation: "realized that they had become repulsive to David" or "realized that they had angered David"

a thousand talents

"1,000 talents"

talents

approximately 33 kilograms

Naharaim ... Maakah ... Zobah

These are names of cities.

1 Chronicles 19:7

thirty-two thousand chariots

"32,000 talents"

Maakah ... Medeba

These are names of cities.

thirty-two thousand chariots

It is not clear if the Ammonites paid the entire thousand talents to the king of Maakah, or if they paid him only a portion of that amount and gave the rest to the other cities that sent additional chariots and horsemen.

1 Chronicles 19:8

heard of it

"heard that the Ammonites were coming out for war"

he sent ... mighty men

You may need to make explicit the purpose of sending them "he sent ... mighty men to fight against them"

1 Chronicles 19:9

at the city gate

this refers to the gate of the Ammonite capital city

the kings who had come

this refers to the Aramean kings that the Ammonites hired to help them fight Israel

by themselves in the field

in the field outside the city, separate from the Ammonites

1 Chronicles 19:10

the battle lines

"the enemy soldiers lined up for battle"

1 Chronicles 19:11

put them into battle lines

"arranged his soldiers in lines for battle"

Abishai

This is the name of Joab's brother.

1 Chronicles 19:12

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 19:13

Be strong ... show ourselves to be strong

"Be brave ... behave bravely"

for our people and for the cities of our God

"for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God" or "to protect our people and the cities of our God"

what is good in his eyes

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "what he considers to be good"

1 Chronicles 19:14

advanced to the battle

"moved forward to the battle" or "approached the enemy soldiers in the battle"

1 Chronicles 19:15

Then Joab returned ... and went back to Jerusalem

It does not appear that Joab and his soldiers continued to attack the Ammonites in their city. When the Ammonites went into their city, the battle ended and the Israelites returned home.

1 Chronicles 19:16

General Information:

Verses 16-19 describes a second battle when the Arameans who fled from Joab in 1 Chronicles 19:15 were reinforced by other Arameans and attacked Israel again.

the Arameans saw

What the Arameans understood is spoken of as what they saw. Alternate translation: "the Arameans understood"

sent messengers

"sent messengers to request more soldiers"

Shophak ... Hadadezer

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 19:17

Connecting Statement:

This verse continues to describe a second battle when the Arameans who fled from Joab in 1 Chronicles 19:15 were reinforced by other Arameans and attacked Israel again.

When David was told this

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: When David's messengers told him that a larger Aramean army was coming"

he gathered ... He arranged

David did not do these things alone. His official and officers helped him. Alternate translation: "David and his officials gathered ... David and his officers arranged"

all Israel

This is a generalization. Not every person in Israel came to fight. Alternate translation: "a very large number of Israelites"

He arranged

"He organized"

they fought him

Here "him" refers to David's soldiers, in addition to David. Alternate translation: "the Arameans fought David and his soldiers"

1 Chronicles 19:18

Connecting Statement:

This verse continues to describe a second battle when the Arameans who fled from Joab in 1 Chronicles 19:15 were reinforced by other Arameans and attacked Israel again.

killed seven thousand ... forty thousand

" killed 7,000 ... 40,000"

1 Chronicles 19:19

Connecting Statement:

This verse finishes describing a second battle when the Arameans who fled from Joab in 1 Chronicles 19:15 were reinforced by other Arameans and attacked Israel again.

they were defeated by Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Israel had defeated them"

they made peace with David and served him

They made the peace agreement with David as the king, and served the Israelites.

Chapter 20

1 Chronicles 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter ends the story of the war with Ammon and tells of giants being killed by David's soldiers.

Special concepts in this chapter

"When kings normally go to war"

It was advantageous for kings to go to war in the springtime. This was possibly due to the weather being neither too hot nor too cold.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"It came about"

This is a phrase used to indicate the next event in a series. It can often be translated as "after," "then" or "next."

1 Chronicles 20:1

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

at the time when kings normally go to war

This is background information from the author. It was harder to fight wars in the cold winter, so kings normally waited for spring to attack their enemies.

kings normally go to war ... Joab led the army into battle

Here "kings" is a metonym that means the kings sent their armies into battle. Joab was the commander of David's army. Alternate translation: "kings normally send their armies to war ... Joab led David's army into battle"

devastated the land

"destroyed the land." This refers to when an army will ruin the land where their enemies grow food.

He went and besieged Rabbah

"He" refers to the soldiers as well as Joab. Alternate translation: "Joab and his soldiers surrounded Rabbah"

1 Chronicles 20:2

talent

about 33 kilograms

The crown was set on David's head

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) David put the crown on his own head or 2) David's men placed the crown on his head.

he brought out

The word "he" refers to David, but also refers to David's soldiers who helped David do this.

plunder

valuable items taken in war

1 Chronicles 20:3

He brought out

The word "He" refers to David, but also refers to David's soldiers who helped David do this.

forced them to work with saws and iron picks and axes

These terms describe difficult manual labor that the defeated people were forced to do.

David required all the cities of the descendants of Ammon

The people are referred to by their city. Alternate translation: "David required the people of all the Ammonite cities"

David and all the people returned to Jerusalem

The phhrase "all the people" refers to David's army. Alternate translation: "David and his army returned to Jerusalem"

1 Chronicles 20:4

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

there was a battle at Gezer with the Philistines

"the Israelites battled the Philistines at Gezer"

Gezer

This is the name of a city.

Sibbekai ... Sippai

These are names of men.

Hushathite ... Rephaim

These are names of people groups.

the Philistines were subdued

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they subdued the Philistines" or "they defeated the Philistines"

1 Chronicles 20:5

Gob

This is the name of a city.

Elhanan ... Jair ... Lahmi

These are names of men.

Bethlehemite ... Gittite

These are names of people groups.

staff

a long and thin pole.

the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam

A weaver's beam was a very large piece of wood used to stretch strings as the threads of a rug are weaved together around them. This means the handle of Lahmi's spear was very large.

1 Chronicles 20:6

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Rapha

This is the name given to a race of people who were very tall and strong.

1 Chronicles 20:7

Jonathan ... Shimea

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 20:8

These were descendants of the Rapha of Gath

Here "these" refer to Sippai in 1 Chronicles 20:4, Lahmi in 1 Chronicles 20:5, and the giant in verse 6.

they were killed by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants

David and his servants are referred to by the part of their bodies used to hold a sword. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "David and his servants killed the descendants of the Rephaim"

servants

You may need to make explicit that these men served David as soldiers. Alternate translation: "soldiers"

Chapter 21

1 Chronicles 21 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Trust

To trust in one's own power instead of God's protection is a sin. David had been trusting God to protect him, but now he counted the men of military age so he could know the strength of his army. (See: trust and sin)

1 Chronicles 21:1

An adversary arose against Israel

Possible meanings of "adversary" are 1) this refers to Satan who decided to cause trouble for Israel or 2) this refers to an enemy army that began to threaten Israel.

incited David to count Israel

"caused David to do wrong, to count Israel." If your language has a word for getting someone to become angry and do something he knows is wrong, you should use it here.

1 Chronicles 21:2

count the people of Israel ... that I may know their number

It is apparent from 1 Chronicles 21:5 that David wanted to count only the men who were able to fight.

from Beersheba to Dan

The Israelites considered these two cities their most southern and most northern cities. David uses these cities to refer to all of Israel.

1 Chronicles 21:3

a hundred times greater than it is

Joab expresses the desire for an army the size of 100 armies to say he would like the army to have more soldiers and be more powerful.

But my master the king, do they not all serve my master? Why does my master want this? Why bring guilt on Israel?

Joab uses these three rhetorical questions to tell David that the census was a bad idea. It appears that David was trusting the size of his army instead of trusting Yahweh, and thus making Israel guilty of sin. These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: But my master the king, they all serve you already. My master should not request this. You will only bring guilt on the people of Israel by trusting your military power."

Why does my master want this?

The word "this" refers to David's plan to count all the men of Israel.

1 Chronicles 21:4

the king's word was enforced against Joab

"the command of the king prevailed despite Joab's objections"

So Joab left and went throughout all Israel

It is understood from David's command in [1 Chronicles 21:2]

1 Chronicles 21:5

1,100,000 men

"one million, one hundred thousand men"

men who drew the sword

The soldiers in Israel are described by the action of pulling out a sword to fight with it. Alternate translation: "men who were prepared to serve as soldiers"

470,000 soldiers

"four hundred seventy thousand soldiers"

1 Chronicles 21:6

But Levi and Benjamin were not counted among them

The Levites were supposed to lead worship and not to fight. It is unclear why Joab did not count Benjamin. This can be stated in active voice. Alternate translation: "But Joab did not count the men from the tribes of Levi and Benjamin"

the king's command had disgusted Joab

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Joab was offended by what David had commanded"

1 Chronicles 21:7

by this action

Here "this action" refers to David's plan to count all the men of Israel who are able to fight.

so he attacked Israel

The nature of this attack is not clear. It was apparently enough to cause David to realize that Yahweh was angry with him for counting the people.

1 Chronicles 21:8

take away your servant's guilt

This is an idiom. Forgiveness is here spoken of as having guilt taken away. Alternate translation: "forgive me"

your servant's guilt

David refers to himself as God's servant. Alternate translation: "my guilt"

1 Chronicles 21:9

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 21:10

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 21:11

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 21:12

being caught by their swords

Here "their swords" represents death in battle. Alternate translation: "being killed by them in battle"

Yahweh's sword, that is, a plague in the land

Here the plague is spoken of as Yahweh's sword because the "sword" is a metonym for death.

destroying throughout all the land

"killing people who live in every part of the land"

I should take to the one who sent me

The one who sent him was Yahweh. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "I should take to Yahweh who sent me"

1 Chronicles 21:13

Let me fall into the hand of Yahweh rather than into the hand of man

Here "hand" represents power to harm or punish Israel. Alternate translation: "Let me be punished by Yahweh, rather than be punished by people"

Let me fall

The people of Israel are the ones who would die from the plague, but David is personalizing this judgment as if he himself was being killed.

hand of man

Here "man" is used in the generic sense of "people."

his merciful actions are very great

"Yahweh is very merciful"

1 Chronicles 21:14

on Israel

Here Israel is a metonym that represents the people of Israel.

seventy thousand people died

"70,000 people died"

1 Chronicles 21:15

changed his mind about the harm

Here "mind" represents his decision. Alternate translation: "decided not to destroy Jerusalem"

Enough!

This exclamation means "You have killed enough people!"

draw back your hand

This is an idiom that means to stop doing something. Alternate translation: "do not kill attack the people of Jerusalem"

Ornan

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 21:16

standing between earth and heaven

This is symbolic language to indicate that the angel was sent from Yahweh in heaven to judge the people on the earth.

having a drawn sword in his hand raised over Jerusalem

The angel holding a sword in his hand is a symbolic action that shows he is ready to attack Jerusalem. This is symbolic, because the judgment was sickness. Alternate translation: "holding a sword in his hand as if ready to attack Jerusalem"

clothed in sackcloth, lay facedown on the ground

These were symbols of repentance.

1 Chronicles 21:17

Is it not I that commanded that the army be numbered?

David uses this question to emphasize that his is the one who sinned by counting the people. Alternate translation: "I am the one who commanded that the army be numbered."

But these sheep

David speaks of the people of Israel as if they were sheep, who are known for trusting and following their leader.

what have they done?

David uses this question to asks God not to punish the people. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "they certainly have done nothing that deserves punishment."

Let your hand strike me and my clan

Here "hand" represents Yahweh's power to punish. Alternate translation: "Punish me and my clan"

1 Chronicles 21:18

David should go up

This is a reference to elevation. This threshing floor which became the future site of the temple was the highest point in Jerusalem.

Ornan

See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 21:15.

1 Chronicles 21:19

David went up

This is a reference to elevation. This threshing floor which became the future site of the temple was the highest point in Jerusalem.

as Gad instructed him to do in the name of Yahweh

Speaking "in the name of Yahweh" means speaking with his power and authority, or as his representative. Alternate translation: "as Gad, speaking for Yahweh, instructed David to do"

1 Chronicles 21:20

hid themselves

They were afraid of the angel. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "hid themselves because they were afraid of the angel"

1 Chronicles 21:21

with his face to the ground

This phrase describes that Ornan bowed far forward. To bow before someone is a way to show humility and respect. A deeper bow shows greater humility and respect. Alternate translation: "bowed very low to the ground"

1 Chronicles 21:22

full price

"I will pay the full price for what this threshing floor is worth"

1 Chronicles 21:23

Take it as your own

This implies that David should take the land without paying for it. Alternate translation: "Take it as a gift"

what is good in your sight

David's understanding is described as his sight. Alternate translation: "whatever you decide to do with it"

threshing sledges

These are wooden sleds with rocks or metal fitted underneath, dragged by oxen over the grain on the threshing floor to separate the grain from its stalks.

1 Chronicles 21:24

full price

See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 21:22.

1 Chronicles 21:25

six hundred shekels of gold

"600 shekels of gold"

shekels

a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams

for the place

"to buy the threshing floor"

1 Chronicles 21:26

He called on Yahweh

"He prayed for help to Yahweh"

who answered him with fire from heaven on the altar for burnt offerings

"who answered him by sending fire from heaven to the alter where David would offer the burnt offerings"

1 Chronicles 21:27

the angel put his sword back into its sheath

The angel putting his sword back in the sheath is a symbolic action to show that he would not continue to kill the people. Alternate translation: the angel put his sword in its sheath to show that he would stop killing the people"

sheath

cover for a sword or knife

1 Chronicles 21:28

Ornan

Translate his name as in 1 Chronicles 21:15.

1 Chronicles 21:29

Now at that time

Verses 29-30 are background information to explain why David offered this sacrifice at the threshing floor instead of on the altar at the tabernacle.

1 Chronicles 21:30

Connecting Statement:

Verses 29-30 are background information to explain why David offered this sacrifice at the threshing floor instead of on the altar at the tabernacle.

to ask for God's direction

"to ask God to tell him what he should do"

afraid of the sword of the angel of Yahweh

Here "sword" represents being killed by the angel of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "afraid he would be killed by the angel of Yahweh"

Chapter 22

1 Chronicles 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a new section lasting for the remainder of the book. David begins preparing the things needed for building the temple. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Solomon

In addition to preparing for the construction of the temple by gathering supplies, David also prepares his son, Solomon, to build the temple. David instructs Solomon to obey God. This is what is most necessary.

1 Chronicles 22:1

This is where

"This threshing floor is where"

1 Chronicles 22:2

stonecutters

persons who gathered large stones and cut them to the correct size so builders could use the rocks in walls and buildings

1 Chronicles 22:3

braces

items that connect two things together. "clamps" or "hinges"

more bronze than could be weighed

This is an exaggeration to show that there was a very large quantity of bronze. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so much bronze that no one could weigh it"

1 Chronicles 22:4

more cedar trees than could be counted

This is an exaggeration to show that there was a very large number of cedar trees. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so many cedar trees that no one could count them"

The Sidonians and the Tyrians brought too many cedar logs to David to count

This is background information to explain who provided so many logs.

1 Chronicles 22:5

the house that is to be built for Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the house that he will build for Yahweh"

so that it will be famous and glorious in all other lands

Here the word "lands" refers to the people who lived there. Alternate translation: "so that people in every other land will know about it and think that it is glorious"

prepare for its building

"prepare to build it"

1 Chronicles 22:6

he called

"David called"

commanded him to build

The readers should understand that David intended for laborers to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "commanded him to oversee the building of"

1 Chronicles 22:7

it was my intention to build a house myself

The readers should understand that David intended for laborers to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "it was my intention to oversee the building of the house myself"

it was my intention

"I intended"

to build a house myself

The reflexive "myself" means that David originally planned to build the temple. Alternate translation: "that I would be the one to build the temple"

for the name of Yahweh my God

Here "name" represents God's honor. Alternate translation: "in order to honor Yahweh my God"

1 Chronicles 22:8

shed much blood

Here the killing of people is spoken of as shedding their blood, where "blood" represents their lives. Alternate translation: "killed many people"

for my name

Here "name" represents God's honor. Alternate translation: "to honor me"

you have shed ... in my sight

Here "sight" refers to what God has seen. Alternate translation: "I have seen that you have shed much blood on the earth"

1 Chronicles 22:9

Connecting Statement:

David continues telling Solomon what Yahweh said to him.

be a peaceful man

"live at peace with everyone"

give him rest from all his enemies

"cause there to be peace between him and all his enemies"

on every side

This means in every place surrounding Israel.

For his name will be Solomon

The name "Solomon" sounds like the Hebrew word for "peace." This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "His name will be Solomon, which sounds like the word for peace"

in his days

"while he rules"

1 Chronicles 22:10

Connecting Statement:

David finishes telling Solomon what Yahweh said to him.

a house for my name

Here "name" refers to honor. Alternate translation: "a temple to honor me"

He will be my son, and I will be his Father

God will treat Solomon as if he were God's own son.

I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever

Here "throne" refers to the authority to rule as king. Alternate translation: "I will make his descendants rule over Israel forever"

1 Chronicles 22:11

Connecting Statement:

David continues speaking to Solomon.

Now

David uses this word to introduce something important he is about to say.

May you build

Solomon would not personally do the building, but he would direct others to do it. Alternate translation: "May you direct people to build"

1 Chronicles 22:12

Connecting Statement:

David continues speaking to Solomon.

when he places you in charge over Israel

"when he makes you king of Israel"

1 Chronicles 22:13

Connecting Statement:

David continues speaking to Solomon.

Be strong and courageous ... Do not fear or be discouraged

These two sentences mean the same thing, stated in different ways in order to emphasize that Solomon should not be afraid.

1 Chronicles 22:14

Connecting Statement:

David continues speaking to Solomon.

Now, see, with great

The words "Now, see" introduce something important David is about to say. Alternate translation: "Listen! With great"

with great pains I have prepared

"I have worked hard to prepare"

100,000 talents

"one hundred thousand talents"

talents

about 33 kilograms

one million

"1,000,000"

You must add more to all this

"You will need to increase that amount"

1 Chronicles 22:15

Connecting Statement:

David continues speaking to Solomon.

stonecutters, masons

These are both workers who cut stone and prepare it for builders to use in walls and buildings.

carpenters

persons who work with wood

skillful craftsmen without number of every kind

Here "without number" is an exaggeration to emphasize that there were a large number of them. Alternate translation: "a very large number of every kind of skillful craftsmen"

1 Chronicles 22:16

Connecting Statement:

David finishes speaking to Solomon.

may Yahweh be with you

This is an idiom that implies that Yahweh will help Solomon be successful in the project.

1 Chronicles 22:17

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 22:18

Yahweh your God is with you

This is an idiom that implies that Yahweh will help Israel to prosper.

your ... you

Here these pronouns are plural.

has given you peace on every side

"has caused all the nations who live around Israel to live peacefully with you"

He has given the region's inhabitants into my hand

Here "hand" refers to power to defeat his enemies. Alternate translation: "He has given me power over everyone who lives around us"

The region is subdued before Yahweh and his people

This can be stated in active form. "The other nations no longer attack Yahweh and his people"

1 Chronicles 22:19

Connecting Statement:

David continues speaking to all the leaders of Israel.

Now

This word introduces something important that David is about to say.

seek Yahweh your God

Seeking Yahweh represents either 1) asking God for help or 2) thinking about God and obeying him.

your ... you

Here these pronouns are plural.

with all your heart and your soul

Here "heart" and "soul" refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: "with your whole being"

Get up and build the holy place

It is understood that Solomon will not do the work personally, but he will direct others to do it. Alternate translation: "Get up and direct the workers as they build the holy place"

the house built for Yahweh's name

Here "name" refers to honor. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the temple you will build to honor Yahweh"

Chapter 23

1 Chronicles 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the construction of the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Organizing the Levites

As priests, the Levites had a significant role in the construction of the temple. David organized the Levites according to their families and explained what each group was to do. (See: priest)

1 Chronicles 23:1

General Information:

David appoints Solomon as his successor and organizes Levitical priests and staff for temple service.

1 Chronicles 23:2

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 23:3

The Levites who were thirty years old and older were counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Some of David's men counted the Levites who were 30 years old and older"

they numbered thirty-eight thousand

"there were 38,000 of them"

1 Chronicles 23:4

Of these, twenty-four thousand

"Of these Levities, 24,000"

six thousand

"6,000 Levites"

officers and judges

These Levites listened to legal arguments and administered justice according to the law of Moses.

four thousand

"4,000 Levites"

1 Chronicles 23:5

gatekeepers

These Levites guarded the temple entrance so no person who was ceremonially unclean entered.

1 Chronicles 23:6

that corresponded to

"based on" or "according to the descendants of"

Gershon, Kohath, and Merari

These are names of Levi's sons.

1 Chronicles 23:7

General Information:

This is the list of Levites according to their clans.

1 Chronicles 23:8

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.

1 Chronicles 23:9

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.

1 Chronicles 23:10

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.

1 Chronicles 23:11

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.

the oldest ... the second

The word "son" is understood. Also, "second" is in ordinal form. Alternate translation: "the oldest son ... the second son"

so they were considered as one clan

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so David considered them to be one clan"

1 Chronicles 23:12

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.

There were four of Kohath's sons

"Kohath had 4 sons"

1 Chronicles 23:13

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.

Aaron was chosen to set apart the most holy things

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh chose Aaron to dedicate the most holy things"

to give blessings in his name forever

Here "in his name" refers to the authority to speak as his representative. Alternate translation: "to bless the people as representatives of God forever"

1 Chronicles 23:14

his descendants were counted with the tribe of Levi

The sons of Aaron were the most important Levite clan, but the sons of Moses were also considered to be Levites. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people considered Moses's sons to be part of the Levite clan"

1 Chronicles 23:15

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.

1 Chronicles 23:16

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.

1 Chronicles 23:17

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.

1 Chronicles 23:18

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.

1 Chronicles 23:19

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.

the oldest ... the second ... the third ... the fourth

The word "son" is understood. Also, these numbers are in ordinal form. Alternate translation: "the oldest son ... the second son ... the third son ... the fourth son"

1 Chronicles 23:20

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.

the oldest ... the second

The word "son" is understood. Also, "second" is in ordinal form. Alternate translation: "the oldest son ... the second son"

1 Chronicles 23:21

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.

1 Chronicles 23:22

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.

1 Chronicles 23:23

Connecting Statement:

This ends the list of Levites according to their clans.

1 Chronicles 23:24

These were Levi's descendants corresponding to their clans. They were the leaders, counted and listed by name in the census, of the clans

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "These were the names of Levi's descendants and their families, whom David's men counted and listed. They were the leaders of the clans"

from twenty years old and upward

"from 20 years old and older"

1 Chronicles 23:25

has given rest

Here "rest" refers to peace with surrounding nations. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Chronicles 22:9.

He makes his home in Jerusalem forever

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh will be present in Jerusalem forever or 2) Yahweh's temple will be present in Jerusalem forever.

1 Chronicles 23:26

all the equipment used in its service

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the equipment they used in its service"

1 Chronicles 23:27

For by David's last words the Levites were counted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For David's last command was for his men to count the Levites"

from twenty years old and upward

"who were 20 years old and older." See how you translated this phrase in [1 Chronicles 23:24]

1 Chronicles 23:28

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 23:29

bread of the presence

See the Translation Word page about "bread" for the specific definition of "bread of the presence." See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 9:32.

flour

grain that is ground into a powder

1 Chronicles 23:30

They also stood

"The Levites also stood at the temple"

1 Chronicles 23:31

whenever burnt offerings were offered to Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whenever the priests offered burnt offerings to Yahweh"

new moon festivals

These holidays marked the beginning of each new month.

A fixed number, assigned by decree, always had to be present before Yahweh

"A specific number of the Levites were always assigned to be present at the temple to make offerings to Yahweh"

1 Chronicles 23:32

They were in charge of

"The Levites were responsible for"

Chapter 24

1 Chronicles 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Arranging the priests

David arranged for the order in which priests would be on duty. (See: priest)

1 Chronicles 24:1

General Information:

This chapter describes how the Levites in the previous chapter were divided into work groups with different assignments.

Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar

Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 6:3.

1 Chronicles 24:2

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 24:3

Ahimelek

This is the name of a man.

divided them into groups

"divided the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar into groups"

1 Chronicles 24:4

they divided

"David, Zadok, and Ahimelech divided"

sixteen groups

"16 groups"

heads of clans

Here "heads" is a metaphor for the more important people—the leaders of the clans. Alternate translation: "leaders of the clans"

These divisions were eight in number, corresponding to their clans

"There were 8 divisions based on the clans of Ithamar's descendants"

1 Chronicles 24:5

They divided them impartially by lot

"They divided them by lot so that the divisions would be fair"

1 Chronicles 24:6

Shemaiah

This is the name of a man.

Nethanel

See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 15:24.

Ahimelek

See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 18:16.

One clan was drawn by lot from Eleazar's descendants, and then the next would be drawn from Ithamar's descendants

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They chose one by lot from Eleazar's descendants, then they would choose by lot one from Ithamar's descendants"

1 Chronicles 24:7

General Information:

This begins a list of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests. This list ends in 1 Chronicles 24:18.

The first lot ... the second

"Lot number 1 ... lot number 2." This shows the order in which the families were chosen by lots. If this is unnatural in your language you may use "The initial" for "The first" and "the next" for all of the following ones.

Jehoiarib ... Jedaiah

See how you translated the names of these men in [1 Chronicles 9:10]

the second

This refers to the second lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the second lot" or "lot number 2"

1 Chronicles 24:8

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

the third ... the fourth

This refers to the third and fourth lots. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the third lot ... the fourth lot" or "lot number 3 ... lot number 4"

Harim ... Seorim

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 24:9

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

the fifth ... the sixth

This refers to the fifth and sixth lots. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the fifth lot ... the sixth lot" or "lot number 5 ... lot number 6"

Malkijah ... Mijamin

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 24:10

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

the seventh ... the eighth

This refers to the seventh and eighth lots. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the seventh lot ... the eighth lot" or "lot number 7 ... lot number 8"

Hakkoz ... Abijah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 24:11

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

the ninth ... the tenth

This refers to the ninth and tenth lots. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the ninth lot ... the tenth lot" or "lot number 9 ... lot number 10"

Jeshua ... Shekaniah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 24:12

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

the eleventh ... the twelfth

This refers to the eleventh and twelfth lots. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the eleventh lot ... the twelfth lot" or "lot number 11 ... lot number 12"

Eliashib ... Jakim

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 24:13

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

the thirteenth ... the fourteenth

This refers to the thirteenth and fourteenth lots. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the thirteenth lot ... the fourteenth lot" or "lot number 13 ... lot number 14"

Huppah ... Jeshebeab

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 24:14

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

the fifteenth ... the sixteenth

This refers to the fifteenth and sixteenth lots. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the fifteenth lot ... the sixteenth lot" or "lot number 15 ... lot number 16"

Bilgah ... Immer

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 24:15

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

the seventeenth ... the eighteenth

This refers to the seventeenth and eighteenth lots. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the seventeenth lot ... the eighteenth lot" or "lot number 17 ... lot number 18"

Hezir ... Happizzez

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 24:16

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

the nineteenth ... the twentieth

This refers to the nineteenth and twentieth lots. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the nineteenth lot ... the twentieth lot" or "lot number 19 ... lot number 20"

Pethahiah ... Jehezkel

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 24:17

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

the twenty-first ... the twenty-second

This refers to the twenty-first and twenty-second lots. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the twenty-first lot ... the twenty-second lot" or "lot number 21 ... lot number 22"

Jakin ... Gamul

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 24:18

Connecting Statement:

This ends the list begun in 1 Chronicles 24:7 of 24 lots that were cast to decide how the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar would be divided into groups for their work as priests.

the twenty-third ... the twenty-fourth

This refers to the twenty-third and twenty-fourth lots. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the twenty-third lot ... the twenty-fourth lot" or "lot number 23 ... lot number 24"

Delaiah ... Maaziah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 24:19

following the ordinance given to them by Aaron their ancestor

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "following the rules that Aaron their ancestor gave them"

1 Chronicles 24:20

General Information:

This begins the list of names of the other sons of Levi. This list will end in [1 Chronicles 24:30]

Amram

See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 6:3.

Shubael

See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 23:16.

1 Chronicles 24:21

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 24:22

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 24:23

Hebron ... Jeriah ... Amariah ... Jahaziel ... Jekameam

Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 23:19.

the second ... the third ... the fourth

"the second son ... the third son ... the fourth son"

1 Chronicles 24:24

Uzziel ... Micah

Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 23:20.

Shamir

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 24:25

Ishiah

Translate the name of this man as in 1 Chronicles 23:20.

Zechariah

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 24:26

Merari ... Mahli ... Mushi

Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 23:21.

Jaaziah

This is the name of a man.

from the son of Jaaziah: Beno

It seems Jaaziah is another son of Merari. And, Beno is the son of Jaaziah. Beno is mentioned in both verses 26 and 27 because he is a leader in his family. However, some Bibles translate "Beno" as "his son" rather than as a proper name. Those Bibles read like this: "and from his sons, Jaaziah, his son."

1 Chronicles 24:27

Jaaziah ... Shoham ... Zakkur ... Ibri

These are the names of men.

from Jaaziah: Beno, Shoham

It seems Jaaziah is another son of Merari. And, Beno is the son of Jaaziah. Beno is mentioned in both verses 26 and 27 because he is a leader in his family. However, some Bibles translate "Beno" as "his son" rather than as a proper name. Those Bibles read like this: "from Jaaziah, his son: Shoham."

1 Chronicles 24:28

Mahli ... Eleazar

Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 23:21.

1 Chronicles 24:29

From Kish: The son of Kish

This is written in the text as a title, but could be stated in a more complete form. Alternate translation: "These are the sons who were descended from Kish"

Kish

Translate the name of this man as in 1 Chronicles 23:21.

Jerahmeel

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 24:30

Mushi

Translate the name of this man as in 1 Chronicles 23:21.

Mahli ... Eder ... Jerimoth

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 24:31

Ahimelek

Translate the name of this man as in 1 Chronicles 18:16.

Chapter 25

1 Chronicles 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Music

The 24 groups who were chosen to play music in the temple cast lots to see in what order they would serve.

1 Chronicles 25:1

this service

"the work done at the tabernacle"

cymbals

This refers to two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 13:8]

Heman ... Jeduthun

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 16:41]

1 Chronicles 25:2

General Information:

This begins a list of leaders of the tabernacle service.

Zakkur ... Joseph ... Nethaniah ... Asharelah

These are names of men.

the sons of Asaph, under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the king's supervision

"these were the sons of Asaph, whom he supervised. Asaph prophesied under the king's supervision"

under the direction of

"under the supervision of"

1 Chronicles 25:3

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of leaders of the tabernacle service that was started in 1 Chronicles 25:2.

Gedaliah ... Zeri ... Jeshaiah ... Shimei ... Hashabiah ... Mattithiah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 25:4

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of leaders of the tabernacle service that was started in 1 Chronicles 25:2.

Heman

See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 16:41]

Bukkiah ... Mattaniah ... Uzziel ... Shubael ... Jerimoth ... Hananiah ... Hanani ... Eliathah ... Giddalti ... Romamti-Ezer ... Joshbekashah ... Mallothi ... Hothir ... Mahazioth

These are all names of men.

1 Chronicles 25:5

fourteen sons and three daughters

"14 sons and 3 daughters"

to lift up his horn

An animal horn is a symbol of strength or authority. To lift up someone's horn is a metaphor for honoring him. Alternate translation: "to honor Heman"

1 Chronicles 25:6

were under the direction of their fathers

"were supervised by their fathers"

cymbals

This refers to two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 13:8]

Jeduthun ... Heman

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 16:41]

1 Chronicles 25:7

numbered 288

"were two hundred and eighty-eight men"

1 Chronicles 25:8

all alike, the same for the young as well as the old, the teacher as well as the student

This refers to all of the men by describing the extremes. Alternate translation: "all of them, including the young men and the old men, the teachers and the students"

1 Chronicles 25:9

General Information:

This begins the list of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve. This list ends in 1 Chronicles 25:31.

The first lot ... the second

"Lot number 1 ... lot number 2." This shows the order in which the families were chosen by lots. If this is unnatural in your language you may use "The initial" for "The first" and "the next" for all of the following ones.

The first lot fell to Joseph's family

For all of the other people in the list, the text specifies that there were "twelve persons in number." Since this was likely true for Joseph's family also, you may want to state it clearly. Alternate translation: "The first lot fell to Joseph's family, twelve persons in number"

the second

This refers to the second lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the second lot" or "lot number 2"

Gedaliah

See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 25:3]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:10

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the third

This refers to the third lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the third lot" or "lot number 3"

Zakkur

See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:2]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:11

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the fourth

This refers to the fourth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the fourth lot" or "lot number 4"

Izri

This name of this man is spelled Zeri in [1 Chronicles 25:3]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:12

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the fifth

This refers to the fifth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the fifth lot" or "lot number 5"

Nethaniah

See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:2]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:13

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the sixth

This refers to the sixth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the sixth lot" or "lot number 6"

Bukkiah

See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:4]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:14

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the seventh

This refers to the seventh lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the seventh lot" or "lot number 7"

Jesarelah

This is the name of a man.

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:15

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the eighth

This refers to the eighth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the eighth lot" or "lot number 8"

Jeshaiah

See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 25:3]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:16

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the ninth

This refers to the ninth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the ninth lot" or "lot number 9"

Mattaniah

See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:4]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:17

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the tenth

This refers to the tenth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the tenth lot" or "lot number 10"

Shimei

See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:3]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:18

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the eleventh

This refers to the eleventh lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the eleventh lot" or "lot number 11"

Azarel

This is the name of a man.

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:19

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the twelfth

This refers to the twelfth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the twelfth lot" or "lot number 12"

Hashabiah

See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:3]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:20

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the thirteenth

This refers to the thirteenth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the thirteenth lot" or "lot number 13"

Shubael

See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 25:4]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:21

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the fourteenth

This refers to the fourteenth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the fourteenth lot" or "lot number 14"

Mattithiah

See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 25:3]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:22

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the fifteenth

This refers to the fifteenth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the fifteenth lot" or "lot number 15"

Jerimoth

See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:4]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:23

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the sixteenth

This refers to the sixteenth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the sixteenth lot" or "lot number 16"

Hananiah

See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:4]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:24

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the seventeenth

This refers to the seventeenth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the seventeenth lot" or "lot number 17"

Joshbekashah

See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:4]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:25

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the eighteenth

This refers to the eighteenth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the eighteenth lot" or "lot number 18"

Hanani

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4.

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:26

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the nineteenth

This refers to the nineteenth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the nineteenth lot" or "lot number 19"

Mallothi

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4.

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:27

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the twentieth

This refers to the twentieth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the twentieth lot" or "lot number 20"

Eliathah

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4.

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:28

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the twenty-first

This refers to the twenty-first lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the twenty-first lot" or "lot number 21"

Hothir

Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4.

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:29

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the twenty-second

This refers to the twenty-second lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the twenty-second lot" or "lot number 2"

Giddalti

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 25:4]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:30

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the twenty-third

This refers to the twenty-third lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the twenty-third lot" or "lot number 23"

Mahazioth

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 25:4]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

1 Chronicles 25:31

Connecting Statement:

This ends the list begun in 1 Chronicles 25:9 of 24 lots that were cast to choose the order in which families would serve.

the twenty-fourth

This refers to the twenty-fourth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the twenty-fourth lot" or "lot number 24"

Romamti-Ezer

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 25:4]

twelve persons in number

"12 people"

Chapter 26

1 Chronicles 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Casting lots

The gatekeepers cast lots to see which gate they would guard. Those who took care of the storage also cast lots.

1 Chronicles 26:1

General Information:

This begins the list of the gatekeepers.

divisions

groups

Korahites

See how you translated the name of this people group in [1 Chronicles 19:19]

Meshelemiah

See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 9:21]

Kore

See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 9:19]

Asaph

This is an alternative spelling to "Ebiasaph" in [1 Chronicles 9:19]

1 Chronicles 26:2

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

Meshelemiah ... Zechariah

See how you translated the names of these men in [1 Chronicles 9:21]

Jediael ... Zebadiah ... Jathniel

These are names of men.

the second ... the third ... the fourth

This shows the order in which the sons were born. If it is more natural in your language, you may say "the next" for each son. The word "son" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the second son ... the third son ... the fourth son"

1 Chronicles 26:3

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

Elam ... Jehohanan ... Eliehoenai

These are names of men.

the fifth ... the sixth ... the seventh

This shows the order in which the sons were born. If it is more natural in your language, you may say "the next" for each son. The word "son" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the fifth son ... the sixth son ... the seventh son"

1 Chronicles 26:4

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

Obed-Edom

See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 16:38]

Shemaiah ... Jehozabad ... Joah ... Sakar ... Nethanel

These are names of men.

the second ... the third ... the fourth ... the fifth

This shows the order in which the sons were born. If it is more natural in your language, you may say "the next" for each son. The word "son" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the second son ... the third son ... the fourth son ... the fifth son"

1 Chronicles 26:5

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

Ammiel ... Issachar ... Peullethai

These are names of men.

the sixth ... the seventh ... the eighth

This shows the order in which the sons were born. If it is more natural in your language, you may say "the next" for each son. The word "son" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the sixth son ... the seventh son ... the eighth son"

1 Chronicles 26:6

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 26:7

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

Shemaiah

Translate this name of this man the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 26:4]

Othni ... Rephael ... Obed ... Elzabad ... Elihu ... Semakiah

These are the names of men.

His relatives

"Shemaiah's relatives" or "Shemaiah's family members"

1 Chronicles 26:8

Obed-Edom

Translate the name of this man as you did in [1 Chronicles 26:4]

sixty-two of them

"62 men"

1 Chronicles 26:9

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

Meshelemiah

Translate the name of this man as you did in [1 Chronicles 26:1]

eighteen in all

"18 total"

1 Chronicles 26:10

Connecting Statement:

This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

Hosah ... Merari ... Shimri

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 26:11

Connecting Statement:

This ends the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.

Hilkiah ... Tabaliah ... Zechariah ... Hosah

These are names of men.

the second ... the third ... the fourth

This shows the order in which the sons were born. If it is more natural in your language, you may say "the next" for each son. The word "son" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the second son ... the third son ... the fourth son"

All of Hosah's sons and kinsmen were thirteen in number

"There were 13 of Hosah's sons and kinsmen."

1 Chronicles 26:12

divisions

groups

1 Chronicles 26:13

threw lots

"cast lots"

both young and old

This refers to all of the men by describing the extremes. See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Chronicles 25:8]

1 Chronicles 26:14

When the lot was cast

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When they cast the lot"

Zechariah

See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 26:2]

a prudent advisor

This is a person who shows good judgment in making decisions.

1 Chronicles 26:15

To Obed-Edom was assigned the south gate, and his sons were assigned the storehouses

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Obed-Edom was responsible for guarding the south gate, and his sons guarded the storehouses"

Obed-Edom

See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 26:4]

1 Chronicles 26:16

Shuppim and Hosah were assigned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Shuppim and Hosah were responsible for guarding"

Shuppim

This is the name of a man.

Hosah

See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 26:10.

Shalleketh

This is the name of the gate.

1 Chronicles 26:17

six Levites

"6 Levites"

the east ... the north ... the south

These phrases refer to the gates. Alternate translation: "the east gate ... the north gate ... the south gate"

four a day

This refers to the number of men on guard duty. Alternate translation: "four men each day" or "four Levites each day"

two pairs

"2 pairs of men" or "2 sets of 2 men each"

1 Chronicles 26:18

At the pillar to the west there were four stationed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Four Levites guarded the pillar to the west"

four stationed at the road and two at the pillar

The numbers "four" and "two" refer to guards. Alternate translation: "four Levites stationed at the road and two Levites stationed at the pillar"

two at the pillar

"two Levites guarded the pillar"

1 Chronicles 26:19

Merari

See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 26:10]

1 Chronicles 26:20

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

1 Chronicles 26:21

Ladan ... Gershon

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:7]

descendants of the Gershonites through Ladan, who were heads of families belonging to Ladan the Gershonite

Ladan's descendants were also descendants of Ladan's ancestor Gershon, so the information about them being Gershon's descendants can be left implicit if including it would result in wrong meaning. Alternate translation: "who were leaders of the families of Ladan the Gershonite"

Gershonite

A descendant of Gershon.

Jehieli

This is the name of a man. This is the same person as in 1 Chronicles 23:8, but there his name is spelled "Jehiel."

1 Chronicles 26:22

the sons of Jehieli: Zetham and Joel his brother

Zetham and Joel were Jehieli's sons.

Jehieli

This is the name of a man. This is the same person as in [1 Chronicles 23:8]

Zetham ... Joel

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:8]

They were in charge

The word "They" refers to Jehieli, Zetham, and Joel.

1 Chronicles 26:23

Amram ... Izhar ... Hebron ... Uzziel

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:12]

1 Chronicles 26:24

Shubael

Translate the name of this man as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:16]

Gershom

Translate the name of this man as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:15]

1 Chronicles 26:25

Eliezer

Translate the name of this man as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:15]

His relatives from the clan of Eliezer

These were his relatives who did this work with him. Alternate translation: "His relatives who did the work with him from the clan of Eliezer"

Rehabiah

Translate the name of this man as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:17]

Jeshaiah ... Joram ... Zikri ... Shelomith

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 26:26

were over

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "were in charge of"

commanders over thousands and hundreds

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. Alternate translation: "the commanders over 1,000 soldiers and the commanders over 100 soldiers" or 2) the words translated as "thousands" and "hundreds" do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: "the commanders over large military divisions and the commanders over smaller military divisions"

1 Chronicles 26:27

plunder

things an army takes from its enemies after a victory

1 Chronicles 26:28

everything that was set apart to Yahweh by Samuel the prophet ... Joab son of Zeruiah

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everything that Samuel the prophet ... Joab son of Zeruiah set apart to Yahweh"

Kish ... Ner ... Zeruiah

These are names of men.

Everything that was set apart

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Everything that the leaders set apart"

1 Chronicles 26:29

Izhar

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:12]

civil affairs of Israel

"daily business of the people of Israel." This refers to the regular business of the people of Israel, not connected to the military or to the temple.

Kenaniah

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 26:30

Hebron

Translate the name of this man the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:12]

Hashabiah

This is the name of a man.

1,700 capable men

"one thousand seven hundred capable men"

Yahweh's work and the king's work

"work done for Yahweh and the king."

1 Chronicles 26:31

Hebron

See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 23:12]

Jeriah

See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 23:19]

In the fortieth year of the reign of David

"When David had been king for 40 years"

men of great ability

"capable men"

Jazer

This is the name of a city.

1 Chronicles 26:32

2,700 relatives

"two thousand seven hundred family members"

Chapter 27

1 Chronicles 27 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple)

1 Chronicles 27:1

This is the list

"These are the names"

commanders of thousands and hundreds

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. Alternate translation: "the commanders of 1,000 soldiers and the commanders of 100 soldiers" or 2) the words translated as "thousands" and "hundreds" do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: "the commanders of large military divisions and the commanders of smaller military divisions" See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 13:1]

in various ways

"in different ways" or "in many ways"

Each military division served month by month throughout the year

This means that each division took turns serving periods of a month at a time.

Each military division

"Each group"

throughout the year

"all year long"

twenty-four thousand men

"24,000 men"

1 Chronicles 27:2

Over the division

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "In charge of the division"

first month

"month 1." This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars.

Jashobeam ... Zabdiel

These are names of men.

twenty-four thousand men

"24,000 men"

1 Chronicles 27:3

Perez

This is the name of a man.

1 Chronicles 27:4

Over the division

"In charge of the division"

the second month

"month 2." This is the second month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of April and the first part of May on Western calendars.

Dodai ... Mikloth

These are names of men.

Ahoah

See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 8:4.

In his division

"In his group of soldiers"

twenty-four thousand men

"24,000 men"

1 Chronicles 27:5

the third month

"month 3." This is the third month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of May and the first part of June on Western calendars.

Jehoiada

See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 11:22]

twenty-four thousand men

"24,000 men"

1 Chronicles 27:6

Ammizabad

This is the name of a man.

the thirty

"the 30." This refers to "David's 30 mightiest soldiers."

over the thirty

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "in charge of the 30 men"

1 Chronicles 27:7

The commander for the fourth month was Asahel brother of Joab

"Asahel, brother of Joab, was the commander for the fourth month"

the fourth month

"month 4." This is the fourth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of June and the first part of July on Western calendars.

Asahel ... Zebadiah

These are the names of men.

his division

"his military group"

twenty-four thousand men

"24,000 men"

1 Chronicles 27:8

Shamhuth ... Izrah

These are the names of men.

the fifth month

"month 5." This is the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of July and the first part of August on Western calendars.

twenty-four thousand men

"24,000 men"

1 Chronicles 27:9

the sixth month

"month 6." This is the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of August and the first part of September on Western calendars.

Ira ... Ikkesh

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 11:28]

Tekoa

This is the name of a place.

twenty-four thousand men

"24,000 men"

1 Chronicles 27:10

The commander for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, from the people of Ephraim

"Helez, the Pelonite, from the people of Ephraim, was the commander for the seventh month"

the seventh month

"month 7." This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars.

Helez the Pelonite

See how you translated the name of this man and the name of his clan in [1 Chronicles 11:27]

twenty-four thousand men

"24,000 men"

1 Chronicles 27:11

the eighth month

"month 8." This is the eighth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of October and the first part of November on Western calendars.

Sibbekai the Hushathite

See how you translated the name of this man and the name of his clan in [1 Chronicles 11:29]

Zerah

See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 2:4]

twenty-four thousand men

"24,000 men"

1 Chronicles 27:12

the ninth month

"month 9." This is the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part November and the first part December on Western calendars.

Abiezer the Anathothite

See how you translated the name of this man and the name of his clan [1 Chronicles 11:28]

twenty-four thousand men

"24,000 men"

1 Chronicles 27:13

the tenth month

"month 10." This is the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of December and the first part of January on Western calendars.

Maharai

See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 11:30]

Netophah

This is the name of a place.

Zerah

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 2:4.

twenty-four thousand men

"24,000 men"

1 Chronicles 27:14

the eleventh month

"month 11." This is the eleventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of January and the first part of February on Western calendars.

Pirathon

This is the name of a place.

twenty-four thousand men

"24,000 men"

1 Chronicles 27:15

the twelfth month

"month 12." This is the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of February and the first part of March on Western calendars.

Heldai ... Othniel

These are names of men.

Netophah

This is the name of a place.

twenty-four thousand men

"24,000 men"

1 Chronicles 27:16

Eliezer ... Zichri ... Shephatiah ... Maakah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 27:17

Hashabiah ... Kemuel

These are names of men.

Zadok

See how you translated the hame of this man in 1 Chronicles 6:8.

1 Chronicles 27:18

Omri

This is the name of a man.

Elihu

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 12:20.

Michael

See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 7:3.

1 Chronicles 27:19

Ishmaiah ... Obadiah ... Jerimoth ... Azriel

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 27:20

Hoshea ... Azaziah ... Joel ... Pedaiah

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 27:21

Iddo ... Zechariah ... Jaasiel ... Abner

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 27:22

Azarel ... Jeroham

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 27:23

those twenty years old or younger

"people 20 years old or younger"

to increase Israel like the stars of heaven

This speaks of the number of people in Israel increasing as if they would become as numerous as the stars. Alternate translation: "to increase the number of people in Israel to be as many as the stars in the heavens"

increase Israel

Here "Israel" represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: "increase the population of Israel"

1 Chronicles 27:24

Zeruiah

See how you translated this woman's name in [1 Chronicles 2:16]

Wrath fell on Israel

This speaks of God punishing the people as if his "wrath" were something that fell upon them. Alternate translation: "God punished the people of Israel"

This number was not written down

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one wrote this number down"

1 Chronicles 27:25

Azmaveth ... Adiel ... Jonathan ... Uzziah

These are names of men.

in charge of

"responsible for guarding"

was over

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "was in charge of"

fortified towers

"strong towers"

1 Chronicles 27:26

Ezri ... Kelub

These are names of men.

plowed the land

This means to dig into or break up the dirt before planting.

1 Chronicles 27:27

Zabdi

This is the name of a man.

Ramathite

This is the name of a person from the city of Ramah.

Shiphmite

This is the name of a person from the city of Shepham.

wine cellars

These are the parts of a building that are below the ground and used to store wine.

1 Chronicles 27:28

Over the

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "In charge of the"

sycamore

This is a type of tree.

Baal-Hanan

This is the name of a man.

Geder

This is the name of a place.

1 Chronicles 27:29

Sharon

This is the name of a place.

Shitrai ... Shaphat ... Adlai

These are names of men.

that were pastured

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that ate grass in the fields"

1 Chronicles 27:30

Over the

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "In charge of the"

Obil ... Jehdeiah ... Jaziz

These are names of men.

Ishmaelite

Translate the name of this clan as you did in 1 Chronicles 2:17.

Hagrite

Translate the name of this people group as you did in 1 Chronicles 5:10.

Meronoth

This is the name of a place.

1 Chronicles 27:31

Jaziz

This is the name of a man.

Hagrite

Translate the name of this people group as you did in 1 Chronicles 5:10.

All these officials

"All of these men"

1 Chronicles 27:32

Jonathan ... Jehiel ... Hakmoni

These are names of men.

1 Chronicles 27:33

Ahithophel ... Hushai

These are names of men.

Arkite

This is the name of a tribe or clan.

1 Chronicles 27:34

Ahithophel ... Jehoiada

These are names of men.

Chapter 28

1 Chronicles 28 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. David lectured the people and Solomon on what they should do. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

David's instructions

David gives instructions to the people because he knows that he will not be there when the temple is built. It was common in the ancient Near East for leaders to give instructions to people before they die in preparation or anticipation of their death.

1 Chronicles 28:1

assembled

called together

scheduled work

Work that needs to be repeated, for example every day or every month.

the commanders of thousands and of hundreds

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. Alternate translation: "the commanders of 1,000 soldiers and the commanders of 100 soldiers" or 2) the words translated as "thousands" and "hundreds" do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: "the commanders of large military divisions and the commanders of smaller military divisions" See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 13:1]

the managers over

The word "over" is used here as an idiom. Alternate translation: "the managers in charge of"

property and possessions

These two words share similar meanings and refer to all of the items and lands that the king owned.

1 Chronicles 28:2

rose to his feet

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "stood up"

my brothers and my people

These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that David and the people of Israel are family.

the ark of the covenant of Yahweh; a footstool for our God

The second phrase defines the first phrase. The "ark of the covenant" is spoke of as Yahweh's footstool to picture God on his throne, with his feet resting on his footstool, which represents all that is in submission to him.

1 Chronicles 28:3

Connecting Statement:

David continues speaking to the Israelites.

a temple for my name

Here God refers to himself by his "name." Alternate translation: "a temple for me"

a man of war and have shed blood

"a man accustomed to war and have shed blood." Both descriptions emphasize the same thing, namely that David had killed people.

have shed blood

This refers to killing people. Alternate translation: "have killed people"

1 Chronicles 28:4

Connecting Statement:

David continues speaking to the Israelites.

chose me ... to be king over Israel forever

One possible meaning is that here David is a metonym for David and his descendants who will rule Israel forever. Alternate translation: "chose me and my descendants ... to be kings over Israel forever" Another is that David will continue to be the king of Israel after he is resurrected from the dead.

all Israel

"the whole land of Israel" or "all the Israelites"

1 Chronicles 28:5

Connecting Statement:

David continues speaking to the Israelites.

to sit on the throne of

Here "to sit on the throne" means to rule as king. Alternate translation: "to rule over" or "to be the king of"

the kingdom of Yahweh, over Israel

"Israel, which is Yahweh's kingdom"

1 Chronicles 28:6

Connecting Statement:

David continues speaking to the Israelites.

He said to me

"God said to me"

my house

The word "house" refers to the temple of Yahweh.

I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his Father

This does not mean that Solomon becomes an actual son of God, but it describes the personal relationship that he and God will have. Alternate translation: "I have chosen to treat him like a son, and I will be like a father to him"

1 Chronicles 28:7

Connecting Statement:

David continues speaking to the Israelites.

my commandments and decrees

These two words basically mean the same thing and refer to everything that Yahweh had commanded.

as you are this day

The word "you" here refers to David. Also, the understood word "committed" may be supplied. Alternate translation: "as you are committed this day"

1 Chronicles 28:8

Connecting Statement:

David finishes speaking to the Israelites.

Now then, in the sight of all Israel ... all of you must

Here David is giving a command to all of the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "Now then, in the sight of all Israel, this assembly for Yahweh, and in the presence of our God, I command all of you to"

Now then

This indicates that David starts a new phase in his speech.

all Israel, this assembly for Yahweh

These two phrases have the same meaning and the second describes the first. Even though all of the people of Israel are not present, those present represent all of Israel. Alternate translation: "all you people of Israel, in this assembly for Yahweh"

in the sight of

The phrase "in the sight of" means that they are all present and listening. Alternate translation: "in the hearing of"

keep and try to carry out

The phrase "to carry out" means basically the same thing as "keep." Together the words emphasize importance of doing what God commands. Alternate translation: "carefully obey"

your descendants after you forever

This means that the land will belong to their descendants in the future. The phrase "after you" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "your children and your descendants, who will take your place after you die"

1 Chronicles 28:9

the God of your father

David calls himself "your father" because this is a very formal occasion. Alternate translation: "my God"

with your whole heart

Here the "heart" the represents the whole person. To do something with "your whole heart" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "with complete devotion" or "completely"

a willing spirit

Here the "spirit" represents the whole person and emphasizes the person's will. Alternate translation: "willingly"

searches all hearts and understands every motivation of everyone's thoughts

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh knows the thoughts and motives of every person.

all hearts

Here people's "hearts" represent their feelings and desires. Alternate translation: "searches everyone's emotions and desires"

If you seek him, he will be found by you

This can be written in active form. Also, this speaks of following Yahweh and having him listen to you as searching for him and finding him. Alternate translation: "If you seek him, you will find him" or "If you try to get Yahweh to pay attention to you, he will do so"

1 Chronicles 28:10

Connecting Statement:

David continues speaking to Solomon.

Realize that

"Be aware that" or "Be sure you remember that"

Be strong and do it

The word "strong" here refers to willpower and strength of character.

1 Chronicles 28:11

General Information:

The writer begins a list of the items for which David gave Solomon the plans.The verb "gave" here is the only verb in the entire list in Hebrew.

temple portico

"temple porch" or "temple entrance." This refers to the columns that supported the roof at the entrance of the temple.

1 Chronicles 28:12

General Information:

The writer continues the list, which begins in 1 Chronicles 28:11, of the items for which David gave Solomon the plans. The verb "gave" in verse 11 is the only verb in the entire list in Hebrew. The ULB adds verbs in this and other verses to make translation easier.

treasuries

storerooms for valuable things

1 Chronicles 28:13

General Information:

The writer continues the list, which begins in 1 Chronicles 28:11, of the items for which David gave Solomon the plans. The verb "gave" in verse 11 is the only verb in the entire list in Hebrew. The ULB adds verbs in this and other verses to make translation easier.

regulations

These were specific rules about how the priests and Levites should work in the temple.

divisions of the priests and Levites

"groups of the priests and Levites." This refers to the groups in which the priests and other temple workers were organized to fulfill their duties.

1 Chronicles 28:14

General Information:

The writer continues the list, which begins in 1 Chronicles 28:11, of the items for which David gave Solomon the plans. The verb "gave" in verse 11 is the only verb in the entire list in Hebrew. The ULB adds verbs in this and other verses to make translation easier.

1 Chronicles 28:15

General Information:

The writer continues the list, which begins in 1 Chronicles 28:11, of the items for which David gave Solomon the plans. The verb "gave" in verse 11 is the only verb in the entire list in Hebrew. The ULB adds verbs in this and other verses to make translation easier.

according to the use of each lampstand in the service

"determined by what each lampstand would be used for in the service in the temple." There would be silver lampstands of different weights for different purposes.

1 Chronicles 28:16

General Information:

The writer continues the list, which begins in 1 Chronicles 28:11, of the items for which David gave Solomon the plans. The verb "gave" in verse 11 is the only verb in the entire list in Hebrew. The ULB adds verbs in this and other verses to make translation easier.

for every table

The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: "the weight of the gold for every other table"

1 Chronicles 28:17

General Information:

The writer continues the list, which begins in 1 Chronicles 28:11, of the items for which David gave Solomon the plans. The verb "gave" in verse 11 is the only verb in the entire list in Hebrew. The ULB adds verbs in this and other verses to make translation easier.

1 Chronicles 28:18

General Information:

The writer ends the list that begins in 1 Chronicles 28:11 of the items for which David gave Solomon the plans. The verb "gave" in verse 11 translates the only verb in the entire list in Hebrew. The ULB adds verbs in this and other verses to make translation easier.

1 Chronicles 28:19

I have put all this in writing

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "I wrote all of this down"

gave me to understand regarding the design

This refers to the detail for the design of the temple. Alternate translation: "helped me to understand the details for his temple"

1 Chronicles 28:20

strong and brave

These two words basically mean the same thing and emphasize that Solomon must be courageous.

Do not be afraid or dismayed

The words "afraid" and "dismayed" basically mean the same thing and emphasize that Solomon must never give up. Also, this can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: "Be courageous" or "Be confident"

is with you

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "will help you"

He will not leave you nor abandon you

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh will always be with Solomon. Also, this can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "He will always be with you"

1 Chronicles 28:21

Connecting Statement:

David finishes speaking to Solomon.

See, here are the divisions

"Here are the divisions." David uses the word "see" here to refer back to the listings of the divisions of the Levites and their duties for the temple.

the divisions of the priests and Levites

See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 28:13.

Chapter 29

1 Chronicles 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The preparation for the temple is finished in this chapter. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Offering

David and the people made a free will offering and dedicated it all to God.

1 Chronicles 29:1

whom alone God has chosen

"the one whom God has chosen"

1 Chronicles 29:2

Connecting Statement:

David continues talking to the people about his provisions for the building of the temple.

gold for the things to be made of gold ... to be made of wood

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "gold so the craftsmen may make the gold things, silver so they may make the silver things, bronze so they may make the bronze things, iron so they may make the iron things, and wood so they may make the wooden things"

onyx stones ... stones to be set ... stones for inlaid work of various colors

Each of these phrases refer to different types of stones intended for different purposes.

onyx stones

These are stones with black and white lines that are used to make jewelry.

stones to be set

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "stones for the craftsmen to set" or "stones for mounting"

inlaid work

This refers to the beautiful and decorative designs or patterns formed by the stones.

1 Chronicles 29:3

Connecting Statement:

David continues talking to the people about his provisions for the building of the temple.

1 Chronicles 29:4

Connecting Statement:

David continues talking to the people about his provisions for the building of the temple.

three thousand talents

"3,000 talents." This can be stated in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "about 100,000 kilograms" or "about 100 metric tons"

gold from Ophir

This was the best quality and most valuable gold.

seven thousand talents

"7,000 talents." This can be stated in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "about 230,000 kilograms" or "230 metric tons"

1 Chronicles 29:5

Connecting Statement:

David finishes talking to the people about his provisions for the building of the temple.

gold for the things to be made of gold ... work to be done by craftsmen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "gold for the craftsmen to make the gold things, silver so they may make the silver things, and things of all kinds for their other work"

give himself to him

"give himself to God"

1 Chronicles 29:6

General Information:

See:.

Then freewill offerings were made by the leaders ... and by the officials over the king's work.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then the leaders ... and the officials over the king's work made freewill offerings"

the commanders of thousands and hundreds

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. Alternate translation: "the commanders of 1,000 soldiers and the commanders of 100 soldiers" or 2) the words translated as "thousands" and "hundreds" do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: "the commanders of large military divisions and the commanders of smaller military divisions" See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 13:1]

the officials over the king's work

Here the word "over" is used as an idiom. Alternate translation: "the officials in charge of the king's work"

1 Chronicles 29:7

five thousand talents ... and 100,000 talents of iron

"5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze, and 100,000 talents of iron." These may be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "165 metric tons and 84 kilograms of gold, 330 metric tons of silver, 600 metric tons of bronze, and 3,300 metric tons of iron"

100,000 talents

"one hundred thousand talents"

1 Chronicles 29:8

treasury

This is a place where money and valuable objects are kept.

Jehiel

See how you translated these men's names in [1 Chronicles 23:8]

Gershon

This was the firstborn son of Levi. See how you translated these men's names in [1 Chronicles 23:7]

1 Chronicles 29:9

wholeheartedly

willingly and without any doubt or hesitation

1 Chronicles 29:10

May you be praised

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May people praise you"

Israel our ancestor

Here "Israel" refers to the man Jacob. Alternate translation: "Jacob our ancestor"

1 Chronicles 29:11

Connecting Statement:

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

1 Chronicles 29:12

Connecting Statement:

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

In your hand is power and might

This speaks of Yahweh having control over whether people are powerful or not as if "power and might" were something in hand that he had control over. Alternate translation: "You determine who has power and might"

power and might

The words "power" and "might" mean the same thing and emphasize the greatness of Yahweh's power.

1 Chronicles 29:13

Connecting Statement:

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

your glorious name

Here Yahweh is represented by his name. Alternate translation: "you who are glorious" or "you because you are glorious"

1 Chronicles 29:14

Connecting Statement:

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

But who am I, and who are my people, that we should have the ability to offer so willingly these things?

David uses this rhetorical question to express that he and his people deserve no praise for giving anything to God. Alternate translation: "My people and I should definitely offer these things to you willingly!"

1 Chronicles 29:15

Connecting Statement:

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

we are sojourners and tenants before you

This speaks of people's lives being short as if they were tenants only here on earth for a short time. Alternate translation: "For our lives are short and we are like foreigners and tenants who live on your land"

Our days on the earth are like a shadow

This speaks of people's lives being short as if they were a shadow that is only visible for a short time. A person's lifetime is represented by his "days." Alternate translation: "Our time here on earth is like a shadow that disappears quickly"

1 Chronicles 29:16

Connecting Statement:

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

1 Chronicles 29:17

Connecting Statement:

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

you examine the heart

Here the "heart" represents a person's thoughts and feelings. Alternate translation: "you examine people's thoughts"

in the uprightness of my heart

Here the "heart" represents a person's thoughts and feelings. Alternate translation: "because I want to be honest and honorable in everything I do for you"

I look with joy as

"I am joyful as I see"

1 Chronicles 29:18

Connecting Statement:

David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

keep this forever in the thoughts of the minds of your people

"keep this in the thoughts and minds of your people forever"

Direct their hearts toward you

Here the people's "hearts" represent their thoughts and desires. Alternate translation: "Direct them to be loyal to you" or "Keep them loyal to you"

1 Chronicles 29:19

Connecting Statement:

David finishes his prayer of praise to Yahweh.

a whole heart

The word "heart" here is a metonym for a person's intentions or desires. See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 13:8]

1 Chronicles 29:20

Now bless Yahweh

"Now praise Yahweh"

bowed down and showed honor to Yahweh and to the king

This refers to lying down on the ground before someone to show great respect. Alternate translation: "lay down on the ground to show respect to Yahweh and the king"

1 Chronicles 29:21

they made sacrifices to Yahweh and offered burnt offerings to him

The people offered animals to be sacrificed to Yahweh by the priests. Most of the people did not actually kill and sacrifice the animals themselves.

a thousand bulls, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs

"1,000 bulls, 1,000 rams, and 1,000 lambs"

1 Chronicles 29:22

before Yahweh

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "in honor of Yahweh"

a second time

This means that they anointed him and declared him as king. The first time is described in 1 Chronicles 23:1.

anointed him with Yahweh's authority to be ruler

To do something with "Yahweh's authority" means to do it on his behalf and with his approval. Alternate translation: "anointed him to rule over Israel on Yahweh's behalf"

1 Chronicles 29:23

Then Solomon sat on Yahweh's throne as king in place of David his father

Here the throne of Israel is referred to as "Yahweh's throne," to emphasize that the people of Israel are Yahweh's people. Sitting on the throne represents ruling as king. Alternate translation: "So Solomon sat on the throne, in place of his father David, as king over Yahweh's people"

1 Chronicles 29:24

gave allegiance to King Solomon

"told King Solomon that they would be faithful to him"

1 Chronicles 29:25

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 29:26

General Information:

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1 Chronicles 29:27

forty years ... thirty-three years

"40 years ... 33 years"

1 Chronicles 29:28

at a good old age

"as an old man"

1 Chronicles 29:29

written in the chronicles of Samuel the seer, ... and in the chronicles of Gad the seer

These are written accounts that no longer exist.

1 Chronicles 29:30

Recorded there are the deeds

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "There men wrote down the deeds"

the deeds of his rule

"the things that happened while David was king"

the events that affected him, Israel, and all the kingdoms of the other lands

"all the things that happened to him and to the people of Israel and in the kingdoms of other countries while he was ruling Israel"

Book: 2 Chronicles

Chapter 1

2 Chronicles 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a section about King Solomon's reign (2 Chronicles 1-9).

Special concepts in this chapter

Wisdom

Solomon asks God for wisdom to rule God's people. God is pleased with this request because it is used to serve others. Therefore, God also gives Solomon tremendous wealth and a long life. (See: wise and peopleofgod)

2 Chronicles 1:1

was strengthened in his rule

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "gained complete control over his kingdom" or "ruled powerfully over his kingdom"

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

God was with him

Here "was with him" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "God supported him" or "God helped him"

2 Chronicles 1:2

General Information:

It may be helpful to reorder the events in these verses as in the UDB.

spoke to all Israel, to the commanders ... heads of the fathers' house

Here "all of Israel" means those people mentioned afterwards. They represent all of Israel. Alternate translation: "spoke to the commanders ... heads of the father's house"

the commanders of thousands and of hundreds

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. Alternate translation: "the commanders of 1,000 soldiers and the commanders of 100 soldiers" or 2) the words translated as "thousands" and "hundreds" do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: "the commanders of large military divisions and the commanders of smaller military divisions"

to every prince in all Israel, the heads of the fathers' houses

Here "the heads of the fathers' houses" further describe the princes. Alternate translation: "to every prince in all Israel, that is, the heads of the fathers' houses"

to every prince

Here "prince" means leaders in general. They are not necessarily the sons of the king. Alternate translation: "to every leader"

the heads of the fathers' houses

Here "heads" is a metaphor for the most important part. And "houses" represents families. Alternate translation: "the leaders of the families in Israel"

2 Chronicles 1:3

General Information:

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2 Chronicles 1:4

Kiriath Jearim

A little town about 9 miles west of Jerusalem.

pitched a tent

"set up a tent"

2 Chronicles 1:5

the bronze altar made by Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the bronze altar that Bezalel son of Uri son Hur made"

Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur

These are names of men.

2 Chronicles 1:6

went up there

"went up to the high place at Gibeon"

one thousand

"1,000"

2 Chronicles 1:7

Ask! What should I give you?

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Ask for whatever you want from me."

2 Chronicles 1:8

You have shown great covenant faithfulness to David

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithfully" or "faithful." Alternate translation: "You have greatly and faithfully loved David" or "You have been very faithful to David"

2 Chronicles 1:9

Now

Here the word "Now" is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

let your promise to David my father be carried out

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "please do what you promised to David my father that you would do"

a people as numerous as the dust of the earth

This simile emphasizes the great number of Israelites. Alternate translation: "countless people" or "very many people"

2 Chronicles 1:10

give me wisdom and knowledge

This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "wisdom" and "knowledge." Alternate translation: "cause me to be wise and to know many things"

who can judge your people, who are so many in number?

Here "judge" means to govern or rule. Solomon uses a question to state that it is impossible to rule over so many people without God's help. Alternate translation: "no one can judge all of your countless people without your help."

2 Chronicles 1:11

Because this was in your heart

Here "heart" represents desire. Alternate translation: "Because this was your desire" or "Because this is what you wanted"

nor for the life of those who hate you

"nor to be able to defeat those who hate you" or "nor to be able to kill your enemies"

2 Chronicles 1:12

I will now give you wisdom and knowledge

This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "wisdom" and "knowledge." Alternate translation: "I will now cause you to be wise and to know many things"

2 Chronicles 1:13

So Solomon came to Jerusalem

Here "Solomon" represents all the people with him. Also "came" can be stated as "went." Alternate translation: "So Solomon and the people with him went to Jerusalem"

from before the tent of meeting

"from the tent of meeting"

2 Chronicles 1:14

1,400 chariots

"one thousand four hundred chariots"

twelve thousand horsemen

"12,000 horsemen"

in the chariot cities

This is a reference to cities which stored his chariots.

2 Chronicles 1:15

The king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as the stones

The narrator uses exaggeration to emphasize the great amount of silver that was in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "The king had so much silver in Jerusalem, it was like there was as much silver as there was stones on the ground"

the sycamore trees

This is a tree that grows fruit that looks like figs.

2 Chronicles 1:16

As for the importation of horses from Egypt and Kue for Solomon

"Importation" is the act of bringing something into one country from another country. This can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "As for the horses Solomon imported from Egypt and Kue"

Kue

This is the name of a region. Some think that Kue was the same as Cilicia, in Asia Minor.

at a price

"at a set price" or "for money"

2 Chronicles 1:17

six hundred shekels of silver ... 150 shekels

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 6.6 kilograms of silver ... about 1.7 kilograms"

six hundred

"600"

exported

to send something out of one country into another

Chapter 2

2 Chronicles 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Solomon's reign continues in this chapter. This chapter also begins a section on building the temple. (2 Chronicles 2-4 and temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

House of God

The temple is repeatedly referred to as the "house of God" because Yahweh will dwell in the temple. (See: houseofgod)

2 Chronicles 2:1

Now

This marks a new part of the story.

commanded the building of a house for Yahweh's name

The word "name" is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: "commanded his people to build a house where Yahweh may live" or "commanded his people to build a house where they could worship Yahweh"

of a palace for his kingdom

"of a royal palace for his kingdom" or "of a palace for himself"

2 Chronicles 2:2

seventy thousand men ... eighty thousand men

"70,000 men ... 80,000 men"

to carry loads

It is understood that these are loads of materials for building Yahweh's house. Alternate translation: "to carry loads of materials"

3,600

"three thousand six hundred"

2 Chronicles 2:3

Hiram

This is the name of a man.

2 Chronicles 2:4

I am about to build a house for the name of Yahweh my God

Here "name" represents the person. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 2:1]

I am about to build

Solomon would command his people to build the house. Alternate translation: "I am about to command my people to build"

the bread of the presence

This is a reference to the 12 loaves of bread that were placed in front of the altar.

new moons

This was the time of a festival coinciding with the movement of the moon.

This is forever, for Israel

Here "This" refers back to all the ways the people will worship Yahweh at his temple. Alternate translation: "These are the things Yahweh has commanded Israel to do forever"

2 Chronicles 2:5

God is greater

This is a reference to God being more important and more powerful than other gods, not to being larger than other gods.

2 Chronicles 2:6

who is able to build God a house, since the entire universe and even heaven itself cannot contain him? Who am I to build him a house, except to burn sacrifices before him?

Solomon uses a question to emphasize that no one is able or worthy to build a house for God. Alternate translation: "no one is able to build a house for God because not even the universe or heaven is big enough to contain him. I am not worthy to build a house for him, except as a place to offer sacrifices to him.

2 Chronicles 2:7

General Information:

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2 Chronicles 2:8

Connecting Statement:

This continues Solomon's message to Hiram, the king of Tyre.

cedar, cypress, and algum trees

These are different types of tress.

2 Chronicles 2:9

General Information:

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2 Chronicles 2:10

twenty thousand cors

A cor is 220 liters. Twenty thousand cors equals 4,400 cubic meters.

twenty thousand

"20,000"

ground wheat

"wheat flour"

twenty thousand baths

A bath is 22 liters. Twenty thousand baths equals 440 cubic meters.

2 Chronicles 2:11

General Information:

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2 Chronicles 2:12

gifted with prudence and understanding

This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "prudence" and "understanding." Alternate translation: "who is very intelligent and understands many things"

2 Chronicles 2:13

gifted with understanding

The abstract noun "understanding" can be stated as "understands" or "wise." Alternate translation: "who understand many things" or "who is very wise"

Huram-Abi

This is the name of a man.

2 Chronicles 2:14

He is skilled at work in gold ... crimson wool

Translate many of these words as you did in 2 Chronicles 2:7.

fine linen

"high quality cloth" or "the best cloth"

He is the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan

"His mother is from the tribe of Dan" or "His mother is a descendant of Dan"

2 Chronicles 2:15

Connecting Statement:

This continues the message from Hiram, king of Tyre, to Solomon.

of which my master has spoken, let him send these things to his servants

Hiram refers to Solomon as "my master" and to himself and his own people as "his servants." This is a way of showing respect. Alternate translation: "of which you, my master, have spoken, please send these things to us, your servants"

2 Chronicles 2:16

you will carry it up to Jerusalem

Here "you" refers to Solomon. The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "you will command your people to take the wood to Jerusalem"

2 Chronicles 2:17

Solomon counted

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon had his servants count"

They were found to be 153,600

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "There were 153,600 foreigners"

153,600

"one hundred and fifty-three thousand six hundred"

3,600

"three thousand six hundred"

2 Chronicles 2:18

seventy thousand of them ... eighty thousand to be

"70,000 of them ... 80,000 of them to be"

to carry loads

It is understood that these are loads of materials for building Yahweh's house. Alternate translation: "to carry loads of materials"

Chapter 3

2 Chronicles 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of King Solomon and the building of the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Location of the temple

The location of the temple was very significant. Many important events in history occurred at this location.

2 Chronicles 3:1

Then Solomon began to build ... He prepared

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Then Solomon's workers began to build ... They prepared"

Mount Moriah

This is the name of a mountain.

Ornan the Jebusite

"Ornan" is the name of a man. "Jebusite" is the name of a people group.

2 Chronicles 3:2

He began

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "They began"

the second day of the second month

"day 2 of month 2." This is the second month of the Hebrew calendar. The second day is near the middle of April on Western calendars.

in the fourth year

"in year 4"

2 Chronicles 3:3

that Solomon laid

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "that Solomon's workers laid"

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the narrator begins to explain the dimensions and the design of the temple.

sixty cubits ... twenty cubits

"60 cubits ... 20 cubits." A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "27.6 meters long ... 9.2 meters"

2 Chronicles 3:4

portico

an area of a building made of columns and a roof that leads to and connects with the building's entrance door. This portico was probably attached to the front part of the wall that surrounded the temple.

twenty cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "9.2 meters"

Solomon overlaid

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers overlaid"

2 Chronicles 3:5

He fashioned ... which he overlaid ... which he carved

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers fashioned ... which they overlaid ... which they carved"

the main hall

This is a reference to a large room, not a hallway.

2 Chronicles 3:6

He decorated

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers decorated"

precious stones

Stones that were beautiful, highly valued, and used for decorations.

Parvaim

This is probably the name of a region.

2 Chronicles 3:7

He also overlaid ... he carved

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers also overlaid ... they carved"

beams

A beam is a long heavy piece of wood used to support a building.

2 Chronicles 3:8

He built ... He overlaid

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers built ... They overlaid"

twenty cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "9.2 meters"

six hundred talents

"600 talents." A talent is 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "about 20 metric tons"

2 Chronicles 3:9

fifty shekels

"50 shekels." A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: ".55 kilograms" or "about a half a kilogram"

2 Chronicles 3:10

He made

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers made"

2 Chronicles 3:11

twenty cubits ... five cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "9.2 meters ... 2.3 meters"

2 Chronicles 3:12

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2 Chronicles 3:13

twenty cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "9.2 meters"

2 Chronicles 3:14

He made ... he fashioned

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers made ... they fashioned"

blue, purple, and crimson wool

Translate these words as you did in 2 Chronicles 2:7.

fine linen

"high quality cloth" or "the best cloth"

2 Chronicles 3:15

Solomon also made

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers also made"

thirty-five cubits ... five cubits

"35 cubits ... 5 cubits." A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "16.1 meters ... 2.3 meters"

the capitals

decorations on top of the pillars

2 Chronicles 3:16

He made ... he also made

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "They made ... they also made"

one hundred pomegranates

"100 pomegranates"

2 Chronicles 3:17

He set up

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "They set up"

on the right hand ... on the left

"on the right side ... on the left side" or "on the south side ... on the north side"

he named

"Solomon named"

Jakin

Possibly a name to describe God as "The One who establishes."

Boaz

This name means "in strength" and is possibly used here to describe God because it means, "In him is strength."

Chapter 4

2 Chronicles 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of King Solomon and the building of the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Special construction

Not only is the temple constructed in a special way, the things that are used in the temple's sacrificial system and its decorations are constructed in a special way.

2 Chronicles 4:1

he made

Here "he" refers to Solomon. The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers made"

twenty cubits ... ten cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "20 cubits ... 10 cubits" or "9.2 meters ... 4.6 meters"

2 Chronicles 4:2

ten cubits ... five cubits ... thirty cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "4.6 meters ... 2.3 meters ... 13.8 meters"

the round sea

This refers to a tank or basin that would hold water.

cast metal

This is metal that was melted then formed in a mold.

from brim to brim

"from one edge to the other"

in circumference

Circumference is the distance or measurement around a circular object or area.

2 Chronicles 4:3

each cubit

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "every 46 centimeters"

ten to each cubit

"ten per cubit"

when the sea itself was cast

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the workers cast the sea itself"

2 Chronicles 4:4

The Sea

This refers to the tank or basin that held water for sacrifices.

was set upon twelve oxen

"was on top of twelve oxen"

twelve oxen

These are images of oxen made of bronze. Alternate translation: "twelve large figures of bulls" or "twelve bronze oxen"

"The Sea" was set on top of them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers set 'The Sea' on top of the oxen"

hindquarters

This is the back quarter of the body of an animal with four feet.

2 Chronicles 4:5

thick as the width of a hand

This is about 8 centimeters.

its brim was forged like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers forged the brim to look like the brim of a cup, to curve outward like a lily"

three thousand baths

"3,000 baths." A bath is a unit of volume equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: "66 cubic meters"

2 Chronicles 4:6

He made ... he put

Here "he" refers to Solomon. The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers made ... they put"

items used in performing the burnt offering were to be washed in them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people were to wash the items used in performing the burnt offering in them"

2 Chronicles 4:7

He made ... he placed

Here "he" refers to Solomon. The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers made ... they placed"

that were made from the instructions for their design

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "according to the instructions for their design" or "according to how Solomon instructed his workers to design them"

on the right hand ... on the left

"on the right side ... on the left side" or "on the south side ... on the north side"

2 Chronicles 4:8

He made ... He made

Here "he" refers to Solomon. The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers made ... They made"

one hundred basins

"100 basins"

basins

shallow bowls used for washing

2 Chronicles 4:9

he made the courtyard ... and overlaid

Here "he" refers to Solomon. The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers made ... they overlaid ... They placed"

the great court

"the large court"

2 Chronicles 4:10

He placed

Here "he" refers to Solomon. The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "They placed"

on the east side of the temple, facing toward the south

"next to the southeast corner of the temple"

2 Chronicles 4:11

Huram

See how you translated this name in 2 Chronicles 2:13.

the sprinkling bowls

bowls that held blood that was used in the house of God for sprinkling the altar

Huram finished the work that he did

Here Huram represents all who worked on the temple. Alternate translation: "Huram and the other workers finished the work that they did"

2 Chronicles 4:12

bowl-like capitals

The upper part of a pillar is called a capital. See how you translated "capital" in 2 Chronicles 3:15. Alternate translation: "bowl-shaped tops" or "bowl-shaped upper parts"

decorative latticework

This refers to the decorative carving or markings on the upper part of the pillars. Alternate translation: "carvings that resembled chains"

2 Chronicles 4:13

He had made

Here Huram represents all who worked on the temple. Alternate translation: "Huram and the other workers had made"

the four hundred pomegranates

"the 400 pomegranates." Translate "pomegranates" as you did in [2 Chronicles 3:16]

2 Chronicles 4:14

He also made

Here Huram, who is also called Huram-Abi, represents all those who worked with him. Alternate translation: "They also made"

the basins

"the bowls"

2 Chronicles 4:15

one sea and the twelve bulls

This is a large decorative washing container. Translate "sea" as you did in 2 Chronicles 4:2 and "bulls" as you did in 2 Chronicles 4:3.

2 Chronicles 4:16

Huram-Abi made

Here Huram, who is also called Huram-Abi, represents all those who worked with him. Alternate translation: "Huram-Abi and his craftsmen made"

other implements

"other tools" or "other objects used for the altar"

polished bronze

Bronze that the workmen polished so that it would reflect light.

2 Chronicles 4:17

The king had cast them

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "The king commanded his workers to cast them"

Zarethan

This is the name of a city.

2 Chronicles 4:18

Solomon made

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers made" or "Solomon had his workers make"

the weight of the bronze could not be known

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) there was so much bronze no one tried to weigh it. Alternate translation: "no one even tried to weigh the bronze" or 2) this is a hyperbole that emphasizes the great amount of bronze. Alternate translation: "no one could even determine how much all the bronze weighed"

2 Chronicles 4:19

Solomon made

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers made"

all the furnishings

This refers to all of the bowls and tools that were used in the house of God.

the tables on which the bread of the presence was to be placed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the tables on which the priests were to place the bread of the presence"

the bread of the presence

This is a reference to the 12 loaves of bread that were placed in front of the altar. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 2:4.

2 Chronicles 4:20

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2 Chronicles 4:21

the flowers, the lamps

The "flowers" and "lamps" were part of the lampstands.

the tongs

This is a tool made from two sticks of wood or metal connected at one end and used for picking up objects.

2 Chronicles 4:22

Also the lamp trimmers ... were all made of pure gold

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The workers also made the lamp trimmers ... out of pure gold"

lamp trimmers

These would have been used to trim the wicks of the lamps.

its inner doors ... were made of gold

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the workers made its inner doors ... out of gold"

Chapter 5

2 Chronicles 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of King Solomon continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Moving the contents of the tent

Everything from the tent was moved into the new temple. This too was done in a special way. (See: temple)

2 Chronicles 5:1

When all the work that Solomon did for the house of Yahweh was completed, Solomon brought

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When Solomon's workers completed all of the work for the house of Yahweh, they brought"

treasuries

storerooms, rooms where things are kept or stored

2 Chronicles 5:2

assembled the elders of Israel

"called together the leaders of Israel"

all the heads of the tribes

Here "heads" is a metaphor for the most important part of something. Alternate translation: "all the leaders of the tribes"

2 Chronicles 5:3

All the men of Israel

This may refer either 1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in 5:2 or 2) generally to those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast, not necessarily to every male person who lived in Israel.

at the feast, which was in the seventh month

This is the Festival of Shelters which is on the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. This is near the beginning of October on Western calendars.

2 Chronicles 5:4

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2 Chronicles 5:5

furnishings

This refers to all of the bowls and tools that were used in the house of God. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 4:19

2 Chronicles 5:6

all the assembly of Israel

Here "all" is a generalization meaning very many Israelites.

sacrificing sheep and cattle that could not be counted

This is an exaggeration that emphasizes the great number of animals that were sacrificed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "sacrificing more sheep and cattle than anyone could count" or "sacrificing very many sheep and cattle"

2 Chronicles 5:7

into the inner room of the house, to the most holy place, under

"into the inner room of the house—that is, to the most holy place—under"

2 Chronicles 5:8

poles by which it was carried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "poles by which the priests carried it"

2 Chronicles 5:9

their ends were seen ... they could not be seen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people could see their ends ... people could not see them"

to this day

This means the day on which the writer wrote.

2 Chronicles 5:10

There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets ... Egypt

This double negative emphasizes that the two tablets were the only things in the ark. Alternate translation: "The only things in the ark were the two tablets ... Egypt"

2 Chronicles 5:11

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way of doing this, you could consider using it here.

2 Chronicles 5:12

Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun

These are names of men.

sons and brothers

"sons and other relatives"

cymbals

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound

120 priests

"one hundred and twenty priests"

2 Chronicles 5:13

making one sound to be heard for praising and thanking Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "making one sound as they praised and thanked Yahweh"

raised their voices

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "sang loudly"

for his covenant loyalty endures forever

The abstract noun "covenant loyalty" can be stated as "faithful." Alternate translation: "for he is faithful forever"

Then the house, the house of Yahweh, was filled with a cloud

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then a cloud filled the house of Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 5:14

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Chapter 6

2 Chronicles 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of King Solomon continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Temple dedication

Solomon dedicated the temple with a prayer asking God to honor the temple. It was common to dedicate something important to God when it was completed. (See: temple)

2 Chronicles 6:1

Yahweh has said that he

Solomon speaks to Yahweh as if he were speaking to someone else to show that he respects Yahweh. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, you have said that you"

in thick darkness

Here the word "thick" shows that the darkness is extreme. Yahweh spoke of not allowing sinful people to see him as if he were to live in darkness. Alternate translation: "in great darkness"

2 Chronicles 6:2

I have built you a lofty residence

Solomon speaks of commanding the people to build the temple and telling them how to do it as if he himself had built it. Alternate translation: "I and your people have built you a lofty residence"

a lofty residence

a magnificent house, appropriate for someone who is very important

2 Chronicles 6:3

while all the assembly of Israel was standing

The phrase "all the assembly" is a generalization. It does not mean that every person of Israel was standing, but that all of the people who were gathered there were standing. Alternate translation: "while the people of Israel there were standing"

2 Chronicles 6:4

May Yahweh, the God of Israel, be praised

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Praise Yahweh, the God of Israel"

David my father

King Solomon actually was one of King David's sons.

has fulfilled it

"has caused it to happen." The word "it" refers to what God had promised. Alternate translation: "has ensured that he fulfilled his promises"

with his own hands

The hand is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: "by his own power"

2 Chronicles 6:5

in order for my name to be there

Here the metonym "my name" represents Yahweh's reputation, and his name being there represents people recognizing his greatness and worshiping him there. Alternate translation: "for people to worship me there"

to be prince over my people Israel

Being "prince over people" represents ruling them. Alternate translation: "to rule my people Israel"

2 Chronicles 6:6

so that my name might be there

Here the metonym "my name" represents Yahweh's reputation, and his name being there represents people recognizing his greatness and worshiping him there. Alternate translation: "so that people might worship me there"

to be over my people Israel

Being "over" people represents ruling them. Alternate translation: "to rule my people Israel"

2 Chronicles 6:7

Connecting Statement:

King Solomon continues speaking to the people at the temple.

it was in the heart of David my father

Here David's heart is spoken of as if it were a container, and what he desired is spoken of as if it were an item in the container. Alternate translation: "David my father desired"

for the name of Yahweh

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh's name represents himself. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh ... for me" or 2) Yahweh's name represents his reputation. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh's reputation"

2 Chronicles 6:8

it was in your heart ... for it to be in your heart

Here David's heart is spoken of as if it were a container, and what he desired is spoken of as if it were an item in the container. Alternate translation: "you desired ... to desire to do that"

for my name

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh's name represents himself. Alternate translation: "for me" or 2) Yahweh's name represents his reputation. Alternate translation: "for my reputation"

In that it was in your heart

"Because it was in your heart" or "Because you wanted"

2 Chronicles 6:9

one who will come from your loins

"one who will be your own offspring" or "one whom you yourself will father"

2 Chronicles 6:10

has carried out the word that he had said

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "has done exactly what he said he would do"

I have arisen in the place of David my father

Height is a metaphor for power. Alternate translation: "I have gained the power that David my father had"

I sit on the throne of Israel

The throne is a metonym for the activity of the one who sits on the throne. Alternate translation: "I rule over Israel"

for the name of Yahweh

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh's name represents himself. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh" or 2) Yahweh's name represents his reputation. Alternate translation: "for the reputation of Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 6:11

in which is Yahweh's covenant, which

The stone tablets on which Yahweh had written the terms of the covenant are spoken of as if they were the covenant itself. Alternate translation: "in which are the tablets on which Yahweh wrote the terms of the covenant that"

2 Chronicles 6:12

in the presence of all the assembly of Israel

"in front of the people of Israel who had gathered there"

spread out his hands

"raised his hands." This was to show that he was praying.

2 Chronicles 6:13

five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high

You may convert these to modern measures. Alternate translation: "two and one-third meters long, two and one-third meters wide, and one and one-half meters high"

he spread out his hands toward the heavens

Solomon lifted up his hands and held them high as he knelt on the platform to pray. Spreading out his hands toward the heavens was a way of showing that he was praying to Yahweh.

2 Chronicles 6:14

on the earth, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with your servants

This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "on the earth. You keep your promise to love your servants" or "on the earth. You faithfully love your servants"

walk before you with all their heart

The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "live wholeheartedly the way that you want them to"

2 Chronicles 6:15

you who have kept with your servant David my father, what you promised him

"you who have kept your promise to your servant David my father." To keep a promise is an idiom that means to do what one has promised. Alternate translation: "you who have done what you promised your servant David my father"

you spoke with your mouth

The phrase "with your mouth" may emphasize that God himself spoke. It was not someone else who made the promise. Alternate translation: "you yourself spoke"

and have fulfilled it with your hand

The hand is a metonym for the power of the hand. Alternate translation: "and, by your power, have fulfilled what you said" or "and by your power have done what you said"

as it is today

This refers to the day when Solomon was saying this prayer.

2 Chronicles 6:16

Connecting Statement:

King Solomon continues praying.

carry out what you have promised

This is a request. To carry out what one has said is an idiom meaning to do what one has said. Alternate translation: "please do what you have promised"

You will not fail to have a man

"you will always have a descendant"

a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel

The phrase "in my sight" here implies that God would choose the man and the man would want to obey God.

to sit on the throne of Israel

The throne is a metonym for the activity of the one who sits on the throne. Alternate translation: "to rule over Israel"

to walk in my law, as you have walked before me

The way a person behaves is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "to obey my law, as you have obeyed me" or "to be faithful to my law as you have been faithful to me"

2 Chronicles 6:17

let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David

"I want you to make come true the word that you have spoken to your servant David"

let your word be confirmed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "confirm your word" or "make your word come true"

your word

"your promise"

2 Chronicles 6:18

Connecting Statement:

King Solomon continues praying.

But will God actually live with mankind on the earth?

Possible meanings of this question are 1) Solomon is asking a real question and expecting an answer or 2) the question is rhetorical and Solomon is emphasizing that God is too big and mighty to live on earth. Alternate translation: "But it surely cannot be that God will actually live on the earth!"

But will God

Here Solomon speaks about God in the third person to show his great respect for God. It can be stated in the second person. Alternate translation: "But will you"

Look

Here "Look" indicates that he is about to say something important.

you—how much less can this temple that I have built

"you, so this temple that I have built certainly cannot contain you"

this temple that I have built

Solomon speaks of commanding the people to build the temple and telling them how to do it as if he himself had built it. Alternate translation: "this temple that your people have built under my leadership" or "this house that I and your people have built"

2 Chronicles 6:19

respect this prayer of your servant and his plea

The words "prayer" and "plea" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that he is sincere as he makes his plea. Solomon refers to himself as "your servant" to show that he respects Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "respect me, your servant, as I make this plea"

listen to the cry and prayer that your servant prays before you

The words "cry" and "prayer" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that he is sincere as he asks Yahweh to help him. Solomon refers to himself as "your servant" to show that he respects Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "listen to me, your servant, as I call for you to help me"

2 Chronicles 6:20

May your eyes be open toward this temple

The eyes being open is a metonym for watching, and here watching represents protecting. "Please watch over this temple" or "Please protect this temple"

day and night

This is a merism. Alternate translation: "all the time" or "continually"

where you promised to put your name

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh's name represents himself. Alternate translation: "where you promised to be" or 2) Yahweh's name represents his reputation. Alternate translation: "where you promised to make people know you"

the prayer your servant prays toward this place

Solomon refers to himself as "your servant" to show that he respects Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "the prayer that I, your servant, pray toward this place"

2 Chronicles 6:21

Connecting Statement:

King Solomon continues praying.

So listen to the pleas of your servant and of your people Israel

Solomon speaks of himself as "your servant" to show that he respects Yahweh. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "So listen to my pleas and the pleas of your people Israel"

when you listen, forgive

"when you hear our prayers, please forgive our sins"

2 Chronicles 6:22

Connecting Statement:

King Solomon continues praying.

is required to swear an oath

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone requires him to swear an oath"

this house

This refers to the temple.

2 Chronicles 6:23

bringing what he has done upon his own head

To bring someone's conduct on him represents punishing him for his bad conduct. Alternate translation: "punishing him as he deserves"

upon his own head

Here the "head" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "on him"

give to him according to his righteousness

"give him what he deserves because he is innocent"

2 Chronicles 6:24

When your people Israel are defeated by an enemy

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When an enemy defeats your people Israel"

because they have sinned against you

"because your people Israel have sinned against you"

if they turn back to you

Here "turn back to you" represents submitting again to God. Alternate translation: "if they submit to you again"

confess your name

Possible meanings are 1) "confess that they have sinned against you" or 2) "praise you" or 3) "say that they will obey you from now on."

seek favor before you

"seek your favor" or "ask you to forgive them"

2 Chronicles 6:25

please listen from the heavens

To "listen" is an idiom for responding to prayer. Alternate translation: "please honor their prayer" or "please answer their prayer"

bring them back to the land that you gave to them and to their ancestors

This implies that when their enemies defeated them, God's people will have gone to live in other lands. Alternate translation: "bring them back to their own land"

2 Chronicles 6:26

When the skies are shut up and there is no rain

The sky is spoken of as if it were a building in which God stores the rain, and when God does not want it to rain he closes the door to the building. Alternate translation: "When you do not allow rain to fall from the skies"

confess your name

Possible meanings are 1) "confess that they have sinned against you" or 2) "praise you" or 3) "say that they will obey you from now on."

turn from their sin

Here "turn from" is a metaphor for stopping doing it. Alternate translation: "stop committing their sins" or "stop acting sinfully"

2 Chronicles 6:27

the good way in which they should walk

The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "the good way that they should live"

your land, which you have given to your people as an inheritance

The land is spoken of as if it were an inheritance because God wanted them to possess it forever. Alternate translation: "your land, which you have given to your people to own forever"

2 Chronicles 6:28

blight or mildew

These are agricultural terms that refer to the death of crops from either too little or too much rain, respectively.

locusts or caterpillars

A "locust" is a type of grasshopper that causes destruction by eating crops. The word "caterpillar" refers to an early growth stage of the locust.

2 Chronicles 6:29

prayers and pleas

The words "prayers" and "pleas" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the person is sincere as he makes his pleas.

knowing the plague and sorrow in his own heart

Here "plague" is a metaphor for sin, and sin and sorrow are spoken of as being in people's hearts. Alternate translation: "knowing the sin and sorrow in his own heart"

he spreads out his hands toward this temple

This was a way of showing that they were praying to the God of the temple. See how you translated "spread out his hands" in [2 Chronicles 6:12]

2 Chronicles 6:30

for all his ways

Here "his ways" represents the person's behavior. Alternate translation: "for what he has done"

2 Chronicles 6:31

so that they may walk in your ways

Here "walk in your ways" represents living and behaving the way God wants. Alternate translation: "so that they may live as you want them to"

2 Chronicles 6:32

Connecting Statement:

King Solomon continues praying.

who—because of your great name, your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm—comes

It is implied that the foreigners come because they hear about God's greatness. Alternate translation: "who hears about your great name, your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm—if he comes"

your great name

Here God's name represents his reputation. Alternate translation: "your great reputation" or "your greatness"

your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and refer to God's power.

prays toward this house

Praying toward Yahweh's temple shows that one is praying to Yahweh.

2 Chronicles 6:33

may know your name

Here God's name represents his reputation. Alternate translation: "may know your reputation" or "may know your greatness"

as do your own people Israel

"as your own people Israel know your name and fear you"

this house I have built is called by your name

The phrase "is called by your name" shows that God possesses and owns the house. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you own this house that I have built"

this house I have built

Solomon speaks of commanding the people to build the temple and telling them how to do it as if he himself had built it. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 6:18]

2 Chronicles 6:34

Connecting Statement:

King Solomon continues praying.

Suppose that your people go out ... suppose that they pray

Solomon speaks about events that he thinks could happen in the future. The situations he describes are conditions for what he requests in the following sentence. The words "suppose that" can be translated with the word "if," and this sentence can be connected to his request in verse 35.

they pray to you toward this city ... and toward the house

Praying toward Jerusalem and the temple shows that they are praying to Yahweh.

the house that I have built

Solomon speaks of commanding the people to build the temple and telling them how to do it as if he himself had built it. Alternate translation: "this house that your people have built under my leadership" or "this house that I and your people have built"

for your name

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh's name represents himself. Alternate translation: "for you" or 2) Yahweh's name represents his reputation. Alternate translation: "for your reputation"

2 Chronicles 6:35

to their prayer, their request

The abstract nouns "prayer" and "request" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "to what they request when they pray to you"

help their cause

This refers to helping them fight against their enemies.

2 Chronicles 6:36

Connecting Statement:

King Solomon continues praying.

Suppose they sin ... suppose that you are angry

Solomon speaks about events that he thinks could happen in the future. The situations he describes in verses 36-38 are conditions for what he requests verse 39.

hand them over to the enemy

Here "hand them over to the enemy" represents allowing the enemy to capture them.

so that the enemy carries them away

Here "carries them away" represents forcing them to leave their own country. Alternate translation: "so that the enemy forces them to leave"

2 Chronicles 6:37

suppose they realize ... suppose that they repent ... Suppose that they say

Solomon speaks about events that he thinks could happen in the future. The situations he describes in verses 36-38 are conditions for what he requests verse 39.

where they have been exiled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where their enemies have taken them as exiles"

seek favor from you

"beg you to be merciful to them"

We have acted perversely and sinned. We have behaved wickedly

These two sentences mean the same thing. Together they emphasize how bad the people's actions were.

acted perversely and sinned

The words mean basically the same thing and emphasize how badly the people sinned.

2 Chronicles 6:38

they return to you

Here "return to you" represents submitting to Yahweh again. Alternate translation: "they submit to you again"

with all their heart and with all their soul

The idioms "with all their heart" means "completely" and "with all their soul" means "with all their being." These two phrases have similar meanings. Alternate translation: "completely"

where they took them as captives

"where their enemies took them as captives"

that they pray toward their land

This refers to Israel. Praying toward Israel would show that they were praying to Yahweh, the God of Israel. Alternate translation: "that they pray facing their land"

toward the city that you chose

This refers to Jerusalem.

the house that I have built

Solomon speaks of commanding the people to build the temple and telling them how to do it as if he himself had built it. Alternate translation: "the house that your people have built under my leadership" or "the house that I and your people have built"

for your name

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh's name represents himself. Alternate translation: "for you" or 2) Yahweh's name represents his reputation. Alternate translation: "for your reputation"

2 Chronicles 6:39

to their prayer and to their pleas

The words "prayer" and "pleas" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the people are sincere as they make their pleas. Alternate translation: "their pleas"

2 Chronicles 6:40

Now

Here the word "now" is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

let your eyes be open

The eyes being open is a metonym for seeing. Here it represents looking attentively. Alternate translation: "please pay attention to us" or "please look at us"

let your ears be attentive to the prayer

The ears being attentive is a metonym for listening attentively. Alternate translation: "please listen to the prayer"

to the prayer that is made in this place

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "to the prayer that we make in this place" or "to us as we pray to you in this place"

2 Chronicles 6:41

arise, Yahweh God, to your resting place

This pictures God as if he were sitting on his throne, and asks that he will get up from his throne and come to this place. Alternate translation: "arise, Yahweh God, and come to your resting place"

the ark of your strength

"the ark, which is a symbol of your power"

Let your priests ... be clothed with salvation

The abstract noun "salvation" can be translated with the verb "to save." Possible meanings are 1) being clothed with salvation is a metaphor for experiencing salvation. Alternate translation: "Let your priests ... know that you have saved them" or 2) being clothed with salvation is a metaphor for demonstrating salvation. Alternate translation: "Let your priests ... demonstrate how you save people"

2 Chronicles 6:42

do not turn the face of your anointed away from you

Turning the face of someone away represents rejecting him. Alternate translation: "do not reject your anointed one"

your anointed

"your anointed one." Being anointed is a metonym for being chosen by God. King Solomon may have been speaking specifically about himself. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one you anointed" or "me, the one you chose to be king"

Keep in mind your acts of covenant loyalty for David, your servant

The phrase "your acts" can be expressed with the phrase "what you have done." Alternate translation: "Remember what you have done for David, your servant, because of your covenant loyalty"

Keep in mind

"Remember"

Chapter 7

2 Chronicles 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of King Solomon continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Solomon's dream

God appeared again to Solomon in a dream and said the temple was acceptable and he honored it with his presence. He would remain as long as Israel obeyed him. If they worshiped other gods and idols he would let their enemies destroy the temple. (See: temple and falsegod)

2 Chronicles 7:1

the house

"Yahweh's house" or "the temple"

2 Chronicles 7:2

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2 Chronicles 7:3

they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the stone pavement

This is a position of humility and worship. Alternate translation: "they lay down on the ground with their faces touching the stone pavement"

his covenant loyalty endures forever

The abstract noun "covenant loyalty" can be expressed with the adjective "loyal" and the verb "promise." Alternate translation: "God will always be loyal to us because of his covenant" or "God will always faithfully do for us what he promised"

2 Chronicles 7:4

all the people

This generalization refers either 1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in [2 Chronicles 5:2]

2 Chronicles 7:5

twenty-two thousand head of cattle

"22,000 head of cattle"

120,000 sheep and goats

"one hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats"

2 Chronicles 7:6

each standing where they serve

"each standing in their appointed place"

the Levites also with instruments of music of Yahweh

The word "stood" is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "the Levites also stood with instruments of music of Yahweh"

For his covenant faithfulness endures for ever

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithfully" or "faithful." See how you translated "covenant faithfulness" in [2 Chronicles 7:3]

all Israel

This generalization refers to those who were at the feast in Jerusalem, not necessarily to every person who lived in Israel.

2 Chronicles 7:7

the bronze altar that he had made

The author speaks of Solomon commanding someone to make the bronze altar and telling him how to do it as if Solomon himself had made it. Alternate translation: "the bronze altar that he had commanded someone to make" or "the bronze altar that he had caused to be made"

was not able to hold the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and the fat

This was because there were so many offerings. Alternate translation: "was not able to hold the large amount of burnt offerings, grain offerings, and fat"

2 Chronicles 7:8

all Israel with him

This generalization refers to those who were at the feast in Jerusalem, not necessarily to every person who lived in Israel.

from Lebo Hamath to the brook of Egypt

Lebo Hamath was north of Israel, and the brook of Egypt was south of Israel. These are used together to emphasize that people from every part of Israel were at the festival. Alternate translation: "from Lebo Hamath in the north to the brook of Egypt in the south"

2 Chronicles 7:9

the eighth day

The word "eighth" is the ordinal form of "8."

a solemn assembly

This was a special religious gathering.

they kept the dedication of the altar

Here "kept the dedication" is an idiom meaning "celebrated the dedication."

2 Chronicles 7:10

the twenty-third day of the seventh month

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The twenty-third day is near the middle of October on Western calendars.

to their tents

The word "tents" is a metonym for the people's homes, which were houses, not tents. Alternate translation: "to their homes"

with glad and joyful hearts

The words "glad" and "joyful" mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize the intensity of joy. Alternate translation: "with very glad hearts" or "and they were very joyful"

because of the goodness that Yahweh had shown

"because Yahweh had shown wonderful goodness" or "because Yahweh had been so good"

Israel, his people

"Israel, God's people." The phrase "his people" emphasizes God's faithfulness to Israel.

2 Chronicles 7:11

Solomon finished the house of Yahweh and the king's house

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "the workers whom Solomon commanded finished the house of Yahweh and Solomon's own house"

the king's house

"the royal palace," where Solomon himself lived

Everything that came into Solomon's heart to make

The heart is spoken of as if it were a container, and desires are spoken of as if they came into the heart. Alternate translation: "Everything that Solomon desired to make"

he successfully carried out

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "he successfully finished" or "he caused to be done successfully

2 Chronicles 7:12

by night

"at night" or "one night"

a house of sacrifice

"the house where people will offer sacrifices to me"

2 Chronicles 7:13

Suppose that I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain

Here "heavens" refers to the sky, and is spoken of as if it were a building in which God stores the rain. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 6:26]

devour the land

The word "land" represents the plants and crops on the land.

if I send plague among my people

Here "send disease" represents causing diseases. Alternate translation: "if I cause my people to have diseases"

2 Chronicles 7:14

who are called by my name

Here being called by God's name is an idiom meaning belonging to God. Alternate translation: "who belong to me"

seek my face

Here God's face represents his acceptance of them. Possible meanings are "seek my face" represents 1) urgently asking him for forgiveness. Alternate translation: "beg me to forgive them" or 2) strongly wanting to please him. Alternate translation: "choose to please me"

turn from their wicked ways

Here "turn from" is a metaphor meaning to stop doing something, and "ways" represent behavior. Alternate translation: "stop their wicked behavior" or "stop doing wicked things"

heal their land

Here land that does not produce much is spoken of as though it were sick. Alternate translation: "make their land good again" or "make their land produce good crops"

2 Chronicles 7:15

my eyes will be open

The eyes being open is a metonym for seeing. Here it represents looking attentively. Alternate translation: "I will pay attention to you" or "I will watch you"

my ears attentive to the prayers

The ears being attentive is a metonym for listening attentively. Alternate translation: "I will listen to the prayers"

the prayers that are made in this place

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "to the prayers that you make in this place" or "to you as you pray to me in this place"

2 Chronicles 7:16

that my name may be there forever

Possible meanings are 1) God's name represents himself. Alternate translation: "that I may be there forever" or 2) God's name represents Yahweh's reputation, and his name being there represents people worshiping him there. Alternate translation: "for people to worship me there forever"

My eyes and my heart will be there every day

Here "My eyes" represents God's careful attention, and "my heart" represents his love. These being at his temple implies that he will protect his temple. Alternate translation: "I will watch and protect it forever"

2 Chronicles 7:17

As for you

Here "you" refers to King Solomon.

if you walk before me as David your father walked

Here walking is a metaphor for living. Walking before God represents living in obedience to him. Alternate translation: "If you obey me as David your father did"

David your father

Solomon was one of David's sons.

keeping my statutes and my decrees

"obeying my statutes and my decrees"

2 Chronicles 7:18

I will establish the throne of your kingdom

Here the throne represents ruling. Establishing the throne of Solomon's kingdom represents causing Solomon to have descendants who will rule over Israel. Alternate translation: "I will make descendants of yours rule over your kingdom"

A descendant of yours will never fail to be ruler in Israel

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "One of your descendants will always be ruler in Israel" or "Descendants of yours will always rule in Israel"

2 Chronicles 7:19

But if you turn away

Here "turn away" from God is a metaphor meaning to stop worshiping him. Alternate translation: "But if you stop worshiping me"

you turn away

Possible meanings are that the word "you" refers 1) to all the people of Israel, or 2) to Solomon and his descendants.

my statutes and my commandments

Here the words "commandments" and "statutes" mean basically the same thing and emphasize all that Yahweh has commanded.

2 Chronicles 7:20

I will uproot them from out of my ground that I have given them

The word "them" refers to the people of Israel. God speaks of making his people leave his land as if they were plants that he would pull up by their roots out of the soil. Alternate translation: "I will make them leave the land I have given them"

This house

This refers to the temple.

that I have set apart for my name

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh's name represents himself. Alternate translation: "that I have set apart for myself" or 2) Yahweh's name represents his reputation. Alternate translation: "that I have set apart for my reputation"

I will cast away from before me

God speaks of rejecting his temple as if he were to throw it far away from himself. Alternate translation: "I will reject it" or "I will ignore it"

I will make it a proverb and a joke among all the peoples

"I will cause all the peoples to make proverbs and jokes about it" or "because of what I do to it, all the nations will mock and ridicule it"

2 Chronicles 7:21

will be appalled

"will be amazed"

will hiss

This is how they would show that they are appalled by what happened to the temple

2 Chronicles 7:22

they abandoned Yahweh

"they were unfaithful to Yahweh" or "they did not obey Yahweh"

who had brought their ancestors out of the land of Egypt

This phrase tells why they should have worshiped God.

they laid hold of other gods

Here "laid hold of" represents choosing to be loyal to them. Alternate translation: "they chose to be loyal to other gods"

bowed down to them and worshiped them

These two phrases mean the same thing. The phrase "bowed down to them" describes the posture that people used in worship.

Chapter 8

2 Chronicles 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of King Solomon continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Solomon's victories

Solomon achieved many victory when he was king. This chapter records many of these victories. Israel is at its height of power when Solomon was king.

2 Chronicles 8:1

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way of doing this, you could consider using it here.

at the end of twenty years

"after 20 years"

Solomon had built the house of Yahweh and his own house

The author writes of Solomon commanding the people to build the temple and palace and telling them how to do it as if he himself had built them. Alternate translation: "Solomon caused the house of Yahweh and his own house to be built" or "Solomon directed the building of the temple and his house"

2 Chronicles 8:2

Hiram

Hiram was the king of Tyre. See how you translated his name in [2 Chronicles 2:11]

Solomon rebuilt the towns that Hiram had given to him

The author speaks of Solomon commanding the people to rebuild the towns as if he himself had rebuilt them. Alternate translation: "Solomon caused the towns that Hiram had given to him to be rebuilt" or "Solomon commanded and the people rebuilt the towns that Hiram had given to him"

2 Chronicles 8:3

Solomon attacked Hamath Zobah

Solomon represents his whole fighting army. Alternate translation: "Solomon's army attacked the town of Hamath Zolbah"

2 Chronicles 8:4

He built Tadmor in the wilderness

Tadmor was a city north of Israel, in modern-day Syria. The author writes of Solomon commanding the people to build Tadmor as if Solomon himself built it. Alternate translation: "Solomon caused the town of Tadmor in the wilderness to be rebuilt" or "Solomon commanded, and the people built the town of Tadmor in the wilderness"

Tadmor

Tadmor was a city north of Israel, in modern-day Syria.

storage cities

Or "supply cities." These are cities where the government stored food or supplies.

2 Chronicles 8:5

Beth Horon the Upper and Beth Horon the Lower

These were two cities in Judah. The upper city was on top of a hill and the lower city was in a valley. Alternate translation: "Higher Beth Horon and Lower Beth Horon" or "Beth Horon of the Hill and Beth Horon of the Valley"

2 Chronicles 8:6

Baalath

This was a city in Israel.

all the lands under his rule

"all the lands that he ruled"

2 Chronicles 8:7

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2 Chronicles 8:8

their descendants who were left after them in the land

"after those people died, their descendants who remained in the land"

forced laborers

"slaves"

which they are to this day

This phrase adds information about the descendants of those that Solomon had made into forced laborers. Alternate translation: "and their descendants are still forced laborers even now"

to this day

This refers to the time when the book of 2 Chronicles was written. See how you translated it in 2 Chronicles 5:9.

2 Chronicles 8:9

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2 Chronicles 8:10

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2 Chronicles 8:11

the daughter of Pharaoh

"his wife, the daughter of Paharaoh"

to the house that he had built for her

The author writes about Solomon having his workers build a house for his wife as if he himself had built it. Alternate translation: "the house that he had his workers build for her" or "to the house he had commanded his workers to build for her"

David king of Israel

David was Solomon's father and had been king before Solomon.

because wherever the ark of Yahweh has come is holy

It can be stated that the ark had been brought into King David's house. Alternate translation: "because the ark of Yahweh was brought into that house, and wherever the ark of Yahweh has come is holy"

2 Chronicles 8:12

his altar that he had built

The author writes about Solomon having his workers build the altar as if he himself had built it. Alternate translation: "on Yahweh's altar that Solomon had his workers build" or "the Yahweh's altar that he had commanded his workers to build"

his altar

"Yahweh's altar" or "the altar of Yahweh"

the portico

"the temple porch" or "the entrance to the temple." This was a covered porch supported by columns, attached to the front of the temple.

2 Chronicles 8:13

the daily schedule required

"as was required each day"

following the directions

Here "following the directions" represents obeying them. Alternate translation: "obeying the directions"

the directions found in the commandment of Moses

"what Moses had commanded them"

the set festivals three times every year

"the three festivals that they were to celebrate every year"

the Festival of Shelters

"the Festival of Tents." This is a festival to celebrate God's provision for his people. When the people of Israel wandered in the desert, they lived in temporary shelters. Each year when they harvested their crops, they stayed in temporary shelters in their gardens. In both situations, God provided for them.

2 Chronicles 8:14

In keeping with the decrees of his father David

"According to the decrees of his father David" or "As his father David had decreed"

He also appointed the gatekeepers by their divisions to every gate

"He also appointed groups of gatekeepers to each gate"

gatekeepers

These were Levites who guarded the gates and only let inside those who had permission to go inside.

2 Chronicles 8:15

These people did not deviate from the commands

Here "deviate from the commands" represents to do something different from what was commanded. It can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "These people carefully obeyed the commands"

2 Chronicles 8:16

All the work ordered by Solomon was completed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They completed all the work that Solomon had ordered"

from the day the foundation of the house of Yahweh was laid

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "from the day they laid the foundation of the house of Yahweh" or "from the day they built the foundation of the house of Yahweh"

until it was finished

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until they finished building the temple"

The house of Yahweh was completed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The house of Yahweh was complete" or "They completed building the house of Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 8:17

Ezion Geber and then to Elath on the coast

These are towns along the Sea of Reeds. They had ports where people who had ships could stop. Alternate translation: "the towns of Ezion Geber and Elath, on the coast of the Sea of Reeds"

2 Chronicles 8:18

Ophir

This is the name of a place. Its location is not known.

450 talents of gold

"four hundred and fifty talents of gold." You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "about sixteen thousand kilograms of gold" or "about fifteen metric tons of gold"

Chapter 9

2 Chronicles 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of King Solomon ends.

Special concepts in this chapter

Solomon's fame

Solomon was famous outside of Israel because of his wisdom and tremendous wealth. (See: wise)

2 Chronicles 9:1

She came with a very long caravan

"a very large group of servants" or "a very long line of servants"

all that was in her heart

This is a generalization. Alternate translation: "everything she wanted to know"

2 Chronicles 9:2

there was no question that he did not answer

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "he answered every question"

2 Chronicles 9:3

When the queen of Sheba saw Solomon's wisdom and the palace that he had built

Here "saw Solomon's wisdom" represents realizing that Solomon was very wise. Alternate translation: "When the queen of Sheba realized how wise Solomon was, and when she saw the palace that he had built"

the palace that he had built

The author writes about Solomon having his workers build his palace as if he himself had built it. Alternate translation: "the palace that Solomon had his workers build" or "the palace that he had commanded his workers to build"

2 Chronicles 9:4

the seating of his servants

Possible meanings are 1) where his servants lived or 2) how his servants sat around the table.

his cupbearers

"his wine servers." These were servants who tasted the king's wine to make sure that there was no poison in it. If it was safe to drink the wine, they would give it to the king.

there was no more breath in her

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "she was completely amazed"

2 Chronicles 9:5

I heard in my own land

"I heard while I was in my own land"

your words and your wisdom

Here the word "wisdom" can describe the word "words." Alternate translation: "your wise words"

2 Chronicles 9:6

now my eyes have seen it

The phrase "my eyes" emphasizes that she herself saw it. Alternate translation: "now I have seen it for myself"

Not half was told me about the greatness of your wisdom and wealth

This can be stated it active form. Alternate translation: "They did not tell me about even half of the greatness of your wisdom and wealth" or "You are much more wise and wealthy than what they told me"

2 Chronicles 9:7

How blessed are your men

This is an exclamation that shows her amazement. Alternate translation: "Your people are greatly blessed"

how blessed are your servants who constantly stand before you

This is an exclamation that shows her amazement. Alternate translation: "your servants who constantly stand before you are greatly blessed"

they hear your wisdom

Hear "wisdom" represents the wise things that he says. Alternate translation: "they hear the wise things that you say"

2 Chronicles 9:8

who has taken pleasure in you, who placed you on his throne

These phrases tell why people should praise Yahweh. Alternate translation: "because he has taken pleasure in you and placed you on his throne"

who has taken pleasure in you

"who is pleased with you"

who placed you on his throne, to be king for Yahweh your God

The idea of being on Yahweh's throne represents having the authority to rule as Yahweh does. Being king "for Yahweh" means to represent Yahweh as king. Alternate translation: "who gave you authority to rule as he does, to represent Yahweh your God as king"

in order to establish them forever

Possible meanings are 1) "establish" represents helping them in general. Alternate translation: "in order to help them forever" or 2) "establish" represents making them strong as a nation. Alternate translation: "in order to make them a nation forever"

for you to do justice and righteousness

The abstract nouns "justice" and "righteousness" can be expressed with the words "fairly" and "righteously." Alternate translation: "for you to rule fairly and righteously" or "for you to do what is just and right"

2 Chronicles 9:9

120 talents

"one hundred and twenty talents." A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "about four thousand kilograms of gold" or "about four metric tons of gold"

2 Chronicles 9:10

Hiram

Hiram was the king of Tyre. See how you translated his name in [2 Chronicles 2:11]

Ophir

This is the name of a place. Its location is not known. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 8:18]

algum wood

Algum is a kind of tree that grows in Lebanon. King Hiram sent this kind of wood to Solomon. See how you translated it in 2 Chronicles 2:8.

2 Chronicles 9:11

the king made steps ... well as harps and lutes

The author speaks of the king having his workers make these things as if he himself had made them. Alternate translation: "the king had his workers make the steps .. as well as harps and lyres" or "the king's workers made steps ... well as harps and lyres"

No wood like this had been seen before in the land of Judah

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one had seen wood like this before in the land of Judah"

2 Chronicles 9:12

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2 Chronicles 9:13

in one year

These words could refer to 1) each year or 2) a particular year.

666 talents of gold

A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "about twenty-two thousand kilograms of gold" or "about twenty-two metric tons of gold"

2 Chronicles 9:14

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2 Chronicles 9:15

King Solomon made

The author writes about Solomon having his workers make the shields as if he himself had made them. Alternate translation: "King Solomon had his workers make" or "King Solomon's workers made"

two hundred large shields

"200 large shields"

beaten gold

"gold that people had beaten into thin sheets"

Six hundred shekels of gold went into each one

Here the phrase "went into" represents being made with. Possible meanings are 1) the shields were covered with sheets of gold. Alternate translation: "They covered each shield with six hundred shekels of gold" or 2) the shields were made of gold. Alternate translation: "They made each shield out of six hundred shekels of gold"

Six hundred shekels of gold

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "Six and one half kilograms of gold"

Six hundred shekels

The word "shekels" does not appear here in the Hebrew text. Some modern versions assume instead the unit called bekah, which was equivalent to only a half shekel. Any version making this assumption would signal a metric equivalent of about three kilograms.

2 Chronicles 9:16

He also made

The author writes about Solomon having his workers make the shields as if he himself had made them. Alternate translation: "King Solomon had his workers also make" or "His workers also made"

three hundred shields

"300 shields"

Three minas of gold went into each shield

Here the phrase "went into" represents being made with. Possible meanings are 1) the shields were covered with sheets of gold. Alternate translation: "They covered each shield with three minas of gold" or 2) the shields were made of gold. Alternate translation: "They made each shield out of three minas of gold"

Three minas of gold

A mina is about 600 grams. You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "One and three-quarters kilograms of gold"

the king put them

The author writes about Solomon having his workers put the shields in the palace as if he himself had put them there. Alternate translation: "King Solomon had his workers put them" or "King Solomon's workers put them"

the House of the Forest of Lebanon

Solomon's palace was built of trees from Lebanon. Possible meanings are 1) this was the name of a large room in the palace. Alternate translation: "the Hall of the Forest of Lebanon" or 2) this was the name of his whole palace.

2 Chronicles 9:17

the king made a great throne

The author speaks of commanding his workers to build the throne as if he himself had built it. Alternate translation: "the king had his workers make a great throne" or "the king's workers made"

a great throne of ivory

"a great throne decorated with ivory"

ivory

Ivory is the hard, white substance from the tusks or teeth of large animals, such as the elephant, walrus, or hippopotamus.

2 Chronicles 9:18

two lions

These were statues. Alternate translation: "two statues of lions"

2 Chronicles 9:19

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2 Chronicles 9:20

the House of the Forest of Lebanon

Solomon's palace was built of trees from Lebanon. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 9:16]

silver was not considered valuable in Solomon's days

Silver was so common in Solomon's days that if a king wanted to show his wealth, he would not do it by making things out of silver. Instead he would use gold, which was less common and more valuable. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people did not value silver so much"

in Solomon's days

Here "Solomon's days" refers to the time when Solomon ruled. Alternate translation: "when Solomon ruled"

2 Chronicles 9:21

a fleet of ships of Tarshish

"a group of ships that travel on the ocean"

along with the servants of Hiram

"along with Hiram's fleet of ships"

apes and baboons

It is not certain whether the word translated as "apes" here refers to apes, baboons, or monkeys. It is not certain whether the word translated as "baboons" here refers to baboons or peacocks. This can be translated more generally as "animals from far away" or "animals from Africa."

2 Chronicles 9:22

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2 Chronicles 9:23

All the kings of the earth

The word "all" here is a generalization. Alternate translation: "Kings from around the world"

sought the presence of Solomon

The presence of a person is a metonym for being able to speak and listen to the person. Alternate translation: "wanted to visit Solomon" or "came to visit Solomon"

to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart

The heart is a metonym for what a person thinks, and here it is spoken of as if it were a container. The abstract noun "wisdom" is a metonym for the wise things a person thinks or says. Alternate translation: "to hear how wise God had enabled him to be" or "to hear him speak the wise words that God had enabled him to speak"

which God had put in his heart

God putting wisdom in Solomon's heart represents God making Solomon wise. Alternate translation: "which God had given him" or "because God had made him wise"

2 Chronicles 9:24

year after year

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "every year"

2 Chronicles 9:25

four thousand stalls ... twelve thousand horsemen

"4,000 stalls ... 12,000 horsemen"

stalls

This is a small enclosure where horses are kept.

2 Chronicles 9:26

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2 Chronicles 9:27

as much as the stones on the ground

This is an exaggeration to emphasize that there was such a great amount of silver.

2 Chronicles 9:28

They brought horses for Solomon from Egypt and from all the lands

The word "they" may refer to Solomon's merchants. However this sentence is not about what the merchants did, but about where Solomon's horses came from. Alternate translation: "Horses were brought to Solomon from Egypt and from all the lands" or "Solomon's horses were from Egypt and all the lands"

from all the lands

The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "from many other places" or "from many other countries"

2 Chronicles 9:29

first and last

The phrase "first and last" represents the whole time of Solomon's reign. Alternate translation: "from the beginning to the end of his reign"

are they not written ... (which also had information about Jeroboam son of Nebat)?

The author uses the question to remind the readers that other people had written about Solomon. It can be expressed in active form Alternate translation: "they are written ...

The History of Nathan the Prophet ... The Prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite ... The Visions of Iddo the Seer

These are the names of some writings that existed when 2 Chronicles was written, but they do not exist now.

Ahijah the Shilonite

This is a prophet from Shiloh who predicted that the nation of Israel would be divided into two kingdoms.

Shilonite

This is the name of a people group from the town of Shiloh.

2 Chronicles 9:30

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2 Chronicles 9:31

He lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "He died"

Chapter 10

2 Chronicles 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This begins a section on King Rehoboam. (2 Chronicles 10-12)

Special concepts in this chapter

Rehoboam's taxes

The people asked Solomon's son, Rehoboam, to reduce the heavy taxes and the forced labor Solomon had demanded but Rehoboam refused. He lacked the wisdom to follow the advice of the men who had been councilors of his father Solomon. So the ten northern tribes broke off and made Jeroboam their king. They were called "Israel" and Rehoboam's kingdom was called Judah. This will cause confusion between the northern kingdom of Israel and the whole nation of Israel. (See: wise)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

The people use the metaphor of a yoke to complain about the high taxes and forced labor Solomon demanded from the people. They said, "Your father made our yoke difficult."

2 Chronicles 10:1

all Israel was coming

Here "Israel" is a metonym for the men of Israel. The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "the men of Israel were coming"

2 Chronicles 10:2

Jeroboam ... Nebat

These are the names of men. See how you translated these names in [2 Chronicles 9:29]

2 Chronicles 10:3

they sent and called him

"the men of Israel sent for Jeroboam"

Jeroboam and all Israel came

"Jeroboam and all Israel came to Rehoboam"

all Israel came

Here "Israel" is a metonym for the men of Israel. The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "the men of Israel came"

2 Chronicles 10:4

made our yoke difficult

A difficult yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and cruel treatment. Alternate translation: "treated us cruelly" or "forced us to work very hard"

make your father's hard work easier, and lighten the heavy yoke that he put on us

These two phrases mean the same thing. The yoke metaphor emphasizes the fact that Solomon had treated them harshly. Alternate translation: "make the hard work that your father gave us easier, and do not treat us as harshly as he did"

2 Chronicles 10:5

after three days

"after 3 days"

2 Chronicles 10:6

the old men who had stood before Solomon

To "stand before" is an idiom for serving the king in his presence. Alternate translation: "the old men who counseled Solomon" or "the old men who attended to Solomon"

to bring an answer to these people

"to answer these people" or "to reply to these people"

2 Chronicles 10:7

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2 Chronicles 10:8

Rehoboam ignored the advice

"Rehoboam did not follow the advice"

who had grown up with him, who stood before him

"who were his long-time friends, and who advised him"

2 Chronicles 10:9

Lighten the yoke that your father put on us

To "lighten the yoke" is a metaphor that represents easing the burden. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 10:4]

2 Chronicles 10:10

made their yoke heavy

A heavy yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and cruel treatment. This metaphor is continued in this verses. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 10:4]

My little finger is thicker than my father's waist

This metaphor means that Rehoboam is more cruel and intimidating than his father. Alternate translation: "I rule much more harshly than my father ever did" or "I am much harsher than my father"

2 Chronicles 10:11

Connecting Statement:

A heavy yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and cruel treatment. This metaphor is continued in this verses. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 10:4]

I will add to your yoke

"I will make your yoke heavier." A yoke is a metaphor for labor. Alternate translation: "I will force you to work harder"

I will punish you with scorpions

Possible meanings are that 1) "scorpions" is a metaphor for any kind of painful punishment. Alternate translation: "I will punish you much more harshly" or 2) "scorpions" is a metaphor for whips with sharp metal barbs at the end. Alternate translation: "I will punish you with whips that have sharp pieces of metal at the ends"

2 Chronicles 10:12

on the third day

"after three days"

2 Chronicles 10:13

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2 Chronicles 10:14

made your yoke heavy, but I will add to it

A heavy yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and cruel treatment. Alternate translation: "treated you cruelly, but I will be more cruel" or "forced you to work very hard, but I will make you work harder"

I will punish you with scorpions

Possible meanings are that 1) "scorpions" is a metaphor for any kind of painful punishment. Alternate translation: "I will punish you much more harshly" or 2) "scorpions" is a metaphor for whips with sharp metal barbs at the end. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 10:11. Alternate translation: "I will punish you with whips that have sharp pieces of metal at the ends"

2 Chronicles 10:15

So the king did not listen to the people

Here "listen to the people" represents not care about what they said or about actually doing what they asked. Alternate translation: "So the king did not do what the people had asked him to do" or "So the king ignored the people"

it was a turn in events brought about by God

This is an idiom and can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God caused things to happen like this"

that Yahweh might carry out his word ... Nebat

"that Yahweh might do according to the message that he told Ahijah the Shilonite to tell Jeroboam son of Nebat" or "that Yahweh might do what he had said he would do when he told Ahijah the Shilonite to give a message to Jeroboam son of Nebat"

that Yahweh might carry out his word

The idiom "carry out his word" means to do what he had said he would do.

his word that Ahijah the Shilonite had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat

This refers to the message that God gave Ahijah to tell Jeroboam.

Ahijah the Shilonite ... Jeroboam son of Nebat

See how you translated these names in [2 Chronicles 9:29]

2 Chronicles 10:16

all Israel

Here "Israel" is a metonym for the men of Israel. The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "the men of Israel"

the king did not listen to them

Here "listen to the people" represents not caring about what they said or about actually doing what they asked. Alternate translation: "the king did not do what they had asked him to do" or "the king ignored them"

What share do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse

The people use this question and statement to imply that since they do not belong to David's family, they are not obligated to support David's grandson, King Rehoboam. Alternate translation: "We have no share in David. We will not have anything to do with the descendants of the son of Jesse"

What share do we have in David?

Having a share in someone represents being his descendants and receiving the good things that descendants receive. Alternate translation: "We do not belong to the family of David"

We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse

"Son of Jesse" here is a metonym for David, a son of Jesse. Having an inheritance in someone represents being his descendants and receiving the good things that descendants receive. Alternate translation: "We will not receive any inheritance from the son of Jesse" or "We will have nothing to do with the his descendants"

Each of you should go back to his tent

"Tent" here is a metonym representing people's homes. Alternate translation: "Go to your homes, people of Israel"

Now see to your own house, David

Here "see to" is an idiom meaning to take care of something, and "house" is a metonym for David's lineage of power and prestige. Alternate translation: "Now take care of your own kingdom, descendant of David"

2 Chronicles 10:17

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2 Chronicles 10:18

Adoniram

Adoniram is the name of a man. In the Hebrew text of this sentence, his name was written as Adoram.

who was over the forced laborers

Being over people represents having authority to tell them what to do. Alternate translation: "who was in charge of the forced laborers"

stoned him to death with stones

"killed Adoniram by stoning him"

2 Chronicles 10:19

against the house of David

Here "the house of David" represents the kings who were descendants of David. Alternate translation: "against the kings descended from David"

to this day

This refers to the general time when the author wrote this book. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 5:9. Alternate translation: "even now"

Chapter 11

2 Chronicles 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The section on King Rehoboam continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Strengthening their defenses

Rehoboam strengthened the defenses of Judah. Without the help of the northern tribes, the kingdom of Judah did not really have much power to defend itself from outside attacks. Therefore, Rehoboam felt it necessary to strengthen Judah's military defenses.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Israel

When the author speaks about Israel, he is now referring almost exclusively to the northern kingdom of Israel and not the united nation of Israel.

2 Chronicles 11:1

the house of Judah and Benjamin

Here "house" is a metonym that represents a tribe or descendants and refers specifically to the soldiers from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Alternate translation: "all the soldiers from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin"

180,000 chosen men

"one hundred and eighty thousand chosen men"

chosen men who were soldiers

"choice men who were soldiers." The phrase "chosen men" is an idiom that refers to elite soldiers who were skilled in battle. Alternate translation: "of the best soldiers"

2 Chronicles 11:2

the word of Yahweh came ... saying

This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. Alternate translation: "Yahweh spoke this message ... and he said" or "Yahweh spoke these words ... and he said"

Shemaiah

This is the name of a man.

the man of God

The expression "man of God" is a respectful way of referring to a prophet of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "the man who belongs to God" or "the prophet of God"

2 Chronicles 11:3

all Israel in Judah and Benjamin

Here the word "Israel" refers to the Israelite people who live in the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Alternate translation: "all of the Israelites in the tribes of Judah and Benjamin"

2 Chronicles 11:4

your brothers

This is a reference to the ten northern tribes. By calling them "brothers," Yahweh emphasizes the family relationship between all of the tribes.

2 Chronicles 11:5

Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built cities

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Rehoboam build these cities. Alternate translation: "Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and had his workers build cities"

2 Chronicles 11:6

Etam, Tekoa

These are the names of cities.

2 Chronicles 11:7

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2 Chronicles 11:8

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2 Chronicles 11:9

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2 Chronicles 11:10

Zorah, Aijalon

These are the names of cities.

2 Chronicles 11:11

He fortified the fortresses

Here the word "fortresses" refers to fortified cities. That Rehoboam "fortified the fortresses" means that he built up and strengthened the defenses of these fortified cities. Alternate translation: "He strengthened the defenses of the fortified cities"

2 Chronicles 11:12

made them very strong

"made the cities very strong"

Judah and Benjamin belonged to him

Rehoboam was in control of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.

2 Chronicles 11:13

The priests and the Levites ... went over to him from within their borders

Possible meanings are 1) "The priests and Levites ... supported Rehoboam from within their borders" or 2) "The priests and Levites ... traveled from within their borders to join Rehoboam."

2 Chronicles 11:14

pasturelands

lands used for animals

Jeroboam and his sons had driven them away

To "drive away" is an idiom that means to forcefully cause someone to leave. Alternate translation: "Jeroboam and his sons had forced them to leave"

act as the priests of Yahweh

"do their proper work as the priests of Yahweh" or "do their duties as priests of Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 11:15

the goat and calf idols he had made

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Jeroboam make these idols. Alternate translation: "the goat idols and calf idols that he had his craftsmen make"

2 Chronicles 11:16

People ... came after them

"People ... followed the Levites" or "People ... came to Jerusalem after the Levites"

those who set their hearts to seek Yahweh

Here the word "hearts" represents the thoughts and desires. The idiom "set their hearts" means to determine to do something. Alternate translation: "those who had determined to seek Yahweh"

to seek Yahweh

Worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if the person were seeking Yahweh. Alternate translation: "to worship Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 11:17

made Rehoboam son of Solomon strong

The people supporting Rehoboam as king is spoken of as if they made Rehoboam strong. Alternate translation: "supported Rehoboam son of Solomon as king"

they walked for three years in the way of David and Solomon

Here a person's actions and lifestyle are spoken of as if the person were walking along a path. Alternate translation: "they followed the example of David and Solomon for three years"

2 Chronicles 11:18

Mahalath ... Abihail

These are the names of women.

Jerimoth ... Eliab

These are the names of men.

2 Chronicles 11:19

Jeush ... Shemariah ... Zaham

These are the names of men.

2 Chronicles 11:20

Mahalath ... Maakah

These are the names of women.

Rehoboam took Maakah

This idiom means that he married her. Alternate translation: "Rehoboam married Maakah"

Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith

These are the names of men.

2 Chronicles 11:21

eighteen wives and sixty concubines ... twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters

"18 wives and 60 concubines ... 28 sons and 60 daughters"

2 Chronicles 11:22

he had the thought of making him king

"he had thought of making Abijah king"

2 Chronicles 11:23

he scattered all his sons throughout all the land of Judah and Benjamin to every fortified city

"he sent all his sons throughout all the land to every fortified city of Judah and Benjamin"

Chapter 12

2 Chronicles 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter ends the section on King Rehoboam.

Special concepts in this chapter

Worshiping Yahweh

The safety of Israel and Judah was dependent upon the people worshiping Yahweh and not upon their military power. Because Rehoboam deserted the worship of God, God allowed the king of Egypt to take all of the wealth Solomon stored up.

2 Chronicles 12:1

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

when Rehoboam's reign was established

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "when Rehoboam had established his reign"

all Israel with him

Here the words "all Israel" refer specifically to the people of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, over which Rehoboam was king. The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "all the Israelite people whom he ruled also abandoned the law of Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 12:2

It happened

This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

in the fifth year of King Rehoboam

This refers to the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign as king. Alternate translation: "in the fifth year that Rehoboam was king" or "in year five of King Rehoboam's reign"

Shishak, king of Egypt, came up against Jerusalem

"Shishak, king of Egypt" here is a metonym for Shishak along with the Egyptian army. Alternate translation: "Shishak, king of Egypt, and his army with him, came up against Jerusalem"

Shishak

This is the name of a man.

came up against

This is an idiom that means marched against or attacked. Alternate translation: "came to attack"

2 Chronicles 12:3

twelve hundred chariots and sixty thousand horsemen

"1,200 chariots and 60,000 horsemen"

Soldiers without number

This exaggeration means that there were more soldiers than a person could easily count. Alternate translation: "Many soldiers"

Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites

These are people from Libya, Sukki, and Ethiopia. The location of Sukki is uncertain, but it may be a region in Libya.

2 Chronicles 12:4

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2 Chronicles 12:5

Shemaiah

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this word in [2 Chronicles 11:2]

so I have also given you over into Shishak's hand

Here the word "hand" represents power. Yahweh speaks of enabling Shishak's army to defeat the king and the others in Jerusalem as if he were placing them into Shishak's hand. Alternate translation: "so I have enabled Shishak to defeat you" or "so I have given you to Shishak as captives"

2 Chronicles 12:6

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2 Chronicles 12:7

they had humbled themselves

"the princes of Israel and the king had humbled themselves"

the word of Yahweh came ... saying

This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. Alternate translation: "Yahweh spoke this message ... and he said" or "Yahweh spoke these words ... and he said"

I will deliver them to some extent

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh will permit Shishak to attack Jerusalem and cause trouble for the people, but he will deliver them from total destruction or 2) the words "to some extent" can be translated as soon, meaning that Yahweh will deliver the people of Jerusalem before Shishak can completely destroy the city.

my anger will not pour out on Jerusalem

Yahweh speaks of his anger as if it were a liquid, and of expressing his anger as if he were to pour out that liquid. Alternate translation: "I will not express my anger against Jerusalem" or "Jerusalem will not suffer the effects of my anger"

by means of Shishak's hand

Here the word "hand" represents Shishak himself. Alternate translation: "by means of Shishak"

2 Chronicles 12:8

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2 Chronicles 12:9

Shishak, king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem

"Shishak, king of Egypt" here is a metonym for Shishak along with the Egyptian army. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 12:2]

came up against

This is an idiom that means marched against or attacked. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 12:2]

the house of Yahweh

Here the word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"

the shields of gold that Solomon had made

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon make these shields. Alternate translation: "the shields of gold that Solomon had his craftsmen make"

2 Chronicles 12:10

King Rehoboam made shields of bronze

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Rehoboam make these shields. Alternate translation: "King Rehoboam had his craftsmen make shields of bronze"

in their place

"in place of the shields of gold"

entrusted them into the hands of the commanders

Here the word "hands" represents care or responsibility. Alternate translation: "made them the responsibility of the commanders"

who guarded the doors to the king's house

Here the word "doors" represents the entrance. Alternate translation: "who guarded the entrance to the king's house"

2 Chronicles 12:11

It happened that

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

the guards would carry them

"the guards would carry the shields"

2 Chronicles 12:12

Yahweh's anger turned away from him, so as not to destroy him completely

Yahweh no longer being angry with Rehoboam is spoken of as if Yahweh's anger were a person who turned away from Rehoboam. Alternate translation: "Yahweh was no longer angry with him and so did not destroy him completely"

besides, there was

"in addition, there was"

2 Chronicles 12:13

forty-one years old ... seventeen years

"41 years old ... 17 years"

so that he might put his name there

Possible meanings for the phrase "put his name" are 1) a metonym for "dwell." Alternate translation: "so that he might dwell there" or 2) an idiom that refers to ownership. Alternate translation: "so that it might belong to him"

Naamah

This is the name of a woman.

2 Chronicles 12:14

he did not fix his heart to seek Yahweh

Here the word "heart" represents the thoughts and desires. The idiom "fix his heart" means to determine to do something. Alternate translation: "he was not committed to seeking Yahweh"

to seek Yahweh

Worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if the person were seeking Yahweh. Alternate translation: "to worship Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 12:15

first and last

"from beginning to end." These two words form a merism and refer to everything that Rehoboam did from the beginning of his reign to the end of his reign. Alternate translation: "everything that he did"

are they not written ... Jeroboam?

This can be expressed in active form and assumes that the answer is positive. The question is rhetorical and is used for emphasis. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "they are written ... Jeroboam." or "you can read about them ... Jeroboam."

Shemaiah ... Iddo

These are the names of men.

the constant wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam

The names of the kings represent the armies that they led. Alternate translation: "the wars in which Rehoboam's army and Jeroboam's army constantly engaged"

2 Chronicles 12:16

Abijah

This is the name of a man.

Rehoboam lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Rehoboam died"

was buried in the city of David

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people buried him in the city of David"

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Rehoboam"

Chapter 13

2 Chronicles 13 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Trust

Trusting in God, King Abijah of Judah was able to overcome the army of Israel even though it was twice as big as his army. (See: trust)

2 Chronicles 13:1

In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam

This refers to the eighteenth year of Jeroboam's reign as king. Alternate translation: "In the eighteenth year that Jeroboam was king" or "in year 18 of King Jeroboam's reign"

2 Chronicles 13:2

Macaiah, the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah

"Macaiah" is the name of a woman. "Uriel" is the name of a man.

There was war between Abijah and Jeroboam

The names of the kings represent the armies that they led. Alternate translation: "There was war between the army of Abijah and the army of Jeroboam"

2 Chronicles 13:3

400,000 chosen men ... 800,000 chosen men

"Four hundred thousand chosen men ... eight hundred thousand chosen men." The phrase "chosen men" is an idiom that refers to elite soldiers who were skilled in battle. Alternate translation: "400,000 skilled men ... 800,000 skilled men"

2 Chronicles 13:4

Mount Zemaraim

2 Chronicles 13:5

Do you not know ... by a covenant of salt?

Abijah asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the positive answer that it anticipates. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know very well ... by a covenant of salt."

a covenant of salt

The meaning of this phrase is not clear. It seems to mean "a permanent covenant."

2 Chronicles 13:6

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2 Chronicles 13:7

base fellows

"wicked men" or "evil men"

gathered to him

"joined with Jeroboam"

2 Chronicles 13:8

the kingdom of Yahweh

This is a reference to a united Israel as it existed in the time of David and Solomon.

that is held within the hand of the descendants of David

Here the word "hand" represents authority and possession. Abijah is claiming that only the descendants of David have the rightful authority to rule Yahweh's kingdom. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the descendants of David hold within their hand" or "which only the descendants of David have the authority to rule"

the golden calves that Jeroboam made

It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that Jeroboam had others make the golden calves. Alternate translation: "the golden calves that Jeroboam had his craftsmen make"

2 Chronicles 13:9

But did you not drive out ... as the people of other lands do?

Abijah asks this rhetorical question to rebuke the people and to emphasize the positive answer that it anticipates. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "But you drive out ... as the people of other lands do."

Whoever comes to serve as a priest

"Anyone who comes to serve as a priest"

a priest of what are not gods

The phrase "what are not gods" refers to the golden calves that Jeroboam had his craftsmen make. Although the priests served them as if they were gods, they were not really gods. Alternate translation: "a priest of idols that are not really gods"

2 Chronicles 13:10

as for us

The word "us" refers to the people of the southern kingdom of Judah.

who are at their work

The word "work" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "who are working"

2 Chronicles 13:11

the bread of the presence

The "bread of the presence" refers to twelve loaves of bread that the priests placed on a golden table in the tabernacle or temple building as a sacrifice to God and as a symbol of God's presence.

they also tend the lampstand

"they also take care of the lampstand"

for them to burn every evening

"so that the lamps burn every evening" or "and light the lamps every evening"

2 Chronicles 13:12

God is with us at our head

Here the front of the army is spoken of as if it were the head. Abijah is saying that God is the one who is leading the army of Judah in battle. Alternate translation: "God is with us as our leader"

do not fight against Yahweh

Since Yahweh is leading the army of Judah, Abijah speaks of the army of Israel fighting against the army of Judah as if they were fighting against Yahweh himself.

2 Chronicles 13:13

an ambush behind them

"a surprise attack behind the army of Judah"

the ambush was behind them

"the soldiers who were to attack them by surprise were behind them"

2 Chronicles 13:14

When Judah looked back

Here "Judah" represents the soldiers in the army of Judah. Alternate translation: "When the soldiers of Judah looked back"

behold

The word "behold" here shows that the soldiers were surprised by what they saw.

the fighting was both in front of them and behind them

The word "fighting" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "the army of Israel was fighting them from the front and from the back"

2 Chronicles 13:15

God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah

God enabling the army of Judah to defeat Jeroboam and the army of Israel is spoken of as if God struck Jeroboam and Israel. Alternate translation: "God enabled Abijah and the army of Judah to defeat Jeroboam and all Israel"

all Israel

Here the word "Israel" refers to the army. Alternate translation: "the entire army of Israel"

2 Chronicles 13:16

fled before Judah

Here the word "Judah" represents the army of Judah. Alternate translation: "fled before the army of Judah"

God gave them into the hand of Judah

Here the word "hand" represents power. God enabling the army of Judah to defeat the army of Israel is spoken of as if God had put the army of Israel in the hand of the army of Judah. Alternate translation: "God enabled Judah to defeat the people of Israel"

2 Chronicles 13:17

killed them with great slaughter

This idiom means that they thoroughly defeated them, or that they killed very many of the soldiers. Alternate translation: "thoroughly defeated them" or "slaughtered many of their soldiers"

500,000 chosen men

"five hundred thousand chosen men." The phrase "chosen men" is an idiom that refers to elite soldiers who were skilled in battle. Alternate translation: "500,000 of the best soldiers"

2 Chronicles 13:18

the people of Israel were subdued

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the army of Judah subdued the people of Israel"

2 Chronicles 13:19

Abijah pursued

"Abijah chased after"

Jeshanah ... Ephron

These are the names of cities.

2 Chronicles 13:20

Yahweh struck him, and he died

Yahweh causing Jeroboam to die is spoken of as if Yahweh struck Jeroboam. It is possible that this refers to Yahweh causing Jeroboam to become ill. Alternate translation: "Yahweh caused Jeroboam to die" or "Yahweh caused Jeroboam to become ill, and he died"

2 Chronicles 13:21

he took fourteen wives for himself

The idiom "took ... wives" means that he married. Alternate translation: "he married fourteen women"

fourteen wives ... twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters

"14 wives ... 22 sons and 16 daughters"

2 Chronicles 13:22

his behavior, and words

"his behavior, and his sayings" or "his behavior, and the things that he said"

are written in the history of the prophet Iddo

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "are in the history that the prophet Iddo wrote"

Chapter 14

2 Chronicles 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the section about King Asa. (2 Chronicles 14-16)

Special concepts in this chapter

Trust

Trusting in Yahweh, Asa was able to defeat million men of the army of Nubia. Trust in Yahweh is more important than military might. (See: trust)

2 Chronicles 14:1

Abijah lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Abijah died"

they buried him

"people buried him"

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Abijah"

In his days

"During his reign"

the land was quiet ten years

There being no war is spoken of as if the land were quiet. Alternate translation: "there was peace in the land for ten years" or "there was no war in the land for ten years"

2 Chronicles 14:2

what was good and right in the eyes of Yahweh his God

The word "eyes" here represents seeing, and seeing represents judgment. Yahweh saw and approved of Asa's actions. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh judged to be good and right" or "what Yahweh considered to be good and right"

2 Chronicles 14:3

He broke down the stone pillars and cut down the Asherah poles

Since Asa was king, he may have told his officials to do these things. Alternate translation: "He had his people break down the stone pillars and cut down the Asherah poles"

2 Chronicles 14:4

He commanded Judah to seek Yahweh

Here the word "Judah" represents the people of Judah. Worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if it were seeking him. Alternate translation: "He commanded the people of Judah to worship Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 14:5

he took away the high places

Since Asa was king, he may have told his officials to do these things. Alternate translation: "he had his people take away the high places"

The kingdom had rest under him

There being no war is spoken of as if the kingdom had rest. Alternate translation: "The kingdom had peace under him"

under him

"under his reign." A king ruling a kingdom is spoken of as if the king is over the kingdom or the kingdom is under the king. Alternate translation: "during his reign" or "while he was king"

2 Chronicles 14:6

He built fortified cities

Since Asa was king, he may have told his officials to do these things. Alternate translation: "He had his workers build fortified cities"

the land was quiet

There being no war is spoken of as if the land were quiet. Alternate translation: "there was peace in the land"

2 Chronicles 14:7

Asa said to Judah

Here "Judah" refers to the people of Judah. Alternate translation: "Asa said to the people of Judah"

peace on every side

"peace all around." This means that Judah was at peace with all of the surrounding nations.

So they built

The ellipsis may be supplied from the context. Alternate translation: "So they built the cities"

2 Chronicles 14:8

300,000 men ... 280,000 men

"three hundred thousand men ... two hundred and eighty thousand men"

2 Chronicles 14:9

Zerah

This is the name of a man.

one million soldiers and three hundred chariots

"1,000,000 soldiers and 300 chariots"

Mareshah

This is the name of a place.

2 Chronicles 14:10

the Valley of Zephathah

This is the name of a place.

Asa went out to meet him

Here "Asa" represents both the king and the army that he led into battle. It is implicit that he went out to meet him in battle. Alternate translation: "Asa led his army out to meet him in battle"

2 Chronicles 14:11

in your name

Here "name" represents Yahweh's authority. Alternate translation: "on your behalf" or "by your authority"

do not let man defeat you

Since the army of Judah is fighting in Yahweh's name, Asa speaks of Zerah defeating Judah as if Zerah were to defeat Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "do not let man defeat your people"

2 Chronicles 14:12

Yahweh struck the Cushites before Asa and Judah

God enabling the army of Judah to defeat the Cushites is spoken of as if God struck the Cushites. Alternate translation: "God enabled Asa and the army of Judah to defeat the Cushites"

2 Chronicles 14:13

So many Cushites fell that they could not recover

Possible meanings are 1) "So many Cushites died that the army could not recover" or 2) "So many Cushites died that there were none who remained alive."

So many Cushites fell

Here to "fall" is a euphemism for dying in battle. Alternate translation: "So many Cushites died"

for they were completely destroyed before Yahweh and his army

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh's army completely destroyed them"

2 Chronicles 14:14

for terror of Yahweh had come on the inhabitants

The inhabitants of the villages being terrified is spoken of as if terror were an object that came upon them. Possible meanings are 1) "terror of Yahweh" refers to terror from Yahweh. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh had caused the inhabitants to be terrified" or 2) "terror of Yahweh" refers to being terrified of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "for the inhabitants were terrified of Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 14:15

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Chapter 15

2 Chronicles 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The section about King Asa continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Promise

The people promise to serve the Lord. This is something they will ultimately fail to do. (See: promise)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

The phrase "seek Yahweh" means "wanting to believe and obey Yahweh." This is a common way to describe proper worship of Yahweh. It is possible the meaning of this idiom is about a desire to properly worship.

2 Chronicles 15:1

The Spirit of God came on Azariah

This is an idiom which means that the spirit of God influenced Azariah and enabled him to prophesy. Alternate translation: "The Spirit of God gave Azariah the ability to prophesy"

Oded

This is the name of a man.

2 Chronicles 15:2

he will be found by you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will find him" or "he will permit you to find him"

2 Chronicles 15:3

Israel was without the true God

Here "Israel" refers to the people of Israel. This refers to a time when the people of Israel did not worship the true God. Alternate translation: "The people of Israel did not worship the true God"

without a teaching priest

"without a priest who taught them"

2 Chronicles 15:4

he was found by them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they found him" or "he permitted them to find him"

2 Chronicles 15:5

for him who went out or for him who came in

This phrase is an idiom that refers to a person who travels anywhere away from home. Alternate translation: "for the person who traveled anywhere"

for there were great disturbances on all the inhabitants of the lands

The people experiencing great disturbances is spoken of as if those disturbances were objects that were on the people. Alternate translation: "for all the inhabitants of the lands experienced great disturbances"

great disturbances

"great troubles"

2 Chronicles 15:6

They were broken in pieces, nation against nation, and city against city

The word "they" refers to the words "nation" and "city." Conquering one another is spoken of as if they were breaking each other into pieces. Alternate translation: "Nations and cities destroyed each other, nations fighting nations, cities fighting cities"

They were broken in pieces, nation against nation, and city against city

Here "nation" and "city" are metonyms for the people who live there. You may also supply a connecting word to clarify the relationship between these two phrases. Alternate translation: "Nations and cities destroyed each other, as the people of one nation fought against the people of another nation, and the people of one city fought against the people of another city"

2 Chronicles 15:7

do not let your hands be weak

Here the word "hands" represents the people who work. Alternate translation: "do not become weak as you work"

for your work will be rewarded

This can be stated in active form. Yahweh is the implied subject. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh will reward your work"

2 Chronicles 15:8

When Asa heard these words, the prophecy of Oded the prophet

"When Asa heard the words that Oded the prophet spoke" or "When Asa heard the prophecy of Oded the prophet." The phrase "the prophecy of Oded the prophet" defines "these words."

the prophecy of Oded the prophet

Many versions make this passage read, "the prophecy of Azariah, the son of Oded the prophet." They do this in order to make the sense agree with 2 Chronicles 15:1. Translators will probably want to do the same in their versions.

drove away the disgusting figures

The words "the disgusting figures" refers to idols. Having his workers remove or destroy the idols is spoken of as if his workers were driving animals or other people away. Alternate translation: "got rid of the disgusting idols"

2 Chronicles 15:9

He gathered all Judah and Benjamin

Here the word "all" is a generalization. The phrase means that David assembled people from all over Judah and Benjamin. Alternate translation: "He gathered together people from all over Judah and Benjamin"

For they came from Israel

"For people from of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon came from Israel"

2 Chronicles 15:10

So they gathered together

"They" here refers to the tribes of Judah and Israel that were with Asa.

the third month

This is the third month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of May and the first part of June on Western calendars.

third ... fifteenth

2 Chronicles 15:11

some of the plunder that they had brought

This refers to the plunder that they had taken from the villages around Gerar in 2 Chronicles 14:14.

seven hundred ... seven thousand

"700 ... 7,000"

2 Chronicles 15:12

with all their heart and with all their soul

Together, these two phrases form an idiomatic expression that refers to a person's entire being. Alternate translation: "with all their beings" or "wholeheartedly"

2 Chronicles 15:13

be put to death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "should die"

whether the person was small or great

Possible meanings are 1) a person's importance within the community is spoken of as if the person were small or great. Alternate translation: "whether the person was important or not" or 2) a young person is spoken of as if he were small and an old person is spoken of as if he were great. Alternate translation: "whether the person was young or old"

2 Chronicles 15:14

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2 Chronicles 15:15

All Judah rejoiced

Here the word "all" is a generalization. The phrase means that people from all over Judah rejoiced. Alternate translation: "People all over Judah rejoiced"

with all their heart

The idiom "with all their heart" means "with complete devotion." Alternate translation: "with complete devotion" or "wholeheartedly"

he was found by them

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 15:4]

2 Chronicles 15:16

Maakah, his grandmother

This woman had been the wife of Rehoboam and the mother of Asa's father Abijah.

queen mother

This phrase is the official title of the mother or grandmother of the current king who was queen while her husband was king, but since his death has no official duties.

a disgusting figure

This phrase refers to an idol.

He cut down the disgusting figure, crushed it ... and burned it

Since Asa was king, he may have told his officials to cut down the figure. Alternate translation: "He made his workers cut down the disgusting figure, crush it ... and burn it"

2 Chronicles 15:17

But the high places were not taken out of Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But Asa did not command the people to take the high places out of Israel"

Asa's heart was completely devoted

The heart represents the person. Alternate translation: "Asa was completely devoted"

all his days

This refers to the whole period of time that Asa lived. Alternate translation: "the whole time that he lived" or "throughout his whole life"

2 Chronicles 15:18

the house of God

Here the word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of God"

2 Chronicles 15:19

the thirty-fifth year

"year 35"

Chapter 16

2 Chronicles 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The section about King Asa is completed in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Asa did not trust Yahweh

When Baasha was building Ramah to blockade him, Asa asked the king of Aram to help him instead of trusting God to help him. This was sinful because he disobeyed Yahweh. (See: trust and sin)

2 Chronicles 16:1

the thirty-sixth year

"year 36"

built up Ramah

It is implied that the army of Baasha first captured Ramah. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "captured and fortified Ramah"

so that he might not allow anyone to

"so that no one could"

2 Chronicles 16:2

Then Asa brought the silver ... of the king's house, and sent it

Asa would have had his workers gather the gold and silver for him. Alternate translation: "Then Asa told his workers to take the silver ... of the king's house, and to take it"

Ben-Hadad

This is the name of a man.

He said

This means he spoke by means of his servants. Asa told his servants what to say to Ben-Hadad and they did. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Asa told his servants to say to Ben-Hadad" or "Through his servants, Asa said to Ben-Hadad"

2 Chronicles 16:3

Let there be a covenant between me and you ... between my father and your father

A covenant being between two people represents those two people having a covenant with each other. Alternate translation: "Let us have a covenant with each other ... with my father and your father" or "Let us make a peace treaty ... with my father and your father"

Look, I have sent

"As proof that I want a treaty with you, I have sent"

Break your covenant with Baasha, king of Israel

Breaking a covenant represents canceling it and not doing what one has promised to do. Alternate translation: "Cancel your covenant with Baasha king of Israel" or "Do not be loyal to Baasha king of Israel as you promised in your covenant with him"

Break your covenant with Baasha, king of Israel

Asa wanted Ben Hadad to attack Israel. Ben Hadad could only do that if he broke his covenant with the king of Israel. The meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Break your covenant with Baasha, king of Israel, and attack Israel"

leave me alone

This is an idiom. Here Asa speaks of himself to represent himself along with his army. Alternate translation: "not attack me"

2 Chronicles 16:4

sent the commanders of his armies against the cities

Here Asa's armies are represented by their commanders. Alternate translation: "sent his armies to attack the cities"

Ijon, Dan, Abel Maim

These are the names of cities in Israel.

2 Chronicles 16:5

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

he stopped building up Ramah and let his work cease

Here Asa represents himself and his army. "his work" refers to other work that his workers were doing in Ramah. Alternate translation: "he commanded his army to stop fortifying Ramah and doing other work there"

building up

"fortifying"

2 Chronicles 16:6

took all Judah

This refers to all the men who live in Judah. Alternate translation: "took all the men of Judah"

timbers

Timbers are large pieces of wood used to build houses or walls.

Baasha had been

Here "Baasha" refers to his workers. Alternate translation: "Baasha's workers had been"

building up ... to build up

"fortifying ... to fortify"

Then King Asa used

Here "King Asa" represents his workers. Alternate translation: "Then King Asa had his workers use"

Geba

This is the name of a city.

2 Chronicles 16:7

Hanani

This is the name of a man.

out of your hand

Here the king's "hand" refers to his control. This means that his army was unable to conquer the king of Aram's army. Alternate translation: "from you" or "from your control"

2 Chronicles 16:8

Were not the Cushites and the Libyans a huge army, with very many chariots and horsemen?

Hanani uses this rhetorical question to remind Asa of a previous victory. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "The Cushites and the Libyans were a huge army, with very many chariots and horsemen."

Libyans

These are people from Libya.

he gave you victory

This means that king Asa's army was able to defeat the opposing army. Alternate translation: "he gave your army victory"

2 Chronicles 16:9

the eyes of Yahweh run everywhere throughout the whole earth

This speaks of Yahweh seeing everything that happens everywhere as if his eyes were a person that ran all over the earth. Alternate translation: "Yahweh sees what is happening all over the earth"

so that he might show himself strong on behalf of

This means that Yahweh shows people that he is strong by protecting his people. Alternate translation: "and Yahweh protects with his strength" or "so that he may show his strength by protecting"

those whose hearts are perfect toward him

This speaks of a people's will and desires as their "hearts." To be "perfect toward" something means to be completely devoted to that person or thing. Alternate translation: "those who are completely committed to following him" or "those who are completely devoted to following him"

2 Chronicles 16:10

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2 Chronicles 16:11

from first to last

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "from the first thing that he did to the last thing that he did" or "everything he did"

the book of the kings of Judah and Israel

This is a book that no longer exists.

2 Chronicles 16:12

the thirty-ninth year

"year 39"

Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Asa had a disease in his feet"

2 Chronicles 16:13

Asa lay down with his ancestors, dying in

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Asa died during"

in the forty-first year of his reign

"in year 41 of his reign" or "when he reigned almost 41 years"

2 Chronicles 16:14

which he had dug out for himself

Asa would have had his workers prepare his tomb for him. Alternate translation: "which his workers had dug out for him"

bier

A bier is a table on which a dead body is placed at a funeral.

sweet odors and various kinds of spices prepared by skilled perfumers

Putting plants that smell good with the dead body was one of the burial customs of the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "sweet smelling plants prepared by people skilled in this custom"

prepared by skilled perfumers

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that skilled perfumers had prepared"

Chapter 17

2 Chronicles 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the story of King Jehoshaphat.

Special concepts in this chapter

Trust in Yahweh

Jehoshaphat trusted and obeyed God. Because of this, God made him strong. (See: trust)

2 Chronicles 17:1

in his place

"after his father"

strengthened himself against Israel

Jehoshaphat prepared the army for battle. Alternate translation: "prepared the army to be able to battle Israel"

2 Chronicles 17:2

He placed forces

"He places soldiers"

garrisons

military encampments set up to protect the people

2 Chronicles 17:3

Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat

Here "was with" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "God supported him" or "God helped him"

walked in the earlier ways of his father

Here the way a person lives and conducts himself is spoken of as if it were walking. For most of David's life he lived righteously and followed Yahweh closely. Alternate translation: "lived in the earlier ways of his father David" or "lived righteously as his father David had done in his earlier years"

did not seek the Baals

This means that he did not worship the Baal idols in order to seek help from them.

2 Chronicles 17:4

not according to the practices of Israel

This refers to how most of the people of Israel did not follow Yahweh. Alternate translation: "and did not follow the evil practices that were common in Israel" or "and did not behave in the ways of the people of Israel."

2 Chronicles 17:5

Yahweh established the rule in his hand

The phrase "his hand" represents Jehoshaphat's control. Alternate translation: "Yahweh enabled him to completely control his kingdom"

honor in abundance

The word "honor" may be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "was greatly honored" or "the people greatly honored him"

2 Chronicles 17:6

His heart

Here the king is represented by his "heart" to emphasize his will and desires. Alternate translation: "He"

2 Chronicles 17:7

the third

"year 3"

Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah

These are names of men.

2 Chronicles 17:8

Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-Adonijah ... Elishama and Jehoram

These are names of men.

2 Chronicles 17:9

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2 Chronicles 17:10

Terror of Yahweh fell on all the kingdoms of the lands

The word "terror" can be expressed with the adjective "afraid." Also, this speaks of the people becoming afraid as if the terror were something that fell upon them. Alternate translation: "The people in all the kingdoms surrounding Judah became very afraid of what Yahweh might do to punish them"

against Jehoshaphat

Here Jehoshaphat represents his army. Alternate translation: "against Jehoshaphat's army"

2 Chronicles 17:11

7,700 rams, and 7,700 goats

The number can also be written as seven thousand seven hundred. This is a description of the flocks that the Arabians brought Jehoshaphat.

2 Chronicles 17:12

He built fortresses and storage cities

Jehoshaphat did not build these things himself; rather, he commanded his workers to build them. Alternate translation: "His workers built fortresses and storage cities"

2 Chronicles 17:13

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2 Chronicles 17:14

These were their divisions listed by the name of their fathers' houses

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The divisions by the name of their fathers' houses were as follows"

the commanders of thousands

The phrase "commander of thousands" is probably an official title for a military officer. Possible meanings are 1) the word "thousands" represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. Alternate translation: "the commanders of 1,000 soldiers" or 2) the word translated as "thousands" does not represent an exact number, but is the name of a large military division. Alternate translation: "the commanders of large military divisions"

Adnah
300,000

"three hundred thousand"

2 Chronicles 17:15

Jehohanan
280,000

"two hundred and eighty thousand"

2 Chronicles 17:16

Amasiah son of Zikri
200,000

"two hundred thousand"

2 Chronicles 17:17

Eliada

These are the names of men.

200,000

"two hundred thousand men" or "200,000 men"

2 Chronicles 17:18

Jehozabad

This is the name of a man.

180,000

"one hundred and eighty thousand men" or "180,000 men"

2 Chronicles 17:19

besides those

"in addition to"

Chapter 18

2 Chronicles 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Jehoshaphat as king continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

The will of God is accomplished, even when people try to avoid it. Ahab tried to disguise himself to hide from the soldiers of Aram but an arrow still hit and killed him. (See: willofgod)

2 Chronicles 18:1

Now Jehoshaphat had great riches and honor; he allied himself with Ahab

The word "now" is used here to mark background information. This happened before Ahab went down to Samaria.

he allied himself with Ahab

"he aligned himself with Ahab" or "he made himself a friend of Ahab"

2 Chronicles 18:2

Ahab killed many sheep and cattle for him and the people

This means that he had these animals slaughtered to prepare a feast for the people. Also, Ahab himself would not have prepared the animals, but rather would have commanded his workers to do it. Alternate translation: "Ahab commanded his workers to slaughter many sheep and cattle for a feast for Jehoshaphat and the people"

2 Chronicles 18:3

Will you go with me to Ramoth Gilead

Here Ahab is requesting for Jehoshaphat to join him with his army to make war against Ramoth Gilead. This can be written explicitly. Also, in this question each of the kings represents themselves accompanied by their armies. Alternate translation: "Will you and your army go with my army to attack the city of Ramoth in the region of Gilead"

I am like you, and my people are like your people

Jehoshaphat is stating his allegiance to Ahab. Alternate translation: "I offer myself and my soldiers to you to use in any way you want"

2 Chronicles 18:4

king of Israel

This refers to King Ahab.

2 Chronicles 18:5

four hundred men

"400 men"

should I not

Here about refers to himself accompanied by his army as himself. Alternate translation: "should we not"

will give it into the hand of the king

Here the king's "hand" refers to his control. This means that God will enable them to defeat the people at Ramoth Gilead. Alternate translation: "will enable your army to defeat them"

2 Chronicles 18:6

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2 Chronicles 18:7

Micaiah son of Imlah

This is the name of a man.

2 Chronicles 18:8

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2 Chronicles 18:9

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2 Chronicles 18:10

Kenaanah

This is the name of a man.

horns of iron

This is a reference to the horns of a bull but they made of metal.

you will push the Arameans until they are consumed

The prophet's actions are a symbolic metaphor that illustrates the way that Ahab would defeat the Arameans. Ahab's army will win with great strength, as a bull attacks another animal. Alternate translation: "With horns like these, your army will keep attacking the army of Aram like a bull attacks another animal, until you completely destroy them"

until they are consumed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until you consume them"

2 Chronicles 18:11

has given it into the hand of the king

Here the king's "hand" refers to his control. This means that God will enable them to defeat the people at Ramoth Gilead. Alternate translation: "has allowed the king to capture it" or "will allow your armies to capture it"

2 Chronicles 18:12

Micaiah

Translate this man's name the same as in [2 Chronicles 17:7]

Look

"Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

the words of the prophets with one mouth are favorable to the king

The prophets all saying the same thing is spoken of as if they all spoke with the same mouth. The phrase "the words of the prophets" represents the message that the prophets declare. Alternate translation: "the prophets all declare that good things will happen to the king"

your words

"what you say"

2 Chronicles 18:13

As Yahweh lives

"as surely as Yahweh is alive." The people use this expression to show that what they say next is certainly true. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: "I solemnly swear"

2 Chronicles 18:14

or not

The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: "or should we not go"

should we go

The word "we" refers to Ahab, Jehoshaphat, and their armies but not to Micaiah.

2 Chronicles 18:15

How many times must I require ... in the name of Yahweh?

Ahab asks this question out of frustration to rebuke Micaiah. Alternate translation: "Many times I have required ... in the name of Yahweh."

in the name of Yahweh

Here the word "name" refers to authority. Alternate translation: "as the representative of Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 18:16

I saw all Israel

Here "all Israel" refers to the army of Israel. Alternate translation: "I saw the entire army of Israel"

like sheep who have no shepherd

The people of the army are compared to sheep that have no one to lead them because their shepherd, the king, has died.

These have no shepherd

Yahweh speaks of the king as if he were a shepherd. Just like a shepherd is responsible to care for and protect his sheep, the king is responsible to lead and protect his people. Alternate translation: "These people no longer have a leader"

2 Chronicles 18:17

Did I not tell you ... but only disaster?

Ahab asks this question to emphasize that he had spoken the truth about Micaiah. Alternate translation: "I told you ... but only disaster!"

2 Chronicles 18:18

all the host of heaven

"all the army of heaven." Here "the host of heaven" refers to the living beings that God created in the heavens. Possible meanings are that they are called host 1) because they fight as armies. Alternate translation: "all the angel army of heaven" or 2) because there are so many of them, just as armies have many soldiers. Alternate translation: "all the multitude of heaven"

on his right hand and on his left

This means that they were standing beside him on his right side and his left side. Alternate translation: "by his right side and by his left side"

2 Chronicles 18:19

entice

This means to attract someone by offering something appealing.

fall at Ramoth Gilead

Ahab dying in battle is spoken of as if he will fall. Alternate translation: "die at Ramoth Gilead"

One said this and another that

This indicates that there was more than one opinion. The words "One ... and another" refer to two or more angels in the heavenly host who were responding to Yahweh's question in the previous verse.

2 Chronicles 18:20

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2 Chronicles 18:21

become a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets

Here the word "spirit" refers to the attitudes of the prophets and the words "the mouth" represents what they will say. Alternate translation: "cause all his prophets to speak lies"

2 Chronicles 18:22

Now see, Yahweh

"Now pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: Yahweh"

has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these prophets of yours

Here the word "spirit" refers to the attitudes of the prophets and the words "the mouth" represents what they will say. Alternate translation: "has caused your prophets to speak lies"

2 Chronicles 18:23

Kenaanah

Translate this man's name the same as in [2 Chronicles 18:10]

Which way did the Spirit of Yahweh take to go from me to speak to you?

Zedekiah asks this sarcastic question to insult and rebuke Micaiah. Alternate translation: "Do not think that Yahweh's Spirit left me to speak to you!"

2 Chronicles 18:24

Look

"Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

you will know that

"you will know the answer to your question." If Zedekiah's rhetorical question is translated as a statement, this phrase may be translated to supply implicit information. Alternate translation: "you will know that the Spirit of Yahweh has spoken to me"

2 Chronicles 18:25

king of Israel

This refers to Ahab.

Amon

This is the name of a man.

2 Chronicles 18:26

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2 Chronicles 18:27

If you return safely, then Yahweh has not spoken by me

Micaiah knew that the king would not return safely because Yahweh had already told him that. So he said this to emphasize that. Alternate translation: "If you return safely, then that would mean that Yahweh has not spoken by me"

2 Chronicles 18:28

Ahab, the king of Israel, and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, went up against

Here the kings represent themselves accompanied by their armies. Alternate translation: "Ahab, the king of Israel, and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah led their armies up against"

went up against

"fought against"

Ramoth Gilead

Translate the name of this place as you did in [2 Chronicles 18:2]

2 Chronicles 18:29

disguise

This means to change the usual appearance so as not to be identified.

2 Chronicles 18:30

Fight with neither small nor great

Here "small" and "great" mean the unimportant and important soldiers. The king used the words "small" and "great" to refer to all the soldiers. Alternate translation: "Do not attack any of the soldiers"

2 Chronicles 18:31

That is the king of Israel

Jehoshaphat was wrongly identified as the king of Israel because Ahab had insisted that he wear kingly robes.

God turned them away from him

"God caused them to stop pursuing him"

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

2 Chronicles 18:32

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2 Chronicles 18:33

drew his bow at random

Possible meanings are 1) he took aim to shoot a soldier without knowing that it was Ahab or 2) he drew his bow to shoot without any specific target in mind.

between the joints of his armor

This is a place where two pieces of armor meet and is susceptible to arrows and swords.

2 Chronicles 18:34

the king of Israel was held up in his chariot

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone held the king of Israel up in his chariot"

Chapter 19

2 Chronicles 19 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Jehoshaphat as king continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Levite judges

Jehoshaphat appointed many Levites to be judges and told them to be very fair. (See: appoint and judge)

2 Chronicles 19:1

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2 Chronicles 19:2

Hanani, the seer

"Hanani" is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 16:7]

went out to meet him

Here the word "him" refers to Jehoshaphat.

Should you be helping the wicked? Should you be loving those who hate Yahweh?

These questions expect negative answers to make the point that Jehoshaphat should not have helped Ahab. Alternate translation: "You should not help the wicked! You should not love those who hate Yahweh!"

the wicked

This refers to wicked people in general. Alternate translation: "wicked people"

anger from Yahweh is on you

The abstract noun "anger" can be translated using the word "angry." This phrase can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is angry with you"

2 Chronicles 19:3

there is some good to be found in you

The abstract noun "good" can be translated as an adjective. This phrase can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "you have done some good things"

you have taken the Asherah poles out of the land

Since Jehoshaphat was king, he may have told his officials to do these things for him. Alternate translation: "you have had your people take the Asherah poles out of the land"

Asherah poles

See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 14:3.

fixed your heart

Here the heart represents the will. Jehoshaphat's will is spoken of as being fixed or immovable, which means having an unchanging intention to seek God. Alternate translation: "firmly decided"

seek God

Wanting to do what pleases God is spoken of as if Jehoshaphat were seeking him. Alternate translation: "do what pleases God"

2 Chronicles 19:4

from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim

This is a merism that means the whole land over which Jehoshaphat reigned, from the most southern part to the most northern part, and is intended to include the whole land in between. Alternate translation: "of all the land of Judah"

brought them back to Yahweh

The author speaks of Jehoshaphat's leading the people back to serving Yahweh as if he were carrying them back to where they were at an earlier time. Alternate translation: "convinced them to return to Yahweh"

their fathers

"their ancestors" or "their forefathers"

2 Chronicles 19:5

fortified cities

cities with walls around them for protection

city by city

"for every city"

2 Chronicles 19:6

He said to the judges

"Jehoshaphat said to the judges"

he is with you

Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh was aware of what the judges decided or 2) Yahweh would hold the judges accountable for their decisions or 3) Yahweh would help and guide them in their decisions.

2 Chronicles 19:7

let the fear of Yahweh be upon you

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "you should remember to fear Yahweh when you judge"

there is no iniquity with Yahweh our God, nor is there any favoritism or bribe taking

The abstract nouns "iniquity," "favoritism," and "bribe" can be translated using the verbs "sin," "favor," and "bribe." Alternate translation: "Yahweh our God will not sin or favor one person over another in judgment or be bribed"

2 Chronicles 19:8

heads of the families

Here "heads" is a metaphor for the most important part. Alternate translation: "leaders of the families"

for carrying out judgment for Yahweh

The abstract noun "judgment" can be translated using the verb "to judge." Alternate translation: "for judging the people for Yahweh" or "for judging on Yahweh's behalf"

for the sake of disputes

"for settling disputes" or "for resolving arguments"

2 Chronicles 19:9

You must serve in reverence for Yahweh

The abstract noun "reverence" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "You must serve while fearing Yahweh" or "You must serve while respecting Yahweh"

with your whole heart

Here "heart" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "with your whole being"

2 Chronicles 19:10

General Information:

The words "you" and "your" in this verse refers to those persons Jehoshaphat appointed to be judges.

Connecting Statement:

Jehoshaphat continues to instruct some of the Levites and the priests, and some of the heads of the ancestral houses of Israel, who he appointed to be judges.

Whenever any dispute comes to you from your brothers who live in their cities

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Whenever your brothers who live in their cities bring you a dispute"

from your brothers

Here "brothers" is a general reference to fellow Israelites.

bloodshed

Here the killing of people is spoken of as shedding their blood, where "blood" represents their lives. Alternate translation: "the killing of people" or "murder"

anger will come toward you and toward your brothers

The abstract noun "anger" can be expressed as the adjective "angry." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will be angry with you and your brothers"

2 Chronicles 19:11

General Information:

The words "you" and "your" in this verse refers to those persons Jehoshaphat appointed to be judges.

Connecting Statement:

Jehoshaphat continues to instruct some of the Levites and the priests, and some of the heads of the ancestral houses of Israel, who he appointed to be judges.

See, Amariah

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: Amariah"

Amariah ... Zebadiah ... Ishmael

These are the names of men.

is over you

"is in charge of you"

of all the matters of the king

Here Jehoshaphat speaks of himself in the third person. This can be translated in the first person. Alternate translation: "of all my royal matters"

Chapter 20

2 Chronicles 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of King Jehoshaphat is completed in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Deliverance and trust

God rescues those who trust him. An enormous army came against Jehoshaphat but God promised that he would defeat them without Judah having to fight. Then the enemy fought among themselves and when the army of Judah arrived there were dead bodies. (See: trust and promise)

2 Chronicles 20:1

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Meunites

This was a people group from the region of Meun which was near Edom, east of the Jordan River.

came against Jehoshaphat to do battle

Here "Jehoshaphat" represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: "came against Jehoshaphat's army to do battle" or "came to fight against Jehoshaphat and his army"

2 Chronicles 20:2

See, they are in Hazezon Tamar

The word "see" is used here as an idiom to add emphasis to what is said next. They could not see the army in Hazezon Tamar from where they were speaking. Alternate translation: "They are already in Hazezon Tamar"

Hazezon Tamar

This is the name of a place. It is another name for Engedi.

2 Chronicles 20:3

set himself to seek

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "determined himself to seek" or "devoted himself to seek"

to seek Yahweh

This speaks of seeking Yahweh's advice as if he were looking for Yahweh. Alternate translation: "to seek Yahweh's advice"

He proclaimed a fast

The word "fast" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "He proclaimed that all the people should fast"

2 Chronicles 20:4

Judah gathered

This refers to the people of Judah. Alternate translation: "The people of Judah gathered"

2 Chronicles 20:5

of Judah and Jerusalem

This refers to the people from these places. Alternate translation: "of the people from Judah and Jerusalem"

2 Chronicles 20:6

are you not God in heaven? Are you not the ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations?

Jehoshaphat uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that God is in heaven and his authority over all things. This question can be written as statement. Alternate translation: "you are indeed God in heaven and the ruler over all the kings of the earth."

Power and might are in your hand

The words "Power" and "might" mean basically the same thing and emphasize the greatness of Yahweh's power. The word "hand" refers to possession. Alternate translation: "You possess great power" or "You have great power and might"

2 Chronicles 20:7

Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land ... to the descendants of Abraham?

Jehoshaphat uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that God drove their enemies from their land and gave it to the Israelites. This question can be written as statement. Alternate translation: "It was you who drove out those who lived in this land for the sake of your people Israel and who gave it permanently to the descendants of Abraham."

2 Chronicles 20:8

for your name

Here Yahweh is represented by his "name." Alternate translation: "for you" or "to honor you"

2 Chronicles 20:9

the sword

The "sword" represents war. Alternate translation: "war" or "battle"

before this house

This refers to the temple.

your name is in this house

Here Yahweh's presence is represented by his "name." Alternate translation: "your presence is here in this house"

2 Chronicles 20:10

Mount Seir

This was a place where the Edomites lived.

2 Chronicles 20:11

See how they are rewarding us; they are coming to drive us out of your land

Here Jehoshaphat speaks of the ironic situation. Alternate translation: "This is how they 'repay' us for the mercy we showed to them; they are coming to drive us out of your land"

See how

The word "see" here is used as an idiom to emphasize what is said next.

2 Chronicles 20:12

will you not judge them?

This rhetorical question is used as a request. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "please judge them."

our eyes are on you

Here the people are represented by their "eyes" to emphasize that they are directing their attention to God. Alternate translation: "we are looking to you for help"

2 Chronicles 20:13

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2 Chronicles 20:14

the Spirit of Yahweh came on

This is an idiom which means that the spirit of God influenced Jahaziel and enabled him to prophesy. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 15:1]

Jahaziel ... Zechariah ... Benaiah ... Jeiel ... Mattaniah ... Asaph

These are the names of men.

2 Chronicles 20:15

all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem

Here "Judah" refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "all you who live in Judah and Jerusalem"

for the battle does not belong to you, but to God

This means that God is in control of the battle and of what happens.

2 Chronicles 20:16

go down against

This is an idiom that means to go and meet the enemy army for battle. Alternate translation: "march against" or "go to battle against"

See

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"

pass of Ziz

This is a narrow valley between two mountains southeast of Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 20:17

Go out against

This is an idiom that means to go and meet the enemy army for battle. Alternate translation: "March out against" or "Go to battle against"

the rescue of Yahweh with you

The word "rescue" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "Yahweh rescue you"

Judah and Jerusalem

Here these places represent the people from them. Alternate translation: "people of Judah and Jerusalem"

2 Chronicles 20:18

bowed his head with his face to the ground ... fell down before Yahweh

These acts of worship that express humility and submission to God.

All Judah

Here "Judah" refers to the people from Judah. Alternate translation: "All the people of Judah"

2 Chronicles 20:19

Kohathites and Korahites

These are the names of people groups descending from Kohath and Korah.

with a very loud voice

This speaks of all the people praising Yahweh as if they together had one voice. Alternate translation: "with very loud voices"

2 Chronicles 20:20

Tekoa

Translate the name of this city the same as in [2 Chronicles 11:6]

you will be supported

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he will support you" or "he will help you"

Trust in his prophets, and you will succeed

"If you trust in Yahweh's prophets, then you will succeed"

2 Chronicles 20:21

his covenant faithfulness endures forever

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithfully" or "faithful." See how you translated "covenant faithfulness" in [2 Chronicles 7:3]

2 Chronicles 20:22

to sing and to praise

They were singing to Yahweh [2 Chronicles 20:21]

Yahweh set men

This means that Yahweh caused some of the enemy soldiers to ambush other enemy soldiers. Alternate translation: "Yahweh set some enemy soldiers"

ambush

a surprise attack

Mount Seir

Translate the name of this place the same as in [2 Chronicles 20:10]

They were defeated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They defeated them" or "They defeated those they had ambushed"

2 Chronicles 20:23

to completely kill them and destroy them

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second intensifies the first. Alternate translation: "to completely annihilate them"

When they had finished with

This refers to after they had destroyed them. Alternate translation: "When they had finished killing"

2 Chronicles 20:24

Behold, they were dead

The word "behold" is used here to mark a surprising event.

they were dead, fallen to the ground

The phrase "fallen to the ground" is an idiomatic way to say that "they were dead." Alternate translation: "they were all dead on the ground"

2 Chronicles 20:25

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2 Chronicles 20:26

the fourth day

"day 4"

Valley of Berakah

This is the name of a place.

to this day

This means the day on which the writer wrote. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 5:9.

2 Chronicles 20:27

every man of Judah and Jerusalem

This is a reference to every man in the army. Alternate translation: "every soldier of Judah and Jerusalem"

Jehoshaphat in their lead

"with Jehoshaphat leading them." The phrase "in their lead" is an idiom. King Jehoshaphat was in front of the whole army as they went back to Jerusalem.

rejoice over their enemies

They rejoiced because their enemies had been defeated. Alternate translation: "rejoice over their enemies' defeat" or "rejoice because their enemies had been destroyed"

2 Chronicles 20:28

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2 Chronicles 20:29

The terror of God was on all the kingdoms of the nations

The word "terror" can be expressed with the verb "feared." Alternate translation: "All the kingdoms of the nations greatly feared God"

kingdoms of the nations

"kingdoms in the nearby nations"

2 Chronicles 20:30

Jehoshaphat's kingdom was quiet

This speaks of the kingdom having peace as the kingdom being quiet. Alternate translation: "Jehoshaphat's kingdom was at peace"

2 Chronicles 20:31

thirty-five years old ... twenty-five years

"35 years old ... 25 years"

Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi

"Azubah" was the name of Jehoshaphat's mother. Shilhi was the name of Azubah's father.

2 Chronicles 20:32

He walked in the ways of Asa, his father; he did not turn away from them

This means that he lived in a way that pleased Yahweh as his father had done. Here "walking" is an idiom for the way a person lives and behaves. Alternate translation: "He did things that were pleasing to Yahweh, like his father Asa had done, and he did not stop doing those things"

he did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh

The eyes here represent seeing, and seeing represents judgment. Yahweh saw and approved of Jehoshaphat's actions. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:2]

2 Chronicles 20:33

the high places were not taken away

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he did not get rid of the high places"

The people still had not directed their hearts to the God

This means that the people did not desire to obey God and were not devoted to him. Here people's "hearts" represent their will and their desires. Alternate translation: "The people were still not devoted to the God" or "The people still were not committed to following the God"

2 Chronicles 20:34

first and last

These two opposites are given to refer to everything concerning Jehoshaphat during his reign as king. Alternate translation: "from the beginning of his reign until he died"

behold, they are written in the history ... Israel

The word "behold" is used here to add emphasis to the important information that follows. Alternate translation: "anyone can look in the history ... Israel and see that they are written there"

they are written in ... which is recorded in

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they are in ... which is in"

Hanani

Translate this man's name as you did in [2 Chronicles 16:7]

the history of Jehu son of Hanani

This is a historical account that was written by Jehu.

the book of the kings of Israel

This is a book that no longer exists. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 16:11.

2 Chronicles 20:35

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2 Chronicles 20:36

ships

These are ships capable of traveling on large bodies of water.

Tarshish

This is the name of a city.

They built the ships

Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah did not build the ships, rather, their workers built them. Alternate translation: "Their workers built the ships"

Ezion Geber

Translate the name of this place as you did in 2 Chronicles 8:17.

2 Chronicles 20:37

Eliezer ... Dodavahu

These are names of men.

Mareshah

Translate this man's name as you did in 2 Chronicles 11:8.

your works

"the things you have made"

The ships were wrecked so that

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The ships became ruined and" or "The ships wrecked so that"

they could not go

"no one was able to sail them"

Chapter 21

2 Chronicles 21 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Evil

Doing evil causes the country to decline. Jehoshaphat's son was evil. Edom and Libna successfully revolted against him, the Arabs plundered him and he died of an intestinal disease. (See: evil)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Simile

The author compares worship of Baal to being a prostitute: "to act like a prostitute." Idolatry by the people of God is often pictured as prostitution. (See: and peopleofgod)

2 Chronicles 21:1

lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "died"

city of David

This is the city of Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 21:2

Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariahu, Michael, and Shephatiah

These are names of men.

Jehoshaphat, king of Israel

The southern kingdom was technically called "Judah," but the writer of this book apparently wanted to make the point that the southern kingdom was, in its obedience to God, the true Israel.

2 Chronicles 21:3

large gifts

"gifts of large amounts"

he gave the kingdom to Jehoram

The kingdom is spoken of as if it were a physical object that Jehoshaphat gave to Jehoram. Alternate translation: "he made Jehoram king"

2 Chronicles 21:4

risen up over his father's kingdom

To "rise up over" something is an idiom that means to control it. Alternate translation: "taken complete control over his father's kingdom"

he killed all his brothers with the sword

Jehoram probably did not kill them personally, but had other people do it for him. Alternate translation: "he caused all of his younger brothers to be killed"

2 Chronicles 21:5

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2 Chronicles 21:6

walked in the ways

This is an idiom that means he followed their example. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 20:32]

the house of Ahab was doing

The word "house" is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the descendants of Ahab. Alternate translation: "the descendants of Ahab were doing"

he had Ahab's daughter as his wife

"he had married a daughter of Ahab"

in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents his judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh judged"

2 Chronicles 21:7

the house of David

The word "house" is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the kingdom of Judah. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 10:19]

he had promised that he would always give a lamp to him and his descendants

Here the word "lamp" is a metaphor, probably for the authority to rule. Alternate translation: "he had promised that David and his descendants would rule Israel forever"

2 Chronicles 21:8

In Jehoram's days

"While Jehoram was king"

set a king to reign over themselves

The word "set" is a metonym for choosing. Alternate translation: "chose a king to rule over them"

2 Chronicles 21:9

crossed over

"crossed the border into Edom" or "went to Edom"

It was night when he rose up ... surrounded him and his chariot commanders

It may be helpful to reorder this sentence and to add implicit information. Alternate translation: "The Edomites surrounded him and his chariot commanders, but Jehoram and his army fought against them and escaped during the night"

2 Chronicles 21:10

to this present day

This refers to the time when the book of 2 Chronicles was written. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 5:9.

Libnah

This was a town in Judah.

2 Chronicles 21:11

Jehoram had also built high places

Other people helped Jehoram build these high places all over the mountains of Judah. Alternate translation: "Jehoram and the people had also built high places"

he made the inhabitants of Jerusalem to live like prostitutes

Jehoram caused the people to serve idols instead of Yahweh. People who serve other gods in order to receive something from them are spoken of as spiritual prostitutes. Alternate translation: "he caused the people of Jerusalem to leave Yahweh and serve other gods, as prostitutes serve men who are not their husbands"

he led Judah astray

Not following Yahweh is spoken of as not following the correct path. Alternate translation: "he caused Judah to no longer follow Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 21:12

A letter from the prophet Elijah came to Jehoram

"Jehoram received a letter from the prophet Elijah" or "The prophet Elijah sent a letter to Jehoram"

walked in the ways

This is an idiom that means he followed their example. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 20:32]

2 Chronicles 21:13

act like a prostitute

Jehoram caused the people to serve idols instead of Yahweh. People who serve other gods in order to receive something from them are spoken of as spiritual prostitutes. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 21:11]

the house of Ahab

The word "house" is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the descendants of Ahab. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 21:6]

2 Chronicles 21:14

see

This tells Jehoram to pay attention to the message that follows.

strike your people ... your possessions with a heavy blow

"cause horrible things to happen to your people ... your possessions"

2 Chronicles 21:15

You yourself

The use of the reflexive "yourself" emphasizes that this is a personal judgment on Jehoram.

until the disease causes your intestines to come out

Possible meanings are 1) his intestines will literally fall out or 2) this is a metaphor that describes intestinal problems that will result in his death. Alternate translation: "until this disease causes your death"

2 Chronicles 21:16

stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines and of the Arabians

Stirring the spirit is a metonym for making someone want to act. Here "spirit" is singular and refers to the Philistines as a group and to the Arabians as a group. Alternate translation: "provoked against Jehoram the Philistines and the Arabians"

against Jehoram

Here Jehoram refers to Jehoram and the people of Judah that he ruled. Alternate translation: "against Jehoram and the people of Judah"

the spirit of the Philistines and of the Arabians who were near the Cushites

The Philistines and the Arabians were two different nations. The Arabians lived southeast of Judah near the Cushites, and the Philistines lived west of Judah. These nations were stirred up separately. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "the spirit of the Philistines and the spirit of the Arabians who were near the Cushites"

2 Chronicles 21:17

No son was left to him except Jehoahaz, his youngest son

"They took away all of his sons except Jehoahaz, his youngest son" or "The only son they left to him was Jehoahaz, his youngest son"

Jehoahaz, his youngest son

This same son is called "Ahaziah" in 2 Chronicles 22:1.

2 Chronicles 21:18

Yahweh struck him in his intestines with an incurable disease

Here "struck" is an idiom that means Yahweh caused him to be sick. Alternate translation: "Yahweh caused him to suffer from an incurable disease in his intestines"

2 Chronicles 21:19

It came about

This phrase marks an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

in due time

This is an idiom that refers to a set or appointed time. Alternate translation: "in the proper time" or "when the time was right"

made no fire in his honor as they had done for his ancestors

The custom of the Israelites was to make a bonfire to honor the king who had died. They did not do this for Jehoram to express their contempt for him. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "did not make a bonfire to honor him as they normally did to honor kings when they died"

2 Chronicles 21:20

when he departed no one mourned him

"no one was sad that he died"

Chapter 22

2 Chronicles 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is the beginning of the story of Queen Athaliah.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

The author compares Athaliah's evil deeds to Ahab's family's evil lives: "walked in the ways of the house of Ahab." Ahab is pictured as the epitome of evil. (See: and evil and works)

2 Chronicles 22:1

for the marauding band ... had killed all his older sons

This is background information about the events of [2 Chronicles 21:16]

all his older sons

"all Jehoram's older sons"

2 Chronicles 22:2

twenty-two years old

"22 years old"

Athaliah

This is the name of Ahaziah's mother.

2 Chronicles 22:3

He also walked in the ways

Here "walked in the ways" is an idiom that means he followed Ahab's example. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 20:32]

the house of Ahab

The word "house" is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the descendants of Ahab. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 21:6]

2 Chronicles 22:4

in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents his judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh judged"

the house of Ahab was doing

The word "house" is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the descendants of Ahab. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 21:6]

they were his advisors

"descendants of Ahab advised him"

to his destruction

"and this caused his destruction"

2 Chronicles 22:5

He also followed their advice; he went

"He also followed their advice and went" or "He also followed their advice to go"

to fight against Hazael, king of Aram

The reader should understand that Hazael did not fight alone, but that he took his army with him. Alternate translation: "to fight against Hazael, king of Aram, and his army"

Hazael

This is a man's name.

2 Chronicles 22:6

of the wounds that they had given him

"from the wounds that he received at the battle"

went down to Jezreel

Jezreel was lower in elevation than Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 22:7

Now the destruction of Ahaziah was brought about by God

The abstract noun "destruction" can be stated as an action. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God caused Ahaziah to die"

visit to Joram ... went with Jehoram

"Joram" and "Jehoram" are two names for the same person.

Nimshi

This is the name of a man.

the house of Ahab

The word "house" is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the descendants of Ahab. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 21:6]

2 Chronicles 22:8

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

carrying out God's judgment on the house of Ahab

This refers to killing the descendants of Ahab. Alternate translation: "killing all the descendants of Ahab as God had commanded"

the sons of Ahaziah's brothers

Possible meanings are 1) Ahaziah's nephews or 2) the sons of Ahaziah's relatives .

2 Chronicles 22:9

they caught him ... killed him

"they caught Ahaziah ... killed Ahaziah"

they buried him, for they said, "He is a son of Jehoshaphat, who sought Yahweh with all his heart."

They honored him enough to bury his body because he was the descendant of Jehoshaphat, who was a good king. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: they buried his corpse, because they said, "He deserves to be buried, because he was a descendant of Jehoshaphat, who tried hard to please Yahweh."

the house of Ahaziah had no more power to rule the kingdom

Here "house of Ahaziah" is a metonym that refers to Ahaziah's descendants. Here "power to rule" is a metonym for a king. Since all the adult descendants of Ahaziah were dead, there was no one left to rule Judah.

2 Chronicles 22:10

she arose and killed all the royal children

Here the writer speaks of Athaliah as if she killed the children herself, but the reader should understand that she would have ordered her servants to kill them. Alternate translation: "she commanded her servants to kill all the royal children"

all the royal children

This refers only to the males, because they could become king. Verse 11 confirms that the sons were the ones who were killed.

the house of Judah

The word "house" is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case, it refers to the kingdom of Judah. Alternate translation: "Judah" or "the kingdom of Judah"

2 Chronicles 22:11

a daughter of the king ... a daughter of King Jehoram

Here "the king" refers to Jehoram, the father of Ahaziah.

his nurse

This refers to a person who cares for a child, not to a medical person.

into a bedroom

Verse 12 makes it clear that this bedroom was located in the temple. Jehosheba could access that room because she was married to Jehoiada who was a priest.

Jehoiada

This is a man's name.

2 Chronicles 22:12

He was with them

"Joash was with Jehosheba and Jehoiada"

Chapter 23

2 Chronicles 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The chapter ends the story of Queen Athaliah and begins the story of King Joash.

Special concepts in this chapter

Having a king

The high priest organized a coup and made seven-year-old Joash king. Athaliah objected, so the chief priest had her killed. This was an attempt by the priests to fulfill the covenant God made with David. (See: highpriest and priest fulfill and covenant)

2 Chronicles 23:1

General Information:

Throughout chapter 23, Joash is referred to as "the king." It may be helpful to your readers to occasionally add "King Joash" or "Joash the king" to make his identity explicit.

Jehoiada

the chief priest who served in the temple and was faithful to God. He was an advisor to Joash.

showed his strength

He decided it was time to challenge Athaliah's rule and reveal that Joash was alive and ready to be king. Alternate translation: "decided to act"

the commanders of hundreds

The phrase "commander of hundreds" is probably an official title for a military officer. Possible meanings are 1) the word "hundreds" represents the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. Alternate translation: "the commanders of 100 soldiers" or 2) the word translated as "hundreds" does not represent an exact number, but is the name of a military division. Alternate translation: "the commanders of military divisions"

entered into a covenant

"made an agreement"

Azariah ... Ishmael ... Azariah ... Maaseiah ... Elishaphat

These five men were the commanders of hundreds of soldiers.

Jeroham ... Jehohanan ... Obed ... Adaiah ... Zikri

These are men's names.

2 Chronicles 23:2

the heads of the families

Here "heads" is a metaphor for the most important part. Alternate translation: "leaders of the families"

2 Chronicles 23:3

the king's son

Here, "king" refers to Joash's father. Alternate translation: "Joash, the son of the king"

2 Chronicles 23:4

A third

"One-third"

will be guards at the doors

"will be guards at the temple doors"

2 Chronicles 23:5

Another third ... the other third

"Another one-third ... the other one-third"

the Foundation Gate

This gate may have also been called the "Middle Gate" or the "Sur Gate." It was apparently an inner gate that was near the king's palace.

All the people

This is a generalization that refers to all the people who are present. Alternate translation: "All the other people who are present"

2 Chronicles 23:6

Allow no one to come into the house of Yahweh, except for the priests ... serving

This double negative emphasizes that the priests and Levites were the only people whom the assembly was to allow into the house of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "The only people you may allow to come into the house of Yahweh are the priests ... serving"

Allow no one to come into the house of Yahweh

"Do not allow anyone to come into the house of Yahweh"

But all the other people must obey the commands of Yahweh

It may be helpful to state that command. Alternate translation: "All the others must remain in the courtyard, obeying what Yahweh has commanded"

2 Chronicles 23:7

The Levites must surround the king on all sides

"The Levites must surround the king on all sides in order to protect him"

all sides, every man with his weapons in his hand

"all sides, and every temple guard should have his weapons and be ready to fight"

Whoever comes into the house, let him be killed

This did not include the temple guards and the priests. This can be stated explicitly and in active form. Alternate translation: "You must kill anyone except the temple guards and the priests who come into the temple"

when he comes in and when he goes out

Possible meanings are 1) "at all times" or 2) "wherever he goes."

2 Chronicles 23:8

all Judah

This is a generalization to refer to all the people of Judah who were present in the courtyard that day.

served in every way in the manner in which Jehoiada the priest commanded

"did exactly what Jehoiada the priest commanded" or "obeyed everything that Jehoiada the priest commanded"

Each one took his men ... any of their divisions

The priests and guards served in divisions, with each group working for two weeks. This refers to the point in time when two divisions were present—the one ending their service and the one starting their service. Thus there were twice as many men as usual.

were to leave off serving on the Sabbath

"were finishing their work on that Sabbath day"

2 Chronicles 23:9

General Information:

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2 Chronicles 23:10

General Information:

Throughout chapter 23, Joash is referred to as "the king." It may be helpful to your readers to occasionally add "King Joash" or "Joash the king" to make his identity explicit.

with his weapon in his hand

This means they were ready to fight. See how you translated a similar phrase in 2 Chronicles 23:7.

2 Chronicles 23:11

the king's son

Here "king" refers to Joash's father. Alternate translation: "Joash, the son of the king"

put the crown on him

This is a symbolic act to show that they are making him king.

gave him the covenant decrees

The symbolic act of giving him a scroll with the decrees shows that they expect him to obey them. It is unclear if these decrees were a portion of the law of Moses, or a separate set of rules for kings to obey. Alternate translation: "presented to him the covenant decrees that he should obey"

anointed him

This was a symbolic act to show that he was chosen by God to be the king.

Long live the king

"May the king live a long life"

2 Chronicles 23:12

General Information:

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2 Chronicles 23:13

behold

This alerts the reader that the following information is very important.

standing by his pillar at the entrance

The relationship between the king and this particular pillar at the temple entrance is unclear.

All the people of the land

This is a generalization to show that many people participated in the event. Alternate translation: "A very large number of the people of the land"

Athaliah tore her clothes

This was a symbolic action to show her great distress.

Treason! Treason!

Treason is acting to overthrow the government. Athaliah had killed the legitimate heirs of the king and made herself ruler in 2 Chronicles 22:10. She was angry that Joash became king in her place. The exclamation is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: "You are committing treason!"

2 Chronicles 23:14

Jehoiada

Translate this man's name as in [2 Chronicles 22:11]

the commanders of hundreds

The phrase "commander of hundreds" is probably an official title for a military officer. Possible meanings are 1) the word "hundreds" represents the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. Alternate translation: "the commanders of 100 soldiers" or 2) the word translated as "hundreds" does not represent an exact number, but is the name of a military division. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 23:1]

who were over the army

"who were leaders in the army"

Bring her out between the ranks

Possible meanings are 1) "Surround her and bring her out of the temple courtyard" or 2) "Remove her from the people in the temple courtyard"

anyone who follows her, let him be killed with the sword

This can be stated in active form. It is implied that people who followed her would be trying to help her. Alternate translation: "Use your sword to kill anyone who comes to help her"

For the priest had said

"For Jehoiada the priest had said"

2 Chronicles 23:15

as she went into the entrance of the Horse Gate of the king's house

Some versions have "and took her to the Horse Gate near the entrance of the kings' house"

the king's house

"the royal palace"

2 Chronicles 23:16

General Information:

Throughout chapter 23, Joash is referred to as "the king." It may be helpful to your readers to occasionally add "King Joash" or "Joash the king" to make his identity explicit.

2 Chronicles 23:17

all the people went to the house of Baal

This is a generalization that means a large group of the people did this. Alternate translation: "a very large group of the people went to the temple of Baal"

Mattan

This is the name of a man.

2 Chronicles 23:18

under the hand of the priests

Here "hand" represents control. Alternate translation: "under the direction of the priests"

2 Chronicles 23:19

so that no one that was unclean in any way should enter

A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if they were physically unclean. Alternate translation: "so that no one that was unacceptable to God in any way should enter"

so that no one that was unclean in any way should enter

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "to make sure that only those who were clean could enter" or "to make sure only those who were acceptable to God could enter"

2 Chronicles 23:20

the commanders of hundreds

The phrase "commander of hundreds" is probably an official title for a military officer. Possible meanings are 1) the word "hundreds" represents the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. Alternate translation: "the commanders of 100 soldiers" or 2) the word translated as "hundreds" does not represent an exact number, but is the name of a military division. Alternate translation: "the commanders of military divisions" See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 23:1]

all the people of the land

This is a generalization that means he took very many people with him. Alternate translation: "a very large group of the people of Israel"

He brought down the king from the house of Yahweh

The temple was built on the highest hill in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "He brought the king down from the temple to the palace"

the throne of the kingdom

"the royal throne"

2 Chronicles 23:21

So all the people of the land

This is generalization to say that most of the people rejoiced.

the city was quiet

Here "the city" represents the people of the city, and "quiet" represents peace, since no one opposed Joash after Athaliah died. Alternate translation: "the people of the city were at peace"

Chapter 24

2 Chronicles 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of King Joash is completed in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Joash repairs the temple

Joash decided to repair the temple. The Levites collected money from people and gave it to the workmen to repair the temple. This was a sign of worship towards Yahweh. (See: temple and sign)

Joash becomes evil

When Joash stopped worshiping Yahweh, he had many troubles. Joash remaind loyal to Yahweh as long as the chief priest lived, but when the chief priest died Joash started following other gods. The chief priest's son warned him that he would have trouble, so he had him killed. The army of Aram defeated and plundered him and his servants murdered him. (See: priest and falsegod)

2 Chronicles 24:1

began to reign

"became king of Judah"

forty years

"40 years"

Zibiah

This is a woman's name.

2 Chronicles 24:2

what was right in the eyes of Yahweh

The word "eyes" here represents seeing, and seeing represents judgment. Yahweh saw and approved of Joash's actions. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:1]

all the days of Jehoiada, the priest

This idiom means "as long as Jehoiada, the priest, was alive."

2 Chronicles 24:3

Jehoiada took for him two wives

"Jehoiada chose two wives for Joash"

2 Chronicles 24:4

It came about after this

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

2 Chronicles 24:5

right away

"immediately"

The Levites did nothing at first

It may be helpful to add "but" to show that the Levites did not obey. Alternate translation: "But the Levites did not do it immediately"

2 Chronicles 24:6

Why have you not required the Levites ... covenant decrees?

King Joash asks this rhetorical question to accuse Jehoiada of not doing his duty. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have neglected your duty. I told you to require the Levites ... covenant decrees, but you have not done it."

for the tent of the covenant decrees

Although it refers to the temple that Solomon built, it is a reminder that this tax has been collected since the time of Moses and the "tent of meeting."

2 Chronicles 24:7

holy things

This refers to the items used for worship in the temple.

to the Baals

"to people to use for the worship of idols of Baal"

2 Chronicles 24:8

a chest

a large wooden box

2 Chronicles 24:9

they made a proclamation

"they proclaimed" or "they announced"

2 Chronicles 24:10

All the leaders and all the people

This is a generalization. Some people probably did not respond this way.

2 Chronicles 24:11

It happened that whenever

This phrase introduces a new, recurring action. If your language has a way to note this, you may use it here.

take it and carry it back to its place

"take the chest and carry it back to its place"

2 Chronicles 24:12

stonemasons and carpenters

"men who built with stone and men who built with wood"

those who worked in iron and bronze

"men who made things from iron and bronze"

2 Chronicles 24:13

went forward in their hands

Here the word "forward" represents progress, and the word "hands" represents their control. Alternate translation: "made progress under their supervision"

2 Chronicles 24:14

the rest of the money

This is money that was collected in the chest but not needed for repairs.

furnishings

This refers to the "utensils" and "spoons" listed later in the verse.

for all the days of Jehoiada

This idiom refers to the lifespan of Jehoiada. Alternate translation: "for as long as Jehoiada lived" or "throughout the lifetime of Jehoiada"

2 Chronicles 24:15

grew old and was full of days

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how long he lived. Alternate translation: "became very old"

was full of days

This idiom means he lived a long time.

130 years old

"one hundred and thirty years old"

2 Chronicles 24:16

among the kings

"among the tombs of the kings" or "among the graves of the kings"

because he had done good in Israel, toward God, and to the house of God

The nominal adjective "good" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "because he had done good things in Judah for God and for God's temple"

2 Chronicles 24:17

did honor to the king

"gave honor to King Joash" or "honored the king"

Then the king listened to them

The following verse indicates that they wanted the king to serve idols instead of Yahweh, and he agreed. Alternate translation: "Then they persuaded the king to do what they wanted"

2 Chronicles 24:18

God's anger came on Judah and Jerusalem

God's anger is spoken of as something that covered over Judah and Jerusalem. Here the words "Judah" and "Jerusalem" are metonyms for the people who lived there. Alternate translation: "God became very angry with the people of Judah and Jerusalem"

for this guilt of theirs

"because they were guilty of sin"

2 Chronicles 24:19

Yet he sent

Here the word "yet" indicates a contrast between God's anger and his sending of the prophets to give them a chance to repent and avoid judgment.

to himself, Yahweh

The reflexive pronoun emphasizes that Yahweh was the one to whom they should turn.

they refused to listen

"the people refused to obey"

2 Chronicles 24:20

clothed Zechariah

The topic of this metaphor is that because of what the Spirit did, Zechariah had special powers. Possible images are 1) the Spirit came over or came on or covered Zechariah like a garment, thus giving Zechariah special powers. Alternate translation: "came over Zechariah" or "took control of Zechariah" Or 2) the Spirit covered himself with Zechariah and so acted through him.

Zechariah son of Jehoiada

This was not the same man as Zechariah son of Berechiah who wrote the Book of Zechariah.

Why do you transgress the commandments of Yahweh, so that you cannot prosper?

Zechariah asked this rhetorical question to rebuke the people. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are transgressing the commandments of Yahweh, so that is why you cannot prosper."

2 Chronicles 24:21

General Information:

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2 Chronicles 24:22

did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, had done to him

"did not pay attention to the way that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, had been kind to him"

to him

Here "him" refers to Joash.

call you to account

"make you pay for the wrong you have done"

2 Chronicles 24:23

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

sent all the plunder from them

"sent all the plunder from Judah and Jerusalem"

2 Chronicles 24:24

victory over a very great army

"victory over the much larger army of Judah"

In this way the Arameans brought judgment on Joash

This refers to God's judgment. This can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "In this way God used the Arameans to judge Joash"

2 Chronicles 24:25

Joash had been severely wounded

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they had severely wounded Joash"

because of the blood of the sons of Jehoiada

The word "blood" here is a metaphor for innocent life and a metonym for the murder in which the blood was shed. Alternate translation: "because he had murdered the sons of Jehoiada"

They killed him in his bed

"The servants killed Joash in his bed"

2 Chronicles 24:26

Zabad ... Jehozabad

These are the names of men.

Shimeath, an Ammonite woman ... Shimrith, a Moabite woman

"Shimeath, from the country of Ammon ... Shimrith, from the country of Moab." These are the names of two women.

2 Chronicles 24:27

the accounts about his sons

"the record of what his sons did"

the important prophecies that were spoken about him

"the important things the prophets spoke about him"

see, they are written

Here "see" alerts the reader to pay special attention to the information that follows.

the commentary on the book of the kings

This is a book which no longer exists.

Chapter 25

2 Chronicles 25 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Worshiping other gods

When Amaziah trusted God he was successful against Edom. But when he started worshiping the idols of Edom he was badly defeated. (See: trust and falsegod)

2 Chronicles 25:1

twenty-five years ... twenty-nine years

"25 years ... 29 years"

Jehoaddan

This is a woman's name.

2 Chronicles 25:2

what was right in the eyes of Yahweh

Here the word "eyes" represents sight, and sight represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:2]

but not with a whole heart

Here the phrase "whole heart" is an idiom that means "completely." Alternate translation: "but not completely"

2 Chronicles 25:3

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

2 Chronicles 25:4

the book of Moses

This refers to the book of Deuteronomy, which Moses wrote.

The fathers must not be put to death for their children, and children must not be put to death for their fathers

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People must not kill the fathers for the sins of their children, and they must not kill the children for the sins of their fathers"

2 Chronicles 25:5

gathered Judah together

Here "Judah" refers to the people who lived in Judah. Alternate translation: "gathered the people of Judah together"

registered them ... numbered them

He had someone write their names on an official list.

by their ancestors' houses

Here the word "houses" is a metonym for the families that lived in them. Alternate translation: "by their ancestors' families"

commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. Alternate translation: "commanders of 1,000 soldiers and commanders of 100 soldiers" or 2) the words translated as "thousands" and "hundreds" do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: "commanders of large military divisions and commanders of smaller military divisions" See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 1:2]

all of Judah and Benjamin

Here "Judah" and "Benjamin" refer to the people who lived in the wider kingdom of Judah. Alternate translation: "all the people of Judah and Benjamin"

twenty years old and upward

Here numbers that were larger than twenty are spoken of as if they were higher. Alternate translation: "20 years old and older"

found them to be

"learned that there were"

300,000

"three hundred thousand"

chosen men

"capable soldiers" or "skilled warriors"

2 Chronicles 25:6

100,000

"one hundred thousand"

one hundred talents of silver

"100 talents of silver." You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "about thirty-three hundred kilograms of silver" or "about 3,300 kilograms of silver"

2 Chronicles 25:7

a man of God

"a prophet of God"

Israel ... the people of Ephraim

These are two names for the same group people.

2 Chronicles 25:8

throw you down before the enemy ... throw down

Here the prophet speaks of military defeat as if the king would be thrown down on the ground. Alternate translation: "enable your enemy to defeat you ... defeat"

2 Chronicles 25:9

about the one hundred talents

You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "about the thirty-three hundred kilograms of silver" or "about the 3,300 kilograms of silver"

2 Chronicles 25:10

the army that had come to him from Ephraim

These words refer to "the army of Israel" (verse 9).

So their anger was greatly kindled

Here the increase in their anger is spoken of as if it were a growing fire inside them. Alternate translation: "So their anger began to burn within them like a fire"

in fierce anger

"very angry"

2 Chronicles 25:11

took courage

"became brave"

Valley of Salt

This is an area near the Dead Sea.

ten thousand men

"10,000 men"

2 Chronicles 25:12

another ten thousand

"another 10,000 soldiers"

so that they were all broken in pieces

This is an exaggeration to emphasize the thoroughness of the slaughter. Alternate translation: "so that they were all completely destroyed"

2 Chronicles 25:13

the men of the army which Amaziah sent back

"the men of the army of Israel which Amaziah sent back to Israel"

Beth Horon

This was a village near Jerusalem in Ephraim.

struck down

Here "struck down" is an idiom that means they killed them. Alternate translation: "killed"

three thousand of the people

"3,000 people"

took much plunder

"took away a great amount of valuable things"

2 Chronicles 25:14

Now it came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

the slaughter of the Edomites

"slaughtering the Edomites" or "killing the Edomites"

the gods of the people of Seir

"the gods that the people of Seir worshiped"

bowed down ... burned incense

These are symbolic acts of worship.

the gods

This expresses the popular opinion of the day that the gods determined who won battles.

2 Chronicles 25:15

Yahweh's anger was kindled against Amaziah

Here the increase in Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were a growing fire. Alternate translation: "Yahweh's anger grew like a fire against Amaziah"

Why have you sought after the gods of a people who did not even save their own people from your hand?

The prophet uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Amaziah for worshiping the powerless gods of the people he had defeated. Here the word "hand" is a metonym for power. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have worshiped the gods of a people that did not even save their own people from your power, King Amaziah."

the gods ... who did not even save their own people

This expresses the popular opinion of the day that the gods determined who won battles.

2 Chronicles 25:16

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark the next important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Have we made you an advisor to the king? Stop! Why should you be killed?

The king used these rhetorical questions to rebuke the prophet for speaking against him. The questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "We certainly did not appoint you to be one of my advisors. So stop talking! If you say anything more, I will tell my soldiers to kill you!"

you have done this deed

This refers back to Amaziah worshiping the gods of the Edomites in 2 Chronicles 25:14.

2 Chronicles 25:17

Jehoash ... Jehoahaz

These are names of men.

meet each other face to face

This idiom means they would both be there in person, rather than communicating through messages or other people. Alternate translation: "meet each other in person"

2 Chronicles 25:18

A thistle that was in Lebanon ... trampled down the thistle

This message is in the form of a parable. The worthless thistle represents Amaziah, and the cedar represents Jehoash. The trampling of the thistle by the beast expresses that something bad will happen to the thistle, and it will be powerless to stop it. The point of the parable is that Amaziah was foolish to challenge Jehoash.

thistle

This is a small, worthless plant with small, sharp thorns.

cedar

a very large type of tree

Judah

Here "Judah" is a metonym for the people who lived in Judah. Alternate translation: "the people of Judah"

2 Chronicles 25:19

your heart has lifted you up

This is an idiom that means he had become proud. Alternate translation: "you have become proud"

why should you cause yourself trouble and fall, both you and Judah with you?

Jehoash used this rhetorical question to warn Amaziah not to fight with him. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "you should not cause yourself trouble and fall, both you and Judah with you."

fall

Here "fall" is a euphemism for "die."

2 Chronicles 25:20

this event was from God

"God wanted this event to happen"

into the hand of their enemies

Here "hand" refers to power to defeat. Alternate translation: "into the power of their enemies" or "so their enemies could defeat them"

2 Chronicles 25:21

met each other face to face

This idiom means they were both at the battle in person, rather than only sending other people to fight. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 25:17]

Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah

The city of Beth Shemesh was located in Judah.

2 Chronicles 25:22

Judah was struck down before Israel

Here "Judah" and "Israel" are metonyms for the soldiers of Judah and Israel, and "struck down" is an idiom that means "defeated." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The soldiers of Israel defeated the soldiers of Judah"

every man

This is a generalization that refers to the soldiers of Judah who survived the battle. Alternate translation: "the surviving soldiers of Judah"

to his tent

"to his home"

2 Chronicles 25:23

four hundred cubits in distance

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "400 cubits in distance" or "a length of 180 meters"

2 Chronicles 25:24

with Obed-Edom

Here "Obed-Edom" refers to this man's descendants. Alternate translation: "under the care of the descendants of Obed-Edom"

the king's house

"the royal palace"

2 Chronicles 25:25

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2 Chronicles 25:26

As for the other matters ... are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel?

This rhetorical question is used to remind the reader that what happened to Amaziah is well-known. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "All of the matters concerning Amaziah, behold, are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."

the other matters concerning Amaziah, first and last

Here the phrase "first and last" refers to those extremes and everything in between. Alternate translation: "all the matters concerning Amaziah"

behold

This alerts the reader to pay special attention to the truth of what follows.

the book of the kings of Judah and Israel

This refers to a book that no longer exists.

2 Chronicles 25:27

turned away from following Yahweh

Here "turn away" is an idiom that means he no longer obeyed Yahweh. Alternate translation: "stopped obeying Yahweh" or "started to disobey Yahweh"

they began to make a conspiracy ... they sent

The text does not state to whom "they" refers. Retain the generic "they" in your translation if possible.

make a conspiracy against him

The abstract noun "conspiracy" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "conspire against him" or "plot against him"

Lachish

a city in Judah

2 Chronicles 25:28

They brought

The text does not state to whom the word "They" refers. Retain the generic "they" in your translation if possible.

brought him back

"brought back his body"

city of Judah

This was another name for Jerusalem, which was also called the city of David.

Chapter 26

2 Chronicles 26 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Uzzah the leper

Uzzah was powerful when he followed Yahweh. When he entered the temple to burn incense like a priest, God made him a leper. Lepers could not properly worship Yahweh because they were always unclean. (See: temple and priest and clean)

2 Chronicles 26:1

All the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah

The word "All" is a generalization. Some people may not have wanted him to be king. Alternate translation: "The people of Judah took the 16 year-old Uzziah and made him king after his father, Amaziah"

sixteen

"16"

2 Chronicles 26:2

It was he who rebuilt Elath

Uzziah did not do this alone. Alternate translation: "It was he who ordered Elath to be rebuilt" or "It was he who supervised the rebuilding of Elath"

Elath

a city in Judah

restored it to Judah

"returned it to Judah." This means that his army captured the city so that now it belonged to Judah again.

lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way to say he died.

2 Chronicles 26:3

sixteen ... fifty-two

"16 ... 52"

2 Chronicles 26:4

what was right in the eyes of Yahweh

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:2]

2 Chronicles 26:5

He set himself to seek God

Here "set himself" is a metaphor for being determined to do something. Seeking God represents choosing to know, worship, and obey him. Alternate translation: "He was determined to obey God"

in the days of Zechariah

Here "the days of Zechariah" is a metonym referring to the time period during which Zechariah was priest. Alternate translation: "when Zechariah was priest"

As long as he sought Yahweh

"During the whole time that he sought Yahweh"

sought Yahweh

Seeking Yahweh represents choosing to know, worship, and obey him. Alternate translation: "chose to obey Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 26:6

Uzziah went out and fought against the Philistines

Here "Uzziah" represents himself and his army that he led. Alternate translation: "Uzziah led his army out to fight against the Philistines" or "Uzziah and his army went out and fought against the Philistines"

He broke down ... he built cities

Here the pronouns "He" and "him" represent Uzziah and his army. Alternate translation: "Uzziah and his army broke down ... they built cities"

Jabneh

This was a town in northern Judah.

the country of Ashdod

"the country surrounding Ashdod" or "near Ashdod"

2 Chronicles 26:7

God helped him

Here the pronouns "He" and "him" represent Uzziah and his army. Alternate translation: "God helped them"

Gurbaal

This was a town in Arabia.

Meunites

This is likely people who moved to that area from the kingdom of Maon near Mount Seir.

2 Chronicles 26:8

his fame spread, even to the entrance of Egypt

His fame spreading is a metaphor for people in various places learning about him. Alternate translation: "people who lived even as far away as the border of Egypt learned about the things he was doing"

2 Chronicles 26:9

Uzziah built towers

Here "Uzziah" represents the workers he had commanded to build the towers. Alternate translation: "Uzziah had his workers build towers" or "Uzziah's workers built towers"

2 Chronicles 26:10

He built watchtowers ... and dug many cisterns

Uzziah commanded his workers, and they did these things. Alternate translation: "He had his workers build watchtowers ... and dig many cisterns" or "They built watchtowers ... and dug many cisterns"

he had many ... He had farmers ... he loved

The word "he" refers to Uzziah.

the soil

This phrase is a metonym for the activity of farming the soil. Alternate translation: "farming"

2 Chronicles 26:11

Jeiel ... Maaseiah, the officer ... Hananiah

These are the names of men.

2 Chronicles 26:12

the leaders of the families who led the mighty warriors

"the family leaders who led the mighty warriors"

2,600

"two thousand six hundred"

2 Chronicles 26:13

307,500

"three hundred seven thousand five hundred"

Under their hand was an army

Here "their hand" represents their authority. Alternate translation: "Under their authority was an army" or "They commanded an army"

2 Chronicles 26:14

helmets

A helmet is a protective head covering.

body armor

This is a covering for the body made of metal links or chains.

2 Chronicles 26:15

he built machines that were designed by skillful men

Here "he built machines" represents Uzziah commanding his workers to build them. Alternate translation: "his workers built machines that were designed by skillful men"

the battlements

These were the corners of the city walls where soldiers could fight from.

he was greatly helped

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God greatly helped him"

2 Chronicles 26:16

his heart was lifted up

Here the heart being lifted up represents pride. Alternate translation: "he became proud"

2 Chronicles 26:17

with him eighty priests of Yahweh, who were brave men

The verb "went" is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "with him went eighty priests of Yahweh, who were brave men" or "eighty priests of Yahweh, who were brave men, went with him"

2 Chronicles 26:18

It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to Yahweh

"It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to Yahweh" or "Uzziah, you do not have the right to burn incense to Yahweh"

who are consecrated to burn incense

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom God has consecrated to burn incense" or "whom God has chosen to burn incense"

2 Chronicles 26:19

censer

This is a special pan or bowl used for burning incense.

2 Chronicles 26:20

behold, he had become leprous

The word "behold" here shows that the priests were surprised by what they saw.

They quickly drove him out of there

"They quickly forced him out of there" or "They quickly made him leave"

Yahweh had struck him

This speaks of Yahweh making him sick as if Yahweh had hit him. Alternate translation: "Yahweh had made him ill"

2 Chronicles 26:21

to the day of his death

"until he died" or "the rest of his life"

lived in a separate house

This indicates that he lived away from other houses and other people.

he was cut off from the house of Yahweh

Here being "cut off" from Yahweh's house represents being excluded from the temple. Alternate translation: "he was excluded from the house of Yahweh" or "he was not allowed to go to the temple"

Jotham, his son, was over the king's house

Here being over something represents having responsibility or authority for it. Alternate translation: "Jotham, his son, was responsible for the king's house" or "Jotham, his son, was in charge of the palace"

the king's house

This refers to the king's palace, which the king was no longer living in.

2 Chronicles 26:22

The other matters concerning Uzziah, from first to last, were recorded by the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "As for the other matters concerning Uzziah, from first to last, the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz recorded them"

from first to last

This phrase represents the whole time of Uzziah's reign. Alternate translation: "from the beginning of his reign to the end of his reign"

Amoz

This is the name of a man.

2 Chronicles 26:23

So Uzziah lay down with his ancestors

This is polite way to say that he died. Alternate translation: "So Uzziah died"

they buried him with his ancestors

"the people buried him near his ancestors" or "they buried him where his ancestors were buried"

Jotham, his son, became king in his place

"Jotham, his son, became king after Uzziah"

Chapter 27

2 Chronicles 27 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Trust in Yahweh

Jotham was able to conquer the people of Ammon because he obeyed the Lord. For Yahweh, trust in Yahweh is the key to victory in battle. (See: trust)

2 Chronicles 27:1

twenty-five years old ... sixteen years

"25 years old ... 16 years"

Jerushah

This is the name of a woman.

2 Chronicles 27:2

He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh

The eyes here represent seeing, and seeing represents judgment. Yahweh saw and approved of Jotham's actions. See how you translated similar words in [2 Chronicles 14:2]

2 Chronicles 27:3

He built the upper gate ... he built much

Since Jotham was king, he may have had his workers build these things. Alternate translation: "He had his workers build the upper gate ... he had his workers build many things"

the hill of Ophel

This is a hill in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 27:4

he built cities ... he built fortresses and towers

Since Jotham was king, he may have had his workers build these things. Alternate translation: "he had his workers build cities ... he had his workers build fortresses and towers"

2 Chronicles 27:5

He fought also with the king of the people of Ammon

You may need to translate so that the reader understands that Jothan led his army to fight. Alternate translation: "He also led his army to fight with the king of the people of Ammon"

with the king of the people of Ammon

You may need to translate so that the reader understands that the king of Ammon led his army to fight. Alternate translation: "with the king of Ammon and his army"

one hundred talents of silver

You may convert this to a modern measure. A "talent" is equivalent to 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "100 talents of silver" or "3,300 kilograms of silver"

ten thousand measures of wheat

You may convert this to a modern measure. The word translated here as "measure" is "cor" and is equivalent to 220 liters. Alternate translation: "10,000 measures of wheat" or "2,200 kiloliters of wheat"

ten thousand measures of barley

You may convert this to a modern measure. The word translated here as "measure" is "cor" and is equivalent to 220 liters. Alternate translation: "10,000 measures of barley" or "2,200 kiloliters of barley"

in the second and third years

"in the second and third years after he defeated them"

2 Chronicles 27:6

he walked firmly before Yahweh his God

Jotham's actions and lifestyle are spoken of as if they were a path upon which he walked. That he walked firmly means that he was devoted to living in this way. Alternate translation: "he faithfully obeyed Yahweh his God"

2 Chronicles 27:7

his ways

Jotham's actions are spoken of as if they were a path upon which he walked. Alternate translation: "the things that he did"

see, they are written in the book ... Judah

"anyone can look in the book ... Judah and see that they are written there"

they are written in the book

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they are in the book" or "you can read of them in the book"

the book of the kings of Israel and Judah

This is a book that no longer exists.

2 Chronicles 27:8

twenty-five years old ... sixteen years

"25 years old ... 16 years"

2 Chronicles 27:9

Jotham lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Jotham died"

they buried him

"people buried him"

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Jotham"

Chapter 28

2 Chronicles 28 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

King Ahaz's idolatry

Judah was defeated by all of the neighboring countries because King Ahaz was worshiping all sorts of foreign gods. (See: falsegod)

2 Chronicles 28:1

twenty years old ... sixteen years

"20 years old ... 16 years"

what was right in the eyes of Yahweh

The eyes here represent seeing, and seeing represents judgment. Yahweh saw and did not approve of Ahaz's actions. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 14:2]

2 Chronicles 28:2

he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel

Walking represents behavior and actions. Alternate translation: "he acted the same way that the kings of Israel had acted" or "he did the things that the kings of Israel had done"

he also made cast metal figures for the Baals

"he even made cast metal figures for worshiping the Baals"

2 Chronicles 28:3

the Valley of Ben Hinnom

This is a valley in Jerusalem.

before the people of Israel

The people of those nations fled as the people of Israel moved into the land. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "before the people of Israel who moved into the land" or "as the people of Israel moved into the land"

2 Chronicles 28:4

the high places and on the hills and under every green tree

These are places where the people of the other nations worshiped their false gods.

under every green tree

God wanted his people to offer sacrifices to him in Jerusalem. The word "every" here is an exaggeration to show how determined King Ahaz was to disobey God by offering sacrifices in many other places instead. Alternate translation: "under many green trees" or "under many green trees around the country"

2 Chronicles 28:5

Yahweh the God of Ahaz gave him into the hand of the king of Aram

Here the metonym "hand" represents power. God enabling the army of the king of Aram to defeat Ahaz and his army is spoken of as if God had put Ahaz in the hand of the king of Aram. Alternate translation: "Yahweh the God of Ahaz enabled the king of Aram to defeat Ahaz"

carried away from him

"carried away from Ahaz." Here "him" represents Ahaz's army. Alternate translation: "carried away from Ahaz's army"

Ahaz was also given into the hand of the king of Israel who defeated him

Here the metonym "hand" represents power. God enabling the army of the king of Israel to defeat Ahaz and his army is spoken of as if God had put Ahaz in the hand of the king of Israel. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh also enabled the king of Israel to defeat Ahaz"

2 Chronicles 28:6

Pekah son of Remaliah

This was the king of Israel. Both "Pekah" and "Remaliah" are the names of men.

120,000 soldiers

"one hundred twenty thousand soldiers"

2 Chronicles 28:7

Zikri ... Maaseiah ... Azrikam ... Elkanah

These are the names of men.

a powerful man

This is an idiom that refers to a mighty warrior. Alternate translation: "a mighty warrior"

who was next to the king

This idiom means that this man was the king's assistant who was second in command. Alternate translation: "who was the king's second in command"

2 Chronicles 28:8

The army of Israel took captive from their relatives

"From their own relatives, the army of Israel took captive." The word "their" refers to the army of Israel. The narrator speaks of the people of Judah as the relatives of the people of Israel.

200,000 wives, sons, and daughters

"two hundred thousand wives, sons, and daughters"

2 Chronicles 28:9

Oded

This is the name of a man.

he gave them into your hand

Here the word "hand" represents power. God enabling the army of Israel to defeat the army of Judah is spoken of as if God had put the army of Judah in the hand of the army of Israel. Alternate translation: "God enabled you to defeat them"

you have slaughtered them in a rage that reached up to heaven

Oded speaks of Yahweh knowing how severely the army of Israel slaughtered the army of Judah as if the rage with which the army of Israel slaughtered them were an object so large that it reached into heaven. That Yahweh knows what they have done implies that he will respond. Alternate translation: "you have slaughtered them in such great rage that Yahweh himself has noticed and will take vengeance"

2 Chronicles 28:10

But are you not guilty of sins of your own against Yahweh your God?

Oded asks this rhetorical question to rebuke the army of Israel and to emphasize the positive answer that the question anticipates. Alternate translation: "But you yourselves are guilty of sins of your own against Yahweh your God."

2 Chronicles 28:11

Yahweh's burning anger is on you

Oded speaks of Yahweh being extremely angry with the Israelite army as if Yahweh's wrath were an object that were upon them. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is extremely angry with you"

burning anger

See how you translated this phrase in 2 Chronicles 28:11.

2 Chronicles 28:12

Azariah son of Jehohanan, Berekiah son of Meshillemoth, Jehizkiah son of Shallum, and Amasa son of Hadlai

These are all names of men.

stood up against those who came back from the war

The phrase "stood up against" is an idiom that means to confront or to oppose. Alternate translation: "confronted those who came back from the war" or "opposed those who came back from the war"

2 Chronicles 28:13

something that will bring on us sin

The leaders speak of doing something that will cause them to be guilty of sin as if it were sin were an object that the action brings upon them. Alternate translation: "something that will cause us to be guilty of sinning"

there is burning anger against Israel

This phrase implies that it is Yahweh's burning anger that is against Israel. The words "burning anger" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is extremely angry with the people of Israel"

burning anger

See how you translated this phrase in 2 Chronicles 28:11.

2 Chronicles 28:14

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2 Chronicles 28:15

The men who were assigned by name

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The men whom the leaders assigned by name"

sandals

This is a type of shoe.

anointed them

This probably means that they gave them oil to put on their wounds.

put the weak ones on donkeys

"put the weak ones who were too weak to walk on donkeys"

2 Chronicles 28:16

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2 Chronicles 28:17

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2 Chronicles 28:18

They took Beth Shemesh

Taking a city is an idiom that means to conquer or to capture the city. Alternate translation: "The Philistines captured Beth Shemesh"

Beth Shemesh, Aijalon, Gederoth, Soko ... Timnah ... Gimzo

These are the names of places.

2 Chronicles 28:19

Yahweh humbled Judah because of Ahaz

The name "Judah" is a metonym for the people who lived in the lind of Judah. Alternate translation: "Yahweh humiliated the people of Judah because of Ahaz"

2 Chronicles 28:20

Tiglath-Pileser

This is Tiglath-Pileser III, also known as Pul.

troubled him instead of strengthening him

Helping Ahaz against his enemies is spoken of as if it were strengthening Ahaz. Alternate translation: "caused him trouble instead of helping him"

2 Chronicles 28:21

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2 Chronicles 28:22

in his time of suffering

"when he was suffering"

2 Chronicles 28:23

the gods of Damascus

The Syrians believed Damascus to be the city where their gods dwelt, much like Yahweh dwelt in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "the gods whom the Syrians worshiped in Damascus"

gods that had defeated him

This expresses Ahaz's opinion. Because the Syrians had defeated him and his army, Ahaz attributed his defeat to the gods whom the Syrians worshiped. Alternate translation: "gods whom he believed had enabled the Syrian army to defeat him"

they were the ruin of him and of all Israel

The word "ruin" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "those gods ruined him and all Israel"

all Israel

Here "Israel" represents the southern kingdom of Judah.

2 Chronicles 28:24

the house of God ... the house of Yahweh

Here the word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of God ... the temple of Yahweh"

in every corner of Jerusalem

Possible meanings are 1) the word "corner" refers to street corners, or places where streets intersect. Alternate translation: "on every street corner in Jerusalem" or 2) the various parts of Jerusalem are spoken of as if they were the corners of the city. Alternate translation: "in every part of Jerusalem"

he made for himself altars

Since Ahaz was king, he may have had his workers make these high places. Alternate translation: "he had his workers make altars for him"

2 Chronicles 28:25

he made high places to burn sacrifices

Since Ahaz was king, he may have had his workers make these high places. Alternate translation: "he had his workers make high places to burn sacrifices"

2 Chronicles 28:26

all his ways, first and last

Ahaz's actions are spoken of as if they were a path upon which he walked. The phrase "first and last" refers to those extremes and everything in between. Alternate translation: "all that he did from the beginning of his reign to the end of his reign"

see, they are written in the book ... Israel

"anyone can look at the book ... Israel and see that they are written there"

they are written in the book

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone has written them in the book" or "you can read of them in the book"

the book of the kings of Judah and Israel

This is a book that no longer exists.

2 Chronicles 28:27

Ahaz lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Ahaz died"

they buried him

"people buried him"

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Ahaz"

Chapter 29

2 Chronicles 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the story of King Hezekiah. (2 Chronicles 29-32)

Special concepts in this chapter

Cleansing the temple

King Hezekiah was a great king. He cleaned and rededicated the temple. This was a sign that he wanted the people to return to worshiping Yahweh. (See: clean and temple and sign)

2 Chronicles 29:1

twenty-five years old ... twenty-nine years

"25 years old ... 29 years"

Abijah

This is a woman's name.

2 Chronicles 29:2

what was right in the eyes of Yahweh

The word "eyes" here represents seeing, and seeing represents judgment. Yahweh saw and approved of Hezekiah's actions. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:1]

2 Chronicles 29:3

in the first month

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of March and the first part April on Western calendars.

the house of Yahweh

Here the word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"

Hezekiah opened the doors ... and repaired them

Since Hezekiah was king, he may have had his workers do these things. Alternate translation: "Hezekiah ordered his workers to open the doors ... and to repair them"

2 Chronicles 29:4

on the east side

This refers to the east side of the temple. Alternate translation: "on the east side of the temple"

2 Chronicles 29:5

carry away the filthiness from the holy place

The word "filthiness" refers to things that the people had used to worship other gods. The narrator speaks of these things making the temple unacceptable to Yahweh as if they were physically dirty. Alternate translation: "remove the things that defile the holy place" or "remove the things that make the holy place unacceptable to Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 29:6

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh our God

The word "sight" here represents judgment. Yahweh saw and did not approve of their ancestors' actions. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh our God judged to be evil" or "what Yahweh our God considered to be evil"

turned away their faces from the place where Yahweh lives, and turned their backs on it

These two phrases share similar meanings. The words "faces" and "backs" represent the people who turned so that their faces were away from the temple and their backs were towards it. Alternate translation: "turned away from the place where Yahweh lives"

turned away their faces from the place where Yahweh lives, and turned their backs on it

Rejecting Yahweh and no longer worshiping him is spoken of as if the people had turned away from the temple. Alternate translation: "abandoned Yahweh's temple and stopped worshiping him"

the place where Yahweh lives

This refers to the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple where Yahweh lives"

2 Chronicles 29:7

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2 Chronicles 29:8

the wrath of Yahweh had fallen on Judah and Jerusalem

Here the words "Judah and Jerusalem" refer to the people who live there. Hezekiah speaks of Yahweh being angry with the people and punishing them as if his wrath were an object that fell upon them. Alternate translation: "because Yahweh was angry, he had punished the people of Judah and Jerusalem"

an object of terror, of horror, and of scorn

This can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: "something that terrifies and horrifies people, and something that people scorn"

as you can see with your own eyes

The phrase "with your own eyes" emphasizes that the people can see this for themselves without others having to tell them about it. Alternate translation: "as you can see for yourselves"

2 Chronicles 29:9

our fathers have fallen by the sword

The idiom "fallen by the sword" means to die in battle. The word "sword" represents the soldiers, who used swords as their primary weapons. Alternate translation: "our fathers have died in battle"

2 Chronicles 29:10

it is in my heart

Here the word "heart" represents the thoughts and intentions. Hezekiah speaks of deciding to do something as if that thing were in his heart. Alternate translation: "it is my intention" or "I have decided"

his burning anger may turn away from us

Here Yahweh turning his anger from them is spoken of as if the anger were a person who could turn himself away from them. Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire. Alternate translation: "he may no longer be very angry with us" or "he may turn his great anger away from us"

burning anger

See how you translated this phrase in 2 Chronicles 28:11.

2 Chronicles 29:11

to stand before him

Possible meanings are 1) "to stand in his presence" or 2) this is an idiom that means to serve a person of high rank. Alternate translation: "to serve him"

2 Chronicles 29:12

General Information:

These verses list the names of the Levites who began to do the work that Hezekiah had ordered them to do. These are all men's names.

the Levites arose

Here the word "arose" is an idiom that means that the Levites began to act. Alternate translation: "the Levites began to work"

2 Chronicles 29:13

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2 Chronicles 29:14

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2 Chronicles 29:15

following the words of Yahweh

This phrase shows that the king gave his command in obedience to the word of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "in obedience to the word of Yahweh" or "because of what Yahweh had said"

to cleanse the house of Yahweh

A place that is fit to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically clean.

the house of Yahweh

Here the word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 29:16

the house of Yahweh ... the courtyard of the house

Here the word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh ... the courtyard of the temple"

they brought out everything unclean that they found in the temple of Yahweh

The word "unclean" describes things that the people had used to worship other gods. The narrator speaks of these things making the temple unacceptable to Yahweh as if they were physically dirty. Alternate translation: "they brought out all the defiled things that they found in the temple of Yahweh" or "they brought out all the things that they found in the temple of Yahweh that made it unacceptable to Yahweh"

Kidron Brook

A small body of water that flows on the east side of Jerusalem. At times it was used as a trash dump.

2 Chronicles 29:17

the first day of the first month

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day marks the day when Yahweh brought the people out of Egypt. This is near the middle of March on Western calendars.

the eighth day of the month

This is near the end of March on Western calendars.

they reached the porch of Yahweh

The phrase "the porch of Yahweh" refers to the porch of the temple. "They reached" means that they began to cleanse this section. Alternate translation: "they had begun to cleanse the porch of Yahweh's temple"

sixteenth day of the first month

This is near the beginning of April on Western calendars.

2 Chronicles 29:18

the bread of the presence

This is a reference to the 12 loaves of bread that were placed in front of the altar. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 2:4.

2 Chronicles 29:19

See, they are

"Look at them. You can see for yourself that they are"

2 Chronicles 29:20

the house of Yahweh

The word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 29:21

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2 Chronicles 29:22

they killed the bulls, and the priests received the blood

"the priests killed the bulls and took the blood"

2 Chronicles 29:23

they laid their hands on them

"the king and people in the assembly laid their hands on them"

2 Chronicles 29:24

that a burnt offering and a sin offering should be made for all Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the priests should make a burnt offering and a sin offering for all Israel"

2 Chronicles 29:25

the house of Yahweh

The word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"

cymbals

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 5:12]

arranging them by the command of David, Gad, the king's seer, and Nathan, the prophet

The word "command" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "arranging the Levites as David, Gad, the king's seer, and Nathan, the prophet had commanded"

for the command was from Yahweh by means of his prophets

The word "command" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh had commanded this through his prophets"

2 Chronicles 29:26

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2 Chronicles 29:27

the song of Yahweh began also

The phrase "the song of Yahweh" refers to people singing a song to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "the people began to sing a song to Yahweh also"

2 Chronicles 29:28

until the burnt offering was finished

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until the priests finished offering the burnt offering"

2 Chronicles 29:29

When they had finished the offerings

"When the priests had finished the offerings"

bowed and worshiped

The object of worship may be supplied in translation. Alternate translation: "bowed and worshiped Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 29:30

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2 Chronicles 29:31

thank offerings

These were offerings of thanksgiving.

the house of Yahweh

The word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"

who had a willing heart

Here the word "heart" represents the person who was willing. Alternate translation: "who were willing" or "who desired"

2 Chronicles 29:32

seventy bulls, one hundred rams, and two hundred male lambs

"70 bulls, 100 rams, and 200 male lambs"

2 Chronicles 29:33

six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep

"600 oxen and 3,000 sheep"

2 Chronicles 29:34

to skin all the burnt offerings

"to remove the skins from all the burn offerings"

until the work was done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until they had finished the work"

until the priests could consecrate themselves

Since there were some priests who were already consecrated, this implies that more priests consecrated themselves. Alternate translation: "until more of the priests could consecrate themselves"

had been more careful to consecrate themselves

There were enough Levites to do this work because they had been careful to consecrate themselves. This implies that the reason that there were not enough priests was because the priests were not careful to consecrate themselves.

2 Chronicles 29:35

they were performed with the fat of the fellowship offerings

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the priests performed the burnt offerings with the fat of the fellowship offerings"

the service of the house of Yahweh was set in order

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Hezekiah set the service of the house of Yahweh in order"

the house of Yahweh

The word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"

was set in order

This idiom means that something is organized. Here it refers to the priestly service beginning in the temple again. Alternate translation: "was restored" or "began again"

2 Chronicles 29:36

the work had been done quickly

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people had done the work quickly"

Chapter 30

2 Chronicles 30 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Hezekiah continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Passover

Hezekiah invited everyone in Judah and in Israel to come to Jerusalem and celebrate the Passover. It had not been celebrated since King Solomon's day. (See: passover)

2 Chronicles 30:1

all Israel and Judah

This represents the nation of Israel in general. Earlier the nation had been split into two kingdoms called by these names.

Ephraim and Manasseh

Ephraim and Manasseh were two of the tribes in the northern part of Israel. Here the phrase "Ephraim and Manasseh" refers to the people who belonged to all ten of the northern tribes of Israel. Alternate translation: "the northern tribes of Israel"

2 Chronicles 30:2

deciding to celebrate the Passover in the second month

The Israelites normally celebrated the passover during the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The first month is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars.

second month

This is the second month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of April and the first part of May on Western calendars.

2 Chronicles 30:3

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2 Chronicles 30:4

This proposal

This refers to the proposal to celebrate the Passover in the second month instead of in the first month.

in the eyes of the king and of all the assembly

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "in the judgment of the king and all the assembly" or "to the king and all the assembly"

2 Chronicles 30:5

from Beersheba to Dan

These are the most southern and most northern parts of Israel. By referring to them this way, the writer emphasizes that all of Israel was included. Alternate translation: "from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the north"

according to what was written

"as it was written that they should do." It is implied that it was written that they should observe the Passover with large numbers of people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Moses had written that they should observe it"

2 Chronicles 30:6

couriers

people who carry messages

all Israel and Judah

The tribe of Judah was the largest of the tribes of Israel and was in the southern part of Israel. Here the phrase "Israel and Judah" refers to the people who belonged to the southern tribes of Israel. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 30:1]

turn back to Yahweh

Here "turn back to Yahweh" represents submitting to him again. Alternate translation: "submit again to Yahweh"

so that he may turn back to the remnant of you

Here "turn back to the remnant" represents protecting the remnant again. Alternate translation: "so that he may again protect the remnant of you"

who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria

The word "hand" often represents power or authority. Here it represents the kings' cruel authority to force people to go to other countries. Alternate translation: "who have escaped from the power of the kings of Assyria"

2 Chronicles 30:7

Connecting Statement:

This is a continuation of King Hezekiah's message to the people of Israel.

your brothers

Here "brothers" represents other people of Israel. Alternate translation: "your people"

he made them an object of horror

The abstract noun "horror" can be expressed with the words "horrified" or "horrible." The author writes of what God did to their ancestors in terms of how other people would react when the saw what God did. Alternate translation: "he made them something that people would be horrified to see" or "he punished them horribly"

2 Chronicles 30:8

do not stiffen your necks

This phrase is a metaphor. God is telling them not to become stubborn. Alternate translation: "do not become stubborn"

give yourselves to Yahweh

This represents submitting to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "submit to Yahweh" or "dedicate yourselves to Yahweh"

come into his holy place

Here "his holy place" refers to God's temple in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "come to his temple in Jerusalem for it is holy" or "come to his temple in Jerusalem"

his burning anger may turn away from you

Here Yahweh turning his anger from them is spoken of as if the anger were a person who could turn himself away from them. Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire. Alternate translation: "he may no longer be very angry with you" or "he may turn his great anger away from you"

burning anger

See how you translated this phrase in 2 Chronicles 28:11.

2 Chronicles 30:9

if you turn back to Yahweh

Here "turn back to Yahweh" represents submitting to him again. Alternate translation: "if you submit again to Yahweh"

your brothers and children will find compassion before those who led them away as prisoners

Here "find compassion" is a metaphor for experiencing compassion. Finding it "before those who led them" means those who led them away will show them compassion. Alternate translation: "your brothers and children will experience compassion from those who led them away as prisoners" or "those who led your brothers and children away as prisoners will be kind to them"

will not turn his face away from you

Here "turn his face away from you" represents rejecting them and refusing to protect them. Alternate translation: "will not reject you"

if you return to him

Here "return to him" represents submitting to God again. Alternate translation: "if you submit again to him"

2 Chronicles 30:10

the regions of Ephraim and Manasseh

Ephraim and Manasseh were two of the tribes in the northern part of Israel. Here the phrase "Ephraim and Manasseh" refers to the people who belonged to all ten of the northern tribes of Israel. See how you translated it in [2 Chronicles 30:1]

all the way to Zebulun

Zebulun was one of the tribes farthest in the north of Israel, but there were three other tribes that reached farther north.

2 Chronicles 30:11

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2 Chronicles 30:12

The hand of God also came on Judah

Here "the hand of God" represents his guidance as if he were guiding them with his hand. Alternate translation: "God guided the people of Judah"

to give them one heart

Having "one heart" represents being united and agreeing. Alternate translation: "causing them to agree"

to carry out the command

Here "carry out the command" is an idiom meaning to do what was commanded. Alternate translation: "to obey the command"

the command of the king and leaders by the word of Yahweh

The phrase "by the word of Yahweh" shows that the king and leaders gave their command in obedience to the word of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "the command that the king and leaders gave them in obedience to the word of Yahweh" or "what the king and the leaders commanded because of what Yahweh had said"

2 Chronicles 30:13

the second month

This is the second month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of April and the first part of May on Western calendars.

2 Chronicles 30:14

They rose and took away the altars

Here "They rose" means that they started to work at taking away the altars. Alternate translation: "They began to work and took away the altars" or "They took away the altars"

the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense

These two phrases refer to altars that people had built to false gods.

the Kidron Brook

This was a small stream of water in the Kidron Valley.

2 Chronicles 30:15

the fourteenth day of the second month

This is near the beginning of May on Western calendars.

2 Chronicles 30:16

They stood in their place by their divisions

"They stood in their appointed places"

the blood that they received from the hand of the Levites

This refers to the blood of the lambs that the Levites killed. Here "received from the hand of the Levites" is a metonym for the Levites giving the blood to the priests. Alternate translation: "the blood that they received from the Levites" or "the lambs' blood that the Levites gave to them"

2 Chronicles 30:17

the Passover lambs

"the lambs for the Passover"

2 Chronicles 30:18

Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun

These are the names of some of the tribes that lived in the northern part of Israel. See how you translated "Zebulun" in [2 Chronicles 30:10]

against the written instructions

To do something "against" instructions means to do something that is not in obedience to the instructions. If needed, the instructions can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "even though the written instructions said that they must purify themselves first"

the good Yahweh

The word "good" here is a reminder to the people that Yahweh is kind. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, who is good"

2 Chronicles 30:19

who sets his heart to seek God

This continues the sentence that begins with the word "everyone" in verse 18.Here "sets his heart" is a metaphor for being determined to do something, and "to seek God" is a metaphor for knowing, worshiping, and obeying him. "everyone who is determined to obey God" or "everyone who truly wants to honor God"

2 Chronicles 30:20

So Yahweh listened to Hezekiah

This implies that Yahweh responded favorably to Hezekiah. Alternate translation: "So Yahweh responded favorably to Hezekiah" or "So Yahweh did what Hezekiah asked"

healed the people

Here "healed the people" is a metaphor for forgiving the people and not punishing them. Alternate translation: "forgave the people" or "did not punish the people"

2 Chronicles 30:21

kept the Festival of Unleavened Bread

Here "kept the festival" is a idiom meaning to participate in the festival or celebrate the festival. Alternate translation: "celebrate the festival"

singing with loud instruments to Yahweh

"singing and playing loud musical instruments to Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 30:22

who understood the service of Yahweh

This was the reason that he spoke encouragingly to them. Alternate translation: "because they understood the service of Yahweh" or "because they served Yahweh skillfully"

So they ate throughout the festival

The word "they" refers to the people of Israel.

making confession to Yahweh

Possible meanings are 1) "confession" here refers to saying that God is great. Alternate translation: "praising Yahweh" or 2) "confession" here refers to admitting their sins. Alternate translation: "confessing their sins to Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 30:23

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2 Chronicles 30:24

Hezekiah ... gave the assembly ... bulls and ... sheep as an offering

Hezekiah gave the animals to the people as an offering to the Lord for the people to eat.

one thousand bulls ... seven thousand sheep ... one thousand bulls ... ten thousand sheep and goats

"1,000 bulls ... 7,000 sheep ... 1,000 bulls ... 10,000 sheep and goats"

2 Chronicles 30:25

All the assembly of Judah

Here "Judah" probably refers to the southern tribes of Israel.

all the people who came together from Israel

Here "Israel" probably refers to the northern tribes of Israel. The people are members of those tribes. They came to Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Alternate translation: "all the people who came together from Israel in the north"

the foreigners who came from the land of Israel

Here "the land of Israel" probably refers to the land owned by the northern tribes of Israel. Alternate translation: "the foreigners who came from the land of Israel in the north"

2 Chronicles 30:26

since the time of Solomon son of David, king of Israel

"since the time when Solomon son of David ruled as king of Israel" or "since the Passover Festival that the people held when Solomon son of David was king of Israel"

there had not been anything like it in Jerusalem

"there had not been any Passover Festival in Jerusalem like this Passover Festival"

2 Chronicles 30:27

Their voice was heard ... their prayer went up to heaven, the holy place where God lives

These two phrases mean the same thing and imply that God responded favorably to their prayer. Alternate translation: "God responded favorably to their prayer, which he heard in heaven, the holy place where he lives" or "God, who lives in the holy heaven, heard their prayer"

Their voice was heard

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God heard their voice" or "God heard what they said to him"

their prayer went up to heaven

Their prayer going up to heaven represents God in heaven paying attention to them praying on earth.

Chapter 31

2 Chronicles 31 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of King Hezekiah continues in this chapter.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

To express Hezekiah's desire to please God, the author uses two idioms "to seek God" and "with all his heart." This means that he really wanted to do what God wanted.

2 Chronicles 31:1

who were there

"who were in Jerusalem"

to his own possession

Here "possession" means possessions in general. Alternate translation: "to his own property" or "to his own home"

2 Chronicles 31:2

Hezekiah assigned the divisions of the priests and the Levites organized by their divisions, each man assigned to his work, both the priests and the Levites

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Hezekiah organized the priests and the Levites into groups. He assigned each priest and Levite to their duties"

2 Chronicles 31:3

assigned the king's portion for the burnt offerings from his own possessions

Hezekiah took the meat and grain used for the burnt offerings out of his own possessions.

the new moons

This was a festival coinciding with the movement of the moon.

the fixed festivals

This refers to festivals which occur on specific dates.

as it was written in the law of Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "just as Moses wrote in the law of Yahweh" or "just as Yahweh commanded in his law"

2 Chronicles 31:4

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2 Chronicles 31:5

As soon as the command was sent out

This can stated in active form. Alternate translation: "As soon as the people heard the command"

a tithe of everything

"a tenth of all their crops"

2 Chronicles 31:6

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2 Chronicles 31:7

third month

This is the third month of the Hebrew calendar. It is at the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dry season. It is during the last part of May and the first part of June on Western calendars.

seventh month

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. This is during the early rain season, which would soften the land for sowing. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars.

2 Chronicles 31:8

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2 Chronicles 31:9

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2 Chronicles 31:10

of the house of Zadok

Here "house" represents a family or descendants. Alternate translation: "a descendant of Zadok"

What was left over is this large amount here

The chief priest would have been pointing to the large heaps.

2 Chronicles 31:11

Hezekiah commanded storerooms to be prepared

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Hezekiah commanded the priests and Levites to prepare storerooms"

2 Chronicles 31:12

Konaniah ... Shimei

These are names of men.

2 Chronicles 31:13

Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismakiah, Mahath, and Benaiah

These are names of men.

were managers under the hand of Konaniah and Shimei his brother

Here "hand" represents power or control. The phrase "under the hand" is an idiom that means to be under someone's authority. Alternate translation: "were managers whom Konaniah and Shimei his brother supervised"

the official over the house of God

Here "over" is an idiom that means to be in charge of. Alternate translation: "the official in charge of everyone who served in the house of God"

2 Chronicles 31:14

Kore ... Imnah

These are names of men.

the porter at the east gate

"the gatekeeper at the east gate of the temple"

2 Chronicles 31:15

Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shekaniah

These are names of men.

Under him were Eden ... in the cities of the priests

Here "under" is an idiom that means to be under someone's authority. Alternate translation: "Eden ... assisted Kore in the cities of the priests"

They filled offices of trust, in order to give

"Their duty was to give" or "They faithfully gave"

to their brothers

Here "brothers" is a metaphor for "fellow priests." Alternate translation: "to their fellow priests"

division by division

"group by group"

to both the important and the unimportant

Here "important" and "unimportant" are used together to mean "everyone." Alternate translation: "to everyone, including the important and the unimportant"

the important and the unimportant

This seems to imply the old and the young. This can be restated to removed the nominal adjectives. Alternate translation: "those who are old and those who are young"

2 Chronicles 31:16

They also gave

It is understood that they gave the freewill offerings. Alternate translation: "They also gave freewill offerings"

three years old and up

"three years old and older"

who were recorded in the genealogies

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whose names were in the records"

as required by the daily schedule, to do the work in their offices and their divisions

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to do the daily work that they were supposed to do"

2 Chronicles 31:17

They distributed

It is understood they distributed the freewill offerings. Alternate translation: "They distributed freewill offerings"

twenty years old and more

"20 years old and older"

2 Chronicles 31:18

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2 Chronicles 31:19

there were men assigned by name to give portions

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "there were men responsible for giving portions"

to all who were recorded in the genealogies

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to all whose names were in the records"

2 Chronicles 31:20

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2 Chronicles 31:21

to seek his God

Seeking Yahweh represents choosing to know, worship, and obey him. Alternate translation: "to obey his God"

he performed it with all his heart

Here the word "heart" refers to a person's will and desire. Alternate translation: "he performed it with all his will" or "he was completely committed to what he did"

Chapter 32

2 Chronicles 32 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of King Hezekiah is completed in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Trust in Yahweh

Because Hezekiah trusted God, God rescued Jerusalem from the attacked of the Assyrian army and healed Hezekiah when he was very sick. (See: trust)

2 Chronicles 32:1

After these things and these acts of faithfulness

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithfully." Alternate translation: "After Hezekiah faithfully did all the things Yahweh commanded him to do"

Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came ... He camped

Here Sennacherib represents his army. Alternate translation: "Sennacherib, king of Assyria, and his army came ... They camped"

came and entered Judah

Here "came" can be stated as "went." Alternate translation: "went and entered Judah"

2 Chronicles 32:2

that Sennacherib had come and that he intended

Here Sennacherib also represents his army. Alternate translation: "that Sennacherib and his army had come and that they intended"

to fight against Jerusalem

Here "Jerusalem" represents the people there. Alternate translation: "to fight against the people of Jerusalem" or "to fight against the army of Jerusalem"

2 Chronicles 32:3

to stop up the waters of the springs that were outside the city

The people of the city would fill up wells and fountain springs with earth and rocks, hiding the water from the Assyrians, but the people would cause the water to flow into the city through secret pathways.

2 Chronicles 32:4

Why should the kings of Assyria come and find a lot of water?

The people use a rhetorical question to emphasize that they do not want the kings of Assyria to find their water. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "We do not want the kings of Assyria to come here and find a lot of water."

the kings of Assyria

Possible meanings for "kings" are 1) this is an idiom that refers to the one king of Assyria. Alternate translation: "the king of Assyria" or 2) this may refer to the king and his other leaders. Alternate translation: "the king and the other leaders of Assyria"

2 Chronicles 32:5

Hezekiah took courage and built up ... He built ... He also ... he made

The readers should understand that Hezekiah probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Hezekiah took courage and commanded the people to build up ... They built ... They also ... they made"

Hezekiah took courage and built up

Possible meanings are 1) Hezekiah strengthened his position by commanding the people to repair the walls of the city. You can make this clear by using the connecting word "by." Alternate translation: "Hezekiah strengthened the city by building up" or 2) he became encouraged. Alternate translation: "Hezekiah became encouraged and built up"

the Millo

This is a part of the wall on the north side of Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 32:6

He placed military commanders over the people

The idiom "place over" means to put in charge of. "He put military commanders in charge of the people"

2 Chronicles 32:7

for someone is with us who is greater than those with him

"for our God is with us and is more powerful than those with the king of Assyria"

2 Chronicles 32:8

is only an arm of flesh

Here "arm" represents strength, and "flesh" represents humanity. Alternate translation: "are only those with human power"

2 Chronicles 32:9

now he was ... with him

The word "now" is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the narrator tells background information about the location of Sennacherib and his army.

Lachish

This was a city in Judah.

2 Chronicles 32:10

What are you trusting in so you can endure a siege in Jerusalem?

Sennacherib uses a rhetorical question to cause the people to think about their situation. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "These people you are trusting in cannot make you able to endure a siege in Jerusalem."

2 Chronicles 32:11

Is not Hezekiah misleading you ... king of Assyria'?

Sennacherib uses a rhetorical question to cause the people of Jerusalem to think about their situation. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Hezekiah is misleading you ... king of Assyria.'"

that he may give you over to die by famine and by thirst

"so that you will die from lack of food and water"

from the hand of the king of Assyria

Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "from the power of the king of Assyria" or "from the king of Assyria"

2 Chronicles 32:12

Has not this same Hezekiah taken away ... sacrifices'?

Sennacherib uses a rhetorical question to cause the people of Jerusalem to think about their situation. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "This is the same Hezekiah who has taken away ... sacrifices.'" or "Hezekiah has taken away ... sacrifices.'"

commanded Judah and Jerusalem

Here "Judah" and "Jerusalem" represent the people who live there. Alternate translation: "commanded the people of Judah and Jerusalem"

2 Chronicles 32:13

Do you not know what ... lands?

Sennacherib uses a rhetorical question to cause the people of Jerusalem to think about their situation. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know very well what ... lands!"

Were the gods ... power?

Sennacherib uses a rhetorical question to cause the people of Jerusalem to think about their situation. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "There was no god ... power!"

2 Chronicles 32:14

Among all the gods ... was there any god who ... hand?

Sennacherib uses a rhetorical question to cause the people of Jerusalem to think about their situation. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "There was no god among all the gods ... who ... hand!"

out of my hand

Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "from my power" or "from me"

Why should your God be able ... power?

Sennacherib uses a rhetorical question to cause the people of Jerusalem to think about their situation. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "There is no reason your God should be able ... power!"

2 Chronicles 32:15

Now

Here the word "now" is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

How much less will your God rescue you from my hand?

Sennacherib uses a rhetorical question to cause the people of Jerusalem to think about their situation. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Your God will certainly not be able to rescue you from my hand!"

2 Chronicles 32:16

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2 Chronicles 32:17

out of my hand

Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "from my power" or "from me"

2 Chronicles 32:18

They cried out

"Sennacherib's servants shouted loudly"

to frighten them and trouble them

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of fear. Alternate translation: "to make them very afraid"

they might capture

"the Assyrian army might capture"

2 Chronicles 32:19

They spoke of the God of Jerusalem as they had spoken of the gods of the other peoples of the earth

"They mocked the God of Jerusalem as they had mocked the gods of the other peoples of the earth"

which are merely the work of men's hands

This emphasizes that humans made these idols with their own hands and are therefore worthless. Alternate translation: "which are merely idols that men have made"

2 Chronicles 32:20

cried out to heaven

Here "heaven" represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: "cried to Yahweh for help" or "pleaded to Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 32:21

with shame on his face

"embarrassed" or "ashamed"

the house of his god

"the temple of his god"

2 Chronicles 32:22

from the hand of Sennacherib ... from the hand of all others

Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "from the power of Sennacherib ... from the power of all others" or "from Sennacherib ... from all others"

gave them rest on every side

The abstract noun "rest" can be translated as "peacefully." Alternate translation: "caused them to live peacefully with all the people of the nations around them"

2 Chronicles 32:23

he was lifted up in the eyes of all nations

Here "lifted up" is an idiom that means to honor. Also, "in the eyes" is a metaphor that represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "the people of all the nations honored him"

2 Chronicles 32:24

that he would be healed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that he would heal Hezekiah"

2 Chronicles 32:25

But Hezekiah did not pay back Yahweh for the help given to him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But Hezekiah did not act in a grateful way after Yahweh helped him"

his heart was lifted up

Here "heart" is a metonym that represents a person's inner being. Here "heart was lifted up" is an idiom that means to become proud. Alternate translation: "he became proud"

So anger came on him, and on Judah and Jerusalem

Yahweh becoming angry and punishing the people is spoken of as if "anger came on" them. "Judah" and "Jerusalem" are metonyms that represent the people who live there. Alternate translation: "So Yahweh became angry and punished him and the people of Judah and Jerusalem"

2 Chronicles 32:26

during Hezekiah's days

"during Hezekiah's lifetime" or "during Hezekiah's reign as king"

2 Chronicles 32:27

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2 Chronicles 32:28

stalls

This is a small enclosure where horses are kept. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 9:25

pens

a storage place for small animals

2 Chronicles 32:29

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2 Chronicles 32:30

Hezekiah who also stopped up ... and who brought them straight down

The readers should understand that Hezekiah probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Hezekiah who ordered his workers to stop up ... and to build a tunnel so that the water would flow down"

waters of Gihon

This is the name of a stream near Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 32:31

the miraculous sign that had been done in the land

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the miracle that Yahweh had performed in the land"

to know all that was in his heart

Here "heart" represents a person's inner being. Alternate translation: "to reveal Hezekiah's true character"

2 Chronicles 32:32

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2 Chronicles 32:33

Hezekiah lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 9:31]

Chapter 33

2 Chronicles 33 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

King Manasseh

Manasseh angered God more than any other king of Judah. He worshiped the sun, stars and many foreign gods and even sacrificed his sons to the sun. (See: falsegod)

2 Chronicles 33:1

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2 Chronicles 33:2

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

Here Yahweh's "sight" refers to how he judges or decides on the value of something. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:2]

like the disgusting things

Another possible meaning is "including the disgusting things."

2 Chronicles 33:3

he rebuilt the high places ... he built altars ... he made Asherah poles

Manasseh would have commanded his workers to do the building for him. Alternate translation: "he had the high places rebuilt ... he had altars built ... he had Asherah poles made" or "he had his workers rebuild the high places ... he had them build altars ... he had them make Asherah poles"

2 Chronicles 33:4

It is in Jerusalem that my name will be forever

The name is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: "Jerusalem is where I will forever make known who I am"

2 Chronicles 33:5

He built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courtyards of the house of Yahweh

The word "host" is a metaphor for the stars, speaking of them as if they were an army. It is implied that Manasseh built these altars so people could make sacrifices and worship the stars. Also, he would not have built these altars himself, rather he would have commanded his workers to do it. Alternate translation: "He had his workers build altars in the two courtyards of the house of Yahweh so that the people could worship the stars and offer them sacrifices"

2 Chronicles 33:6

Valley of Ben Hinnom

This is the name of a place near Jerusalem that is also known as Gehenna.

he caused his sons to pass through the fire

You may need to make explicit why he put his son in the fire and what happened after he did so. Alternate translation: "he burned his sons to death as an offering to his gods"

Manasseh did much evil in the sight of Yahweh

Here Yahweh's "sight" refers to how he judges or decides on the value of something. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:2]

he provoked him to anger

"Manasseh made Yahweh very angry"

2 Chronicles 33:7

he had made

Manasseh probably did not do the work. His servants would have done the work. Alternate translation: "Manasseh had ordered his servants to make"

that I will put my name forever

Here God is represented by his "name." Alternate translation: "where I want people to worship me forever"

2 Chronicles 33:8

that I assigned to their ancestors

"that I gave to their ancestors"

2 Chronicles 33:9

Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem

Here "Jerusalem" is a part of "Judah." Alternate translation: "the people of Judah and Jerusalem"

even more than the nations that Yahweh had destroyed before the people of Israel

Here "nations" refers to the people who had lived in the land of Canaan before the Israelites had arrived. Alternate translation: "even more than the people whom Yahweh had destroyed as the people of Israel advanced through the land"

2 Chronicles 33:10

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2 Chronicles 33:11

brought on them

Yahweh sent the army to attack Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "brought about an attack on them by"

the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria

The commanders were accompanied by their soldiers. Alternate translation: "the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria and their soldiers"

took Manasseh in chains, bound him with fetters, and took him off to Babylon

Here Manasseh being taken as a prisoner is represented by him being bound by chains and fetters. Fetters were chains placed around the feet. Alternate translation: "seized Manasseh, bound him in chains, and took him as a prisoner to Babylon"

2 Chronicles 33:12

implored

to beg for help

2 Chronicles 33:13

He prayed to him; and God was moved by his plea

The second phrase intensifies the first phrase and emphasizes the earnestness of Manasseh's prayer. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He prayed to God; and God heard his plea and changed his mind"

into his kingship

"to rule again as king"

2 Chronicles 33:14

General Information:

See:

Manasseh built ... He surrounded ... and raised ... He put

Manasseh did not do the building and construction himself, rather, he commanded his workers to do it. Alternate translation: "Manasseh commanded his workers to build ... They surrounded ... and raised ... He commanded his workers to put"

Gihon

This was the name of a spring and a stream. See how you translated the "waters of Gihon" in [2 Chronicles 32:30]

the hill of Ophel

Translate the name of this hill as you did in [2 Chronicles 27:3]

raised the wall up

"built the wall up"

the fortified cities

This refers to cities with walls around them.

2 Chronicles 33:15

He took away ... he had built ... and threw

Manasseh did not do the building and construction himself; rather, he commanded his workers to do it. Alternate translation: "Manasseh commanded his workers to take away ... they had previously built ... and to throw"

the foreign gods

"the false gods from other countries"

2 Chronicles 33:16

He rebuilt

Manasseh did not do the building and construction himself, rather, he commanded his workers to do it. Alternate translation: "He commanded them to rebuild"

he commanded Judah

Here "Judah" refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "he commanded the people of Judah"

2 Chronicles 33:17

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2 Chronicles 33:18

behold, they are written among the deeds ... of Israel

"anyone can look among the deeds ... Israel and see that they are written there"

they are written

These phrases can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "men have written them"

the deeds of the kings of Israel

This in account of the history of Israel that no longer exists.

2 Chronicles 33:19

the places where he had built high places and set up the Asherah poles and the carved figures

Manasseh did not do the building and construction himself, rather, he commanded his workers to do it. Alternate translation: "the place where he had the high places built and the Asherah poles and the carved figures set up" or "the places where he commanded his workers to build the high places and to set up the Asherah poles and carved figures"

the Chronicles of the Seers

This is a book that no longer exists.

they are written about

These phrases can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "men have written about them"

2 Chronicles 33:20

So Manasseh lay down with his ancestors

This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "So Manasseh died"

in his own house

"in his palace"

Amon

This is the name of a man.

king in his place

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "became the next king" or "became the king of Judah"

2 Chronicles 33:21

twenty-two years old

"22 years old"

2 Chronicles 33:22

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

Here Yahweh's "sight" refers to how he judges or decides on the value of something. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:2]

2 Chronicles 33:23

Amon trespassed more and more

"Amon increased his guilt" or "Amon continued to sin"

2 Chronicles 33:24

put him to death

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "killed him"

conspired against him

"planned in secret to kill him"

2 Chronicles 33:25

king in his place

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "became the next king" or "became the king of Judah"

Chapter 34

2 Chronicles 34 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is the beginning of the story of King Josiah. (2 Chronicles 34-35)

Special concepts in this chapter

Returning the people to Yahweh

Josiah worshiped Yahweh and cleaned out the idols and shrines from Judah. The people returned to worship Yahweh again. (See: clean)

2 Chronicles 34:1

thirty-one years

"31 years"

2 Chronicles 34:2

what was right in the eyes of Yahweh

Here Yahweh's "sight" refers to how he judges or decides on the value of something. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:2]

walked in the ways of David his ancestor

Josiah behaving as David did is spoken of as if he walked on the same road or way as David. Alternate translation: "lived the way David his ancestor had lived" or "followed the example of David his ancestor"

did not turn away either to the right or to the left

To fully obey Yahweh is spoken of as if a person were on the correct road and never turned from it. Alternate translation: "did not do anything that would displease Yahweh" or "fully obeyed the laws of Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 34:3

the eighth year ... the twelfth year

"year 8 ... year 12." See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 14:2]

he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem from ... the cast metal figures

This speaks of Josiah getting rid of the things that were used for worshiping false gods from Judah and Jerusalem as if he were making the places physically clean. Josiah would have commanded his workers to remove these things. Alternate translation: "he began to make Judah and Jerusalem acceptable again to Yahweh by having his workers remove from them the high places, the Asherah poles, the craved figures, and the cast metal figures"

2 Chronicles 34:4

in his presence

"in Josiah's presence"

he cut apart ... He broke ... He crushed ... and scattered

Josiah probably commanded his workers to do much or all of this work. Alternate translation: "he had them cut apart ... He commanded them to break ... He had them crush ... and scatter" or "he and his workers cut apart ... He and his workers broke ... He and his workers crushed ... and scattered"

dust

very small pieces that could be carried away by the wind

2 Chronicles 34:5

He burned

Josiah probably commanded his workers to do much or all of this work. Alternate translation: "He commanded them to burn" or "He and his workers burned"

He burned the bones of their priests on their altars

This means that the bones of the priests who offered sacrifices on the altars to the false gods were burned on the altars that the priests had previously made sacrifices on.

he cleansed Judah and Jerusalem

This speaks of Josiah causing Judah and Jerusalem to be acceptable to Yahweh as if he made them physically clean. Alternate translation: "he caused Judah and Jerusalem to be acceptable again to Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 34:6

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2 Chronicles 34:7

He broke down the altars, crushed ... cut apart

Josiah would have commanded his workers to do these things. Alternate translation: "He commanded his workers to break down the altars, to beat ... to cut apart"

into powder

"into dust." This means to smash them until they have become powder.

2 Chronicles 34:8

the eighteenth year

"year 18"

Josiah had cleansed the land and the temple

This speaks of Josiah causing Judah and Jerusalem to be acceptable to Yahweh as if he made them physically clean. Alternate translation: "Josiah had caused the land and the temple to become acceptable again to Yahweh"

Shaphan ... Azaliah ... Maaseiah ... Joah ... Joahaz

These are the names of men.

2 Chronicles 34:9

Hilkiah

This is the name of a man.

entrusted to him

"gave to him the responsibility of using the money"

that had been brought into the house of God, that the Levites, the guards of the doors, had gathered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the Levites who guarded the doors had brought into the house of God all that they had gathered"

2 Chronicles 34:10

They entrusted

The word "they" refers to the men that Josiah had sent to Hilkiah the high priest. They first gave the money to him and then he distributed it to the men who supervised the building. Alternate translation: "Then Hilkiah entrusted"

the money

This refers to some on the money that was entrusted to Hilkiah. Alternate translation: "some of the money"

2 Chronicles 34:11

carpenters

workers who build with wood

braces

pieces used to connect large beams

had allowed to become ruined

"had allowed to rot"

2 Chronicles 34:12

Jahath ... Meshullam

These are the names of men.

Merari

Translate this man's name as you did in 2 Chronicles 29:12.

Kohathites

Translate the name of the clan as you did in 2 Chronicles 20:19.

Obadiah ... Zechariah

Translate these men's names the same as you did for other men by the same names in 2 Chronicles 17:7.

2 Chronicles 34:13

These Levites supervised those who carried building material and all other men who worked in any way

This means that they were in charge of all the men who did any type of building work. Alternate translation: "These Levites were in charge of all of the men who did any kind of building work"

2 Chronicles 34:14

General Information:

See:

When they brought out the money that was brought into

The word "they" refers to Hilkiah and whoever was helping him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When they brought out the money for the supervisors from"

that had been given through Moses

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Yahweh had given to the people through Moses"

the book of the law

Most likely these laws were written on a scroll. A scroll was a type of book made of one long, rolled-up sheet of papyrus or leather.

2 Chronicles 34:15

Shaphan

This is the name of a man.

2 Chronicles 34:16

everything that has been entrusted to them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everything that you entrusted to them to do" or "everything that you gave them the responsibility to do"

2 Chronicles 34:17

They have emptied out

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "They have gathered all"

into the hand of the supervisors and to the workmen

The supervisors and workmen are represented by their "hand" to emphasize their possession. Alternate translation: "to the supervisors and the workmen"

2 Chronicles 34:18

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2 Chronicles 34:19

It came about that when

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

he tore his clothes

This is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness. Alternate translation: "he tore his clothes because he was very upset"

2 Chronicles 34:20

Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan ... Asaiah

These are the names of men.

2 Chronicles 34:21

ask Yahweh's will for me

The word "will" can be translated as a verb. Also, it is made clear in [2 Chronicles 34:22]

because of the words

"concerning the words"

the words of the book that has been found

Here "words" represents the laws. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the laws in the book that Hilkiah has found"

For it is great, the anger of Yahweh that has been poured out on us. It is great

Emotions such as anger are often spoken of in Scripture as if they were liquids. Alternate translation: "For Yahweh's anger towards us is great, like water that could totally wash us away" or "For great is Yahweh's anger with which he has punished us"

all that was written in it

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all that is written in it" or "all that is in this book"

2 Chronicles 34:22

Huldah

This is the name of a woman.

Shallum ... Tokhath ... Hasrah

These are the names of men.

keeper of the wardrobe

This refers to Shallum. Possible meanings are 1) the person who took care of the clothing that priests wore in the temple or 2) the person who took care of the king's clothing.

the Second District

This was a cerain part of Jerusalem. It may have been a newer part. Alternate translation: "The Second Part"

they spoke with her in this way

"they had the following conversation with her"

2 Chronicles 34:23

the man who sent you to me

Here "the man" refers to King Josiah.

2 Chronicles 34:24

See

The word is used here as an idiom to draw the listener's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"

I am about to bring disaster on this place and on its inhabitants

Yahweh causing terrible things to happen is spoken of as if disaster were an object that he could bring to a place. Alternate translation: "I will soon cause terrible things to happen to this place and to those who live there"

on this place

"to Jerusalem" This refers to the city of Jerusalem which represents the whole land of Judah. Alternate translation: "on Judah"

all the curses that have been written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the curses written" or "all the curses"

on this place

Here "this place" refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "on these people"

2 Chronicles 34:25

they have provoked me to anger

"they have made me angry"

Therefore, my anger will be poured out on this place, and it will not be extinguished

Emotions such as anger are often spoken of in Scripture as if they were liquids. Alternate translation: "therefore, my anger against this place is like a fire, and nothing will stop it"

my anger will be poured out

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will pour out my anger"

2 Chronicles 34:26

About the words that you heard

"About the message that you heard"

2 Chronicles 34:27

because your heart was tender

Here "heart" represents a person's inner being. Feeling sorry is spoken of as if the heart were tender. Alternate translation: "because you felt sorry" or "because you repented"

torn your clothes

This is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness.

2 Chronicles 34:28

see, I will gather you to your ancestors. You will be gathered to your grave in peace

Both statements mean basically the same thing. They are polite ways of saying he will die. Alternate translation: "so I will allow you to die and be buried peacefully"

You will be gathered to your grave

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will gather you to your grave"

your eyes will not see

Here "eyes" represents the whole person. Also, the phrase "will not see" represents not experiencing something. Alternate translation: "you will not experience"

the disaster I will bring on this place

Yahweh causing terrible things to happen is spoken of as if disaster were an object that Yahweh would bring to a place. Alternate translation: "the terrible things I will cause to happen to this place"

2 Chronicles 34:29

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2 Chronicles 34:30

all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem

This is a generalization. Alternate translation: "many other people"

from great to small

This merism includes everyone in between. Alternate translation: "from the most important to the least important"

He then read in their hearing

"Then the king read aloud so that they could hear"

that had been found

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Hilkiah had found" or "that they had found"

2 Chronicles 34:31

stood in his place

This refers to the place where the king stood at the temple. Alternate translation: "stood where he was supposed to stand at the entrance to the temple"

walk after Yahweh

The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path, and "to walk after" someone is a metonym for doing what that other person does or wants others to do. Alternate translation: "live obeying Yahweh"

his commandments, his regulations, and his statutes

These words all share similar meanings. Together they emphasize everything that Yahweh had commanded in the law.

with all his heart and all his soul

The idiom "with all his heart" means "completely" and "with all his soul" means "with all his being." These two phrases have similar meanings. Alternate translation: "with all his being" or "with all his energy"

that were written in this book

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that this book contained"

2 Chronicles 34:32

all who were found in Jerusalem and Benjamin

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all who lived in Jerusalem and Benjamin"

stand by the covenant

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "accept the terms of the covenant" or "promise to obey the covenant"

2 Chronicles 34:33

Josiah took away all

Josiah would have commanded his workers to do this. Alternate translation: "Josiah commanded his workers to take away all"

the disgusting things

These are the idols that were repulsive to God. Alternate translation: "the disgusting idols"

For all of his days

Josiah's life is represented by his "days." Alternate translation: "For all of his life" or "As long as Josiah was alive"

Chapter 35

2 Chronicles 35 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the end of the story of King Josiah.

Special concepts in this chapter

Passover

Josiah organized a large Passover celebration and people shared their animals with those without animals to sacrifice. The celebration of Passover was a sign of proper worship by the people. (See: passover and sign)

2 Chronicles 35:1

Josiah kept a Passover to Yahweh

Josiah commanded the people to celebrate the Passover that Yahweh had commanded their ancestors to celebrate.

in Jerusalem

Yahweh had commanded Moses that all the people of Israel were to go to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.

the fourteenth day of the first month

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The fourteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars.

2 Chronicles 35:2

He placed the priests in their positions

Placing the priests in a position is a metaphor for telling the priests which jobs they are to do. The reader should probably understand that Josiah commanded his officials to give instructions to the priests. Alternate translation: "He had people tell the priests which jobs to do"

in the service of

The abstract noun "service" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "as they served in" or "to serve well in"

2 Chronicles 35:3

that Solomon son of David, king of Israel built

The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "that Solomon, king of Israel, commanded the people to build"

2 Chronicles 35:4

by your clans and your divisions

The word "name" is a collective noun, referring to each name of each clan and each division. Your language may need to say "according to the names of your clans and your divisions."

divisions

groups into which the people had divided the priests and Levites

the written instructions of David ... and those of Solomon, his son

"the instructions that David ... and Solomon, his son, wrote"

2 Chronicles 35:5

Stand in the holy place, taking your position

"Take your positions in the temple area"

your divisions

This refers to the work group to which the people had assigned each Levite. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 35:4.

2 Chronicles 35:6

consecrate yourselves

This probably refers to the priests and Levites washing themselves before they did work in the temple.

to do according to the word of Yahweh that was given by the hand of Moses

Here the word "hand" refers to Moses himself. Yahweh used Moses as the agent to deliver his command. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "to obey all of the commands that Yahweh gave to the people through Moses" or "to do everything that Yahweh commanded Moses to tell the people"

2 Chronicles 35:7

General Information:

See: and

thirty thousand lambs

"30,000 lambs"

kids

baby goats

three thousand head of cattle

"3,000 head of cattle"

these were from the king's own possessions

"all these lambs, kids, and bulls that he gave were ones that he himself owned"

2 Chronicles 35:8

2,600 Passover offerings

"two thousand six hundred Passover offerings"

three hundred head of cattle

"300 head of cattle"

Hilkiah ... Zechariah ... Jehiel

These are all the names of men.

2 Chronicles 35:9

Konaniah ... Shemaiah ... Nethanel ... Hashabiah ... Jeiel ... Jozabad

These are all the names of men.

five thousand Passover offerings

"5,000 Passover offerings"

five hundred head of cattle

"500 head of cattle"

2 Chronicles 35:10

the service was prepared

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "they prepared everything they needed so they could perform the Passover"

their divisions

the groups into which the people had divided the priests and Levites. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 35:4.

2 Chronicles 35:11

the blood that they received from the Levites' hand

Here the word "hand" refers to the Levites. Alternate translation: "the blood that the Levites gave them"

2 Chronicles 35:12

General Information:

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2 Chronicles 35:13

General Information:

All instances of "they" and "themselves" refer to the Levites (2 Chronicles 35:10).

They roasted the Passover lambs with fire

"They cooked the Passover lambs over fires"

they boiled them in pots, cauldrons, and pans

"they cooked them in water in containers of different sizes"

2 Chronicles 35:14

They ... prepared offerings for themselves and for the priests

"They ... prepared the offerings that they would eat and the offerings that the priests would eat"

2 Chronicles 35:15

according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer had commanded them"

Heman ... Jeduthun

These are the names of men.

2 Chronicles 35:16

the entire service of Yahweh was carried out

This refers to everything associated with the preparation, the sacrifice, and the worship of Yahweh during the Passover. The word "service" can be expressed as a verb and this can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they did everything that needed to be done to serve Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 35:17

kept the Passover

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "observed the Passover" or "celebrated the Passover"

then the Festival of Unleavened Bread

This refers to celebrating the festival. Alternate translation: "then they kept the Festival of Unleavened Bread" or "then celebrated the Festival of Unleavened Bread"

2 Chronicles 35:18

Such a Passover celebration had never been held in Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "There had never been such a Passover celebration in Israel"

held in Israel

This refers specifically to the nation of Israel as a whole, as it was before the northern kingdom and southern king split.

from the days

"from the time"

the other kings of Israel

Here "Israel" refers specifically to the northern kingdom of Israel.

2 Chronicles 35:19

This Passover was kept

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They observed this Passover"

was kept

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "was observed" or "was celebrated"

the eighteenth year

"year 18"

2 Chronicles 35:20

set the temple in order

This means that he restored the worship in the temple as God had intended it to be. Alternate translation: "restored proper worship to the temple"

Necho, king of Egypt, went up

This is the name of the king of Egypt. Here the king represents himself accompanied by his army. Alternate translation: "Necho, king of Egypt, went up with his army"

against Carchemish

This is the name of a city. Here the city represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: "against the people of Carchemish"

Josiah went to fight against him

Here both Josiah and Necho represent themselves accompained by their armies. Alternate translation: "Josiah and his army went to fight against Necho and his army"

2 Chronicles 35:21

What have I to do with you, king of Judah?

Necho uses this rhetorical question to tell Josiah that he is not in conflict with him and that Josiah should not attack him. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have no reason to attack me, king of Judah."

I am not coming against you

Here the king Josiah represents his kingdom. Alternate translation: "I am not fighting your kingdom"

against the house with which

Here the word "house" refers to the house of Babylon, where "house" is a metonym for the kingdom. The kingdom is a synechdoche representing the Babylonian army. Alternate translation: "against the house of Babylon, with whom"

2 Chronicles 35:22

He disguised himself

Josiah disguised himself so that the other armies would not recognize him.

fight with him

The word "him" refers to Necho who represents himself accompanied by his army. Alternate translation: "fight with the army of Egypt"

that had come from the mouth of God

Here God is represented by his "mouth" to emphasize his speech. Alternate translation: "that had come from God" or "that God had said to him"

so he went

The word "he" refers to Josiah who represents himself accompanied by his army. Alternate translation: "so he and his army went"

the Valley of Megiddo

This is the name of a place.

2 Chronicles 35:23

General Information:

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2 Chronicles 35:24

All Judah and Jerusalem

"Judah" and "Jerusalem" represent the people who live there. Alternate translation: "All the people of Judah and Jerusalem"

2 Chronicles 35:25

to this day

This means the day on which the writer wrote. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 5:9.

behold, they

Possible meanings: 1) "this is where they are: they" or 2) "they still exist: they."

the songs of lament

This was an ancient scroll of funeral songs.

2 Chronicles 35:26

his good deeds done

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the good deeds that he did"

what is written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the words"

2 Chronicles 35:27

his deeds ... are written in the book

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "men have written of all his deeds ... in the book"

his deeds, from beginning to end,

This refers to all of the significant things that he did from the beginning of his reign as king to the end of his life. Alternate translation: "all of his deeds" or "everything he did from the beginning of his reign to when he died"

the book of the kings of Judah and Israel

This is a book that no longer exists.

Chapter 36

2 Chronicles 36 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the end of the story of Judah as an independent country.

Special concepts in this chapter

Punishment

God warned the people through the prophets, that he would punish them if they did not worship Yahweh. The people refused to listen to the prophets or to stop their evil deeds. God finally punished them by letting the Babylonians conquer them. (See: prophet and evil and works)

2 Chronicles 36:1

Jehoahaz

This is a man's name.

in his father's place

The phrase "in his ... place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "instead of his father"

2 Chronicles 36:2

twenty-three years old ... three months

"23 years old ... 3 months"

2 Chronicles 36:3

The king of Egypt removed him at Jerusalem

The idiom "removed him at Jerusalem" means that he caused him no longer to be king in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "The king of Egypt removed him from being king in Jerusalem"

forced him to pay a fine on the land

Here the word "land" represents the people who lived there.

one hundred talents of silver and one talent of gold

You may convert this to a modern measure. A talent was about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "thirty-three hundred kilograms of silver and thirty-three kilograms of gold" or "about 3,300 kilograms of silver and 33 kilograms of gold"

2 Chronicles 36:4

Eliakim ... Jehoahaz

These are the names of men.

2 Chronicles 36:5

twenty-five years old ... eleven years

"25 years old ... 11 years"

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh his God

Here "sight" represents judgment. Yahweh saw and did not approve of Jehoiakim's actions. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh judged to be evil" or "what Yahweh considered to be evil"

2 Chronicles 36:6

attacked him

The word "him" refers to Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim represents either Jerusalem or the nation of Judah. Alternate translation: "attacked Jerusalem" or "attacked Judah"

2 Chronicles 36:7

Nebuchadnezzar also carried

Since Nebuchadnezzar was king, he may have had his soldiers do this. Alternate translation: "Nebuchadnezzar also had his soldiers carry"

the house of Yahweh

Here the word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 36:8

the disgusting things that he did

This usually refers to worshiping false gods, which Yahweh hated.

what was found against him

This idiom refers to things that he did for which people could accuse him of wrong. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what people found against him" or "things that he did for which people could accuse him"

behold, they are written

"anyone can look in the book ... Israel and see they are written there"

they are written in the book

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone has written them in the book" or "you can read of them in the book"

the book of the kings of Judah and Israel

This is a book that no longer exists. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 35:27.

became king in his place

The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Jehoiakim"

2 Chronicles 36:9

eight years old ... three months and ten days

"8 years old ... 3 months and 10 days"

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

Here "sight" here represents judgment. Yahweh saw and did not approve of Jehoiachin's actions. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh judged to be evil" or "what Yahweh considered to be evil"

2 Chronicles 36:10

brought him to Babylon

"brought Jehoiachin to Babylon"

the house of Yahweh

Here "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"

his relative

"Jehoiachin's relative"

2 Chronicles 36:11

twenty-one years old ... eleven years

"21 years old ... 11 years"

2 Chronicles 36:12

what was evil in the sight of Yahweh his God

Here "sight" represents judgment. Yahweh saw and did not approve of Zedekiah's actions. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh his God judged to be evil" or "what Yahweh his God considered to be evil"

who spoke from the mouth of Yahweh

Here the word "mouth" represents the words that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: "who spoke the words that Yahweh spoke to him"

2 Chronicles 36:13

Zedekiah stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to Yahweh

The phrases "stiffened his neck" and "hardened his heart" are both metaphors that mean to become stubborn. Zedekiah refusing to worship Yahweh is spoken of as if he refused to turn to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "Zedekiah stubbornly refused to worship Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 36:14

they followed the disgusting practices of the nations

The idiom "followed the ... practices" means to do those things. Alternate translation: "they did the disgusting things that the nations did"

disgusting practices

This phrase refers to worshiping other gods.

They polluted the house of Yahweh

A place that is unfit to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically dirty. The word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "They polluted the temple of Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 36:15

again and again

"many times"

the place where he lives

This refers to the temple.

2 Chronicles 36:16

the wrath of Yahweh arose against his people

Here the word "arose" refers to beginning an action. Yahweh punishing his people in his anger is spoken of as if his wrath were a person who acted against them. Alternate translation: "in his wrath, Yahweh began to punish his people"

there was no help for it

This idiom means that nobody could do anything to prevent what happened. Alternate translation: "there was no way to avoid it"

2 Chronicles 36:17

God brought on them the king of the Chaldeans, who

The idiom "brought on them" means to cause to attack with his army. Alternate translation: "God caused the king of the Chaldeans to attack them, and he"

who killed their young men with the sword

The king probably did not personally kill their young men. Rather, his army killed them. Alternate translation: "whose army killed their young men with swords"

God gave them all into his hand

Here "hand" is a metonym for the power to defeat them. Alternate translation: "God allowed the Chaldean army to defeat them"

2 Chronicles 36:18

the house of God ... the house of Yahweh

The word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of God ... the temple of Yahweh"

2 Chronicles 36:19

They burned down

"They" refers to the Babylonian soldiers.

2 Chronicles 36:20

The king carried away to Babylon

Here "the king" refers to his soldiers whom he ordered to do the work. The phrase "carried away" is an idiom that means to forcefully bring them to Babylon. Alternate translation: "The king had his army forcefully take to Babylon"

until the rule of the kingdom of Persia

"until the kingdom of Persia came to power"

2 Chronicles 36:21

the word of Yahweh by the mouth of Jeremiah

Here the noun "word" can be translated with the verb "spoke." The word "mouth" represents Jeremiah. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh spoke through Jeremiah" or "the word from Yahweh that Jeremiah spoke"

until the land should have enjoyed its Sabbath rests

The people were supposed to obey the Sabbath law by not farming the land every seventh year. This phrase speaks about this as if the land were a person that would obey the Sabbath law and rest. Alternate translation: "until the land had rested according to the Sabbath law" or "until, as required by the Sabbath law, no one had farmed the land"

It observed its Sabbath for all the time of its desolation

The word "it" refers to the land. The land is spoken of as if it were a person who observed the Sabbath. Alternate translation: "The requirements of the Sabbath law were fulfilled as long as the land lay desolate"

so that it might pass seventy years in this way

"so that 70 years might pass while the land lay desolate"

2 Chronicles 36:22

in the first year

This refers to the beginning of the reign of King Cyrus.

so that the word of Yahweh by the mouth of Jeremiah might be carried out

Here the noun "word" can be translated with the verb "spoke." The word "mouth" represents Jeremiah. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that what Yahweh spoke through Jeremiah might happen" or "so that the word from Yahweh that Jeremiah spoke might happen"

Yahweh motivated the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia

Motivating the spirit is a synecdoche for making someone want to act. Alternate translation: "Yahweh made Cyrus, king of Persia, want to act"

2 Chronicles 36:23

all the kingdoms of the earth

This is an exaggeration, as there were kingdoms over which Cyrus did not rule.

to build a house for him

Here the word "house" represents a temple. Alternate translation: "to build a temple for him"

his people

"Yahweh's people"

Let him go up to the land

"Let that person go up to the land of Judah"

Book: Ezra

Chapter 1

Ezra 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The chapter records the story of the first Jews as they return from Persia to Judea.

Special concepts in this chapter

King Cyrus

King Cyrus allowed them to return because he wanted them to rebuild the temple. Those who stayed behind gave gifts to those who left to help them on their journey and resettlement. This practice was common under the reign of Cyrus and was used as a way to maintain peace throughout his kingdom. (See: temple)

Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Jews

Upon return to Judea, the focus of the rest of the Old Testament is on the Jewish people.

Ezra 1:1

first year

This refers to the beginning of the reign of King Cyrus.

Yahweh fulfilled his word that came from the mouth of Jeremiah

Here "mouth" represents speaking. Alternate translation: "Yahweh did what Jeremiah prophesied that Yahweh would do"

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

Yahweh ... stirred Cyrus' spirit

Here Cyrus is represented by his spirit. This speaks of Yahweh causing Cyrus to want to act as if he "stirred" his spirit. Alternate translation: "Yahweh ... made Cyrus want to act"

Cyrus' voice went out over his entire kingdom

The voice is a metonym for the message the voice speaks, and the kingdom is a metonym for the people whom a king rules. Alternate translation: "Cyrus sent a message to everyone over whom he ruled"

what was written and spoken

This can be translated in active form. It might be best to translate so the reader understands that other people might have helped Cyrus get the message to the people over whom he ruled. Alternate translation: "what Cyrus wrote and what his messengers read so people could hear them"

Ezra 1:2

all the kingdoms of the earth

Here "all" is an exaggeration, as there were kingdoms over which Cyrus did not rule.

for him a house in ... Judah

You may need to make explicit that the house was for people to worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: "a house in ... Judah where people can worship him"

Ezra 1:3

his people

the people who belong to Yahweh.

Ezra 1:4

survivors of that land ... should provide them

Those Israelites who choose to stay where they are should help those who choose to go to Jerusalem physically and financially.

Ezra 1:5

everyone whose spirit God stirred to go

Stirring the spirit is a metonym for making someone want to act. See how you translated these words in [Ezra 1:1]

Ezra 1:6

their work

This refers to the work of the people roused by God in the previous verse.

Ezra 1:7

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Ezra 1:8

Mithredath ... Sheshbazzar

These are men's names.

put them into the hand of Mithredath the treasurer

Putting an object into someone's hand is a metaphor for allowing that person to do what he wants with that object. Here the reader should understand that Cyrus expected Mithredath to do what Cyrus wanted him to do. Alternate translation: "put Mithredath the treasurer in charge of them" or "made Mithredath the treasurer responsible for them"

treasurer

official in charge of money

prince of Judah

There was no king of Judah at this time, so the word "prince" means "leader," not "son of the king."

Ezra 1:9

General Information:

This is a list of numbered items.

thirty ... one thousand ... twenty-nine

"30 ... 1,000 ... 29"

basins

objects used to hold water for washing

Ezra 1:10

410

"30 ... 1,000 ... 29 ... four hundred and ten"

bowls

objects used to hold water for washing

Ezra 1:11

5,400 ... in all

"five thousand four hundred ... in all." This is the total number of items returned to Jerusalem from Babylon, which are listed above individually.

Chapter 2

Ezra 2 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Genealogy

People had to prove they were priests, or that they were Jews, through their genealogies. (See: priest)

Ezra 2:1

General Information:

This begins a list of the names of people who returned from the exile.

went up

This is an idiom that refers to traveling toward Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "returned" or "came back"

Ezra 2:2

Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah

These are men's names.

This is the record

This refers to the list of men in 2:3-35.

Ezra 2:3

General Information:

This continues the list of the names of people who returned from the exile along with the number in each group.

Parosh

a man's name

Ezra 2:4

Shephatiah

a man's name

Ezra 2:5

Arah

a man's name

Ezra 2:6

Pahath-Moab ... Jeshua

a man's name

Ezra 2:7

General Information:

This continues the list of the names of people who returned from the exile along with the number in each group.

Ezra 2:8

Zattu

a man's name

Ezra 2:9

Zakkai

a man's name

Ezra 2:10

Bani

a man's name

Ezra 2:11

General Information:

This continues the list of the names of people who returned from the exile along with the number in each group.

Bebai

a man's name

Ezra 2:12

Azgad

These are men's names.

Ezra 2:13

Adonikam

a man's name

Ezra 2:14

Bigvai

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:2.

Ezra 2:15

General Information:

This continues the list of the names of people who returned from the exile along with the number in each group.

Adin

a man's name

Ezra 2:16

Ater

a man's name

ninety-eight

"98"

Ezra 2:17

Bezai

a man's name

Ezra 2:18

General Information:

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Ezra 2:19

General Information:

This continues the list of people who returned from the exile along with the number in each group. Notice that staring in 2:21 these now are the names of places from where they originally came.

Hashum

a man's name

Ezra 2:20

Gibbar

These are men's names.

ninety-five

"95"

Ezra 2:21

The men of Bethlehem

This begins to list the number of people whose ancestors had lived in towns in Judah.

Ezra 2:22

fifty-six

"56"

Netophah

This is the name of a town in Judah.

Ezra 2:23

General Information:

This continues the list people who returned from the exile along with the number in each group whose ancestors came from the places listed.

Anathoth

This is the name of a place.

Ezra 2:24

Azmaveth

This is the name of a place.

forty-two

"42"

Ezra 2:25

Kiriath Arim ... Kephirah ... Beeroth

These are names of places.

Ezra 2:26

Geba

This is the name of a place.

Ezra 2:27

General Information:

This continues with the list of people who returned from the exile along with the number in each group whose ancestors came from the places listed.

Mikmash

This is the name of a place.

Ezra 2:28

General Information:

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Ezra 2:29

Nebo

This is the name of a place.

fifty-two

"52"

Ezra 2:30

Magbish

This is the name of a place.

Ezra 2:31

General Information:

This continues with the list of people who returned from the exile along with the number in each group whose ancestors came from the places listed.

Ezra 2:32

Harim

This is the name of a place.

Ezra 2:33

Lod ... Hadid ... Ono

These are names of places.

Ezra 2:34

General Information:

This continues with the list of people who returned from the exile along with the number in each group whose ancestors came from the places listed.

Ezra 2:35

Senaah

This is the name of a place.

Ezra 2:36

General Information:

This section lists the names of priests whose descendants returned from the exile along with the number in each group.

Jedaiah

This is a man's name.

Jeshua

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:6.

Ezra 2:37

General Information:

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Ezra 2:38

General Information:

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Ezra 2:39

Harim

The "Harim" in Ezra 2:32 is the name of a place, but here "Harim" is the name of a man.

Ezra 2:40

General Information:

This section lists the names of Levites whose descendants returned from the exile along with the number in each group.

Kadmiel ... Hodaviah

These are men's names.

seventy-four

"74"

Ezra 2:41

General Information:

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Ezra 2:42

Shallum ... Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai

These are men's names.

gatekeepers

those in charge of who goes through the gates of the temple

Ater

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:16.

Ezra 2:43

General Information:

This section continues listing the names of Levites whose descendants returned from the exile.

Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth

These are men's names.

Ezra 2:44

Keros, Siaha, Padon

These are men's names.

Ezra 2:45

Lebanah, Hagabah

These are men's names.

Akkub

See how you translated this in Ezra 2:42.

Ezra 2:46

Hagab, Shalmai, and Hanan

These are men's names.

Ezra 2:47

General Information:

This section continues listing the names of Levites whose descendants returned from the exile. These are all names of men.

Ezra 2:48

General Information:

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Ezra 2:49

General Information:

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Ezra 2:50

General Information:

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Ezra 2:51

General Information:

This section continues listing the names of Levites whose descendants returned from the exile. These are all names of men.

Ezra 2:52

General Information:

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Ezra 2:53

General Information:

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Ezra 2:54

General Information:

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Ezra 2:55

General Information:

This section continues listing the names of Levites whose descendants returned from the exile.

Ezra 2:56

General Information:

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Ezra 2:57

General Information:

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Ezra 2:58

392 total descendants

"three hundred and ninety-two total descendants." This is the number of all the people in this group who came back from the exile.

Ezra 2:59

General Information:

This is a list of people who had returned to Israel from various Babylonian cities but could not prove their heritage.

Ezra 2:60

652 descendants

"six hundred and fifty-two descendants."

Delaiah, Tobiah, and Nekoda

These are men's names.

Ezra 2:61

Hobaiah ... Hakkoz ... Barzillai

These are men's names.

Ezra 2:62

their genealogical records

the records that told who their ancestors were

could not find them

"could not find their names in the records of the priests"

they were excluded from the priesthood as unclean

This can be translated in active form. The abstract noun "priesthood" can be translated as the verb "work as priests." Alternate translation: "the other priests treated them as if they were unclean and did not allow them to work as priests"

unclean

not fit to be priests

Ezra 2:63

Urim and Thummim

two items like dice that the priests used to decide what God wanted them to do

Ezra 2:64

whole group

This means the whole group that returned back to the land of Judah from the exile.

42,360

"forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty"

Ezra 2:65

their maidservants

"their female servants"

these were 7,337

"these were seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven"

two hundred

"200"

Ezra 2:66

General Information:

This is a list of the animals along with the numbers of each kind that returned with the people from the exile.

Ezra 2:67

General Information:

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Ezra 2:68

General Information:

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Ezra 2:69

sixty-one thousand ... five thousand ... one hundred

"61,000 ... 5,000 ... 100"

gold darics

A "daric" was a small gold coin used by the Persian Empire.

minas

A mina is a unit of weight. One mina equals 550 grams. Minas are normally linked with measuring silver.

tunics

garments worn next to the skin

Ezra 2:70

All the people in Israel were in their cities

Everyone went back to their home towns in Judea. Not everyone resettled in Jerusalem.

Chapter 3

Ezra 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the story of the building of the temple and re-establishment of worship in the new temple. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Rebuilding the temple

They immediately began the temple worship, even though the temple had not yet been built because they feared the people of the surrounding nations.

Ezra 3:1

the seventh month

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is at the end of the dry season and the beginning of the early rain season. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars.

as one man

One man is in only one place and has only one purpose. Alternate translation: "for one purpose"

Ezra 3:2

Jeshua

This is the name of a man. Translate the same as in Ezra 2:36.

Shealtiel

This is the name of a man.

rose up and built

Standing up is a metaphor for beginning to act. Alternate translation: "began to act and built"

as it is written in the law of Moses

This can be translated in active form. You may need to make explicit whom and what Yahweh had commanded. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh had commanded them to do in the law of Moses"

Ezra 3:3

established the altar on its stand

"mounted the altar on its stand" or "placed the altar on its stand so it would stay there"

terror was on them

"they were terrified"

because of the people of the land

You may need to make explicit what it was about the people of the land that made the Jews afraid. Alternate translation: "because they thought the people of the land wanted to attack them"

They offered burnt offerings to Yahweh at dawn and evening

One of the first things the people did was to begin offering sacrifices. This was before the temple was rebuilt.

Ezra 3:4

the Festival of Shelters

This is a festival that was celebrated for eight days during the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It was associated with the time of the exodus when the Israelites lived in tents.

Ezra 3:5

General Information:

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Ezra 3:6

the first day of the seventh month

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of September on Western calendars.

the temple had not been founded

The Jews began the ceremonies of worship even before they started building the temple. Alternate translation: "they had not yet laid the foundation for the temple"

Ezra 3:7

as authorized for them by Cyrus, king of Persia

The letters sent by Cyrus gave the Jews permission to buy materials and build the temple.

Ezra 3:8

second month

This is the second month of the Hebrew calendar. This is during the warm season when people are harvesting crops. It is during the last part of April and the first part of May on Western calendars.

the second year

This is during the year after the one in which they returned.

to the house of God

You may need to make explicit that there was no house of God standing when they arrived. Alternate translation: "to where the house of God had stood" or "to where they were going to build the house of God"

Jeshua ... Jozadak

These are the names of men.

the rest of their brothers the priests and the Levites, and

The word "brothers" is used here because Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the priests and Levites were all from the tribe of Levi. They were not all sons of the same man and woman. Alternate translation: "the rest of the members of their tribe—the priests and the Levites—and"

twenty years old

"20 years old"

Ezra 3:9

Jeshua ... Henadad

These are the names of men.

Kadmiel

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:40.

Ezra 3:10

laid a foundation

"foundation" in this sense was more than just the stone blocks to support the temple walls. It included the entire temple floor set in stone. This enabled all the temple worshipers to wear their special garments and keep them clean.

their garments

"their special robes"

cymbals

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound

the hand of David ... had commanded

The hand of a king is a metonym for the power to give commands. Alternate translation: "as David ... had commanded"

Ezra 3:11

thankfulness

A feeling and expression of appreciation and gratitude for the kindness of another.

His covenant faithfulness to Israel endures forever

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithfully" or "faithful." Alternate translation: "He faithfully loves Israel forever" or "He is always faithful to his covenant with Israel"

Ezra 3:12

first house

This refers to the first temple that Solomon built, the house of God.

before their eyes

The people are represented by their "eyes" to emphasize what they saw. Alternate translation: "in their sight" or "and they saw it"

wept loudly

This refers to emotional expression of sorrow involving tears and vocal sounds.

Ezra 3:13

General Information:

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Chapter 4

Ezra 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of the building of the temple and re-establishment of the temple worship continues in this chapter. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Helping to build the temple

The people of the surrounding nations offered to help to build the temple. It is unknown why the Jews refused their help. These other people became their enemies and tried to hinder the work. They even persuaded the king of Persia to stop the Jews from building.

Ezra 4:1

General Information:

The non-Jewish people offer to help build the temple.

who had been exiled

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the Babylonians had taken into exile"

Ezra 4:2

Zerubbabel

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:2]

Esarhaddon, king of Assyria

He ruled in Assyria before Cyrus ruled in Persia.

Ezra 4:3

Jeshua

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:6.

It is not you, but we who must build

Possible meanings are 1) the Jewish leader felt that Cyrus had authorized only them to build the temple or 2) building the temple was the exclusive work of the Jews and no non-Jew would be permitted to contribute to the work.

Ezra 4:4

the people of the land

"the people who were living in the land at that time," which could include non-Jews and Jews whose families the Babylonians had not taken into exile

weakened the hands of the people of Judah

This speaks of the people of the land discouraging the Judeans as if they made their hands physically weak. Alternate translation: "discouraged the Judeans"

Ezra 4:5

to frustrate their plans

"to make it so the Judeans could not build the temple as they had planned"

Ezra 4:6

wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem

The abstract nouns "accusation" can be translated as a verb "accuse." You may need to make explicit what the enemies accused the Judeans of doing. Alternate translation: "wrote a letter in which they accused those who lived in Judah and Jerusalem of disobeying the king"

Ezra 4:7

Bishlam ... Mithredath ... Tabeel

names of men

The letter

This is the letter spoken of in Ezra 4:6.

Aramaic

the language used in that area at the time for official business

translated

into Persian

Ezra 4:8

Shimshai

This is a man's name.

Rehum

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:1.

Ezra 4:9

Uruk ... Susa

names of cities

Ezra 4:10

Ashurbanipal

This is a name of a man.

the Province Beyond the River

This is the name of the province that was west of the Euphrates River. It was across the river from the city of Susa.

Ezra 4:11

This is a copy

Ezra includes in his writing the content of the letter sent to King Artaxerxes.

the Province Beyond the River

This is the name of the province that was west of the Euphrates River. It was across the river from the city of Susa. See how you translated this in [Ezra 4:10]

Ezra 4:12

a rebellious city

The city is a metonym for the people who live in it. Alternate translation: "a city that they plan to live in and rebel against you"

repaired the foundations

"fixed the foundations" or "mended the foundations"

Ezra 4:13

if this city is built and the wall is completed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "if they build the city and complete the wall"

any tribute, taxes, or tolls

This is probably a merism for "any kind of taxes."

taxes

This word probably refers specifically to taxes on goods that people bought or consumed.

tolls

taxes that people needed to pay to use roads

and that will harm the treasury of the kings

They will "harm the treasury" by not giving money to the kings. Possible meanings are that the writers of the letter use the word "kings" 1) to refer to Artaxerxes and his descendants or 2) to honor Artaxerxes by referring to him in third person plural.

Ezra 4:14

we have eaten the palace salt

Possible meanings are that this refers to 1) the writers being loyal to the king or 2) the king giving the writers special honors. Alternate translation: "we are loyal to you" or "you have honored us by making us your officials"

Ezra 4:15

a rebellious city

The city is a metonym for the people who live in it. Alternate translation: "a city in which live people who have rebelled against your father"

the city was destroyed

This can be translated in active form, in which case you will need to make explicit who destroyed the city. The "city" represents the people who live in it. Alternate translation: "the Babylonians destroyed the city"

Ezra 4:16

if this city and wall are built

This can be translated in active form. See how you translated these words in [Ezra 4:13]

there will be nothing remaining for you

Here "nothing" is an exaggeration to make the king think that he will be losing much tax money if the Judeans rebel.

the Province Beyond the River

This is the name of the province that was west of the Euphrates River. It was across the river from the city of Susa. See how you translated this in [Ezra 4:10]

Ezra 4:17

the Province Beyond the River

This is the name of the province that was west of the Euphrates River. It was across the river from the city of Susa. See how you translated this in [Ezra 4:10]

Rehum

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:2.

Shimshai

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 4:8.

the River

the Euphrates River

Ezra 4:18

The letter that you sent me has been translated and read

This can be translated in active form, in which case you will need to make explicit who translated and read the letter to the king. Alternate translation: "I have had my servants translate and read the letter that you sent to me"

Ezra 4:19

a decree was issued by me

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I issued a decree"

that city has risen up against kings

The phrase "that city" is a metonym for the people who live in the city. Alternate translation: "the people of that city have risen up against kings"

has risen up against

The phrase "risen up" is a metaphor for "rebelled." The people have been rebelling repeatedly for a long time. Alternate translation: "has rebelled against" or "has been rebelling against"

rebellion and revolt have been made in it

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people who live there have been rebelling and revolting"

Ezra 4:20

the Province Beyond the River

This is the name of the province that was west of the Euphrates River. It was across the river from the city of Susa. See how you translated this in [Ezra 4:10]

Tribute, taxes, and tolls were paid to them

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The people in Jerusalem paid tribute, taxes, and tolls to those kings" or "Those kings were able to collect tribute, taxes, and tolls"

Tribute, taxes, and tolls

This is probably a merism for "Every kind of taxes." See how you translated similar words in [Ezra 4:13]

taxes

This word probably refers specifically to taxes on goods that people bought or consumed.

tolls

taxes that people needed to pay to use roads

Ezra 4:21

make a decree

"make a law"

Ezra 4:22

Be careful not to neglect this

The litotes "not to neglect" is an understatement to emphasize that the writers want Artaxerxes to do what they tell him to do. Alternate translation: "Be careful to do this"

Why allow this threat to grow and cause more loss for the royal interests?

Artaxerxes uses a question to tell them that he understands that he will lose taxes and honor if the city is built. Alternate translation: "You must make sure that this threat does not grow and cause more loss for the royal interests."

threat to grow

Danger is spoken of as if it were a plant that could increase in size. Alternate translation: "danger to become worse"

cause more loss for the royal interests

The words "the royal interests" are a metonym for the king himself. Alternate translation: "cause more bad things to happen to the kings"

Ezra 4:23

King Artaxerxes' decree was read

This can be translated in active form, in which case you will need to make explicit who read the decree from the king to the officials. Alternate translation: "The messengers from King Artaxerxes read his decree"

Rehum

See how you translated this in Ezra 2:1.

Shimshai

See how you translated this in Ezra 4:7.

Ezra 4:24

the work on the house of God in Jerusalem stopped until the second year of the reign of Darius

This delay lasted about 16 years.

Chapter 5

Ezra 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of the building of the temple and re-establishment of the temple worship continues in this chapter. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Rebuilding the temple

The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the Jews to begin again building the temple. This was very important to life in Judah. (See: prophet)

Ezra 5:1

Iddo

This is a man's name.

Ezra 5:2

Jeshua ... Jozadak

These are the names of men.

Shealtiel

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 3:1.

to build the house of God

This was the temple of God.

Ezra 5:3

Tattenai ... Shethar-Bozenai

men's names

the Province Beyond the River

This is the name of the province that was west of the Euphrates River. It was across the river from the city of Susa. See how you translated it in Ezra 4:10.

Ezra 5:4

General Information:

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Ezra 5:5

God's eye was on

The eye represents the person watching over another person. Alternate translation: "God was watching over"

for a letter to be sent to Darius and for a decree to be returned to them

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "for an official to send a letter to the king and for the king to send back to them a letter stating a decree"

Ezra 5:6

This is a copy of the letter

Ezra includes the contents of the letter to King Darius regarding their work on the temple.

the Province Beyond the River

This is the name of the province that was west of the Euphrates River. It was across the river from the city of Susa. See how you translated this in [Ezra 4:10]

Ezra 5:7

General Information:

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Ezra 5:8

General Information:

The letter from Tattenai to the king that began in Ezra 5:7 continues.

timbers

wood for building

Ezra 5:9

Who issued you a decree

"Who gave you official permission"

Ezra 5:10

to make them known to you

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that we could tell you who they are"

the names ... head are written down

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "we wrote down the names ... head"

Ezra 5:11

General Information:

The letter from Tattenai to the king that began in Ezra 5:7 continues.

We are servants of the one

Possible meaning are 1) they were calling the Jewish people servants of God or 2) those who replied were from the tribe of Levi and Aaron, who were the ones actually responsible for the temple worship and sacrifices.

that had been built many years ago when the great king of Israel built it and completed it

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the great king of Israel had built and supplied all the equipment for"

completed it

"supplied all the equipment for it"

Ezra 5:12

General Information:

The letter from Tattenai to the king continues. Tattenai continues to tell the king what the Judeans had told him beginning in Ezra 5:11.

enraged the God of heaven

"made the God of heaven become very angry with us"

he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house and took the people

The hand is a metonym for power or control. Also, "Nebuchadnezzar" represents his army. Alternate translation: "allowed the army of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, the Chaldean, to destroy this house and to take the people"

destroyed this house

"tore down this house"

Ezra 5:13

Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild the house of God

Cyrus ordered that the people rebuild God's temple.

Ezra 5:14

General Information:

The letter from Tattenai to the king that began in Ezra 5:7 continues. Tattenai continues to tell the king what the Judeans had told him beginning in (Ezra 5:11).

Sheshbazzar

See how you translated this in Ezra 1:7.

He restored them

King Cyrus returned the temple objects.

Ezra 5:15

Let the house of God be rebuilt

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I want the Judeans to rebuild the house of God"

Ezra 5:16

General Information:

The letter from Tattenai to the king that began in Ezra 5:7 continues. Tattenai continues to tell the king what the Judeans had told him beginning in (Ezra 5:11).

it is being constructed, but is not yet complete

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "people are now constructing it, but they have not done all the work yet"

constructed

built

Ezra 5:17

General Information:

The letter from Tattenai to the king that began in Ezra 5:7 continues. Tattenai has finished telling the king what the Judeans told him and now asks the king to see if what the Judeans told him was true.

may it be investigated

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I would like you to have someone investigate this matter"

if a decree from King Cyrus was issued

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "if King Cyrus issued a decree"

Chapter 6

Ezra 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The completion of the story of the building of the temple and re-establishment of the temple worship occurs in this chapter. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Temple taxes

The king said the Jews were right and ordered money from his taxes to be used to help them with their sacrifices.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Darius

In this chapter, Darius is called the king of Assyria. In reality, besides ruling over the former Assyrian Empire, Darius was also king of Persia. Persia had conquered Babylon, which had previously conquered Assyria. This made the king of Persia, the king of Assyria as well. It was unusual to refer to Darius as the king or ruler of Assyria. Ezra may have referred to him in this way to contrast Darius' actions with those of the former rulers of Assyria, who had treated the Jews very cruelly. It was those earlier Assyrian rulers who had conquered the northern tribes of Israel and deported them to other lands. It was for this reasons that the northern tribes lost their identity and were no longer a distinct people group.

Ezra 6:1

house of archives

This is a building where the king's officials kept the important government records.

Ezra 6:2

Ecbatana

This is the name of a city.

a scroll was found

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they found a scroll" or "they found a scroll that told about Darius and Jerusalem"

Ezra 6:3

General Information:

This begins the record of King Cyrus's command that the Jews rebuild God's temple in Jerusalem.

In the first year of King Cyrus

It can be stated clearly that this is the first year of his reign. Alternate translation: "In year 1 of the reign of King Cyrus"

Let the house be rebuilt

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let the Jews rebuild the house" or "The Jews must rebuild the house"

sixty cubits

"60 cubits." You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "twenty-seven meters"

Ezra 6:4

with three rows of large stones and a row of new timber

This can be stated as a new sentence. Possible meanings are 1) this describes how to build the foundation. Alternate translation: "Build the foundation on three layers of large stones covered with one layer of timber" or 2) this describes how to build the walls. Alternate translation: "Build the house's walls with three layers of large stones alternating with one layer of timber"

let the cost be paid by the king's house

The phrase "the king's house" represents King Cyrus's own wealth in the royal treasury. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will pay for it with money from the royal treasury"

Ezra 6:5

General Information:

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Ezra 6:6

General Information:

This continues the record of King Cyrus's command that the Jews rebuild God's temple in Jerusalem, which began in Ezra 6:3.

Tattenai ... Shethar-Bozenai

Darius writes directly to these men. Translate their names as in [Ezra 5:3]

the Province Beyond the River

This is the name of the province that was west of the Euphrates River. It was across the river from the city of Susa. See how you translated it in [Ezra 4:10]

Ezra 6:7

General Information:

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Ezra 6:8

General Information:

This continues the record of King Cyrus's command that the Jews rebuild God's temple in Jerusalem, which began in Ezra 6:3.

Funds from the king's tribute beyond the River will be used to pay these men

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Use funds from the king's tribute beyond the river to pay these men"

Funds from the king's tribute beyond the River

"The king's tribute" refers to taxes that people pay the king. Alternate translation: "Money from the taxes that you collect for the king from the people beyond the river"

Ezra 6:9

General Information:

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Ezra 6:10

General Information:

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Ezra 6:11

General Information:

This continues the record of King Cyrus's command that the Jews rebuild God's temple in Jerusalem, which began in Ezra 6:3.

a beam must be pulled from his house and he must be impaled on it. His house must then be turned into a rubbish heap

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I command my officials to pull a beam from his house and impale him on it. They are then to turn his house into a rubbish heap"

beam

a long, sturdy piece of wood, supporting the roof of a house

impaled

pierced through

Ezra 6:12

who lifts a hand to violate ... or to destroy

Lifting the hand represents trying or daring to do something. Alternate translation: "who tries to violate ... or to destroy" or "who dares to violate ... or to destroy"

to violate this decree

The abstract noun "decree" can be expressed with the phrase "what I have decreed." Alternate translation: "to violate what I have decreed" or "to do what this decree says no one should do"

I, Darius, hereby issue this decree

The phrase "hereby issue" means that Darius, by speaking, is issuing the decree. Your language may have a different way to show that the speaker is claiming to make something happen, not simply explaining what he is doing.

Ezra 6:13

Tattenai ... Shethar-Bozenai

Translate the names of these men as you did in [Ezra 5:3]

Ezra 6:14

General Information:

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Ezra 6:15

The house was completed

This can be translated in active form. You may need to make explicit which house they completed. Alternate translation: "They completed God's house" or "They finished building the temple"

the third day of the month of Adar

"Adar" is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the cold season. The third day is near the middle of February on Western calendars.

sixth year

King Darius had been ruling for five years, so he was now in year number six of his reign.

Ezra 6:16

the rest of the captives

These people had been captured and taken to Babylon, but they returned to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "the rest of the people who had been taken captive to Babylon and had returned to Jerusalem" or "the rest of the people who had returned from captivity"

Ezra 6:17

one hundred bulls ... four hundred lambs

"100 bulls ... 400 lambs"

Ezra 6:18

to work divisions

The abstract noun "work divisions" can be expressed with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "to work in groups"

work divisions

"groups that work together"

Ezra 6:19

fourteenth day of the first month

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The fourteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars.

Ezra 6:20

purified themselves

"made themselves pure." Being pure represents being acceptable to God. Alternate translation: "made themselves acceptable to God"

Ezra 6:21

separated themselves from the uncleanness of the nations of the land

Separating themselves from uncleanness represents refusing to do things that make people unclean. Alternate translation: "They refused to do the things that the people of the nations of the land did that made them unclean"

the uncleanness of the nations of the land

Here "uncleanness" represents being unacceptable to God. Alternate translation: "the things that the people of the nations of the land did that made them unacceptable to God"

sought Yahweh

Seeking Yahweh represents choosing to know, worship, and obey him. Alternate translation: "chose to obey Yahweh"

Ezra 6:22

turned the heart of Assyria's king

Turning the king's heart represents making him think differently about the work of the temple. Alternate translation: "changed the attitude of Assyria's king" or "made Assyria's king willing"

to strengthen their hands in the work of his house

Strengthening their hands in the work represents helping them to work. The Assyrian king did this by telling them to do the work and providing the money for it. Alternate translation: "to help them do the work of his house" or "to make it possible for them to do the work of his house"

the work of his house

This refers to building the temple.

Chapter 7

Ezra 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Ezra begins his religious reforms.

Special concepts in this chapter

God's Law

The people no longer know the law of Moses. Therefore, the king allows Ezra to return to Judea to teach the people about God's law. Many people go with him. (See: lawofmoses)

Ezra 7:1

General Information:

Ezra's genealogy goes back to Aaron, the first high priest.

Ezra came up from Babylon

Where Ezra came up to can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Ezra came up to Jerusalem from Babylon"

Seraiah

See how you translated this man's name in [Ezra 2:2]

Azariah, Hilkiah

men's names

Ezra 7:2

Shallum

See how you translated this man's name in [Ezra 2:42]

Zadok, Ahitub

men's names

Ezra 7:3

Amariah, Azariah, Meraioth

This list is all men's names.

Ezra 7:4

Zerahiah, Uzzi, Bukki

men's names

Ezra 7:5

Abishua, Phinehas, Eleazar

men's names

Ezra 7:6

The king gave him anything he asked

"The king gave Ezra anything he asked for"

the hand of Yahweh was with him

The "hand" of Yahweh represents Yahweh's blessing or help. Alternate translation: "the blessing of Yahweh was with Ezra" or "Yahweh was blessing Ezra"

Ezra 7:7

in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes

This refers to the seventh year of his reign. Alternate translation: "in the seventh year that Artaxerxes was king"

Ezra 7:8

the fifth month

This is the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of July and the first part of August on Western calendars.

the seventh year of the king

The king had ruled for six full years and part of the seventh.

Ezra 7:9

the first day of the first month

This is near the middle of March on Western calendars.

the first day of the fifth month

This is near the middle of July on Western calendars.

the good hand of God

"Hand" represents the power or control that God uses for good results.

Ezra 7:10

Ezra had established his heart to study

Establishing his heart represents firmly deciding or committing himself to do something. Alternate translation: "Ezra committed his life to study"

carry out

"obey"

the law of Yahweh and to carry out and teach its statutes and decrees

These were the laws that God passed down to Israel through Moses.

Ezra 7:11

This was the copy of the letter

The text following this statement was what King Artaxerxes had written in the letter.

Ezra 7:12

The King of kings Artaxerxes

"The King of kings" was a title, meaning that he was the greatest of kings, the king that other kings obeyed. Alternate translation: "The Great King Artaxerxes" or "Artaxerxes, the greatest king"

Ezra 7:13

I hereby issue a decree that anyone ... who desires to go to Jerusalem

In those days people needed permission from the king to resettle and rebuild in an area previously destroyed by the conquering nation.

I hereby issue a decree

The phrase "hereby issue" means that Darius, by speaking, is issuing the decree. Your language may have a different way to show that the speaker is claiming to make something happen, not simply explaining what he is doing. See how these words are translated in Ezra 6:12.

may go with you

The word "you" refers to Ezra.

Ezra 7:14

Connecting Statement:

This continues the decree that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra.

I, the king, and my seven counselors

The word "I" and the phrase "the king" refer to the same person. The king is reminding the people who hear this letter that he is the author of this letter.

to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem according to the law of your God

What they were to inquire about can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: "to investigate the situation in Judah and Jerusalem, in order to learn whether or not they are obeying the law of your God"

Ezra 7:15

You are to bring the silver and gold

Where they were to bring it can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "You are to bring to Jerusalem the silver and gold"

the silver and gold that the king and his counselors have freely offered

"Freely" means that they were not forced to offer the money. They gave it because they wanted to. Alternate translation: "the silver and gold that the king and his counselors have willingly offered"

Ezra 7:16

General Information:

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Ezra 7:17

Connecting Statement:

This continues the decree that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra.

So use this money to buy in full ... offerings

The phrase "in full" means as many as are necessary to complete the task. They were to use the gold and silver to buy all they needed in order to worship God in the temple. Alternate translation: "Use this money to buy as many of the oxen, rams, lambs, grain and drink offerings as are needed"

Ezra 7:18

you and your brothers

The phrase "your brothers" refers to the people who were doing this work with Ezra. Alternate translation: "your co-workers" or "your companions"

Ezra 7:19

Connecting Statement:

This continues the decree that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra.

the objects that were freely given to you

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "the objects that we have freely given to you"

Place the objects ... before him

The word "him" refers to God.

for the service of the house of your God

The abstract noun "service" can be expressed with the verbs "serve" or "use." Alternate translation: "to use in the house of your God" or "to serve in the house of your God"

Ezra 7:20

treasury

a secure place where money is stored

Ezra 7:21

Connecting Statement:

This continues the decree that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra.

I ... hereby issue a decree

The phrase "hereby issue" means that Darius, by speaking, is issuing the decree. Your language may have a different way to show that the speaker is claiming to make something happen, not simply explaining what he is doing. See how these words are translated in Ezra 6:12.

the Province Beyond the River

This is the name of the province that was west of the Euphrates River. It was across the river from the city of Susa. See how you translated it in [Ezra 4:10]

that anything that Ezra ... asks from you should be given in full

This can be expressed in active form. "Give Ezra ... in full anything he asks of you"

should be given in full

The phrase "in full" here represents whatever quantity necessary to do the work. Alternate translation: "should be given as much as he needs"

Ezra 7:22

one hundred silver talents

"100 talents of silver." You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "3,300 kilograms of silver"

one hundred cors of grain

You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "22,000 liters of grain" or "twenty thousand liters of grain"

one hundred baths of oil

You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: 2,200 liters of oil" or "two thousand liters of oil"

Ezra 7:23

his house

This refers to God's temple.

For why should his wrath come upon the kingdom of the king and his sons?

The king uses this question to say that he does not want God's wrath to come upon them. The implied information is that if they do not give Ezra what he needs, then God will punish the kingdom. Alternate translation: "For we do not want God's wrath to come upon the kingdom of the king and his sons." or "For if you do not do these things, God's wrath will come upon the kingdom of the king and his sons."

For why should his wrath come upon the kingdom of the king and his sons

God's wrath represents God punishing them. Alternate translation: "For why should God punish the kingdom of the king and his sons" or "For if you do not do these things, God will punish the kingdom of the king and his sons"

the kingdom of the king and his sons

The king is emphasizing his own majesty by referring to himself in third person. Alternate translation: "my and my sons' kingdom"

Ezra 7:24

Connecting Statement:

This continues the decree that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra.

We are informing them that there is no authority to impose any tribute or taxes

"We are telling them that they have no authority to impose any tribute or taxes"

musicians

people who play musical instruments

Ezra 7:25

Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the decree that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra.

with the wisdom that God has given you, you must appoint judges and magistrates

The abstract noun "wisdom" can be expressed with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "God has made you wise, so you must wisely appoint judges and magistrates"

Ezra 7:26

whether death or banishment or confiscation of his goods or imprisonment

The abstract nouns can be translated with verbs. Alternate translation: "whether by killing them, banishing them, confiscating their goods, or imprisoning them" or "You may kill them, send them away, take the things they own, or put them in prison"

Ezra 7:27

Connecting Statement:

Ezra praises God because of what King Artaxerxes decreed.

placed all this into the king's heart to glorify the house of Yahweh in Jerusalem

Placing things in the king's heart represents causing him to have certain thoughts and desires. Alternate translation: "caused the king to want to glorify Yahweh's house in Jerusalem"

the house of Yahweh

This refers to Yahweh's temple.

Ezra 7:28

who extended covenant faithfulness to me

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithful" or "loyal." Alternate translation: "who has been faithful to me" or "who has been loyal to me"

I have been strengthened

Being strengthened represents being encouraged. Alternate translation: I am encouraged"

by the hand of Yahweh my God

Here Yahweh's hand represents what he did to help Ezra. Alternate translation: "because Yahweh has helped me"

Chapter 8

Ezra 8 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The people's return to Judah

Many people went back to Judah with Ezra. They trusted God to protect them and the precious items they carried with them, which had been given for the temple. (See: trust)

Ezra 8:1

General Information:

There is an apparent shift in authorship beginning here. Chapters 1-7 were written as if the author were writing about Ezra. Chapter 8 was written as if the author were Ezra. Verses 2-14 are a list of leaders and their ancestors. All of them are men.

Ezra 8:2

Of the descendants of Phinehas, Gershom

This is the first item in the list. It can be written with the verb "was." Alternate translation: "The leader of the descendants of Phinehas was Gershom" or "Gershom was the leader of the descendants of Phinehas"

Of the descendants of Ithamar, Daniel

This is the second item in the list. It can be written with the verb "was." Alternate translation: "The leader of the descendants of Ithamar was Daniel" or "Daniel was the leader of the descendants of Ithamar"

Of the descendants of David, Hattush

This is the third item in the list. It can be written with the verb "were." Alternate translation: "The leaders of the descendants of David were Hattush who was ... Parosh; and Zechariah" or "The leaders of the descendants of David were Hattush and Zechariah. Hattush was from ... Parosh"

Hattush

This is a man's name.

Ezra 8:3

Parosh

See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 2:3.

with him there were 150 males listed in his genealogy

"with Zechariah there were 150 males listed in his genealogy"

150 males

"one hundred and fifty males"

Ezra 8:4

General Information:

The list of men's names continues.

Of the descendants of Pahath-Moab, Eliehoenai son of Zerahiah

This is the next item in the list. It can be written with the verb "was." Alternate translation: "The leader of the descendants of Pahath-Moab was Eliehoenai son of Zerahiah" or "Eliehoenai son of Zerahiah was the leader of the descendants of Pahath-Moab"

with him were two hundred males

"with Eliehoenai were two hundred males"

Zerahiah

See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 7:4.

two hundred

"200"

Ezra 8:5

three hundred

"300"

Ezra 8:6

Adin

See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 2:15.

fifty

"50"

Ezra 8:7

seventy

"70"

Ezra 8:8

General Information:

The list of men's names continues.

Of the descendants of Shephatiah, Zebadiah son of Michael

This is the next item in the list. It can be written with the verb "was." Alternate translation: "The leader of the descendants of Shephatiah was Zebadiah son of Michael" or "Zebadiah son of Michael was the leader of the descendants of Shephatiah"

Shephatiah

See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 2:2.

Michael

This is a man's name.

with him were listed eighty males

"with Zebadiah were listed eighty males"

eighty

"80"

Ezra 8:9

218 males

"two hundred and eighteen males"

Ezra 8:10

160 males

"one hundred and sixty males"

Ezra 8:11

Bebai

See how you translated this in Ezra 2:11.

twenty-eight

"28"

Ezra 8:12

General Information:

This is the end of the list of men's names.

Of the descendants of Azgad, Johanan son of Hakkatan

This is the next item in the list. It can be written with the verb "was." Alternate translation: "The leader of the descendants of Azgad was Johanan son of Hakkatan" or "Johanan son of Hakkatan was the leader of the descendants of Azgad"

with him were listed 110 males

"with Johanan were listed 110 males"

110 males

"one hundred and ten males"

Azgad

See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 2:12.

Ezra 8:13

Those of the descendants of Adonikam

The word "those" refers to the leaders. Alternate translation: "The leaders of the descendants of Adonikam"

Adonikam

See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 2:13.

sixty

"60"

Ezra 8:14

Bigvai

See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 2:2.

seventy

"70"

Ezra 8:15

General Information:

The word "I" in chapter 8 refers to Ezra. He is the author. Verse 16 contains a list of men's names.

the canal that goes to Ahava

Possible meanings are that the "canal" was 1) a waterway that men built or 2) an ordinary river. It can be translated in a more general way. Alternate translation: "the waterway that flows to Ahava"

Ahava

This is the name of a place

Ezra 8:16

Shemaiah

See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 8:13.

Elnathan ... Elnathan ... Elnathan

There were apparently three men with the same name.

Ezra 8:17

Iddo

This is a man's name.

Next I sent them to Iddo

The word "them" refers to the nine leaders and two teachers written about in [Ezra 8:16]

Kasiphia

This is the name of a place.

I told them what to say to Iddo ... that is, to send to us servants for the house of God

The words "that is" introduces what he told them to say. Alternate translation: "I told them to tell Iddo ... to send us servants for the house of God"

Ezra 8:18

Sherebiah ... Mahli

These are men's names.

So they sent us by our God's good hand a man

God's "good hand" represents his kindness in providing for them. Alternate translation: "Because God was kind to us, they sent us a man"

a prudent man

This is a man of understanding and wisdom.

son of Levi son of Israel

Here "Israel" is a man's name. It is the name God gave to Jacob.

eighteen

"18"

Ezra 8:19

Hashabiah ... Merari

These are men's names.

twenty

"20"

Jeshaiah

See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 8:7.

Ezra 8:20

officials

people with specific authority within a government system

Ezra 8:21

the Ahava Canal

This is the name of the canal that flows to the place called Ahava. See how you translated Ahava and canal in [Ezra 8:15]

to seek a straight path from him for us, our little ones, and all our possessions

The word "seek" represents asking God to do something for them. Here a "straight path" represents safety while they travel. Alternate translation: "to ask God to give us, our little ones, and all our possessions safety while we travel" or "to ask God to protect us, our little ones, and all our possessions while we travel"

Ezra 8:22

The hand of our God is on all who seek him

The hand of God being on people is a metonym for God helping people. Seeking God is a metaphor for serving him. Alternate translation: "God helps all who serve him"

but his might and wrath are on all who forget him

God's might and wrath being on people is a metonym for him punishing people. Forgetting God is a metaphor for refusing to serve him. Alternate translation: "but he punishes all who refuse to serve him"

Ezra 8:23

So we fasted and sought God about this

Here seeking God is a metaphor for asking God to do something for them. Alternate translation: "So we fasted and asked God to help us"

Ezra 8:24

Sherebiah, Hashabiah

See how you translated these men's names in [Ezra 8:19]

Ezra 8:25

General Information:

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Ezra 8:26

650 talents of silver

"six hundred and fifty talents of silver." A talent weighs about thirty-three kilograms. You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "22,000 kilograms of silver"

one hundred talents of silver objects

"100 talents of silver objects." You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "3,300 kilograms of silver objects"

one hundred talents of gold

"100 talents of gold." You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "3,300 kilograms of gold"

Ezra 8:27

one thousand darics

"1,000 darics." A "daric" was a small gold coin that people in the Persian Empire used. You can translate this in terms of the number of coins or their weight. Alternate translation: "one thousand Persian gold coins" or "eight and one half kilograms of gold"

bronze vessels

Bronze is a mixture of copper and another metal. It is stronger than pure copper.

Ezra 8:28

Then I said to them

"Then I said to the twelve priestly officials"

Ezra 8:29

until you weigh them out before the priestly officials, Levites, and leaders

When they arrived in Jerusalem, they would weigh the silver, gold, and bronze to show that they had not taken any of it for themselves.

Ezra 8:30

The priests and the Levites

According to the law of Moses, the tribe of Levi had the work of caring for the temple, its possessions, and the offerings.

Ezra 8:31

We went out from the Ahava Canal

"We left the Ahava Canal" or "We started traveling from the Ahava Canal"

Ahava Canal

This is the name of the canal that flows to the place called Ahava. See how you translated this in [Ezra 8:21]

twelfth day of the first month

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The twelfth day is near the end of March on Western calendars.

The hand of our God was on us

The hand of God being on people is a metonym for God helping people. Alternate translation: "God was helping us"

he protected us from the hand of the enemy and the ones ... road

The hand represents what those people might do. It specifically refers to the enemy attacking the group that was traveling. Alternate translation: "he protected us from the attack of the enemy and the ones who wished to ambush us along the road" or "He kept the enemy from attacking us and he kept robbers from ambushing us along the road"

the ones who wished to ambush us

This refers to thieves and robbers who wanted to attack them for their treasures.

Ezra 8:32

General Information:

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Ezra 8:33

the silver, gold, and objects were weighed out

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the twelve priestly officials weighed out the silver, gold and objects"

the silver, gold, and objects were weighed out ... into the hand of Meremoth

Here "the hand of Meremoth" represents Meremoth's care of the silver, gold, and objects. The men weighed those things and gave them to Meremoth to take care of them.

Meremoth ... Uriah ... Eleazar ... Phinehas ... Jozabad ... Jeshua ... Noadiah ... Binnui

These are the names of men.

Jeshua

See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 2:6.

Ezra 8:34

General Information:

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Ezra 8:35

The ones who came back from the captivity ... the people of exile

These two phrases refer to the Jewish people who were living as exiles in Babylon and who left Babylon and returned to Jerusalem in Judea. Alternate translation: "The ones who came back to Jerusalem from the captivity in Babylon, the people of exile"

twelve ... ninety-six ... seventy-seven ... twelve

"12 ... 96 ... 77 ... 12"

Ezra 8:36

the governors in the Province Beyond the River

These were the Babylonian officials managing the people west of the Euphrates River, which included the people living in Judea.

the Province Beyond the River

This is the name of the province that was west of the Euphrates River. It was across the river from the city of Susa. It included Judea. See how you translated it in [Ezra 4:10]

Chapter 9

Ezra 9 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Intermarriage

When Ezra found out that many Jews had married Gentile wives, he prayed to God and asked God why he had been so good to them by letting these few people return from captivity even though they sinned by marrying Gentile wives. They did this before and God had punished them for it. God forbid this type of marriage because it caused the people to worship other gods. (See: sin and falsegod)

Ezra 9:1

have not separated themselves

have married people from other lands and have adopted their religion

Ezra 9:2

General Information:

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Ezra 9:3

When I heard this

When Ezra heard that many Israelites had married foreign women and were worshiping their gods

I tore apart my clothing and robe and pulled out hair from my head and beard

Ezra was showing everyone how unhappy he was that people were doing things that offended God.

Ezra 9:4

evening offering

a sacrifice that the priests would offer around the time the sun was going down

Ezra 9:5

my position of humiliation

another way of saying he was "sitting ashamed" (Ezra 9:4). "where I was sitting on the ground to show how ashamed I was"

knelt down and spread my hands

"got on my knees and stretched out my arms with my hands open toward the sky"

Ezra 9:6

our iniquities increase over our head, and our guilt grows to the heavens

These words are two ways of speaking of iniquity and guilt as if they were physical objects that could grow to be larger than people. The abstract nouns "iniquity" and "guilt" can be expressed as a noun and an adjective, respectively. Alternate translation: "we have committed wicked deeds and we are very guilty"

Ezra 9:7

the days of our ancestors

"the time when our ancestors were alive"

in great guilt ... In our iniquities

The abstract nouns "guilt" and "iniquity" can be translated as an adjective and a verb, respectively. Alternate translation: "very guilty ... Because of the evil deeds we did"

we ... were given into the hand of kings

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you gave us ... into the hand of kings"

were given into the hand of kings of this world

Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "were given into the control of the kings of this world" or "were given over to the kings of this world"

to the sword, to captivity, and to plunder and ashamed faces

The sword is a metonym for people killing other people. The abstract nouns "captivity" and "plunder" can be stated as verb phrases. And, "faces" is a synecdoche representing the whole person. Alternate translation: "to our enemies to kill us, to capture us, to steal from us, and to cause us shame"

Ezra 9:8

mercy from Yahweh our God has come

God deciding to be merciful is spoken of as if mercy were a person who could move. Alternate translation: "Yahweh our God has decided to be merciful to us and"

an escaped remnant

"some survivors who have escaped captivity"

Ezra 9:9

he has extended covenant faithfulness to us

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithful" or "loyal." See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezra 7:28]

before the king of Persia

The king could not literally see the temple, but he did know about what was happening in Jerusalem. Here "sight" is a metonym for what a person knows. Alternate translation: "so that the king of Persia knows about it"

the house of our God

the temple

he has given us a wall of safety

Possible meanings are 1) the wall of safety is a wall to protect the people. Alternate translation: "he has given us a wall to protect us" or 2) this is a metaphor for Yahweh protecting his people. Alterate trasnslation: "he protects us like a wall" or "he gives us protection"

Ezra 9:10

General Information:

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Ezra 9:11

General Information:

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Ezra 9:12

for all time

"until the end of the ages"

Ezra 9:13

escaped remnant

"some survivors who have escaped captivity." See how you translated this phrase in Ezra 9:8.

Ezra 9:14

should we again break your commandments and make ... people?

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "it is very wrong that some of us have broken your commandments and made ... people."

Will you not be angry ... escape?

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am afraid that you will be angry ... escape."

there will be no remnant, no one to escape

The word translated "remnant" here is the usual word for something that remains or is left. The word translated "one to escape" is the same word translated "escaped remnant" in Ezra 9:8 and can be translated "survivors who have escaped captivity."

Ezra 9:15

Look

"Pay attention to what I am about to say"

escaped remnant

"some survivors who have escaped captivity. " See how you translated this phrase in Ezra 9:8.

We are here before you in our guilt

"You can see that we are all guilty"

there is no one who can stand before you

"you do not think that any person is innocent"

Chapter 10

Ezra 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Intermarriages

The people agree to divorce their Gentile wives. Many Jews were involved in these mixed marriages. Divorce should not normally have been common for the Jews to engage in, but marriage with non-Jewish women was not allowed.

Ezra 10:1

As Ezra prayed and confessed ... threw himself down

Ezra speaks of himself as if he were someone else.

threw himself down

quickly went from standing to lying facedown

before the house of God

in front of the temple

Ezra 10:2

Shekaniah

See how you translated this in Ezra 8:5.

Jehiel

See how you translated this in Ezra 8:9.

We have been unfaithful to our God

This was made as a public confession, not as a boastful claim.

Ezra 10:3

General Information:

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Ezra 10:4

we are with you

"we will help you"

Ezra 10:5

General Information:

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Ezra 10:6

Jehohanan ... Eliashib

These are the names of men.

Ezra 10:7

General Information:

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Ezra 10:8

Anyone who did not come ... all of his possessions would be forfeited, and he himself would be excluded

"As for anyone who did not come ... the officials would take all his possessions away from him and would exclude him" or "The people of Judah and Jerusalem would take all the possessions away from everyone who did not come ... and would exclude them"

three days

3 days

Ezra 10:9

in three days

"three days later"

ninth month and the twentieth day of the month

This is the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. The twentieth day is near the middle of December on Western calendars.

in the square

a large open courtyard in front of the temple

Ezra 10:10

committed treason

The abstract noun "treason" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "helped the enemies of your people"

so as to increase Israel's guilt

"and now God considers us guilty of worse sin than before"

Ezra 10:11

Separate from

move away from, be different from

Ezra 10:12

General Information:

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Ezra 10:13

this is not only one or two days of work

This litotes can be translated in positive form. Alternate translation: "we will need a long time to do all this work"

Ezra 10:14

General Information:

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Ezra 10:15

Jonathan ... Asahel ... Jahzeiah ... Tikvah ... Meshullam ... Shabbethai

men's names

Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of Tikvah opposed this

Possible meanings are, 1) these men did not want the city officials to investigate the offenses or 2) they did not want anyone to investigate the people's marriages.

Ezra 10:16

did this

The people investigated who had married non-Jewish wives.

the first day of the tenth month

This is the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of December on Western calendars.

Ezra 10:17

first day of the first month

This is near the middle of March on Western calendars.

Ezra 10:18

Jeshua

See how you translated this in Ezra 2:2.

Jozadak

See how you translated this in Ezra 3:2.

Maaseiah ... Gedaliah

names of men

Eliezer ... Jarib

See how you translated this in Ezra 8:16.

Ezra 10:19

General Information:

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Ezra 10:20

General Information:

Ezra continues to list the men who married non-Jewish women.

Immer

a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:37.

Hanani

a man's name

Zebadiah

a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 8:8.

Ezra 10:21

Harim

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:32]

Maaseiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:18]

Shemaiah ... Jehiel

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Ezra 8:13]

Ezra 10:22

Pashhur

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:37.

Elioenai ... Nethanel ... Elasah

These are the names of men.

Jozabad

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 8:33.

Ezra 10:23

General Information:

Ezra continues to list the men who married non-Jewish women.

Jozabad

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 8:33.

Ezra 10:24

Eliashib

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:6]

Shallum

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:42]

Ezra 10:25

Parosh

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:3]

Eleazar

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 7:5]

Ezra 10:26

General Information:

Ezra continues to list the men who married non-Jewish women.

Elam

See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 2:7.

Jehiel

See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 8:9.

Ezra 10:27

Zattu

See how you translated this man's name in [Ezra 2:8]

Elioenai

See how you translated this man's name in [Ezra 10:22]

Eliashib

See how you translated this man's name in [Ezra 10:6]

Ezra 10:28

Bebai

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:11]

Jehohanan

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:6]

Ezra 10:29

Bani

See how you translated this man's name in [Ezra 2:10]

Meshullam

See how you translated this man's name in [Ezra 8:16]

Ezra 10:30

General Information:

Ezra continues to list the men who married non-Jewish women.

Pahath-Moab

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 8:4.

Benaiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:25.

Maaseiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:18.

Mattaniah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:26.

Binnui

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 8:33.

Ezra 10:31

Malkijah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:25]

Harim

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:32]

Eliezer

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 8:16]

Ezra 10:32

Malluk

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:29]

Ezra 10:33

General Information:

Ezra continues to list the men who married non-Jewish women.

Hashum

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:19

Zabad

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:27.

Eliphelet

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 8:13.

Manasseh

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:30.

Shimei

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:23.

Ezra 10:34

Bani

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:10]

Ezra 10:35

Benaiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:23]

Ezra 10:36

Meremoth

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 8:33]

Eliashib

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:6]

Ezra 10:37

General Information:

Ezra continues to list the men who married non-Jewish women.

Mattaniah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:26.

Mattenai

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:33.

Ezra 10:38

Binnui

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 8:33]

Shimei

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:23]

Ezra 10:39

Adaiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:26]

Ezra 10:40

General Information:

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Ezra 10:41

General Information:

Ezra finishes to list the men who married non-Jewish women.

Shelemiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:39.

Shemariah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:32.

Ezra 10:42

Shallum

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:42]

Amariah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 7:3]

Ezra 10:43

Nebo

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:29]

Jeiel

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 8:13]

Zabad

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:27]

Zebina ... Jaddai ... Joel

These are the names of men.

Benaiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:25.

Ezra 10:44

All of these

all the men in the list beginning in Ezra 10:20

Book: Nehemiah

Chapter 1

Nehemiah 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

"The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah:"

This phrase serves as an introduction to this entire book.

Special concepts in this chapter

Repentance

This chapter is a single long record of Nehemiah's repentance on behalf of the people. (See: repent)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

I

While the author of this book is probably Ezra, the word "I" always refers to Nehemiah.

Israel

It is uncertain to whom "Israel" refers. It probably does not refer to the northern kingdom of Israel. Neither does it likely refer to the twelve tribes of Israel. Instead, it is probably a reference to Israel in the sense of the surviving people group. At Nehemiah's time, this people group exclusively comprised the tribe of Judah because the other tribes had already been scattered throughout the entire Near East, where they lost their identity, for the most part.

Nehemiah 1:1

Nehemiah ... Hakaliah

These are names of men.

in the month of Kislev

"Kislev" is the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of November and the first part of December on Western calendars.

in the twentieth year

Nehemiah is referring to the number of years that Artaxerxes had been reigning as king. Alternate translation: "in the twentieth year of the reign of Artaxerxes, King of Persia"

fortress of Susa

This was one of the royal cities of Persian kings, located in the country of Elam. It was a large, fortified city with high walls surrounding it.

Nehemiah 1:2

Hanani

This is the name of a man.

one of my brothers, Hanani

Hanani was Nehemiah's biological brother.

Hanani, and some men from Judah came

"Hanani, came from Judah with some other men"

the Jews, the escaped remnant, those who had escaped from the captivity

The phrases "escaped remnant" and "those who had escaped from the captivity" both describe "the Jews," and "those who had escaped the captivity" specifies what it was that "the escaped remnant" escaped. Possible meanings are 1) the few Jews who were taken as exiles to Babylon but escaped and returned to live in Jerusalem or 2) the few Jews who had escaped from those who were trying to take them into exile in Babylon and so remained in Jerusalem. Since it is unclear which meaning is correct, it is best not to specify in the translation.

Nehemiah 1:3

They said to me

Here "They" refers to Hanani and the other people who had come from Judah.

the province

Here "province" refers to Judah as an administrative district under the Persian Empire. Alternate translation: "the province of Judah" or "Judah"

the wall of Jerusalem has been broken open, and its gates have been set on fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "armies have broken open the wall of Jerusalem and have set its gates on fire"

Nehemiah 1:4

General Information:

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Nehemiah 1:5

Then I said

Nehemiah tells what he prayed. Alternate translation: "Then I said to Yahweh"

Please, I beg you

These words translate one word with which the speaker calls for the attention of the hearer and indicates that the words that follow are a plea. If your language has another way of saying the same thing, you may want to use it here.

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

who love him and keep his commandments

Since Nehemiah is speaking to Yahweh, the pronouns "him" and "his" can be translated as "you" and "your." Alternate translation: "who love you and keep your commandments"

Nehemiah 1:6

Connecting Statement:

This verse begins the prayer that Nehemiah begs Yahweh to listen to (Nehemiah 1:5).

may your eyes be open

"look at me." Here open eyes are a metaphor that represents paying attention to someone. Alternate translation: "pay attention to me"

may your ear be attentive

The ear here is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "listen and pay attention"

so you may hear the prayer of your servant

"so that you may hear the prayer that I, your servant, am praying." The word "servant" refers to Nehemiah. This is how a person would address his superior in order to show humility and respect.

day and night

By saying that he prays both during the day and during the night, Nehemiah emphasizes the frequency of his prayers. Alternate translation: "all the time"

Both I and my father's house

Here the word "house" represents family. Alternate translation: "Both I and my family"

Nehemiah 1:7

Connecting Statement:

The prayer that Nehemiah begs Yahweh to listen to (Nehemiah 1:5) continues.

Nehemiah 1:8

Connecting Statement:

The prayer that Nehemiah begs Yahweh to listen to (Nehemiah 1:5) continues.

Please call to mind

To "call to mind" is an idiom that means to remember. Alternate translation: "Please remember"

the word you commanded your servant Moses

The pronouns "you" and "your" refer to God and so are singular.

If you act unfaithfully ... scatter you

The pronouns "you" and "your" are plural and refer to the Israelite people.

I will scatter you among the peoples

Yahweh speaks of causing the Israelite people to live in other nations as if he scattered them like one would scatter seeds. Alternate translation: "I will cause you to live among the people of other nations"

Nehemiah 1:9

Connecting Statement:

The prayer that Nehemiah begs Yahweh to listen to (Nehemiah 1:5) continues.

if you return ... your people

The pronouns "you" and "your" are plural and refer to the Israelite people.

though your people were scattered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "though I scattered your people"

under the farthest skies

Yahweh speaks of places on the earth that are very far away as being "under the farthest skies." Alternate translation: "to places very far away"

to that place where I have chosen ... remain

This phrase refers to Jerusalem, where the temple was located. Alternate translation: "to Jerusalem, where I have chosen ... remain"

where I have chosen to make my name remain

Here the word "name" represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "where I have chosen to dwell"

Nehemiah 1:10

Connecting Statement:

The prayer that Nehemiah begs Yahweh to listen to (Nehemiah 1:5) continues.

Now

This word is used here to mark a break in Nehemiah's prayer. Here he begins to make his request based on Yahweh's promise.

they are your servants

The word "they" refers to the Israelite people.

by your great power and by your strong hand

Here "hand" represents strength or power. Together, these two phrases form a doublet that emphasizes the intensity of Yahweh's power. Alternate translation: "by your great power and by your mighty strength" or "by your very powerful strength"

Nehemiah 1:11

Connecting Statement:

The prayer that Nehemiah begs Yahweh to listen to (Nehemiah 1:5) ends here.

the prayer of your servant

Here "servant" refers to Nehemiah. This is how a person would address his superior in order to show humility and respect. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 1:6.

the prayer of your servants

Here "servants" refers to the rest of the Israelite people who would have been praying for Yahweh to act on behalf of his people and on behalf of Jerusalem.

who delight to honor your name

Here "name" represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "who delight to honor you"

grant him mercy in the sight of this man

Here "him" refers to Nehemiah, who refers to himself in the third person to express his humility before God, and "this man" refers to Artaxerxes, the king of Persia.

in the sight of this man

Nehemiah speaks of the king's attitude or disposition as if it were how the king viewed something. Alternate translation: "grant that the king will have mercy on me"

I served as cupbearer to the king

This is background information about Nehemiah's role in the king's court. Your language may have a special way to mark background information.

Chapter 2

Nehemiah 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the account of the construction of the wall. Many scholars believe these chapters teach valuable lessons on leadership (Nehemiah 2-6).

Special concepts in this chapter
Nehemiah's character

Apparently, Nehemiah's character made an impression on the king. It was very unusual for a king to be so concerned with one of his servants.

Cultural Customs

In ancient Persia, they thought it was important for their conquered peoples to practice their own cultural customs. It was thought that this independence promoted peace in their vast kingdom. The rebuilding of Jerusalem may have been seen as a way to allow for the Jewish cultural practices.

Yahweh's control

Yahweh is seen as very powerful. He is able to provide for his people, even through a foreign king. (See: peopleofgod)

Nehemiah 2:1

In the month of Nisan

"Nisan" is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar.

in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king

"in the 20th year that Artaxerxes was king"

Now

This word is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here Nehemiah tells background information about the expression on his face when he went before the king.

Nehemiah 2:2

But the king

"So the king"

Why is your face so sad

Here Nehemiah is referred to by his face because the face shows one's emotions. Alternate translation: "Why are you so sad"

This must be sadness of heart

This speaks of Nehemiah being sad as if his heart were sad, since the heart is often considered the center of emotions. Alternate translation: "You must be very sad"

Then I became very much afraid

As Nehemiah prepares to answer, he is afraid because he does not know how the king will respond.

Nehemiah 2:3

May the king live forever

Nehemiah is showing honor to King Artaxerxes. Here "forever" is an exaggeration that refers to a long life. Alternate translation: "Long live the king" or "May the king have a long life"

Why should not my face be sad?

Here Nehemiah uses this rhetorical question to tell the king that he has a reason to be sad. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I have very good reasons to be sad."

the place of my fathers' tombs

"the place where my ancestors are buried"

its gates have been destroyed by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fire has destroyed its gates" or "our enemy has burned its gates"

Nehemiah 2:4

General Information:

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Nehemiah 2:5

I replied to the king

"Then I replied to the king"

your servant

Nehemiah refers to himself this way to show his submission to the king.

in your sight

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in your judgment"

the city of my fathers' tombs

"the city where my ancestors are buried"

that I may rebuild it

Nehemiah does not plan to do all of the building himself, but he will be the leader of the work. Alternate translation: "that I and my people may rebuild it"

Nehemiah 2:6

I gave him an appointed time

"I told him when I wanted to go and how long I would be gone"

Nehemiah 2:7

may letters be given to me

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "may you give letters to me"

the Province Beyond the River

This is the name of the province that was west of the Euphrates River. It was across the river from the city of Susa.

Nehemiah 2:8

Asaph

This is the name of a man.

the good hand of God was on me

God's "good hand" represents his "favor." Alternate translation: "God's favor was upon me"

Nehemiah 2:9

General Information:

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Nehemiah 2:10

Sanballat the Horonite

Sanballat is the name of a man, and the Horonites were a people group.

Tobiah the Ammonite servant

This man was likely a freed slave now serving as an officer in Ammon.

heard this

"heard that I had arrived"

Nehemiah 2:11

General Information:

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Nehemiah 2:12

had put into my heart

Here Nehemiah's "heart" refers to his thoughts and will. Alternate translation: "had inspired me" or "had led me"

There was no animal with me

"There were no animals with me"

Nehemiah 2:13

General Information:

A few men accompanied Nehemiah on this inspection, but he speaks in the first person because he was the primary person.

I went out by night by the Valley Gate

"At night, I went out through the Valley Gate"

Jackal's Well

A jackal is a wild dog. Some modern translations read, "Dragon's Well."

Dung Gate

Presumably, refuse was removed from the city through this gate.

which had been broken open, and the wooden gates were destroyed by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which Israel's enemies had broken open, and the wooden gates which their enemies had destroyed with fire"

Nehemiah 2:14

General Information:

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Nehemiah 2:15

So I went up ... and I turned back

The other men with Nehemiah also followed him. Alternate translation: "So we went up ... and we turned back"

by the Valley Gate

"through the Valley Gate"

Nehemiah 2:16

the rest who did the work

This refers to the men who would later rebuild the walls. Alternate translation: "the others who would later do the work of rebuilding the walls"

Nehemiah 2:17

You see the trouble

Here "you" is plural, referring to all the people mentioned in [Nehemiah 2:16]

its gates have been burned by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "how our enemies destroyed its gates by burning them"

so we will no longer be in disgrace

"so we will no longer be ashamed"

Nehemiah 2:18

the good hand of my God was on me

God's "good hand" represents his "favor." Alternate translation: "my God's favor was upon me"

rise up and build

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "begin building"

So they strengthened their hands for the good work

The phrase "strengthened their hands" means to prepare to do something. Alternate translation: "So they prepared do this good work"

Nehemiah 2:19

Sanballat ... Tobiah

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 2:10]

Geshem

This is the name of a man.

What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?

These rhetorical questions are used to mock Nehemiah. These can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "You are acting foolishly! You should not be rebelling against the king!"

the king

This refers to Artaxerses, the king of Persia.

Nehemiah 2:20

will arise and build

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "will begin rebuilding"

But you have no share, no right, and no historic claim in Jerusalem

"But you have no share, legal right, or religious claim to Jerusalem"

Chapter 3

Nehemiah 3 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Priests

The priests worked on rebuilding the city. Normally, the priests were exempt from this type of work. Because they helped, it emphasizes that this is a holy work and something done for Yahweh.

Cooperation

Everyone worked on this project. Many names are mentioned to emphasize the cooperation between the different families. Each was given a section of the wall to rebuild.

Nehemiah 3:1

Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brother priests

"Then Eliashib the high priest came forward with his brothers, the priests"

Eliashib

This is the name of a man.

Tower of the Hundred

"Tower of the 100"

Tower of Hananel

This is the name of a tower. It is likely named after a man named "Hananel."

Nehemiah 3:2

Zakkur son of Imri

This is the name of a man.

men of Jericho

This means that the men were from Jericho. Alternate translation: "men from Jericho"

Nehemiah 3:3

Hassenaah

This is the name of a man.

set its doors

"installed its doors" or "put its doors in place"

its bolts, and its bars

"its locks and bars." These locked the gates securely.

Nehemiah 3:4

Meremoth ... Uriah ... Hakkoz ... Meshullam ... Berekiah ... Meshezabel ... Zadok ... Baana

These are names of men.

Meremoth repaired the next section ... Meshullam repaired ... Zadok repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "Meremoth repaired the next section of the wall ... Meshullam repaired the wall ... Zadok repaired the wall"

Nehemiah 3:5

Tekoites repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "Tekoites repaired the wall"

the Tekoites

These are people from the town of Tekoa.

ordered by their supervisors

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that their supervisors had ordered them to do"

Nehemiah 3:6

Joiada ... Paseah and Meshullam ... Besodeiah

These are all names of men.

set its doors

"installed its doors" or "put its doors in place"

its bolts, and its bars

"its locks and bars." These locked the gates securely.

Nehemiah 3:7

Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite—the throne of the governor

Some modern translations read, "Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, who carried out the commands of the governor."

the throne of the governor

Possible meanings are 1) the word "throne" is a metonym for "the place in which the governor had his throne" or "towns over which the governor ruled" or "the place from which the governor ruled" or 2) the word should be translated "seat" and is a metonym for "the place where the governor lived."

Melatiah ... Jadon

These are names of men.

Gibeonite ... Meronothite

Gibeonites and Meronothites are people groups.

Gibeon and Mizpah

These are names of places.

the Province Beyond the River

This is the name of the province that was west of the Euphrates River. It was across the river from the city of Susa. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 2:7.

Nehemiah 3:8

Uzziel ... Harhaiah ... Hananiah

These are names of men.

goldsmiths

A goldsmith is a person who makes gold jewelry and other gold objects.

goldsmiths, repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "goldsmiths, repaired the wall"

next to him was Hananiah, a maker of perfumes

Hananiah repaired the wall as well. Alternate translation: "next to him Hananiah, a maker of perfumes, repaired the wall"

perfumes

liquid substances that people put on their body in small amounts to smell pleasant

Nehemiah 3:9

Rephaiah ... Hur

These are names of men.

Hur repaired

Hur repaired the wall. Alternate translation: "Hur repaired the wall"

official

leader or chief administrator

half the district

"Half" means one part out of two equal parts.

Nehemiah 3:10

Jedaiah ... Harumaph ... Hattush ... Hashabneiah

These are names of men.

Harumaph repaired ... Hashabneiah repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "Harumaph repaired the wall ... Hashabneiah repaired the wall"

Nehemiah 3:11

Malkijah ... Harim ... Hasshub ... Pahath-Moab

These are all names of men.

repaired another section

These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "repaired another section of the wall"

Nehemiah 3:12

Shallum ... Hallohesh

These are names of men.

repaired, along with his daughters

These phrase refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "repaired another section of the wall ... repaired the wall, along with his daughters"

Shallum son of Hallohesh, the official

Shallum was the ruler, not Hallohesh.

official

leader or chief administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:9.

half the district

"Half" means one part out of two equal parts.

Nehemiah 3:13

Hanun

This is the name of a man.

the inhabitants of Zanoah

"the people from Zanoah"

Zanoah

This is the name of a place.

the Valley Gate

"the Gate of the Valley" or "the Gate that Leads to the Valley." Try to translate this expression as a name, not just as a description.

set its doors

"installed its doors" or "put its doors in place"

its bolts, and its bars

"its locks and bars." These locked the gates securely.

They repaired a thousand cubits as far as the Dung Gate

They repaired the portion of the wall between the Valley Gate and the Dung Gate. Alternate translation: "They repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, from the Valley Gate to the Dung Gate"

They repaired a thousand cubits

It is understood that they were repaing the wall of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "They repaired a thousand cubits of the wall" or "They repaired another thousand cubits of the wall beyond the Valley Gate"

a thousand cubits

"1,000 cubits." This may be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "460 meters"

the Dung Gate

Presumably, refuse was removed from the city through this gate. Try to translate this expression as a name, not just as a description.

Nehemiah 3:14

Malkijah ... Rekab

These are names of men.

Malkijah son of Rekab, the official

Malkijah was the official, not Rekab.

official

leader or chief administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:9.

Beth Hakkerem

This is the name of a place.

He ... set its doors

"He installed its doors" or "He put its doors in place"

its bolts, and its bars

"its locks, and its bars." These locked the gates securely.

Nehemiah 3:15

Shallun ... Kol-Hozeh

These are names of men.

Shallun son of Kol-Hozeh, the official

Shallun was the official, not Kol-Hozeh.

the wall of the Pool of Siloam

This means that the wall was beside the Pool of Siloam. Alternate translation: "the wall that surrounded the Pool of Siloam"

Nehemiah 3:16

Nehemiah

This is the name of a man.

Nehemiah son of Azbuk, the official

Nehemiah was the official, not Azbuk.

Nehemiah

This is a different man named Nehemiah from the person who authored this book.

official

leader or chief administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:9.

half the district

"Half" means one part out of two equal parts.

Beth Zur

These are names of places.

repaired to the place

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "repaired the wall up to the place"

mighty men

"warriors"

Nehemiah 3:17

Rehum ... Bani ... Hashabiah

These are names of men.

Keilah

This is the name of a place.

Levites repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "Levites repaired the wall"

for his district

"representing his district" or "on behalf of his district"

Nehemiah 3:18

After him their brothers repaired

These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "Next to him their brothers repaired the wall"

brothers

"relatives" or "fellow Jews." These were probably not children of the same father and mother.

After him

"Next to him"

Binnui ... Henadad

These are names of men.

Binnui son of Henadad, the official

Binnui was the official, not Henadad.

official

leader or chief administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:9.

Keilah

This is the name of a place.

Nehemiah 3:19

repaired another section

These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "repaired another section of the wall"

Ezer ... Jeshua

These are names of men.

Mizpah

This is the name of a place.

Ezer son of Jeshua, the official

Ezer was the official, not Jeshua.

official

leader or chief administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:9.

that faced the ascent to the armory

"in front of the steps that went up to the armory"

armory

the place where weapons are kept

Nehemiah 3:20

After him

"Next to him"

Baruch ... Zabbai ... Eliashib

These are the names of men.

repaired another section

This refers to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "repaired another section of the wall"

Nehemiah 3:21

Meremoth ... Uriah ... Hakkoz

These are the names of men.

Nehemiah 3:22

around Jerusalem, repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "around Jerusalem, repaired the wall"

Nehemiah 3:23

Benjamin and Hasshub repaired ... Azariah ... repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "Benjamin and Hasshub repaired the wall ... Azariah ... repaired the wall"

Benjamin ... Hasshub ... Azariah

These are the names of men.

After them

"Next to them"

opposite their own house

"in front of their own house"

Nehemiah 3:24

Binnui ... repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "Binnui ... repaired the wall"

Binnui ... Henadad

These are the names of men.

After him

"Next to him"

Nehemiah 3:25

Palal ... repaired ... Parosh repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "Palal ... repaired the wall ... Parosh repaired the wall"

Palal ... Uzai ... Pedaiah ... Parosh

These are the names of men.

the tower that extends upward

"the tower that rises up"

upper house of the king

"higher palace of the leader of Israel"

the courtyard of the guard

This is the place where the guards stayed.

After him

"Next to him"

Nehemiah 3:26

servants ... repaired

These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "servants ... repaired the wall"

Ophel

This is the name of a place.

opposite the Water Gate

"in front of the Water Gate"

the projecting tower

"the tall tower." The phrase "the projecting tower" means a tall tower that juts out from the wall.

Nehemiah 3:27

Tekoites repaired another section

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "the Tekoites repaired another section of the wall"

the Tekoites

These are people from the town of Tekoa. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:5]

the great projecting tower

"the tall tower." The phrase "the projecting tower" means a tall tower that juts out from the wall. It is likely that this phrase refers to the same tower as "the tall tower" in verse 26.

Nehemiah 3:28

priests repaired

These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "priests repaired the wall"

above the Horse Gate

The word "above" is used here because the priests' houses were likely located at a higher elevation than the Horse Gate.

opposite his own house

"in front of his own house"

Nehemiah 3:29

repaired the section ... east gate, repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "repaired the section of the wall ... east gate, repaired the wall"

After them

"Next to them"

Zadok ... Immer ... Shemaiah ... Shekaniah

These are the names of men.

Shemaiah son of Shekaniah, the keeper of the east gate

Shemaiah was the keeper of the east gate, not Shekaniah.

the keeper of the east gate

"the person who looked after the east gate" or "the person who opened and closed the east gate"

Nehemiah 3:30

repaired another section ... repaired opposite

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "priests repaired the wall ... repaired the section of the wall ... east gate, repaired the wall ... repaired another section of the wall ... repaired the wall opposite"

After him

"Next to him"

Hananiah ... Shelemiah ... Hanun ... Zalaph ... Meshullam ... Berekiah

These are the names of men.

the sixth son

"son 6" or "son number 6"

opposite his living chambers

"in front of the rooms where he stayed." The word "his" refers to Meshullam.

Nehemiah 3:31

After him

"Next to him"

Malkijah

This is the name of a man.

goldsmiths

A goldsmith is a person who makes gold jewelry and other gold objects.

repaired to the house

These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "repaired the wall to the house"

merchants

"sellers" or "traders"

upper living chambers

the higher-level rooms where people stayed

Nehemiah 3:32

merchants repaired

These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "merchants repaired the wall"

Sheep Gate

This is the name of an entranceway in the wall.

Chapter 4

Nehemiah 4 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Dedication

The people were so dedicated to rebuilding the walls that they worked with their weapons ready for battle right next to them. Even when they were threatened with an attack, they continued to trust in Yahweh. (See: trust)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

Sanballat uses a series of rhetorical questions. These are intended to show his intense anger against the Israelites.

Nehemiah 4:1

Now when Sanballat

Here Nehemiah uses the word "now" to signal a new part of the story.

Sanballat

This is a man's name. See how you translated it in [Nehemiah 2:10]

anger burned within him, and he was furiously angry

This speaks of Sanballat becoming very angry as if his anger were a burning fire. These two phrases mean the same thing and are used together to emphasize that he was extremely angry. Alternate translation: "he became furiously angry" or "he became very angry"

Nehemiah 4:2

In the presence of his brothers

"In the presence of his kinsmen" or "In the presence of his clan"

What are these feeble ... Will they restore ... Will they offer ... Will they finish the work in a day?

Sanballat poses these questions to mock the Jews. These can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "These feeble Jews can accomplish nothing. They will never restore the city for themselves. They will not offer sacrifices. They will not finish the work in a day."

feeble Jews

"weak Jews"

in a day

This speaks of not finishing something quickly by saying that it cannot be accomplished in a day. Alternate translation: "quickly"

Will they bring to life the stones from the piles of rubble after they were burned?

Sanballat also poses this question to mock the Jews. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "They will not bring to life again the stones from piles of rubble that were burned."

bring to life the stones from the piles of rubble after they were burned

This speaks of the people rebuilding the city as if they were bring it back to life. Alternate translation: "restore the city and rebuild its walls from the useless stones that were burned and turned into rubble"

from the piles of rubble after they were burned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "from piles of rubble that someone had burned"

Nehemiah 4:3

Tobiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 2:10]

If only a fox went up on what they are building, it would break down their stone wall

Sanaballat mocks the wall and exaggerates how weak it is by saying that a fox could knock it down. Alternate translation: "That wall they are building is so weak that even if a little fox climbed up on it, their stone wall would fall to the ground"

Nehemiah 4:4

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah begins to pray to God.

Hear, our God, for we are despised

Here the word "we" refers to the Jews. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Hear, our God, for our enemies despise us"

give them up to be plundered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let their enemies rob them"

Turn back their taunts on their own heads

The phrase "their taunts" refers to Sanballat's and Tobiah's insults. Here the word "heads" refers to the whole people. Alternate translation: "Turn their taunts onto themselves" or "Cause their insulting words to mock themselves"

land of captivity

"land where they are prisoners"

Nehemiah 4:5

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah contines the prayer he began in verse 4.

Do ... to anger.

Nehemiah continues the prayer he began with the words "Hear, our God" in verse 4. You may show that this is a prayer by making it a direct quote. "Then I prayed, 'Hear, our God, ... they are prisoners. Do not cover ... the builders to anger.'"

Do not cover over

This speaks of a forgiving a person's sins as if they were a object that could be physically hidden. Alternate translation: "Do not forgive"

let their sin not be blotted out from before you

This metaphor speaks of sin as if it were written words and of God forgiving sin as if he were erasing those words. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "do not forgive their sin" or "I do not want you to forgive their sin"

let ... not

Nehemiah is expressing a desire. He is not asking God to forbid another person from blotting out the sin.

they have provoked the builders to anger

"they have made the builders become angry"

Nehemiah 4:6

So we built the wall

"So we rebuilt the wall"

all the wall was joined together to half its height

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we joined the wall together and it was half its total height"

half its height

"Half" means one part out of two equal parts.

Nehemiah 4:7

a great anger burned within them

This speaks of the people being very angry as if their anger were something that burned inside them. Alternate translation: "they became very angry" or "they became enraged"

Nehemiah 4:8

against Jerusalem

Here "Jerusalem" refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "against the people of Jerusalem"

Nehemiah 4:9

set a guard as protection

"put men around the wall to guard the city"

Nehemiah 4:10

There is too much rubble

Rubble is "burned stone" or "broken rock" or "unusable stone."

Nehemiah 4:11

They will not know or see until we come among them

"They will not see us coming until we are beside them"

Nehemiah 4:12

from all directions

This represents many directions. The word "all" is an exaggeration for represents "many." Alternate translation: "from many directions"

spoke to us ten times

Here the number 10 is used to represent "many." Alternate translation: "spoke to us many times"

Nehemiah 4:13

in the exposed areas

"in the vulnerable areas"

I positioned each family

This refers to several people from each family, this likely does not include the women and children. Alternate translation: "I positioned people from each family"

Nehemiah 4:14

Call to mind the Lord

the phrase "call to mind" means to remember. Alternate translation: "Remember the Lord"

Nehemiah 4:15

It came about

"It happened that"

their plans were known to us

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we knew about their plans"

Nehemiah 4:16

my servants worked

"my young men worked"

half of my servants ... half of them

"Half" means one part out of two equal parts.

the leaders stood behind all the people

"the leaders positioned themselves behind all the people"

Nehemiah 4:17

Those who carried burdens

These were people who carried supplies to those who were actually working on the wall.

each did his work with one hand, and with the other hand he held his weapon

This is probably an exaggeration to say that they always had their weapon with them so that if anyone attacked them, they could protect themselves and those around them.

Nehemiah 4:18

General Information:

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Nehemiah 4:19

I said

Here "I" refers to Nehemiah.

the nobles ... the officials

These are the leaders referred to in Nehemiah 4:16.

The work is great

Here the word "great" means "large-scale" or "huge."

Nehemiah 4:20

the ram's horn sound

This refers to someone blowing a ram's horn. Alternate translation: "someone blowing a ram's horn"

Nehemiah 4:21

Half of them

Here "Half" means one part out of two equal parts.

from the rising of the dawn until the coming out of the stars

This refers to the whole day, while it is light outside. Alternate translation: "from the first light of day until the very beginning of the night"

the rising of the dawn

It is the point in time that the sun rises that is "dawn." Here the sun rising is spoken of as if the "dawn" rose. Alternate translation: "the rising of the sun" or "dawn"

Nehemiah 4:22

in the middle of Jerusalem

"within Jerusalem"

Nehemiah 4:23

changed our clothes

"took off our clothes"

Chapter 5

Nehemiah 5 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Equality

The rich made money from the poor. The rich oppressed the poor by charging interest on loans. Because Nehemiah wanted to treat everyone fairly, he did not collect any taxes from them. This chapter also emphasizes that it was wrong to enslave a fellow Jew. (See: oppress)

Governor

Nehemiah was a governmental leader in Jerusalem, but he was not a king. Jerusalem had a great deal of independence, but it was under the authority of the Persian king. The term "governor" reflects this idea, but a different term may be used in translation.

Nehemiah 5:1

Then the people and their wives raised a great outcry against their fellow Jews

Since they were working on the wall, the workers did not have enough time to work to buy and grow food for their families. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear.

the people and their wives

The word "people" refers to the men who were working on building the wall.

raised a great outcry

The word "outcry" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "cried out loudly"

Nehemiah 5:2

General Information:

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Nehemiah 5:3

We are mortgaging our fields

"We are having to pledge" or "We are having to give in pledge"

Nehemiah 5:4

General Information:

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Nehemiah 5:5

Yet now our flesh and blood is the same as our brothers, and our children are the same as their children

Here the Jews are implying that they are of the same Jewish descent as the other Jews and that they of the same importance as the others. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Yet our families are Jews just like the other Jew's families, and our children are just as important to us as their children are to them"

our flesh and blood

This is an idiom which refers to their family members. Alternate translation: "our family"

Some of our daughters have already been enslaved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We have already sold some of our daughters into slavery"

But it is not in our power to help it because other men now own our fields and our vineyards

Since the mens' fields and vineyards are not in their possession, they are unable to produce the money they need to support their families. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "But we are unable to change this situation because other men now own our fields and our vineyards which we need to support our lives"

it is not in our power

This is an idiom which means that they do not have the resources to do something. Alternate translation: "we are unable"

Nehemiah 5:6

when I heard their outcry

The word "outcry" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "when I heard them cry out"

Nehemiah 5:7

earnestly appealed

The context indicates that Nehemiah was pleading with the nobles and officials, probably including judges, appealing to their sense of right and wrong, rather than bringing formal charges against them in court.

You are exacting interest, each from his own brother

Every Jew would have known that it is wrong under the Law to charge interest to another Jew. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Each of you is charging interest to your own brother, and that is wrong under the Law"

I held a great assembly against them

This means that he brought together a large group of people and brought these charges against them. The meaning of statement this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "I held a great assembly and brought these charges against them" or "I held them on trial in front of the assembly"

Nehemiah 5:8

As for us ... you even

The Hebrew places a separate word "we," which is translated "As for us" here, at the beginning of the sentence to indicate that the speakers are emphasizing that their own actions ("we have bought back from slavery") are good, but those of the hearers ("you even sell your brothers") are wicked. Your language may have another way of indicating this important contrast.

but you even sell your brothers that they may be sold back to us

This means that they are selling their family members, both men and women, as slaves to their fellow Jews. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Now you are selling your own people to be slaves of your fellow Jews, so that they might later sell them back to us"

who had been sold to the nations

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who people had sold as slaves to the nations"

Nehemiah 5:9

Also I said

The pronoun "I" refers to Nehemiah.

What you are doing

"You" here refers to the Jewish nobles.

Should you not walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations that are our enemies?

This is a rhetorical question that Nehemiah is using to scold the nobles. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations that are our enemies."

walk in the fear of our God

This is and idiom. Here "walk" refers to a person's behavior and the way he lives. Alternate translation: "live your life in a way that honors God"

the taunts of the nations that are our enemies

The word "taunt" means "slander" or "mockery" and it can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "the nations who are our enemies from taunting us" or "the enemy nations from mocking us"

Nehemiah 5:10

lending

borrowing or giving something to someone expecting repayment

loans

This is any money, food, or property that one person could let another person borrow in order to repay debts. The borrower would then be indebted to the lender.

Nehemiah 5:11

percentage

A part of the value of the loan that the borrower was charged in interest.

you exacted from them

"you charged them" or "you made them pay"

Nehemiah 5:12

Then they said

Here "they" refers to the Jewish leaders.

We will return what we took from them

The Jewish leaders are saying they will return the money which the poorer Jews paid in interest charges.

made them swear

Here the word "them" refers to the Jewish leaders.

Then I called

"I" refers to Nehemiah.

Nehemiah 5:13

I shook out the fold of my robe

"I shook out the pockets of my robe." Many times in the Old Testament, oaths were physically demonstrated as a witness to what was promised. Nehemiah is demonstrating to the Jewish leaders what will happen if they break the promise they had made.

So may God shake out of his house ... So may he be shaken out and emptied

Here Nehemiah speaks of God taking away all of a man's possessions as if God were shaking him out of his home and possessions like Nehemiah shook out his robe. Alternate translation: "So may God take away from every man who does not keep his promise all of his possessions and his home like I have taken everything out of the fold of my robe"

Nehemiah 5:14

from the time I was appointed

Here "I" refers to Nehemiah.

from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year

"from the 20th year until the 32 year"

of Artaxerxes the king

"that Artaxerxes was king"

twelve years

"12 years" or "during those 12 years." Nehemiah is restating the number of years to emphasize that he did this continually for the full time he was governor.

the food provided for the governor

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "ate the food that the people provided for the governor"

Nehemiah 5:15

for their daily

"every day for their"

former governors

"previous governors" or "governors from the past." Nehemiah was not the first governor of Judah.

forty shekels

"40 shekels" or "40 silver coins"

were lords over the people

"oppressed the people" or "forced the people to obey them absolutely"

But I did not do so because of the fear of God

"But because my fear of God I did not take the food" or "But I did not take the food because I feared God"

Nehemiah 5:16

I also continued

"I" refers to Nehemiah.

we bought

The word "we" refers to Nehemiah and his servants.

all my servants were gathered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I gathered all of my servants there"

for the work

"to work on the wall"

Nehemiah 5:17

150 men

"one hundred and fifty men"

At my table were the Jews ... from among the nations who were around us

Nehemiah was responsible for providing food for all of these people. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Also, every day I was responsible to feed at our table the Jews and the officials, 150 people; and we also fed the visitors who came from other countries around us

my table

This refers to the governor's table. It was a communal table for the community and for discussion of issues.

officials

government leaders

Nehemiah 5:18

Now what was prepared each day was

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Each day I told my servants to prepare" or "Each day I told my servants to serve us the meat from"

six choice ... ten days

"6 choice ... 10 days"

wine in abundance

"enough wine for everyone"

yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor

"yet I never asked for the governor's food allowance"

the labor was heavy on this people

Possible meanings are 1) the work that the people were doing was too hard or 2) the word "labor" is a metonym for the demand that the officials were making of the people. Alternate translation: "the officials were forcing the people to do too much work"

Nehemiah 5:19

Call me to mind

This is an idiom. It is a request for God to think about him and remember him. Alternate translation: "Remember me"

for good

This idiom is a request for God to reward him with good things because of the good that he has done for the people. Alternate translation: "and reward me" or "cause good to happen to me"

Chapter 6

Nehemiah 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The building of the wall is completed in this chapter.

The ULB sets the lines in 6:6-7 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are part of a long quotation.

Special concepts in this chapter

Miracle

Completing this city wall in only fifty-two days was considered proof that God had helped the Jews, especially given the opposition that they had experienced from the people in surrounding areas.

Nehemiah 6:1

Sanballat ... Tobiah

These are the names of men. See how you translated them in [Nehemiah 2:10]

Geshem

This is the name of a man.

I had rebuilt the wall ... I had not yet

Nehemiah supervised the rebuilding of the wall and did not build it by himself. Alternate translation: "we had rebuilt the wall ... we had not yet"

any sections

This refers to sections of the wall. Alternate translation: "any sections of the wall" or "any gaps in the city wall"

Nehemiah 6:2

sent to me

This means that they sent a messenger with a message. Alternate translation: "sent a messenger to me"

Ono

This is the name of a place.

Nehemiah 6:3

I am doing a great work

Nehemiah supervised the rebuilding of the wall. He did not build it by himself. Alternate translation: "We are doing a great work"

Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?

This rhetorical question is used to challenge Sanballat's request. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I cannot let the work stop and come down to you"

down to you

The word "down" is used here because the plain of Ono where they were requesting Nehemiah to come is at a lower elevation than Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 6:4

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Nehemiah 6:5

Sanballat sent his servant to me in the same way the fifth time

Identifying this message separately means it is distinct in some way from the previous four messages and, therefore, should be noted. Alternate translation: " Sanballat sent his servant to me in the same way yet again" or "Sanballat sent his servant to me to deliver a fifth message"

an open letter

The letter was an unsealed diplomatic communication. This was an insult to the recipient because the courier was free to read it and spread its contents among the people of the region.

in his hand

This means he had the letter in his possession, but he did not necessarily carry it in his hand at all times. Alternate translation: "in his possession"

Nehemiah 6:6

It is reported among the nations

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The rumor in the region is"

are planning to rebel

This means that they are planning to rebel against Artaxerxes, the Persian king, who was currently ruling the Jews. Alternate translation: "are planning to rebel against Artaxerxes"

Nehemiah 6:7

the king will hear

"King Artaxerxes will hear"

Therefore come

"Therefore come meet with us"

Nehemiah 6:8

Then I sent word to him

Here "I" refers to Nehemiah and "him" to Sanballat.

No such things have occurred as you say

"None of the things you have written have occurred"

for within your heart you invented them

Here the "heart" refers to the "mind," that is, to one's desires and thoughts. Alternate translation: "for within your mind you invented them" or "for you have made this up in your own imagination"

Nehemiah 6:9

For they all wanted to make us afraid

Here "they" refers to Nehemiah's enemies, Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and their followers. The word "us" refers to the Jews.

Their hands will drop from the work

This is a descriptive phrase that means that they are stopping their work on the wall. Alternate translation: "They will become discouraged and will stop working"

strengthen my hands

Here Nehemiah requests for God to strengthen him by asking him to strengthen his "hands." Alternate translation: "strengthen me" or "give me courage"

Nehemiah 6:10

Shemaiah ... Delaiah ... Mehetabel

These are men's names.

who was confined in his home

The writer does not give the reason for him being confined, so it is best to say that he was staying at home using the most general words possible. Alternate translation: "who could not leave his house" or "whom the authorities had ordered to stay in his house"

Nehemiah 6:11

Would a man like me run away? Would a man like me go into the temple just so he could save his own life?

Nehemiah uses these rhetorical questions to emphasize that he will not do what Shemaiah has suggested. These questions may be written as statements. Alternate translation: "A man like me would not run away. A man like me would not go into the temple just to hide to stay alive."

Nehemiah 6:12

but that he had prophesied against me

"but that he had prophesied in order to oppose me"

Nehemiah 6:13

and sin

Using the temple as a place to hide was sinful. It may be helpful to make this explicit. Alternate translation: "and sin by misusing the temple"

a bad name

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "so that they could give me a bad reputation" or "so that they could give a bad report about me"

Nehemiah 6:14

Call to mind

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Remember"

Noadiah

This is the name of a woman.

Nehemiah 6:15

So the wall was finished

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We finished the wall"

the twenty-fifth day of the month of Elul

"day 25 of the month of Elul." Elul is the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar.

fifty-two days

"52 days"

Nehemiah 6:16

they fell greatly in their own eyes

"they thought much less of themselves" or "they lost confidence in themselves"

the work was done with the help of our God

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it was our God who helped us complete this work"

Nehemiah 6:17

sent many letters

The nobles sent messengers to bring these letters to Tobiah. Alternate translation: "sent many messengers with letters"

Tobiah's letters came

Here Tobiah's letters are personified as coming by themselves, when they were actually brought by messengers. Alternate translation: "Tobiah sent letters" or "Tobiah sent many messengers with letters"

Tobiah

See how you translated this man's name in [Nehemiah 2:10]

Nehemiah 6:18

who were bound by an oath to him

This speaks of people being loyal to Tobiah because they had pledged an oath to him as if their oath were a rope that bound their bodies. Alternate translation: "who had sworn an oath to him" or "who had made an oath and were loyal to him"

he was the son-in-law of Shekaniah

This means that Tobiah was married to the daughter of Shekaniah. See how you translated "Shekaniah" in [Nehemiah 3:29]

Arah ... Jehohanan

These are the names of men.

Meshullam ... Berekiah

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:4.

Nehemiah 6:19

They also spoke to me about his good deeds and reported my words back to him

"The Jewish nobles told me about Tobiah's good deeds and then told him about my responses"

Letters were sent to me from Tobiah

This can be stated in active form. Tobiah sent messengers to bring the letters to Nehemiah. Alternate translation: "Tobiah sent letters to me" or "Tobiah sent messengers to bring letters to me"

Chapter 7

Nehemiah 7 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Genealogy

The people who returned from Persia were counted according to their families. Nehemiah ensured that those who lived in Jerusalem had a completely Jewish ancestry.

Different lists

This list is paralleled in Ezra 2. The lists do contain some differences in numbers. This is probably due to the timing of their counting. They were likely counted at different times.

Nehemiah 7:1

When the wall was finished

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When we had finished the wall"

I had set up the doors in place

This was done with help. Alternate translation: "I and others hung the doors"

the gatekeepers and singers and Levites had been appointed

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are: 1) Nehemiah appointed them. Alternate translation: "I assigned the gatekeepers and singers and Levites to their tasks" or 2) Someone else appointed them. Alternate translation: "they assigned the gatekeepers and singers and Levites to their tasks"

gatekeepers

people assigned to each gate, responsible to control access to the city or temple, as well as to open and close the gates at times and for reasons set by the administrator

singers

vocal musicians who led in worship, in processions, and ceremonies, producing music and chants that emphasized and enhanced the occasion

Nehemiah 7:2

Hanani ... Hananiah

These are names of men.

I put my brother Hanani in charge

"I gave the order for my brother Hanani to be the manager"

overseer of the fortress

"official who was in charge of the fortress"

feared God more than many

"feared God more than many other people"

Nehemiah 7:3

I said to them

The word "them" refers to Hanani and Hananiah.

Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are on guard, you may shut the doors and bar them

Possible meanings are 1) these actions were done by Hanani and Hananiah or 2) these actions were done by Hanani and Hananiah with the help of the gatekeepers or 3) the gatekeepers did these actions under the direction of Hanani and Hananiah.

the sun is hot

"the sun is high in the sky"

While the gatekeepers are on guard, you may shut the doors and bar them

"Shut the doors and bar them while the gatekeepers are still on guard"

gatekeepers

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1

shut the doors and bar them

"close the gates and lock them"

Appoint guards from those who live in Jerusalem

"Assign guards from those people who live in Jerusalem"

guard station

"guard post" or "guard duty place"

Nehemiah 7:4

no houses had yet been rebuilt

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people had not yet rebuilt the houses"

Nehemiah 7:5

put into my heart

Here Nehemiah's "heart" refers to his thoughts and will. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 2:12]

to enroll them

"to list and register them"

the book of the genealogy

This was a book that no longer exists.

found the following written in it

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "found that someone had written the following in it"

Nehemiah 7:6

These are the people of the province

"These are the descendants of this region"

went up out of

"returned from" or "came back from"

went up

This is an idiom that refers to traveling toward Jerusalem, which was on higher ground than the surrounding area.

whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon took into exile

"whom Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of Babylon, took away from their home country." The army of Babylon did this under the command of Nebuchadnezzar.

Nehemiah 7:7

Zerubbabel ... Jeshua ... Nehemiah ... Azariah ... Raamiah ... Nahamani ... Mordecai ... Bilshan ... Mispereth ... Bigvai ... Nehum ... Baanah

These are the names of men.

The number of the men

A census had been taken when the Israelites first returned to Jerusalem after the exile. The numbers represent how many men belonged to each family group. This sentence introduces the information in the following verses.

Nehemiah 7:8

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is recounting the number of people who returned from exile. The people were grouped by families according to the name of their patriarchs. The number represents the number of men in each family.

Parosh

These are the names of men.

Nehemiah 7:9

Shephatiah

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:10

Arah

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:11

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.

Pahath-Moab ... Jeshua ... Joab

These are the names of men.

through the descendants of Jeshua and Joab

"that is, the descendants of Jeshua and Joab"

Nehemiah 7:12

Elam

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:13

Zattu

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:14

Zakkai

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:15

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.

Binnui

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:16

Bebai

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:17

Azgad

These are the names of men.

Nehemiah 7:18

Adonikam

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:19

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.

Bigvai

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:20

Adin

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:21

Ater

This is a man's name.

The descendants of Ater, of Hezekiah

The writer has shortened this sentence. Alternate translation: "the descendants of Ater, who is a descendant of Hezekiah"

Nehemiah 7:22

Hashum

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:23

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.

Bezai

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:24

Hariph

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:25

Gibeon

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:26

Bethlehem and Netophah

These are the names of places in Judah.

Nehemiah 7:27

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.

Anathoth

This is the name of a place.

Nehemiah 7:28

Beth Azmaveth

This is the name of a place.

Nehemiah 7:29

Kiriath Jearim, Kephirah, and Beeroth

This is the name of a place.

Nehemiah 7:30

Ramah and Geba

These are the names of places.

Nehemiah 7:31

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.

Mikmash

This is the name of a place.

Nehemiah 7:32

Bethel and Ai

These are names of places.

Nehemiah 7:33

Nebo

This is the name of a place.

Nehemiah 7:34

Elam

This is the name of a place.

Nehemiah 7:35

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.

Harim

This is the name of a place.

Nehemiah 7:36

Jericho

This is the name of a place.

Nehemiah 7:37

Lod, Hadid, and Ono

This is the name of a place.

Nehemiah 7:38

Senaah

This is the name of a place.

Nehemiah 7:39

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.

Jedaiah ... Jeshua

These are names of men.

of the house of Jeshua

The word "house" is a metonym for family. Alternate translation: "from the family of Jeshua"

Nehemiah 7:40

Immer

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:41

Pashhur

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:42

Harim

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 7:43

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.

Jeshua ... Kadmiel ... Hodaviah

These are all names of men.

Nehemiah 7:44

Asaph

This is a man's name.

singers

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

Nehemiah 7:45

Shallum ... Ater ... Talmon ... Akkub ... Hatita ... Shobai

This is a man's name.

gatekeepers

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

Nehemiah 7:46

General Information:

These verses continue the names of people whose descendants returned from the exile.

Ziha ... Hasupha ... Tabbaoth

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 7:47

Keros ... Sia ... Padon

These are names of men.

Sia

This is the same man known by the name Siaha in Ezra 2:44.

Nehemiah 7:48

Lebana, ... Hagaba ... Shalmai

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 7:49

Hanan ... Giddel ... Gahar

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 7:50

General Information:

These verses continue the names of people whose descendants returned from the exile.

Reaiah ... Rezin ... Nekoda

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 7:51

Gazzam ... Uzza ... Paseah

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 7:52

Besai ... Meunim ... Nephusim

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 7:53

General Information:

These verses continue the names of people whose descendants returned from the exile.

Bakbuk ... Hakupha ... Harhur

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 7:54

Bazluth ... Mehida ... Harsha

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 7:55

Barkos ... Sisera ... Temah

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 7:56

Neziah ... Hatipha

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 7:57

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.

Sotai ... Sophereth ... Perida

These are names of men.

Sophereth

This is the name of a man who is called Hassophereth in Ezra 2:55.

Perida

This is the name of a man who is also called Peruda in Ezra 2:55.

Nehemiah 7:58

Jaala ... Darkon ... Giddel

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 7:59

Shephatiah ... Hattil ... Pokereth-Hazzebaim ... Amon

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 7:60

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Nehemiah 7:61

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.

went up

This is an idiom that refers to traveling toward Jerusalem, which was on higher ground than the surrounding area. Alternate translation: "returned" or "came back"

Tel Melah ... Tel Harsha ... Kerub ... Addon ... Immer

These are names of places.

Nehemiah 7:62

Delaiah ... Tobiah ... Nekoda

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 7:63

Habaiah ... Hakkoz ... Barzillai

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 7:64

These sought their records among those enrolled by their families

"They searched their written genealogical records"

These sought

"These" refers to the descendants of Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai (Nehemiah 7:63).

but they could not be found

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "but they could not find their records"

they were excluded from the priesthood as unclean

This can be translated in active form. The abstract noun "priesthood" can be translated as the verb "work as priests." Alternate translation: "the governor treated them as if they were unclean and did not allow them to work as priests"

Nehemiah 7:65

until there rose up a priest with Urim and Thummim

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until a priest with Urim and Thummim approved"

Urim and Thummim

These were sacred stones that the high priest carried on his breastplate and used at times to determine God's will.

Nehemiah 7:66

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.

The whole assembly together

"The whole group together"

was 42,360

"was 42,360 people"

Nehemiah 7:67

singing men and women

"male singers and female singers"

Nehemiah 7:68

736 ... 245

"seven hundred and thirty-six ... two hundred and forty-five." These are numbers of animals brought back.

Nehemiah 7:69

435 ... 6,720

"four hundred and thirty-five ... six thousand seven hundred and twenty." These are numbers of animals brought back.

Nehemiah 7:70

the heads of ancestors' families

"the chief patriarchs" or "the leaders of the clans"

gave to the treasury

"put into the treasury"

one thousand darics

"1,000 darics"

darics of gold

A daric was a small gold coin that people in the Persian Empire used.

50 basins

"fifty basins." These are large bowls.

530 priestly garments

"five hundred thirty priestly garments." These are items of clothing worn by the priests.

Nehemiah 7:71

twenty thousand darics

"20,000 darics"

2,200 minas of silver

"two thousand two hundred minas of silver." A mina is about one half of a kilogram in weight.

Nehemiah 7:72

two thousand minas

"2,000 minas"

sixty-seven priestly garments

"67 priestly garments"

Nehemiah 7:73

gatekeepers

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

singers

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

some of the people

The implied information is that this refers to some of the Israelites who were not priests or other temple workers.

all Israel

Possible meanings are: 1) all the groups of Israelites that are listed in this verse or 2) the rest of the Israelites who did not work in the temple.

the seventh month

"month 7." This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars.

were settled in their cities

"lived in their own cities"

Chapter 8

Nehemiah 8 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Reading of the law

During the exile, the Hebrew language was no longer spoken. Only the priests and Levites still understood it. Ezra read the book of the law to the people in Hebrew and the Levites walked among the crowd translating it into Aramaic for the people to understand. (See: priest and lawofmoses)

Festival of Shelters

After they heard Ezra read the law of Moses, the people obeyed it by making temporary shelters for themselves with tree branches. They did this to remember that their ancestors slept in shelters when they came out of slavery in Egypt.

Nehemiah 8:1

All the people gathered as one man

The word "all" is a generalization that indicates the people as a whole came together. Alternate translation: "The people gathered all together"

Water Gate

This was the name of a large opening or doorway in the wall.

the book of the law of Moses

This would have been all or part of the first five books of the Old Testament.

Nehemiah 8:2

On the first day of the seventh month

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day of the seventh month is near the middle of September on Western calendars. Alternate translation: "On day 1 of month 7"

brought the law

"brought The Book of the Law"

all who could hear and understand

This would include children who were old enough to understand what was being read.

Nehemiah 8:3

He faced the open area

"He turned towards the open area"

he read from it

Here "it" refers to the Book of the law of Moses.

Nehemiah 8:4

Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah ... Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam

These are all names of men.

Nehemiah 8:5

Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people

The abstract noun "sight" can be expressed with the verb "see." Alternate translation: "Everyone saw Ezra open the book"

the book

"The Book of the Law"

he was standing above the people

"he was standing higher than the people"

when he opened it all the people stood up

The people stood up out of respect for God's word.

Nehemiah 8:6

Ezra blessed Yahweh

Ezra thanked Yahweh or Ezra praised Yahweh or Ezra said that he desired that Yahweh be pleased with Ezra and Ezra's people.

Nehemiah 8:7

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Nehemiah 8:8

They read in the book

The word "They" here refers to the Levites.

making it clear with interpretation and giving the meaning

The abstract nouns "interpretation" and "meaning" can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: "clearly interpreting and explaining it"

the reading

"what was read"

Nehemiah 8:9

For all the people wept

This is a generalization that indicates there was great weeping among the people. Alternate translation: "For the people wept greatly"

Nehemiah 8:10

eat the fat and have something sweet to drink

The implied information is that the people were told to feast on rich food and sweet drinks. Alternate translation: "eat rich food and drink something sweet"

Do not be grieved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not grieve"

for the joy of Yahweh is your strength

The abstract nouns "joy" and "strength" can be expressed as verbs or adjectives. Alternate translation: "rejoicing in Yahweh will protect you" or "being joyful in Yahweh will be your strong refuge"

Nehemiah 8:11

Hush!

"Be quiet!" or "Be silent!"

Do not be grieved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not grieve"

Nehemiah 8:12

celebrate with great joy

The abstract noun "joy" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "rejoice greatly"

the words that were made known to them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the words that he declared to them"

Nehemiah 8:13

On the second day

"On day 2" or "On the next day"

to gain insight from

The abstract noun "insight" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "to understand"

Nehemiah 8:14

should live in shelters

These were temporary shelters that people made out of branches and leaves.

the seventh month

"month 7." This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars.

Nehemiah 8:15

They should make a proclamation

"They should announce"

myrtle

a kind of small tree with colorful flowers

shade trees

"leafy trees"

as it is written

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Moses wrote about it"

Nehemiah 8:16

made themselves shelters

"each built their own shelters"

Water Gate ... Gate of Ephraim

These are names of large openings or doorways in the wall.

in the square at the Gate of Ephraim

"in the open place by the Gate of Ephraim"

Nehemiah 8:17

For since the days of Joshua

"From the days of Joshua"

son of Nun

"Nun" here is a man's name.

their joy was very great

The abstract noun "joy" can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: "the people were very joyful"

Nehemiah 8:18

day by day

This idiom means "each day."

from the first day to the last

The implied information is that it was during the entire week of the festival. Alternate translation: "from the first day to the last day of the week"

They kept the festival

"They made a feast" or "They celebrated the festival"

on the eighth day

"on day 8"

solemn assembly

This was a special religious gathering.

in obedience to the decree

The implied information is that "the decree" was the command of Yahweh about how the Festival of Shelters was to end. Alternate translation: "as God had commanded"

Chapter 9

Nehemiah 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter and the next one form a single section.

Special concepts in this chapter

Prayer to God

The people prayed and thanked God for his care for them and the blessings he gave to them. They also confessed their sin of disobeying him. (See: bless and confess and sin)

Learning from their ancestor's mistakes

This chapter teaches that the Jews learned from the mistakes of their ancestors. They became determined to worship Yahweh alone, to not intermarry with other peoples, and to worship Yahweh as the law of Moses instructed them. (See: lawofmoses)

Recalling the great power of God

It was common to recall the great things God did for Israel. This is a reminder to Israel of God's power. It is intended to bring the people to repentance and proper worship of Yahweh. (See: repent)

Nehemiah 9:1

the twenty-fourth day of the same month

"the twenty-fourth day of the seventh month" This is near the middle of October on Western calendars.

the people of Israel were assembled

"the people of Israel came together"

they were wearing sackcloth, and they put dust on their heads

This was in order to show how sorry they were for the wrong things they and their ancestors had done.

Nehemiah 9:2

The descendants of Israel

"The Israelites"

separated themselves from all the foreigners

"no longer had anything to do with those who were not Israelites"

They stood and confessed their own sins and the iniquities of their ancestors

"They stood and admitted the wrong things that they had done and the wicked things their forefathers had done"

Nehemiah 9:3

They stood up

All the Israelites stood up

they were confessing

"they were admitting the wrong things they had done"

bowing down before

"worshiping" or "praising"

Nehemiah 9:4

The Levites, Jeshua, Bani ... stood on the stairs

Some versions translate, "Jeshua, Bani ... stood on the stairs built for the Levites"

Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Kenani

men's names

Nehemiah 9:5

Then the Levites ... said, "Stand up ... ever."

Here the Levites are speaking to the people of Israel.

give praise to Yahweh

"bless Yahweh"

Jeshua ... Kadmiel ... Bani ... Sherebiah ... Shebaniah

These are the names of men. See how you translated them in [Nehemiah 9:4]

Hashabneiah ... Hodiah ... Pethahiah

These are the names of men.

May they bless your glorious name

the Levites are speaking to Yahweh. "May the people of Judah bless your glorious name, Yahweh"

Nehemiah 9:6

with all their host ... the host of heaven worship you

A host is an army. Possible meanings are 1) "host" refers to the army of living beings that God created in the heavens. Alternate translation: "with all their angel armies ... the angel armies of heaven worship you" or 2) "host" is a metaphor that refers to the multitude of lights in the sky. Alternate translation: "with all the stars ... the multitude of stars in the sky worship you"

Nehemiah 9:7

Connecting Statement:

The Levites continue their prayer before all the people.

Ur of the Chaldeans

"Ur, where the Chaldean people group lived"

Nehemiah 9:8

You found his heart was faithful before you

The heart, the inner being of the person, represents the person. Alternate translation: "You saw that he was completely faithful to you"

Canaanites ... Hittites ... Amorites ... Perizzites ... Jebusites ... Girgashites

people group names

Nehemiah 9:9

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

You saw

Yahweh saw

you heard their cry

The implied information is that God was moved to action because of the Israelites' cries for help.

Nehemiah 9:10

signs and wonders against Pharaoh

The plagues tested Pharaoh's heart, and they became a witness against his hardness of heart. Alternate translation: "signs and wonders that testified against Pharaoh" or "signs and wonders that condemned Pharaoh"

all the people of his land

"all the Egyptians"

acted with arrogance against them

"were arrogant toward the Israelites" or "mistreated God's chosen people"

you made a name for yourself which stands to this day

Here "name" represents a reputation. Alternate translation: "you made yourself famous and even now people still remember"

Nehemiah 9:11

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

you divided the sea

God divided

you ... threw those who pursued them into the depths, as a stone into deep waters

In this simile, the writer describes God throwing the Egyptians into the sea as easily as a person would throw a stone into water, and the stone would disappear under the water completely.

Nehemiah 9:12

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

You led them

Yahweh led the Israelites.

Nehemiah 9:13

you came down

When God talks with his people, he is often described as "coming down" or "coming down from heaven." This is a descriptive way of saying that God appeared to that person. Alternate translation: "you appeared" or "you came down from heaven"

righteous decrees and true laws, good statutes and commandments

Both of these double phrases describe the same thing, the law of Moses.

Nehemiah 9:14

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

commandments ... statutes ... law

Each of these three words refers to the law of Moses.

Nehemiah 9:15

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Nehemiah 9:16

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

they and our ancestors

the Israelites at the time of Moses and the people of Israel after the time of Moses

they stiffened their necks

This is an metaphor that means that they were stubborn. Alternate translation: "they were very stubborn"

Nehemiah 9:17

they stiffened their necks

This is an metaphor that means that they were stubborn. See how you translated this phrase in [Nehemiah 9:16]

the wonders that you had done among them

"the miracles that you had done among them"

they appointed a leader to return to their slavery

The Israelites would know that this referred to their ancestors wanting to return to Egypt. Alternate translation: "they appointed a leader to take them back to Egypt where they had been slaves"

who is full of forgiveness

The desire to forgive is spoken of as if it were a liquid that could fill a container. Alternate translation: "who is ready to forgive"

abounding in steadfast love

Love is spoken of as if it were a food crop that Yahweh could share with people. Alternate translation: "always loves his people very much"

Nehemiah 9:18

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

cast a calf out of molten metal

melted metal and molded it in the shape of a calf

Nehemiah 9:19

you ... did not abandon them

Yahweh did not abandon the Israelites.

The pillar of cloud ... the pillar of fire

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 9:12.

Nehemiah 9:20

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

Your good Spirit ... your manna ... water

The writer changes the usual word order to emphasize the good things Yahweh gave his people. Your language may have another way of emphasizing these items.

instruct

teach

your manna you did not withhold from their mouths

This litotes can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: "you generously gave them manna"

from their mouths

The mouth is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "from them"

Nehemiah 9:21

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Nehemiah 9:22

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

You gave them kingdoms

Yahweh gave the Israelites kingdoms.

gave them kingdoms and peoples

"enabled them to conquer kingdoms and peoples"

assigning to them every corner of the land

"enabling them to possess every part of the land"

Sihon ... Og

These are the names of kings.

Heshbon ... Bashan

These are names of places.

Nehemiah 9:23

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

You made their children

Yahweh made the descendants of the Israelites at the time of Moses

Nehemiah 9:24

gave them into their hands

The Canaanites are spoken of as if they were small objects that a person could place in the hand of another person. To give something into a person's hand is to give that person complete control over that thing. Alternate translation: "enabled the Israelites to have complete control over them"

Nehemiah 9:25

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

They captured

The Israelites at the time of Moses captured

a productive land

"a fertile land"

cisterns

holes in the ground where people store water

grew fat

This might be a metaphor for "stopped thinking about Yahweh" or "became complacent."

Nehemiah 9:26

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

They threw your law behind their backs

The law is spoken of as if it were a worthless item that a person could throw away. Alternate translation: "They considered your law worthless and paid no attention to it"

They threw your law

The Israelites threw Yahweh's law.

Nehemiah 9:27

you gave them into the hand of their enemies, who made them suffer

Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "you allowed their enemies to defeat them and cause them to suffer"

you sent them rescuers who rescued them out of the hand of their enemies

Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "you sent people to stop their enemies from harming them"

Nehemiah 9:28

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

they had rest, they did evil again before you

Here "they" refers to the Israelites and "you" to Yahweh.

you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies

Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "you abandoned them and allow their enemies to defeat them"

Nehemiah 9:29

did not listen to your commands

If your language has a word for "listen" that also means "obey," use it here.

your decrees which give life to anyone who obeys them

Yahweh himself is spoken of as if he were the decrees themselves. Alternate translation: "you even though you give life to everyone who obeys your decrees"

They gave the stubborn shoulder-blade and stiffened their neck

These are images of an ox refusing to allow its owner to put a yoke on its shoulders. Here they are a metaphor that represents the people being stubborn. Alternate translation: "They became stubborn"

Nehemiah 9:30

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

you gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands

Here "hand" represents power or control. See how you translated these words in [Nehemiah 9:27]

you gave

Yahweh gave

peoples of the lands

"the neighboring peoples" or "the peoples of the lands near them"

Nehemiah 9:31

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Nehemiah 9:32

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

do not let all this hardship seem little to you that has come on us ... until today

It is possible to divide this into two sentences. "Do not let all this hardship seem little to you. The hardship has come upon us ... until today"

hardship ... has come on us

The phrase "come on us" speaks of bad things that happen as if they are people who cause harm. Alternate translation: "harm ... we have suffered"

Nehemiah 9:33

everything that has come on us

The phrase "come on us" speaks of bad things that happen as if they are people who cause harm. Alternate translation: "everything we have suffered"

Nehemiah 9:34

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Nehemiah 9:35

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

while they enjoyed your great goodness to them

"while they enjoyed the good things you gave them"

they did not serve you

"they were not obedient to your law or teaching"

Nehemiah 9:36

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

its good gifts

"all the good things in it" or "all the good things we can get from it"

Nehemiah 9:37

The rich produce of our land goes to the kings

"We pay tribute to kings for working our own land"

They rule

The kings rule.

Nehemiah 9:38

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

Because of all this

because the people had disobeyed and Yahweh had punished them

On the sealed document are the names

The reader should understand that the men wrote their names on the document before it was sealed.

Chapter 10

Nehemiah 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter concludes the passage beginning in chapter 9.

Special concepts in this chapter

The vow

By signing this document, the people vowed or agreed to obey God, not to buy things on the Sabbath and to pay their temple tax. (See: vow and sabbath and temple)

Nehemiah 10:1

Connecting Statement:

Here begins a list of the people whose names were on the sealed document.

On the sealed documents were Nehemiah ... Zedekiah

The names of these people were written on the documents. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "On the sealed documents were the names of Nehemiah ... Zedekiah" or "On the sealed documents were the names of the following people: Nehemiah ... Zedekiah"

sealed documents

The documents were sealed after the names had been signed on the documents.

Nehemiah

Some people believe that Nehemiah wrote this book and is speaking of himself as if he were someone else because this is an official list.

Hakaliah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 1:1]

Nehemiah 10:2

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents (verse 1) continues.

Seraiah ... Jeremiah

These are names of men.

Azariah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:23.

Nehemiah 10:3

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents (verse 1) continues.

Pashhur, Amariah

These are names of men.

Malkijah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:11.

Nehemiah 10:4

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

Hattush

See how you translated this man's name in [Nehemiah 3:10]

Shebaniah

See how you translated this man's name in [Nehemiah 9:4]

Malluk

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 10:5

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

Harim

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:11]

Meremoth

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:4]

Obadiah

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 10:6

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

Daniel, Ginnethon

These are the names of men.

Baruch

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:20.

Nehemiah 10:7

Meshullam

This is a man's name. See how you translated it in [Nehemiah 9:4]

Abijah, Mijamin

These are the names of men.

Nehemiah 10:8

Maaziah, Bilgai

These are the names of men.

Shemaiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:29.

These were the priests

This refers to the previous list of men who signed the document. Alternate translation: "These were the names of the priests who signed the document"

Nehemiah 10:9

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues. Nehemiah begins here to list the names of the Levies who signed the sealed document.

The Levites were

This refers to those who put their names on the sealed documents. Alternate translation: "The Levites who put their names on the sealed documents were"

Jeshua ... Henadad

These are the names of men. See how you translated them in [Nehemiah 3:18-19]

Azaniah

This is a man's name.

Binnui

This is a man's name. See how you translated it in Nehemiah 3:24.

Kadmiel

This is a man's name. See how you translated it in Nehemiah 7:43.

Nehemiah 10:10

Shebaniah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 9:4]

Hodiah ... Kelita ... Pelaiah

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 8:7]

Hanan

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:49]

Nehemiah 10:11

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

Rehob

This is a man's name.

Mika

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 10:11.

Hashabiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:17.

Nehemiah 10:12

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

Zakkur

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:2]

Sherebiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 8:7]

Shebaniah

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 10:13

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

Hodiah ... Beninu

These are the names of men.

Bani

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:17.

Nehemiah 10:14

The leaders of the people were

This refers to those who put their names on the sealed documents. Alternate translation: "The leaders of the people who put their names on the sealed documents were"

Parosh

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:25]

Pahath-Moab

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:11]

Elam ... Zattu

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:12]

Nehemiah 10:15

General Information:

In these verses, Nehemiah continues to list the names of the people who signed the sealed document.

Bunni

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 9:4]

Azgad, Bebai

These are the names of men. See how you translated them in [Nehemiah 7:16-17]

Nehemiah 10:16

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

Adonijah ... Adin

These are the names of men.

Bigvai

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:7.

Nehemiah 10:17

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

Azzur

These are the names of men.

Ater, Hezekiah

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:20.

Nehemiah 10:18

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

Hodiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 8:7]

Hashum

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:20]

Bezai

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 10:19

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

Nebai

This is a man's name.

Hariph

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:23.

Anathoth

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:27.

Nehemiah 10:20

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

Magpiash ... Hezir

These are the names of men.

Meshullam

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:4.

Nehemiah 10:21

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

Jaddua

This is a man's name.

Meshezabel, Zadok

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:4.

Nehemiah 10:22

General Information:

In these verses, Nehemiah continues to list the names of the people who signed the sealed document.

Pelatiah

This is a man's name.

Hanan

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:49.

Anaiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 8:4.

Anaiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:8.

Nehemiah 10:23

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

Hoshea ... Hananiah

These are the name of men.

Hasshub

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:11.

Nehemiah 10:24

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

Hallohesh

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:11]

Pilha ... Shobek

These are the name of men.

Nehemiah 10:25

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

Rehum

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:17]

Hashabnah

These are the name of men.

Maaseiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:23.

Nehemiah 10:26

Ahiah ... Anan

These are the name of men.

Hanan

This is a man's name.

Nehemiah 10:27

Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

Malluk, Harim

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 10:4]

Baanah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:6]

Nehemiah 10:28

gatekeepers

This refers to the people assigned to each gate, responsible to control access to the city or temple, as well as to open and close the gates at times and for reasons set by the administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

singers

You may need to make explicit that these are those who sang in the temple. Alternate translation: "temple singers"

the peoples of the lands

"the neighboring peoples" or "the peoples who lived in the lands near them"

all who have knowledge and understanding

This phrase can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "all who were old enough to understand what promising to obey God meant"

Nehemiah 10:29

their brothers, their nobles

"their fellow brothers the nobles" or "their brothers the leaders." These phrases refer to the same people.

bound themselves with both a curse and an oath

This speaks of the people taking an oath and a curse as if the oath and the curse were a rope that physically bound them. Alternate translation: "swore themselves to an oath and a curse" or "they took an oath and called for a curse to come on themselves if they failed to keep it"

to walk in God's law

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "to live by God's law" or "to obey God's law"

which was given by Moses the servant of God

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which Moses the servant of God had given to Israel"

to observe

"to follow"

Nehemiah 10:30

General Information:

In these verses, the people describe the content of the oath they were making in Nehemiah 10:29.

would not give our daughters to the people of the land or take their daughters for our sons

This means that they would not allow their sons and daughters to marry them. Alternate translation: "would not give our daughters to marry the people of the land, and we would not take their daughters to marry our sons"

the people of the land

This refers to the people who live in their land who do not worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: "the people of this land who do not worship Yahweh"

We promised ... we would not give ... or take

The pronoun "we" here includes Nehemiah and the Jewish people, but not the reader of this book.

Nehemiah 10:31

We also promised ... we would not buy ... we will let ... we will cancel

The pronoun "we" here includes Nehemiah and the Jewish people, but not the reader of this book.

seventh year

"year 7"

we will let our fields rest

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "we will not plow our fields" or "we will not grow anything in our fields"

we will cancel all debts

This means that they will not require that people pay them what they owe. Alternate translation: "we will cancel all debts that people owe us" or "we will tell people that they no longer have to pay us back"

Nehemiah 10:32

General Information:

In these verses, the people continue describing the content of the oath they were making in Nehemiah 10:29.

We accepted the commands

"We promised to obey the command"

We accepted

The pronoun "we" here includes all the Israelites including Nehemiah except for the priest and Levites, and does not include the reader of this book

a third of a shekel

"1/3 of a shekel." "A third" means one part out of three equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "5 grams of sliver"

for the service of

"to pay for the care of"

Nehemiah 10:33

the bread of the presence

This refers to the 12 loaves of bread baked without yeast kept in the temple and used to symbolize God's presence with his people.

the new moon festivals

These were celebrations held when the moon was just a small crescent in the sky.

Nehemiah 10:34

General Information:

In these verses, the people continue describing the content of the oath they were making in Nehemiah 10:29.

to be burned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for the Levites to burn"

as it is written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as it states"

Nehemiah 10:35

from our soil

"in our soil" or "on our land"

Nehemiah 10:36

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Nehemiah 10:37

General Information:

In these verses, the people continue describing the content of the oath they started making in Nehemiah 10:28 and 29.

We will bring ... We will bring

The pronoun "we" here includes Nehemiah and the Israelites except for the priests and the Levites, and also does not include the reader of this book

our dough

Possible meanings are that this refers to 1) dough made from coarse flour, 2) coarse flour, or 3) ground grain.

and the fruit of every tree and new wine and oil

The words "first of" are understood from the beginning of the sentences. They can be repeated. Alternate translation: "and the first of the fruit of every tree and the first of the new wine and the first of the oil"

the first

"the best"

the storerooms of the house of our God

"the places where things are stored in the temple"

the tithes from our soil

Here "our soil" refers to everything that is grown in the ground. Alternate translation: "the tithes of what we grow in the ground"

Nehemiah 10:38

they receive the tithes

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people give them the tithes"

a tenth

This means one part out of ten equal parts.

the rooms of the storehouse

"the storerooms in the temple"

Nehemiah 10:39

General Information:

In these verses, the people finish describing the content of the oath they were making in Nehemiah 10:29.

the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are kept

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the rooms where the priests keep the things that are used in the temple"

We will not neglect the house of our God

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "We will care for the temple"

We will

The pronoun "we" here includes Nehemiah and all the people of Israel but does not include the reader of this book.

Chapter 11

Nehemiah 11 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The places where the Jews lived

Some people lived in Jerusalem, but most people lived in villages and towns away from Jerusalem. They lived there in order to farm the land raise their animals. The city with its walls was there to provide all of the people with protection if enemies attacked them.

Nehemiah 11:1

the people cast lots

"the people threw marked stones"

to bring one of ten

"to bring one family out of every ten families"

Nehemiah 11:2

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Nehemiah 11:3

on his own property, including some Israelites

"on his own property: Israelites"

Nehemiah 11:4

some of the descendants of Judah and some of the descendants of Benjamin

"some of the people of Judah and some of the people of Benjamin"

The people from Judah included:

"From the descendants of Judah:"

Judah ... Benjamin ... Athaiah ... Uzziah ... Zechariah ... Amariah ... Shephatiah ... Mahalalel ... Perez

These are the names of men.

a descendant of Perez

"from the descendants of Perez"

Nehemiah 11:5

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, Nehemiah continues to list the provincial officers who lived in Jerusalem.

Maaseiah ... Baruch ... Kol-Hozeh ... Hazaiah ... Adaiah ... Joiarib ... Zechariah ... Shelah

These are the names of men.

Nehemiah 11:6

Perez

This is a man's name.

All ... were 468

"All ... were four hundred and sixty-eight." Perez had 468 descendants who lived in Jerusalem.

They were outstanding men

"They were courageous men" or "They were valiant men"

Nehemiah 11:7

Connecting Statement:

In these verses, Nehemiah continues to list the provincial officers who lived in Jerusalem.

These are the descendants

"These are some of the descendants." Your language may need to specify that this is not a list of every descendant.

Benjamin ... Sallu ... Meshullam ... Joed ... Pedaiah ... Kolaiah ... Maaseiah ... Ithiel ... Jeshaiah

These are the names of men.

Nehemiah 11:8

Gabbai ... Sallai

These are the names of men.

928 men

"nine hundred and twenty-eight men."

Nehemiah 11:9

Joel ... Zikri ... Judah ... Hassenuah

These are the names of men.

Nehemiah 11:10

Jedaiah ... Joiarib ... Jakin

These are the names of men.

Nehemiah 11:11

Seraiah ... Hilkiah ... Meshullam ... Zadok

These are the names of men.

Nehemiah 11:12

Adaiah ... Jeroham ... Pelaliah ... Amzi ... Zechariah ... Pashhur ... Malkijah

These are names of men.

their associates

"their brothers" or "their kinsmen"

who did the work for the house

"who worked in the temple." The "house" referred to here is the "house of God" mentioned in the previous verse.

822 men

"eight hundred and twenty-two men"

Nehemiah 11:13

His brothers

the brothers of Adaiah, the son of Jeroham (Nehemiah 11:12).

brothers

This word is a metaphor for 1) fellow Israelites or 2) people who did the same work. Alternate translation: "associates" or "fellow workers"

242 men

"two hundred and forty-two men"

Amashsai ... Azarel ... Ahzai ... Meshillemoth ... Immer

These are the names of men.

Nehemiah 11:14

Zabdiel ... Haggedolim

These are the names of men.

128 valiant warriors

"one hundred and twenty-eight courageous fighting men." These were "valiant warriors" or "courageous warriors."

Nehemiah 11:15

Shemaiah ... Hasshub ... Azrikam ... Hashabiah ... Bunni

These are the names of men.

Nehemiah 11:16

Shabbethai ... Jozabad

These are the names of men.

who were from the leaders of the Levites and were in charge

"from the leaders of the Levites, were in charge"

Nehemiah 11:17

Mattaniah ... Mika ... Zabdi ... Asaph ... Bakbukiah ... Abda ... Shammua ... Galal ... Jeduthun

These are the names of men.

who began the thanksgiving in prayer

That is, who directed the singers.

Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers

Possible meanings are 1) Bakbukiah was Mattaniah's kinsman and second in authority to Mattaniah or 2) "Bakbukiah, who led a second group of singers."

brothers

Another possible meaning is "associates" or "fellow workers."

Nehemiah 11:18

the holy city

This expression refers to the city of Jerusalem.

numbered 284

"numbered two hundred and eighty-four." There were 284 Levites in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 11:19

gatekeepers

people assigned to each gate, responsible to control access to the city or temple, as well as to open and close the gates at times and for reasons set by the administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

Akkub ... Talmon

These are the names of men.

172 men

"one hundred and seventy-two men"

Nehemiah 11:20

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Nehemiah 11:21

Ziha ... Gishpa

These are the names of men.

Ophel

This is the name of a place.

Nehemiah 11:22

The chief officer over

"The overseer of"

Uzzi ... Bani ... Hashabiah ... Mattaniah ... Mika ... Asaph

These are the names of men.

Nehemiah 11:23

They were under orders from the king

"The king had told them what to do"

firm orders were given for the singers

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the king had told them specifically what to do about the singers"

Nehemiah 11:24

Pethahiah ... Meshezabel ... Zerah ... Judah

These are the names of men.

at the king's side in all matters concerning the people

"at the Persian king's side as an adviser in all matters concerning the Jewish people"

Nehemiah 11:25

Kiriath Arba ... Dibon ... Jekabzeel

These are the names of places.

Nehemiah 11:26

Jeshua ... Moladah ... Beth Pelet

These are the names of places.

Nehemiah 11:27

Hazar Shual ... Beersheba

These are the names of places.

Nehemiah 11:28

Ziklag ... Mekonah

These are the names of places.

Nehemiah 11:29

En Rimmon ... Zorah ... Jarmuth

These are the names of places.

Nehemiah 11:30

Zanoah ... Adullam ... Lachish ... Azekah ... Beersheba ... Valley of Hinnom

These are the names of places.

they encamped

Here "they" refers to the people of Judah, and encamped is probably a metaphor for "lived in houses" .

Nehemiah 11:31

Geba ... Mikmash ... Aija ... Bethel

These are the names of places.

Aija

This is possibly another name for the town of Ai.

Nehemiah 11:32

Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah

These are the names of places.

Nehemiah 11:33

Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim

These are the names of places.

Nehemiah 11:34

Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat

These are the names of places.

Nehemiah 11:35

Ono, and Ge Harashim

Other possible meanings are 1) Ge Harashim is a different place from Ono whose name is not given. Alternate translation: "Ono, and the valley of the craftsmen" Or 2) Ge Harashim is a description of Ono as "the valley of the craftsmen." Alternate translation: "Ono, the valley of the craftsmen"

Nehemiah 11:36

Some of the Levites who lived in Judah were assigned to the people of Benjamin

It is not clear who assigned these Levites to live with the people of Benjamin. Alternate translation: "They assigned some of the Levites who lived in Judah to serve the people of Benjamin" or "The officials assigned some of the Levites who lived in Judah to serve the people of Benjamin"

Chapter 12

Nehemiah 12 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Dedication of the wall

In the ancient Near East, it was common to dedicate an important structure to a god. When it was completed, the wall was dedicated to Yahweh. Long lists of people are present, indicating that "everyone" was present for this and praised Yahweh. (See: falsegod)

Nehemiah 12:1

who came up

"who arrived from Babylonia"

with Zerubbabel

"under the leadership of Zerubbabel"

Zerubbabel ... Shealtiel ... Jeshua ... Seraiah ... Jeremiah ... Ezra

These are names of men.

Jeshua

The original readers would have understood that Jeshua was the high priest. Alternate translation: "Jeshua the high priest"

Nehemiah 12:2

Amariah ... Malluk ... Hattush

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 12:3

Shekaniah ... Rehum ... Meremoth

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 12:4

Connecting Statement:

The list that began in Nehemiah 12:1 continues.

There were

These words have been added for this translation. If you continue the list that began in Nehemiah 12:1, you can omit these words.

Iddo ... Ginnethon ... Abijah

These are all names of men.

Nehemiah 12:5

Mijamin ... Moadiah ... Bilgah

These are all names of men.

Nehemiah 12:6

Shemaiah ... Joiarib ... Jedaiah

These are all names of men.

Nehemiah 12:7

Sallu ... Amok ... Hilkiah ... Jedaiah ... Jeshua

These are all names of men.

Nehemiah 12:8

Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, ... Mattaniah

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 12:9

Bakbukiah ... Unni

These are names of men.

stood opposite them during the service

Possible meanings are 1) this was during a worship service and these were two groups of singers or other worshipers, or 2) these groups guarded the temple at different times, or "took turns guarding the temple."

Nehemiah 12:10

Jeshua ... Joiakim ... Eliashib ... Joiada

These are names of men.

Jeshua was the father of Joiakim

This is the same Jeshua named in [Nehemiah 12:1]

Nehemiah 12:11

Joiada ... Jonathan ... Jaddua

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 12:12

Joiakim ... Meraiah ... Hananiah

These are names of men.

Seraiah ... Jeremiah

These are names of families named after men.

Nehemiah 12:13

Meshullam ... Jehohanan

These are names of men.

Ezra ... Amariah

These are names of families named after men.

Nehemiah 12:14

Jonathan ... Joseph

These are names of men.

Malluk ... Shebaniah

These are names of families named after men.

Nehemiah 12:15

Connecting Statement:

The list that began in Nehemiah 12:12 continues.

Adna ... Helkai

These are all names of men.

Harim ... Meremoth

These are all names of families that are named after men.

was the leader of

"was the leader of the family of" or "was the leader of the descendants of"

Nehemiah 12:16

Zechariah ... Meshullam

These are all names of men.

Iddo ... Ginnethon

These are all names of families that are named after men.

Meshullam was the leader of Ginnethon

Ginnethon may be another form of the name Ginnethoi.

Nehemiah 12:17

Zikri ... Piltai

These are names of men.

Abijah ... Miniamin ... Moadiah

These are all names of families that are named after men.

Nehemiah 12:18

Shammua ... Jehonathan

These are all names of men.

Bilgah ... Shemaiah

These are all names of families that are named after men.

Nehemiah 12:19

Mattenai ... Uzzi

These are all names of men.

Joiarib ... Jedaiah

These are all names of families that are named after men.

Nehemiah 12:20

Kallai ... Eber

These are all names of men.

Sallu ... Amok

These are all names of families that are named after men.

Nehemiah 12:21

Hashabiah ... Nethanel

These are all names of men.

Hilkiah ... Jedaiah

These are all names of families that are named after men.

Nehemiah 12:22

Eliashib ... Joiada, Johanan ... Jaddua

names of men

during the reign of Darius

Another possible meaning is "until the reign of Darius"

Nehemiah 12:23

recorded in the book of the annals

This may refer to the Book of Chronicles. The scribes wrote the words in the verses above in a book that recorded the events of each day.

up to the days of Johanan son of Eliashib

The records in the temple recorded only up until Johanan.

Nehemiah 12:24

Hashabiah, Sherebiah ... Jeshua ... Kadmiel

These are names of men.

who stood opposite them to give praise and to give thanks, responding section by section

This refers to how they sang some of their songs in worship. A leader or one group would sing a phrase, then one or two groups that "stood opposite them" would sing a phrase in response.

obedience to the command of David

King David had commanded the Levites how they were to organize and lead worship.

Nehemiah 12:25

Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub

These are names of men.

Nehemiah 12:26

Joiakim ... Jeshua ... Jozadak ... Nehemiah ... Ezra

These are names of men.

in the days of Joiakim ... Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra ... scribe

The date was fixed by listing those who were leading the Jews at the time. "when Joiakim ... Jozadak was high priest, and when Nehemiah was governor and Ezra ... was the scribe"

Nehemiah 12:27

At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem

Possible meanings are 1) "At the time when they dedicated the wall of Jerusalem" or 2) "So that the dedication of Jerusalem's wall could take place."

cymbals

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound

Nehemiah 12:28

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Nehemiah 12:29

Beth Gilgal ... Geba and Azmaveth

These are the names of places.

Nehemiah 12:30

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Nehemiah 12:31

the leaders of Judah

the leaders of the people who lived in the region of Judah

Nehemiah 12:32

Hoshaiah

These are the names of males.

Nehemiah 12:33

Azariah, Ezra, Meshullam

These are the names of males.

after them went

"behind them followed"

Nehemiah 12:34

Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, Jeremiah

These are the names of males.

Nehemiah 12:35

Zechariah ... Jonathan ... Shemaiah ... Mattaniah ... Micaiah ... Zakkur ... Asaph

These are the names of males.

some of the priests' sons with trumpets, and Zechariah

Some modern translations read, "from among the priests with trumpets, Zechariah"

Zechariah son of Jonathan son of Shemaiah son of Mattaniah son of Micaiah son of Zakkur son of Asaph

All of the names after "Zechariah" are the ancestors of Zechariah. This list connects Zechariah with the famous singer Asaph. "Zechariah who was the son of Jonathan, who was the son of Shemaiah, who was the son of Mattaniah, who was the son of Micaiah, who was the son of Zaccur son of Asaph"

Nehemiah 12:36

There also were

"Along with them were"

Zechariah ... Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, Hanani ... David ... Ezra

These are the names of males.

Ezra the scribe was in front of them

"Ezra the scribe was leading them"

Nehemiah 12:37

Fountain Gate ... Water Gate

These are the names of openings in the wall.

Nehemiah 12:38

choir

group of singers

I followed them

Nehemiah followed them.

Tower of Ovens

This is the name of a tall structure where people kept watch for danger.

Broad Wall

This is a name for part of the wall.

Nehemiah 12:39

Tower of Hananel ... Tower of the Hundred

These are the names of tall structures where people kept watch for danger.

Gate of Ephraim ... Old Gate ... Fish Gate ... Sheep Gate ... Gate of the Guard

These are the names of openings in the wall.

Nehemiah 12:40

I also took my place

Nehemiah is speaking here. Alternate translation: "I, Nehemiah, also took my place"

Nehemiah 12:41

Eliakim ... Maaseiah ... Miniamin ... Micaiah ... Elioenai ... Zechariah ... Hananiah

These are the names of males who were the priests at that time.

with the trumpets

Possible meanings are 1) only the first seven priests listed from Eliakim to Hananiah carried trumpets or 2) all 15 priests listed from Eliakim to Ezer carried trumpets.

Nehemiah 12:42

Maaseiah ... Shemaiah ... Eleazar ... Uzzi ... Jehohanan ... Malkijah ... Elam ... Ezer

These are the names of males who were the priests at that time.

Jezrahiah

This is the name of a male who was the leader of the singers.

made themselves heard

"sang loudly"

Nehemiah 12:43

rejoice with great joy

"rejoice greatly"

So the joy of Jerusalem could be heard far away

"The joy of Jerusalem" here is a metonym for "the sound that the people of Jerusalem made." This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "people far away from Jerusalem could hear the sound that the people of Jerusalem made as they celebrated"

Nehemiah 12:44

men were appointed to be in charge

This can be stated in active form. It is not clear who appointed the men. Alternate translation: "they appointed men to be in charge"

the contributions

things the people gave to the priests

For Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites

It seems that the people appointed the men because the people of Judah were grateful for the priests and Levites who were serving.

who were standing before them

The Levites and priests were not just standing, they were serving in their roles. The meaning can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "who were standing before them serving God"

Nehemiah 12:45

gatekeepers

These were people assigned to each gate, responsible to control access to the city or temple, as well as to open and close the gates at times and for reasons set by the administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

Nehemiah 12:46

there were directors of singers

This sentence tells why the people did what they did in Nehemiah 12:45 and gives us more information about the time when David told people how to worship at the temple.

Nehemiah 12:47

In the days of Zerubbabel

Zerubbabel was a descendant of King David and one of the governors in the region of Judah.

They set aside the consecrated portion

"All Israel set aside the consecrated portion"

the descendants of Aaron

the priests in Israel, who descended from Aaron, the brother of Moses

Chapter 13

Nehemiah 13 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem

Nehemiah was eager to make sure that the Jews kept their promise to obey the law. When he returned from Persia, he found many things wrong: one of the store rooms in the temple had been converted into a guest room for Tobiah, the Levites had not received their portions for working in the temple, people were working on the Sabbath, and many had married heathen wives. (See: promise, lawofmoses and temple and sabbath)

Nehemiah 13:1

in the hearing of the people

"so that the people could hear it"

should come into the assembly of God, forever

"should ever come into the assembly of God"

Nehemiah 13:2

This was because

"They could not come into the assembly because"

Nehemiah 13:3

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Nehemiah 13:4

Eliashib the priest was appointed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "they appointed Eliashib the priest" or "the leaders appointed Eliashib the priest"

He was related to Tobiah

"Eliashib and Tobiah worked closely together"

Eliashib ... Tobiah

These are the names of men.

Nehemiah 13:5

Eliashib prepared for Tobiah a large storeroom

"Eliashib prepared a large storeroom for Tobiah to use"

gatekeepers

people assigned to each gate, responsible to control access to the city or temple, as well as to open and close the gates at times and for reasons set by the administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

Nehemiah 13:6

But in all this time I was not in Jerusalem

"During the time all this was happening, I was away from Jerusalem"

I was not

Here "I" refers to Nehemiah.

Nehemiah 13:7

a storeroom in the courts of the house of God

This was a room which had previously been purified to store offering supplies (Nehemiah 13:5).

Nehemiah 13:8

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Nehemiah 13:9

General Information:

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Nehemiah 13:10

the Levites' portions had not been given to them

The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. This can also be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people had not been bringing into the storerooms their tithes and offerings of food for the temple priests"

they had run away, each to his own field, the Levites and the singers who did the work

"the Levites and the singers who did the work had left the temple, each one going to his own field"

Nehemiah 13:11

Why is the house of God neglected?

Nehemiah uses a rhetorical question to challenge or even ridicule the officials who had not done their work. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have neglected the house of God!"

Nehemiah 13:12

all Judah

The name of the land is a metonym for the people of the land. This is probably a generalization. Alternate translation: "all the people who lived in Judah"

Nehemiah 13:13

Shelemiah ... Zadok ... Pedaiah ... Hanan ... Zakkur ... Mattaniah

These are the names of men.

they were counted as trustworthy

This can be translated in active form. The abstract noun "trustworthy" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "I knew that I could trust them"

Nehemiah 13:14

Call me to mind, my God, concerning this

"My God, remember me concerning this"

Nehemiah 13:15

treading winepresses

The word "winepresses" is a metonym for the grapes that were in the winepresses. The people were walking on grapes to get the juice out of them to make wine. Alternate translation: "walking on grapes in winepresses"

treading

walking on something to crush or press it

Nehemiah 13:16

Tyre

This is the name of a city.

Nehemiah 13:17

What is this evil thing you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day?

Nehemiah is using a rhetorical question to scold the leaders of Judah. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are doing an evil thing by profaning the Sabbath day." or "God will punish you for doing this evil thing, for profaning the Sabbath day."

Nehemiah 13:18

Did not your fathers do this? Did not our God bring all this evil on us and on this city?

Nehemiah is using these rhetorical questions to scold the leaders of Judah. These questions can be combined and translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that your fathers did this, and that is why God brought all this evil on us and on this city."

Nehemiah 13:19

As soon as it became dark ... before the Sabbath

"When the sun went down ... and it was time for the Sabbath to begin"

that the doors be shut and that they should not be opened until

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the guards shut the doors and not open them until"

no load could be brought in

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one could bring in things they wanted to sell"

Nehemiah 13:20

sellers of all kinds of wares

"people who had brought many different things they wanted to sell"

Nehemiah 13:21

Why do you camp outside the wall?

Nehemiah uses a rhetorical question to rebuke merchants and to emphasize his command. This question can be translated as a statement. The full meaning of this statement can also be made explicit. Alternate translation: "You are camping outside the wall against what I commanded."

I will lay hands on you!

The word "hands" is a metonym for forceful action. Alternate translation: "I will send you away by force!" or "I will remove you by force!"

Nehemiah 13:22

Call me to mind for this also, my God

"My God, remember me concerning this also." See how you translated a similar phrase in Nehemiah 13:14.

Nehemiah 13:23

Connecting Statement:

These verses introduce the action that follows.

Jews that had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab

"Jews that had married foreign women." God had forbidden intermarriage. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear.

Ashdod

This is the name of a city.

Ammon ... Moab

These are the names of nations.

Nehemiah 13:24

Half of their children

"As a result, half of their children"

Nehemiah 13:25

I confronted them

"I spoke directly to them about what they had done"

I hit some of them

Nehemiah hit some of them with his hands.

I made them swear by God

"I made them say a promise before God"

Nehemiah 13:26

Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of these women?

Nehemiah uses a rhetorical question to scold the men. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that Solomon king of Israel sinned on account of these women."

Nehemiah 13:27

Should we then listen to you and do all this great evil, and act unfaithfully against our God by marrying foreign women?

Nehemiah uses a rhetorical question to scold the men. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "We will not listen to you or do this great evil or act treacherously against our God by marrying foreign women."

Nehemiah 13:28

Joiada ... Eliashib ... Sanballat

These are the names of men.

the Horonite

This refers to a person from the city of Beth Horon.

I caused him to flee from my presence

"I chased him away" or "I made him leave Jerusalem"

Nehemiah 13:29

Call them to mind

"Think about them" or "Remember what they have done." See how you translated a similar phrase in Nehemiah 13:14.

they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites

Causing the priesthood to be dishonored and breaking the covenant is spoken of as if they made the priesthood and covenant physically unclean. Alternate translation: "they have dishonored the priesthood and broken the covenant you made with the priests and Levites"

Nehemiah 13:30

Thus I cleansed them

"In this way I purified them"

established the duties of the priests and the Levites

"told the priests and Levites what they were to do"

Nehemiah 13:31

I provided for the wood offering

"I arranged for a supply of wood for the wood offerings"

for the firstfruits

"for the offering of firstfruits at harvest time"

Call me to mind, my God, for good

"Think about all I have done, my God, and bless me because of the good things I have done." See how you translated a similar phrase in Nehemiah 13:14.

Book: Esther

Chapter 1

Esther 1 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The king's divorce

The king's advisers were afraid that husbands would lose their authority when they heard the queen had refused to come to show her beauty to the king's guests; so the advisers told him to divorce her.

Esther 1:1

In the days of Xerxes

"In the time of Xerxes" or "When Xerxes was ruling as king"

this is Xerxes who reigned from India as far as Cush, over 127 provinces

This is background information to help the reader identify Xerxes.

provinces

A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government.

Esther 1:2

sat on his royal throne

Here "royal throne" may refer to his rule over the kingdom. Alternate translation: "ruled the empire"

fortress

This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city.

Susa

This was a royal city of Persian kings.

Esther 1:3

In the third year of his reign

"After he had ruled for 2 years"

The army

This likely refers to the leaders of the army. Alternate translation: "The officers of the army"

Esther 1:4

the wealth of the splendor of his kingdom

These words have similar meaning and emphasize how great his kingdom was. Alternate translation: "the great wealth of his kingdom"

the honor of the glory of his greatness

These words have similar meaning and emphasize how great he was. Alternate translation: "the splendor of his greatness"

180 days

"one hundred and eighty days"

Esther 1:5

When these days were completed

"At the end of that feast"

a feast lasting seven days

This was a second feast that was only for the officials in Susa. Alternate translation: "another feast that lasted seven days"

fortress

This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city.See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.

Susa

See how you translated the name of this place in [Esther 1:2]

Esther 1:6

a mosaic pavement

A "mosaic" consists of colored stones arranged in an attractive pattern.

porphyry

This is a kind of red and purple rock that contained pieces of crystal.

Esther 1:7

Drinks were served in golden cups

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The guests drank wine from gold cups"

there was much royal wine that came because of the king's generosity

"the king was very generous with the royal wine"

generosity

"great willingness to give"

Esther 1:8

There must be no compulsion

"No one must be forced to drink"

king had given orders to all the officials of his palace to do according to the desire of each man

This statement means that the king told his workers to give all the guests as much wine as they wanted.

Esther 1:9

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Esther 1:10

On the seventh day

"After 6 days"

the king's heart was feeling happy because of the wine

Here "heart" refers to the king, and "feeling happy" is an idiom that means he was drunk. Alternate translation: "the king was drunk with wine"

Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Karkas

These are names of men.

the seven officials who served before him

This is background information to explain who these men were.

Esther 1:11

her features were stunning

"she was very beautiful"

Esther 1:12

at the word of the king that had been brought to her by the officials

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the king's officials told her about his command"

at the word

"at the command"

his rage burned within him

The intensity of the king's anger is spoken of as if it was a fire that burned inside him. Alternate translation: "his rage was as intense as a fire inside him"

Esther 1:13

who understood the times

"who understood the things that happened in their lives"

for this was the king's procedure toward all who were expert in law and judgment

This background information explains why the king called these men.

Esther 1:14

Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memukan

These are the names of men.

Esther 1:15

In compliance with the law ... by the officials?

It may be helpful to state who asked this question. Alternate translation: The king said to them, "In compliance with the law ... by the officials?"

In compliance with the law

"In observance of the law" or "In obedience to the law"

Esther 1:16

Memukan

Translate his name as in [Esther 1:14]

all the officials and all the people ... all the provinces

These are exaggerations to emphasize the damage that the queen's refusal caused.

provinces

a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.

Esther 1:17

all women

This is an exaggeration to emphasize the damage that the queen's refusal caused.

Esther 1:18

There will be much contempt and anger

"They will be angry with their husbands and treat them with contempt"

Esther 1:19

Connecting Statement:

Meremoth continues to answer the king.

If it pleases the king ... from him ... before him ... Let the king

Meremoth speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: "If it pleases you ... from you ... before you ... Please"

which cannot be repealed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which no one can change"

Esther 1:20

the king's decree ... his vast kingdom

Meremoth speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: "your decree ... your vast kingdom"

When the king's decree is proclaimed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When they hear the king's decree" or "When they hear what you have commanded"

vast

very wide

from the greatest to the least significant

This is a merism that refers to both extremes and everyone in between. This probably refers to the husbands, but it is possible that it refers to the wives.

Esther 1:21

Memukan

Translate his name as in [Esther 1:14]

Esther 1:22

He sent out letters

You may need to use a word for written instructions that is more general than "letter" so that the reader does not think that these documents were about only personal matters.

province

A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.

every man should be master of his own household

"all men should have complete authority over their wives and their children"

This decree was given

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They wrote this decree"

Chapter 2

Esther 2 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Esther becomes queen

Esther was humble and took the advice of the royal officials about how to dress for her time with the king. The king chose Esther to be the new queen.

Mordecai warns the king against a plot

Esther's cousin, Mordecai, discovered that two men planned to kill the king. He told Esther, who then told the king. She also gave Mordecai credit for telling her.

Esther 2:1

After these things

This introduces a new event that happened a while later.

the anger of King Xerxes subsided

"the king became less angry"

the decree

This is refers to the decree in Esther 1:19-20.

Esther 2:2

Let a search be made

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Tell your servants to search"

on the king's behalf

The men speak to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: "on your behalf"

Esther 2:3

Connecting Statement:

The young servants continue to speak to the king.

Let the king ... the king's official

The servants spoke to the king in third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: "You should ... your official"

provinces

A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.

harem

where the wives of a man with many wives live

the fortress

This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city. See how you translated this in Esther 1:2.

Susa

See how you translated the name of this place in [Esther 1:2]

Let them be put under the care of Hegai, the king's official, who is in charge of the women

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let Hegai, the king's official, who is in charge of the women, take care of them"

Hegai

This is a man's name.

their cosmetics

A "cosmetic" is a substance such as a cream, lotion, or powder that women usually put on their face or body to improve their appearance.

Esther 2:4

pleases the king

The servants spoke to the king in third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: "pleases you"

Esther 2:5

There was a certain Jew

This introduces Mordecai as a new character in the story.

Susa

Translate the name of this city as in [Esther 1:2]

son of Jair son of Shimei son of Kish

"Jair," "Shimei," and "Kish" are men from whom "Mordecai" is the male descendant.

a Benjamite

"of the tribe of Benjamin"

Esther 2:6

He had been taken into exile ... king of Babylonia took into exile

This background information explains how Mordecai came to live in Susa. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylonia took him and other exiles into exile, along with Jehoiachin, king of Judah"

He had been taken into exile from Jerusalem

The Hebrew text leaves unclear who is being spoken of here. It is perhaps Kish, who seems to have been the great-grandfather of Mordecai. If it was Mordecai himself, then he would be extremely old at the time of the events concerning Esther. Many modern versions leave this matter unclear. A few versions, including the UDB, choose to assume that it was Mordecai who had been taken away from Jerusalem.

Jehoiachin, king of Judah

Esther 2:7

Connecting Statement:

This continues the background information about Mordecai and explains his relationship to Esther.

Hadassah

This is Esther's Hebrew name.

his uncle's daughter

"his cousin"

she had neither father nor mother

"her father and mother had died"

took her as his own daughter

"cared for her as if she was his own daughter"

Esther 2:8

When the king's order and decree were proclaimed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "After the king commanded that they search for some beautiful women"

proclaimed

"announced"

many young women were brought

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they brought many young women"

They were put under Hegai's care

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Hegai began to take care of them"

Esther also was taken into the king's palace and put under the care of Hegai, the overseer of the women

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Hegai, the overseer of the women, also began to take care of Esther when they brought her to the king's palace"

palace

See how you translated this in Esther 1:5.

Esther 2:9

The young girl pleased him, and she found favor with him

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how much she pleased him. Alternate translation: "The young girl greatly pleased him"

The young girl

"Esther"

Esther 2:10

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Esther 2:11

about Esther's welfare

"how Esther was doing" or "about Esther's well-being"

Esther 2:12

General Information:

Verses 12-14 are background information about the customs for the women who became the king's concubines.

after she had obeyed ... perfumes and cosmetics

This is information that gives background information to the other background material in verses 12-14.

after she had obeyed the regulations for the women

"acting in accordance with the requirements for the women"

the regulations for the women

"what the king had commanded that the women needed to do"

beauty treatments

Things done to make the girls look more beautiful and smell good.

Esther 2:13

when a young woman went to the king

These words are repeated from the beginning of Esther 2:12 because so much background information is given there.

whatever she desired was given to her

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "she could take whatever she desired"

palace

See how you translated this in Esther 1:5.

Esther 2:14

Connecting Statement:

This continues the background information that began in [Esther 2:12]

in the morning

It is implied that this is the following morning. This information can be made clear. Alternate translation: "the next morning"

second house

"a different house"

to the custody of Shaashgaz, ... concubines

"to where Shaashgaz, ... concubines would take care of her"

custody

"supervision" or "protection"

Shaashgaz

This is a man's name.

Esther 2:15

Now when the time came

This introduces a new part of the story.

daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter

This background information reminds the reader of Esther's relationship to Mordecai.

Abihail

Esther's father and Mordecai's uncle

she did not ask for anything but what

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "she asked only for what"

Hegai

See how you translated this man's name in Esther 2:3.

received the favor of all

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "pleased all"

Esther 2:16

the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth

"Tebeth" is the name of the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part December and the first part January on Western calendars.

seventh year

"year number 7"

Esther 2:17

The king loved

This is the romantic use of the word "love."

received favor and kindness before him

The words "favor" and "kindness" here are probably a doublet or hendiadys that emphasizes how much the Esther pleased the king. The word translated "kindness" here is translated "favor" in [Esther 2:9]

set the royal crown on her head

The king did this to show that he was making her his queen.

Esther 2:18

"Esther's feast,"

It may be helpful to state that this is the name of the feast. Alternate translation: "he called it, 'Esther's feast,'"

he granted relief from taxation to the provinces

"he collected fewer taxes from the provinces than he had been collecting"

provinces

A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.

royal generosity

"generosity that only a king can give"

Esther 2:19

when the virgins had been gathered together a second time

It is unclear when this second gathering happened, and why. Therefore some versions have altered the text somewhat. It is probably best to translate it as it is written.

a second time

"one more time" or "an additional time"

Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate

Possible meanings are 1) Mordecai sat there so he could hear how Esther was doing from the many people who passed through the gate or 2) "sitting at the king's gate" is an idiom that means Mordecai was given a position of authority by the king.

the king's gate

"the gate to the king's palace"

Esther 2:20

as Mordecai had instructed her

Mordecai told her not to tell anyone about her family.

Esther 2:21

In those days

This introduces a new event in the story.

Bigthana and Teresh

These are the names of men.

Esther 2:22

When the matter was made known to Mordecai

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When Mordecai learned about what they were planning"

in the name of Mordecai

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "on behalf of Mordecai"

Esther 2:23

The report was investigated and confirmed, and both the men were hanged

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The king investigated and confirmed the report, and ordered his servants to hang both men"

a gallows

This was a structure used for killing people by tying one end of a rope around the top of the structure and the other end of the rope around their necks and hanging them from it. Alternate translation: "a frame for hanging people"

This account was written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They recorded this account"

the book of the events of his reign

"the royal history" or "the royal chronicles"

Chapter 3

Esther 3 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Haman plots against the Jews

Mordecai considered prostrating himself before Haman. This would be considered to be worship. It was wrong to worship someone other than Yahweh. Because of this, he refused to do it on religious grounds. This made Haman angry so he decided to kill all the Jews in the Persian Empire.

Esther 3:1

After these things

This introduces a new event in the story.

Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite

This is the name and description of Haman, one of the king's officials.

placed his seat of authority above all the officials who were with him

Here "seat of authority" represents his position or status in the government. Alternate translation: "promoted him above the other officials" or "gave him more authority than all the other officials"

Esther 3:2

knelt down and bowed down to Haman

These acts represent submission to the authority of Haman.

Esther 3:3

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Esther 3:4

to see if the matter about Mordecai would remain like that

"to find out what Haman would do about Mordecai's actions"

Esther 3:5

did not kneel and show him respect

Mordecai showed disrespect for Haman's status in the government by not doing these actions.

Haman was filled with rage

Here Haman's rage is spoken of as something that could fill him up. Alternate translation: "Haman became very angry"

Esther 3:6

He had contempt for the idea of killing only Mordecai

"He rejected the idea of killing just Mordecai." This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "He decided to kill more than just Mordecai"

sought to exterminate

"was trying to exterminate" or "was looking for an opportunity to exterminate"

exterminate all the Jews

"get rid of all the Jews" or "kill all the Jews"

Esther 3:7

In the first month

"In month one"

which is the month of Nisan

"Nisan" is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars.

in the twelfth year of King Xerxes

"in year number 12 of King Xerxes" or "when King Xerxes had reigned for about twelve years"

the Pur—that is the lot—was thrown

"they cast the Pur—that is the lot—"

the twelfth month

"month twelve"

the month of Adar

"Adar" is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of February and the first part of March on Western calendars.

Esther 3:8

a certain people

"a group of people" This refers to the Jews as an ethnic group.

scattered and distributed

"who live in many different places"

provinces

A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.

the king's ... the king

Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: "your ... you"

it is not suitable for the king to let them stay

"the king should not let them remain." This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "the king should remove them"

Esther 3:9

If it is pleasing to the king

"If the king would be pleased to do so" or "If doing so would please the king"

the king, give

Haman speaks to the king in third person here to show respect. Alternate translation: "you, the king, give" or "you, give"

I will weigh out ... into the hands of those

Here "hands" stands for the men. To "weigh out" is an idiom that means to pay them. Alternate translation: "I will pay ... to the men"

ten thousand talents of silver

"330 metric tons of silver"

Esther 3:10

signet ring

a special ring that could be used to imprint the king's official seal on a proclamation

Esther 3:11

I will see that the money is given back to you

The meaning of this phrase is not clear. Possible meanings are 1) "I will return the money to you" or 2) "Take the money and give it to the men just as you have said."

Esther 3:12

the king's scribes were summoned ... a decree containing all that Haman had commanded was written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the king summoned his scribes ... they wrote a decree containing all that Haman had commanded"

thirteenth day of the first month

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The thirteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars.

king's provincial governors

"governors of the provinces." Translate "province" as in Esther 1:1.

It was written in the name of King Xerxes and was sealed with his ring

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They wrote the decree in the name of King Xerxes and Haman sealed it with the king's signet ring"

in the name of

Here "name" represents the authority of the king. Alternate translation: "in the authority of"

Esther 3:13

Letters were delivered by the hand of couriers

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Couriers hand-delivered the letters" or "Courtiers gave the letters directly"

Letters

You may need to use a word for written instructions that is more general than "letter" so that the reader does not think that these documents were about only personal matters.

annihilate, kill, and destroy

These words mean the same thing and emphasize the completeness of the destruction. Alternate translation: "completely destroy"

thirteenth day of the twelfth month

"day thirteen of month twelve"

which is the month of Adar

"Adar" is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. The thirteenth day is near the beginning of March on Western calendars.

plunder

steal by force

Esther 3:14

A copy of the letter was made law in every province

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The officials in every province made a copy of the letter become the law"

province

A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.

In every province it was made known to all the people

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They told all the people in every province"

this day

"that day"

Esther 3:15

The decree was also distributed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They also distributed the decree"

the fortress

This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city. See how you translated this in Esther 1:2.

Susa

See how you translated the name of this place in [Esther 1:2]

Chapter 4

Esther 4 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Mordecai warns Esther to act

Mordecai tells Esther she must beg the king for the Jews' lives, even if she risks her own death.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Implicit information

There is implicit information translators may not understand. "Who knows whether you have come to this royal position for such a time as this?" This means "maybe God made you the queen so you could save the Jews."

Esther 4:1

learned of all that had been done

"found out about those letters"

tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes

These acts are signs of severe sadness. Alternate translation: "tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes to show his grief"

Esther 4:2

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Esther 4:3

province

A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.

there was great mourning among the Jews

"the Jews mourned greatly"

Many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes

Possible meanings are 1) they put sackcloth and ashes on the ground and lay down on them or 2) they wore sackcloth and lay down on ashes.

Esther 4:4

young women and her servants

"female servants and male servants"

to clothe Mordecai

"for Mordecai to wear"

Esther 4:5

Hathak

This is the name of a man.

one of the king's officials who had been assigned to serve her

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "one of the officials whom the king had assigned to serve her"

Esther 4:6

Hathak

See how you translated this man's name in [Esther 4:5]

the city square

"the city plaza"

Esther 4:7

Haman

See how you translated this man's name in [Esther 3:1]

Esther 4:8

He also gave him

"Mordecai also gave Hathak"

to beg for his favor

"to beg for the king's favor"

Esther 4:9

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Esther 4:10

ordered him

or "instructed him"

Esther 4:11

if any man or woman goes to the king ... the king holds out the golden scepter

The conditional clause starting with "if" can be expressed as a statement. It may also be helpful to divide this sentence into two sentences. Alternate translation: "no man or woman is allowed to go to the king inside the inner courtyard without being summoned. The person who breaks this law will be be put to death unless the king holds out his golden scepter to him"

without being summoned

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "without the king summoning him" or "unless the king summons him"

he must be put to death

"he must be killed" or "he must be executed"

thirty days

"30 days"

Esther 4:12

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Esther 4:13

General Information:

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Esther 4:14

relief and rescue will rise up for the Jews from another place

Here "relief" and "rescue" are spoken of as if they are living things that can rise up. Alternate translation: "someone else will rise up from another place and rescue the Jews"

Who knows whether you have come to this royal position for such a time as this?

The purpose of this question is to have Esther think deeply about her role in this situation. Alternate translation: "Who knows, perhaps it was for just for a time like this that you were made queen."

Esther 4:15

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Esther 4:16

Susa

See how you translated the name of this place in [Esther 1:2]

fast for me ... will fast

Fasting was a symbolic act that the Jews did when they were praying intensely. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "fast and pray for me ... will fast and pray"

three days

"3 days"

Esther 4:17

ordered him

or "instructed him"

Chapter 5

Esther 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a section about Haman's fall (Chapters 5-7).

Special concepts in this chapter

Esther's respect

Esther approached the king with the utmost of respect. By doing this, her character became respected by the king.

Esther 5:1

facing the entrance to the house

"across the room from the entrance of the house" or "looking toward the entrance to the house"

Esther 5:2

she received favor in his eyes

The phrase "received favor" is an idiom that means that he was pleased with her. The word "eyes" refers to his sight and is a metaphor for his evaluation of her. Alternate translation: "he was pleased with her" or "he approved of her"

He held out to her the golden scepter in his hand

He did this to show that he he was pleased with her.

touched the tip of the scepter

She probably did this to to show that she respected his authority and was thankful for his kindness to her.

Esther 5:3

Up to half of my kingdom, it will be given to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If you ask for up to half of my kingdom, I will give it to you"

Esther 5:4

If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come ... for him

In order to show respect to a king, people sometimes did not call him "you." This can be translated with the word "you" along with other words that show respect. Alternate translation: "O King, if it pleases you, come and bring Haman ... for you" or "If you are willing to do this, Sir, come, and let Haman come with you .. for you"

Haman

See how you translated this man's name in [Esther 3:1]

Esther 5:5

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Esther 5:6

What is your petition

The abstract noun "petition" can be expressed with the verb "ask for" or "want"? Alternate translation: "What do you ask for" or "What do you want"

It will be granted you

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "I will give you what you ask for" or "I will do for you what you ask"

What is your request

The abstract noun "request" can be expressed with the verb "ask for" or "want"? Alternate translation: "What do you ask for" or "What do you want"

Up to half of the kingdom, it will be granted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If you ask for up to half of my kingdom, I will give it to you"

Esther 5:7

My petition and my request

The words "petition" and "request" mean the same thing. She probably used these words together as a way of speaking very formally and respectfully to the king.

Esther 5:8

General Information:

Esther shows respect to the king by using third person to speak to him.

if I have found favor in the eyes of the king and if it pleases the king

In order to show respect to a king, people sometimes did not call him "you." This can be translated with the word "you" along with other words that show respect. Alternate translation: "if you are pleased with me, O King, and if it pleases you"

if I have found favor in the eyes of the king

"Find favor" here is an idiom that means be approved of or that he is pleased with her. "In the eyes of the king" is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: "if the king evaluates me and approves" or "if the king is pleased with me"

let the king and Haman come

This can be translated with the word "you" along with other words that show respect. Alternate translation: "please come and bring Haman" or "please come and let Haman come with you"

I will answer the king's question

This can be translated with the word "you" along with other words that show respect. Alternate translation: "I will answer your question"

Esther 5:9

Mordecai neither rose up

Rising was a sign of respect. Mordecai did not give Haman special respect.

he was filled with rage

Being "filled with rage" represents being very angry. Alternate translation: he was extremely angry"

Esther 5:10

Nevertheless

This can be translated with a phrase. "Even though he was so angry"

Haman restrained himself

Restraining himself represents refusing to do something that he wanted very much to do. Haman wanted to show Mordecai that he was very angry. Alternate translation: "Haman refused to show how angry he was"

Zeresh

This is a woman's name.

Esther 5:11

Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches

"Splendor" and "riches" are both abstract nouns. Alternate translation: "Haman told them about how great his wealth was" or "Haman told them about the many great things he owned"

all the promotions by which the king honored him

The abstract noun "promotion" can be expressed with the verb "promote." It means that the king gave him more important work. Alternate translation: "How the king had promoted him many times and honored him" or "how the king had honored him many times by giving him more important work"

how he had advanced above all the officials and the servants of the king

Advancing above people represents becoming more important than them. Alternate translation: "how he had become more important than all the officials and the servants of the king"

Esther 5:12

no one else but me

This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: "only me"

Esther 5:13

is worth nothing to me

"does not make me happy" or "does not satisfy me"

Esther 5:14

a gallows

a structure used for killing a person by tying one end of a a rope around the top of the structure and the other end of the rope around the person's neck and hanging him from it. See how you translated this in [Esther 2:23]

fifty cubits high

"50 cubits high." You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "twenty-three meters high"

he had the gallows constructed

"he told people to construct the gallows"

This pleased Haman

"Haman liked this idea"

Chapter 6

Esther 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the story of Haman's fall.

Special concepts in this chapter

Approaching the king

It was not possible for a person to easily approach the king. Normally, access to him was very limited. There are several events in this chapter which show the layers of protection surrounding the king.

Esther 6:1

the book of the records of the events of his reign

"the records of his reign" or "the royal record book"

Esther 6:2

Bigthana and Teresh

These are the names of two men. See how your translated their names in [Esther 2:21]

It was found recorded there

Here "found" is an metaphor for learning. Both "found" and "recorded" can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "They found that the writers had recorded there" or "They learned that the writers had written"

Esther 6:3

What great honor has been given

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "What did I do to give honor" or "What did we do to give honor"

Nothing was done for him

This can be expressed in active form. However it may be good to find a way that does not give the impression that servants were accusing the king. Alternate translation: "No one did anything for Mordecai"

Esther 6:4

Haman

See how you translated this man's name in Esther 3:1

the outer courtyard

"the first courtyard from the outside"

hanging Mordecai

It can be made clear what the purpose of hanging him was. Alternate translation: "killing Mordecai by hanging him"

the gallows he set up for him

The gallows was a structure that was used to kill people by hanging them from it. See how you translated "gallows" in [Esther 5:14]

set up

"built"

Esther 6:5

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Esther 6:6

What should be done for the man whom the king takes pleasure in honoring

Here the king speaks of himself in the third person. This can be stated in first person and in active form. Alternate translation: "What should I do for the man whom I take pleasure in honoring"

the king takes pleasure in honoring

Taking pleasure in doing something is an idiom for being glad to do something or wanting to do something. Alternate translation: "the king is glad to honor" or "the king wants to honor"

said in his heart

The heart represents the thoughts and attitudes. Alternate translation: "thought" or "said to himself"

Whom would the king take pleasure in honoring more than me?

This can be expressed as a statement. "Surely there is no one whom the king would take pleasure in honoring more than me!"

Esther 6:7

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Esther 6:8

let royal robes be brought

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let someone bring royal robes" or "tell your servants to bring royal robes"

on whose head is the royal crest

The word "whose" refers to the horse. The royal crest is a special symbol that represents the king's family.

Esther 6:9

Then let the robes and the horse be given

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then let them give the robes and the horse" or "Then tell them to give the robes and the horse"

Let them clothe ... in honoring, and let them lead him

"Tell them to clothe ... in honoring and to lead him."

clothe

If your language has a special word for putting someone into especially beautiful clothes, you might want to use it here.

Let them proclaim

"Tell the noble official and servants to proclaim"

Esther 6:10

Do not fail in a single matter of what you have said

The phrase "a single matter" emphasizes that he must do absolutely everything he said. It can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "Be sure to do absolutely everything you have said"

Esther 6:11

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Esther 6:12

with his head covered

People often covered their head to show that they were either extremely sad or ashamed.

Esther 6:13

Zeresh

See how you translated this woman's name in [Esther 6:13]

before whom you have begun to fall ... you will certainly fall before him

They spoke as if Haman and Mordecai were in a battle, and Haman was beginning to lose the battle. Here "to fall" represents being dishonored and defeated. Alternate translation: "who has already humiliated you ... he will certainly defeat you"

you will not overcome him

"you will not win against him." They spoke as if Haman and Mordecai were in a battle. Here overcoming a person represents having greater honor than that person. Alternate translation: "you will not have greater honor than he has"

Esther 6:14

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Chapter 7

Esther 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Haman's fall concludes in this chapter.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Covering Haman's face

When "the servants covered Haman's face," they were showing that he had been condemned to be executed. (See: and condemn)

Esther 7:1

Haman

See how you translated this man's name in [Esther 3:1]

Esther 7:2

On this second day

"on this second day of feasting"

during the banquet of wine

"as they were drinking wine" or "during the banquet." They were probably also eating food, not only drinking wine.

What is your petition

The abstract noun "petition" can be expressed with the verb "ask for" or "want." Alternate translation: "What do you ask for" or "What do you want"

It will be granted to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will give you what you ask for" or "I will do for you what you ask"

Up to half of the kingdom, and it will be granted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If you ask for up to half of my kingdom, I will give it to you"

Esther 7:3

If I have found favor in your eyes, king

"Find favor" here is an idiom that means to be approved of or that he is pleased with her. "In your eyes" is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: "If you evaluate me and approve" or "If you are pleased with me"

this is my petition

The abstract noun "petition" can be expressed with the verb "ask for." Alternate translation: "this is what I ask for"

Esther 7:4

For we have been sold

The metaphor "being sold" represents being betrayed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For someone has betrayed us" or "For someone has put us in danger of our enemies"

to be destroyed, killed, and annihilated

Here all three words have the same meaning and are used for emphasis. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for our enemies to destroy, kill, and annihilate us"

Esther 7:5

Where is this person to be found who has filled his heart to do such a thing

To fill one's heart to do something is an idiom meaning to dare to do something. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Where is the one who has dared to so such a thing"

Esther 7:6

was terrified

"was extremely afraid"

Esther 7:7

The king got up in a rage

Being in a rage is an idiom for being extremely angry. Alternate translation: "The king was extremely angry and got up"

to beg for his life from Queen Esther

"to beg Queen Esther to save his life"

He saw that disaster was being decided

Here seeing represents realizing or understanding. Alternate translation: "He realized that disaster was being decided"

disaster was being decided against him by the king

This can be stated in active form. The abstract noun "disaster" can be expressed with the more concrete verbs "destroy" or "kill." Alternate translation: "the king was deciding to cause a disaster against him" or "the king was deciding to destroy him"

Esther 7:8

where the banquet of wine had been

"where they had been drinking wine" or "where the banquet had been." They were probably also eating food, not only drinking wine.

couch

a long piece of furniture where a person can sit or lie down

Will he assault the queen in my presence in my own house?

The king uses this question to show his shock and anger at what Haman was doing. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "He even dares to attack the queen in my presence and in my own house!"

assault the queen

"attack the queen." This phrase is a polite way to refer to rape.

As soon as this sentence came out of the king's mouth

Speech coming out of the mouth is a metonym that represents speaking. Alternate translation: "As soon as the king said this"

the servants covered Haman's face

Apparently they did this because they understood that the king wanted Haman to be killed. Alternate translation: "the servants covered Haman's face as a sign that he would be killed"

Esther 7:9

Harbona

This is the name of a man.

A gallows fifty cubits tall

You may convert "fifty cubits" to a modern measure. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Esther 5:14]

Esther 7:10

Then the king's rage died down

The king's rage is a spoken of as if it were a large fire that became smaller. Alternate translation: "Then the king's rage lessened" or "Then the king was not so angry"

Chapter 8

Esther 8 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God's protection

Yahweh is at work in this chapter preventing the Jews from possible destruction. God used Esther and Mordecai to protect their people.

Esther 8:1

Haman

See how you translated this man's name in Esther 3:1.

Esther 8:2

signet ring

This ring had the king's name or mark on it. When he put a wax seal on important papers, he would press the mark onto the seal. If a paper had this mark on its seal, people would know that what was written on the paper was written with the king's authority and had to be obeyed. See how you translated this in [Esther 3:10]

gave it to Mordecai

By giving his signet ring to Mordecai, the king gave Mordecai the authority to write important papers that people would have to obey.

Haman's estate

This refers to the things that had belonged to Haman and that the king had given to Esther.

Esther 8:3

pleaded with

"begged"

to put an end to the evil plan of Haman the Agagite

"Put an end to" here is an idiom meaning to stop something. Alternate translation: "to stop the evil plan of Haman the Agagite" or "to prevent the evil things from happening that Haman the Agagite had planned"

the Agagite

See how you translated this in Esther 3:1

scheme that he had devised

"the plot that he had invented" or "the plot that Haman invented"

Esther 8:4

the king held out the golden scepter to Esther

He did this to show that he was pleased with her. See how you translated a similar phrase in Esther 5:2

Esther 8:5

If it pleases the king ... in his eyes ... before the king ... in his eyes

Esther is speaking to the king in third person to show him respect. Alternate translation: "If it pleases you, the king ... in your eyes ... before you, the king ... in your eyes"

If it pleases the king

"If what I ask for pleases the king"

if I have found favor in his eyes

Here "found favor" is an idiom that means be approved of or that he is pleased with her. Here "eyes" are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: "if he is pleased with me"

if the thing seems proper before the king

"Before the king" here is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: "if the king thinks that what I ask for is proper"

I am pleasing in his eyes

Here "his eyes" is a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: "he is pleased with me"

revoke

take back and make of no effect

the letters

You may need to use a word for written instructions that is more general than "letter" so that the reader does not think that these documents were about only personal matters.

Hammedatha

This is the name of a man.

provinces

A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.

Esther 8:6

For how could I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How could I endure watching the destruction of my relatives?

Esther used these questions to show that that she would be extremely sad if her people were to be destroyed. Alternate translation: "I cannot bear to see disaster fall on the Jews. I cannot endure watching my relatives be killed."

Esther 8:7

the house of Haman

This represents all that Haman had owned. Alternate translation: "all that had belonged to Haman" or "all of Haman's property"

gallows

See how you translated this in Esther 6:4

Esther 8:8

Write ... in the name of the king

Writing something in the king's name represents writing it with his authority, or writing it as his representative.

For the decree ... ring cannot be revoked

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For no one can revoke the decree ... ring" or "For no one can cancel the decree ... ring"

For the decree ... ring cannot be revoked

The information given between the words "decree" and "cannot" is the reason that the king cannot revoke Haman's decree. It can be shown clearly that it was the reason with the word "because." Alternate translation: "For I cannot revoke the decree that has already been written, because it was written in the king's name and sealed with the king's ring"

decree that has already been written in the king's name

Writing something in the king's name represents writing it with his authority, or writing it as his representative.

Esther 8:9

the king's scribes were called

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the king called his scribes." The reader should understand that the king probably told an official to go and bring the scribes back with him. The king probably did not call out with a loud voice to get them to come.

the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day of the month

"Sivan" is the name of the third month of the Hebrew calendar. The twenty-third day is near the middle of June on Western calendars.

A decree was written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They wrote a decree"

127 provinces

"one hundred and twenty-seven provinces"

provinces

A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in in Esther 1:1.

written in their own writing

"written in their own script." There are different writing systems around the world.

Esther 8:10

wrote in the name of King Xerxes

Writing something in the king's name represents writing it with his authority, or writing it as his representative.

signet ring

See how you translated this phrase in Esther 8:2

the letters

You may need to use a word for written instructions that is more general than "letter" so that the reader does not think that these documents were about only personal matters.

couriers

people who carry messages

bred from the royal stud

The royal stud was the king's best male horse. The horses that were used in the king's service were its offspring. Alternate translation: "the offspring of the king's best horse"

Esther 8:11

gave to the Jews ... permission to gather

"told the Jews ... that he was allowing them to gather"

make a stand

This is a metaphor for fighting back and not running away. Alternate translation: "fight back"

Esther 8:12

the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar

See how you translated this in Esther 3:13

Esther 8:13

to take vengeance on their enemies

"To take vengeance on people" here is an idiom meaning to hurt people who have hurt you. Alternate translation: "to fight back against their enemies"

Esther 8:14

They went without delay

"Without delay" here is an idiom meaning that they did not delay or wait. Alternate translation: "They went immediately"

Susa

This is the city where the king's palace was. See how you translated it in [Esther 1:2]

Esther 8:15

the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced

The "city" represents the people living in it. Alternate translation: "the people of the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced"

shouted and rejoiced

The word "rejoiced" tells how they shouted. Alternate translation: "shouted joyfully"

Esther 8:16

had light and gladness

Possible meanings are that 1) having light is a metaphor for being happy. Alternate translation: "were happy and glad" or 2) having light is metaphor for feeling prosperous and safe. Alternate translation: "felt safe and were glad"

honor

Possible meanings are that 1) other people honored the Jews. Alternate translation: "other people honored them" or 2) the Jews felt honored. Alternate translation: "they felt honored"

Esther 8:17

province

A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.

wherever the king's word and his decree reached

Reaching places represents going to places. Alternate translation: "wherever the king's men took word of his decree" or "wherever the king's decree was read"

holiday

day on which people celebrate special events

the fear of the Jews had fallen on them

Fear falling on people represents people becoming very afraid. Alternate translation: "they had become very afraid of the Jews"

Chapter 9

Esther 9 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Purim

The events of this chapter were so significant, the Jews celebrated these events every year after this. It is known as "Purim."

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Ironic Situation

The day that was supposed to bring great victory to the enemies of the Jews became a day of great victory for the Jews. This is a type of irony.

Esther 9:1

the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day

See how you translated a similar phrase in Esther 3:13.

when the king's law and decree were about to be carried out

"Carry out" here is an idiom meaning to do something that was commanded or planned. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the people were about to obey the king's law and decree"

to gain power over them

Gaining power over people is an idiom for defeating them. Alternate translation: "to defeat the Jews"

it was reversed

"the situation was reversed." The situation being reversed is a metaphor meaning that the opposite of what was expected happened. Alternate translation: "the opposite happened"

Esther 9:2

provinces

A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.

to lay hands on those who tried to bring disaster on them

Laying hands on people is a metonym for fighting against them. Alternate translation: "to fight their enemies"

who tried to bring disaster on them

To bring disaster on people is an idiom meaning to cause a disaster to happen to them. In this case it refers to destroying them. Alternate translation: "who tried to destroy them"

No one could stand against them

Standing against people represents resisting their attack. Alternate translation: "No one could resist the attack of the Jews" or "No one could successfully fight against the Jews"

the fear of them had fallen on all the peoples

Fear falling on people represents people becoming very afraid. Alternate translation: "all the peoples had become very afraid of the Jews"

Esther 9:3

provincial governors

"governors of the provinces"

the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them

Fear falling on people represents people becoming afraid. Alternate translation: "they had become afraid of Mordecai"

Esther 9:4

was great in the king's house

"was very important in the king's palace"

his fame spread throughout all the provinces

Fame spreading through places represents people in those places learning about how great he was. Alternate translation: "throughout the provinces people learned about how great he was"

Esther 9:5

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Esther 9:6

the fortress

This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city. See how you translated this in Esther 1:2.

Susa

This was a royal city of Persian kings. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:2]

five hundred men

"500 men"

Esther 9:7

General Information:

This is the beginning of the list of men that the Jews killed. The Hebrew words translated "They killed" appear at the end of the list, not in this verse.

Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha

These are the names of men.

Esther 9:8

General Information:

The list of men that the Jews killed continues here.

Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha

These are the names of men.

Esther 9:9

General Information:

The list of men that the Jews killed ends here.

Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, Vaizatha

These are the names of men.

Esther 9:10

Connecting Statement:

Verses 7-10 in Hebrew read, "Parshandatha ... Vaizatha, the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, they killed."

the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha

These words explain who were the ten men whom the Jews killed (Esther 9:7-9).

ten sons

"10 sons"

Haman

This is the name and description of Haman, one of the king's officials. See how you translated this in [Esther 3:1]

Hammedatha

See how you translated this man's name in [Esther 3:1]

the enemy of the Jews

This phrase tells us about Haman.

Esther 9:11

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Esther 9:12

five hundred men

"500 men"

ten sons

"10 sons"

What then have they done in the rest of the king's provinces?

The king uses this question to show that he believes that the Jews must have also killed many people in the other provinces. Alternate translation: "What they must have done in the rest of the king's provinces!" or "They must have killed many more in the rest of the king's provinces!"

what is your petition?

The abstract noun "petition" can be expressed with the verb "ask for" or "want." Alternate translation: "what do you ask for?" or "what do you want?"

It will be granted you

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "I will give you what you ask for" or "I will do for you what you ask"

What is your request?

The abstract noun "request" can be expressed with the verb "ask for" or "want." Alternate translation: "What do you ask for?" or "What do you want?"

Esther 9:13

to carry out this day's decree tomorrow also

"Carry out" here is an idiom meaning to do something that was commanded or planned. Alternate translation: "to obey today's decree tomorrow also" or "to do tomorrow also what was decreed that they should do today"

ten sons

"10 sons"

gallows

This was a structure used for killing people by tying one end of a rope around the top of the structure and the other end of the rope around their necks and hanging them from it. See how you translated this in [Esther 2:23]

Esther 9:14

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Esther 9:15

the fourteenth day of the month of Adar

See how you translated a similar phrase in Esther 3:13.

laid no hands on the plunder

Laying their hands on things represents taking them. Alternate translation: "took none of the plunder" or "did not take any of the plunder"

Esther 9:16

seventy-five thousand

"75,000"

they did not lay their hands on the valuables of those they killed

Laying their hands on things represents taking them. Alternate translation: "they did not take any of the valuables of the people they killed"

valuables

"valuable things" or "possessions"

Esther 9:17

the thirteenth day of the month of Adar

See how you translated a similar phrase in Esther 3:13.

On the fourteenth day they rested

"On the fourteenth day of Adar the Jews who were in the provinces rested"

Esther 9:18

the Jews who were in Susa assembled together

Why they assembled together can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the Jews who were in Susa assembled together to fight against their enemies"

Esther 9:19

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Esther 9:20

sent letters

You may need to use a word for written instructions that is more general than "letter" so that the reader does not think that these documents were about only personal matters.

Esther 9:21

to keep the fourteenth and the fifteenth day of the month Adar every year

To keep a day is an idiom that means to celebrate it. Alternate translation: "to celebrate the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar every year"

Esther 9:22

their sorrow turned to joy

Turning represents changing. The abstract nouns sorrow and joy can be expressed with "sad" and "joyful." Alternate translation: "they changed from being very sad to being joyful"

Esther 9:23

General Information:

This passage summarizes much of the story of Esther in order to explain the reason for the festival of Purim.

Esther 9:24

Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite

This is the name and description of Haman, one of the king's officials. See how you translated this in [Esther 3:1]

he threw Pur (that is, he threw lots)

"Pur" was the Persian word for "lot." The phrase "he threw lots" explains what "he threw Pur" means.

he threw Pur (that is, he threw lots)

Why he threw Pur, or lots, can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "he threw Pur

Esther 9:25

But when the matter came before the king

The Hebrew text can also be interpreted to mean, "But when Esther came before the king." Some modern versions choose this interpretation.

letters

You may need to use a word for written instructions that is more general than "letter" so that the reader does not think that these documents were about only personal matters.

the wicked plan Haman developed against the Jews should come back on his own head

"Come back on his own head" means that it should be done to Haman. Alternate translation: "the wicked plan Haman developed against the Jews should be done to him"

Esther 9:26

they called these days Purim, after the name of Pur

To call something after something else is an idiom that means to give it the same name or a similar name. Alternate translation: "They called these days Purim, like the word Pur"

Purim

This is the name of the festival that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman's plot to destroy and kill all the Jews in a single day.

the name of Pur.

It can be stated clearly what "Pur" means. Alternate translation: "the word Pur, which means 'lot.'"

Esther 9:27

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Esther 9:28

These days were to be remembered and celebrated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Jews were to remember and celebrate these days"

These days of Purim should never fail from among the Jews

"The Jews should never fail to celebrate these days of Purim"

their memory should never come to an end for their descendants

"the memory of those days should never come to an end for the descendants of the Jews" or "the descendants of the Jews should never forget those days"

Esther 9:29

Queen Esther daughter of Abihail and Mordecai the Jew wrote ... this second letter

Esther was the daughter of Abihail. Esther and Mordecai wrote the letter.

Abihail

Esther's father and Mordecai's uncle. See how you translated this in [Esther 2:15]

second letter

"additional letter"

Esther 9:30

Letters were sent to all the Jews

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They sent letters to all the Jews"

Letters

You may need to use a word for written instructions that is more general than "letter" so that the reader does not think that these documents were about only personal matters.

127 provinces

"one hundred and twenty-seven provinces"

wishing the Jews safety and truth

The abstract nouns "safety" and "truth" can be expressed with phrases. Alternate translation: "wishing that the Jews would be safe and that people would be faithful to the Jews"

Esther 9:31

These letters

You may need to use a word for written instructions that is more general than "letter" so that the reader does not think that these documents were about only personal matters.

The Jews accepted this obligation for themselves and their descendants

Accepting an obligation is a metaphor for agreeing with the obligation. The abstract noun "obligation" can be expressed with the verb "obligate." Alternate translation: "The Jews agreed and said that they and their descendants were obligated to celebrate the days of Purim"

they accepted times of fasting and lamenting

Accepting times of fasting and lamenting is a metaphor for agreeing to fast and lament at certain times. Alternate translation: "they agreed to fast and lament at certain times"

Esther 9:32

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Chapter 10

Esther 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Mordecai's new position

Through the power of Yahweh, Mordecai was given a new position in the Persian Empire. Mordecai was now the second in command in the kingdom of Persia and he used his position to help other Jews.

Esther 10:1

imposed a tax on the land and on the coastlands along the sea

To impose a tax means to make people pay a tax. The land and coastlands represent the people living there. Alternate translation: "made the people living in the land and on the coastlands along the sea pay a tax"

Esther 10:2

All the achievements of his power and might

The abstract noun "achievements" can be expressed with the verb "achieve" or the phrase "do great things. The abstract nouns "power" and "might" can be translated with adjectives. Alternate translation: "All that he achieved because of how powerful and mighty he was" or "All the great things that he did because of his power and might"

the full account of the greatness of Mordecai to which the king had raised him

The king honoring Mordecai is spoken of as if the king physically raised him up. Alternate translation: "the full account of how the King had made it known that Mordecai was great" or "the full account of how the king had honored Mordecai for the great things he had done"

the book of the events of the reigns

"the royal histories" or "the royal chronicles"

Esther 10:3

second in rank to King Xerxes

"the most important person after King Xerxes"

Jewish brothers

The word brothers represents people who were like him. Alternate translation: "fellow Jews"

he sought the welfare of his people

Seeking something is a metaphor for working hard for something. The abstract noun "welfare" can be translated as a phrase with the verb "prosper" or the adjective "secure." Alternate translation: "He worked hard so his people would prosper" or "He worked hard so his people would be secure"

he spoke for the peace of all his people

"he represented his people so that they might have peace"

Book: Job

Chapter 1

Job 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter introduces a story about a man named Job who lives during a time long before the author.

Special concepts in this chapter

Wealth

Job is very rich. During his time, a man's wealth is measured by the number of animals he owns.

Feasts

Job is a very godly man and celebrates Yahweh's provision by having feasts. It must be remembered that Job lives prior to the law of Moses, so his religious practices are different than the Hebrew people after Moses. The events of this book occur about the same time as the life of Abraham. Therefore, this book corresponds more with Genesis 12-50 than the rest of the Old Testament. (See: godly and lawofmoses)

Job's faith

Satan believes that Job's faith is based on Yahweh's blessings. He challenges Yahweh to remove these blessings from Job's life because he thinks that Job will no longer trust in Yahweh if this happens. (See: faith, bless and trust)

Job 1:1

land of Uz

Possible locations are 1) a place in ancient Edom east of the Jordan River in modern western Jordan or 2) a place east of the Euphrates River in modern Iran.

blameless and upright

The words "blameless" and "upright" share similar meanings and emphasize that Job was a righteous man. Alternate translation: "one who did what was right before God"

one who feared God

"one who honored God"

turned from evil

Here evil is spoken of as if it were a place that a person could avoid going to, instead of the doing of evil actions. Alternate translation: "refused to do evil"

Job 1:2

seven sons and three daughters

"7 sons and 3 daughters"

Job 1:3

He possessed seven thousand sheep

"He had 7,000 sheep"

three thousand camels

"3,000 camels"

five hundred yoke of oxen

"500 yoke of oxen." Each yoke would have been over two oxen, so there were five hundred pairs of oxen, which is a total of one thousand (1,000) oxen.

the greatest

"the richest"

all the people of the East

The refers to places that were east of Canaan. Alternate translation: "all the people who live in lands that were east of Canaan"

Job 1:4

On each son's assigned day, he would give

The word "day" perhaps refers to the day when they celebrated the son's birth. But it at least refers to the idea that the sons each took a turn in holding a feast. Alternate translation: "On each son's birthday, the son would give" or "Each son in turn would give"

he would give ... They would send and call for

"he habitually gave ... They habitually sent and called for "

with them

The word "them" refers to the seven sons and the three daughters but does not include Job.

Job 1:5

Job would send ... he would consecrate ... He would rise early in the morning and offer ... he would say

"he habitually gave ... They habitually sent and called for ... Job habitually sent ... he habitually consecrated ... He habitually rose early in the morning and offered ... he habitually said"

When the days of the feast were over

"When the feast was over" or "After the feast"

Job would send for them

"Job habitually sent someone to call them to come to him"

he would consecrate them

Here "consecrate" means to ask God to take away any ritual impurities that Job's children might have brought upon themselves as they happily feasted together. Job did this by making sacrifices to God for them.

cursed God in their hearts

Their "hearts" represent their thoughts. Often such thoughts could come unintentionally, without the person wanting to think them. Alternate translation: "cursed God in their thoughts"

Job 1:6

Then it was the day when

"At the time when" or "One day when." This is not a specific day but apparently the gathering happened often.

sons of God

This refers to angels, heavenly beings.

to present themselves before Yahweh

"to stand together before Yahweh as he commanded them to do."

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

Job 1:7

From wandering on the earth, from going back and forth on it

The phrases "wandering" and "going back and forth" refer to the activity of traveling all over the earth in order to emphasize its completeness. Alternate translation: "From going everywhere on the earth"

Job 1:8

Have you considered my servant Job?

"Have you thought about my servant Job?" Here God is beginning to talk with Satan about Job. Alternate translation: "Consider my servant Job"

a blameless and upright man

The words "blameless" and "upright" share similar meanings and emphasize that Job was a righteous man. See how you translated this in [Job 1:1]

one who fears God

"one who honors God." See how you translated this in Job 1:1.

God

God is referring to himself in third person. Alternate translation: "me" or "me, God"

Job 1:9

Connecting Statement:

Satan's response to God's question in verse 8 runs through Job 8:11.

Is it for no reason that Job fears God?

Satan uses a rhetorical question to introduce his claim that Job only serves God because God blesses him. Alternate translation: "Job has a very good reason for fearing God." or "Does Job not live better because he fears God?"

for no reason

The word "reason" here implies some form of gain, whether physical goods or happiness.

Job fears God

"Job honors God." See how you translated similar words in Job 1:1.

God

God is referring to himself in third person. See how you translated this in [verse 8]

Job 1:10

Have you not put a barrier around him, around his house, and around all that is his from every side

Satan states the facts to support his argument. Alternate translation: "You have protected him, his family and everything he owns"

put a barrier around him, around his house, and around all that is his from every side

Just as a barrier such as a wall or a hedge surrounds and protects one's land, God has surrounded Job with his protection. Alternate translation: "protected him and his house and all that is his"

the deeds of his hands

"everything that he does"

his livestock have spread throughout the land

"he has more and more livestock in the land"

Job 1:11

But now stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and see if he does not curse you to your face

Satan means that if God attacks Job, he will see how Job responds. Alternate translation: "But now, if you stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, you will see that he will curse you to your face"

But now stretch out your hand

Here "hand" refers to God's power to act. "But now use your power"

now

This word usually indicates a sincere, polite request, but Satan uses it here to taunt God.

touch all that he has

Here "touch" represents the action of harming or destroying. Alternate translation: "attack all that he has" or "destroy all that he has"

to your face

"in your hearing." This refers to a time when God is paying attention.

Job 1:12

Behold

"Look" or "Pay attention to all that I am about to tell you"

all that he has is in your hand

Here "hand" represents someone's power to control something. Alternate translation: "you have power over all that he has"

against him himself

"against his life"

went away from the presence of Yahweh

"departed from Yahweh" or "left Yahweh"

Job 1:13

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Job 1:14

were feeding

"were eating." The word "feeding" here is the usual word for a person's animal eating in a pasture.

Job 1:15

the Sabeans

This refers to a people in a region in modern day Yemen. Here it represents a group of raiders or bandits.

fell on them

Here "fell" represents the idea of attacking. Alternate translation: "attacked them"

have struck

Here striking represents killing.

the edge of the sword

Here "edge" represents the part of swords that kill people, that is, either the point or the sharp edge. Also, all the swords of the Sabeans are spoken of as if they were only one sword.

I alone have escaped to make it known to you

"I am the only one who has escaped and can report it to you"

make it known to

or "tell"

Job 1:16

While he was still speaking

"he" refers to the first messenger

another also came

This refers to another messenger. Alternate translation: "another messenger also came"

I alone have escaped to make it known to you

See how you translated this in Job 1:15.

Job 1:17

made a raid on

"quickly attacked"

they have struck them with the edge of the sword. I alone have escaped to make it known to you

Here "edge" represents the part of swords that kill people, that is, either the point or the sharp edge. Also, all the swords of the Chaldeans are spoken of as if they were only one sword. See how you translated this in [Job 1:15]

they have struck them

"the Chaldeans have struck the servants"

Job 1:18

Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house

See how you translated this in Job 1:13.

Job 1:19

A strong wind

"A tornado" or "A desert storm"

the four corners of the house

"the structural supports of the house"

It fell on the young people

"The house fell on your sons and daughters"

I alone have escaped to make it known to you

See how you translated this in Job 1:15.

Job 1:20

tore his robe, shaved his head

These were ritual mourning actions, symbolizing deep grief.

Job 1:21

I was naked when I came out of my mother's womb, and I will be naked when I will return there

"At my birth, I brought nothing into the world, and at my death I will return to the earth with nothing"

Job 1:22

In all this matter

"Regarding all this that happened"

accuse God of wrongdoing

"say that God had done wrong"

Chapter 2

Job 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter repeats the concepts of the previous chapter, but this time it is more severe. After losing his wealth, Job's health is taken from him. His wife also begins to encourage Job to sin by cursing Yahweh. (See: sin and curse)

Job 2:1

General Information:

This verse is almost exactly the same as Job 1:6 and can probably be translated in the same way.

Then it was the day

See how you translated this in Job 1:6.

the day when

This is not a specific day. The gathering happened often. Alternate translation: "at the time when" or "one day when"

sons of God

See how you translated this in Job 1:6.

present themselves before Yahweh

See how you translated this in Job 1:6.

Job 2:2

General Information:

This verse is exactly the same as Job 1:7 and can probably be translated in the same way.

Job 2:3

General Information:

This verse is the same as Job 1:8, except for the addition of "He still holds fast to his integrity, although you misled me against him, to destroy him without cause."

Have you considered my servant Job?

This rhetorical question actually makes a statement.See how you translated this in [Job 1:8]

a blameless and upright man

The words "blameless" and "upright" share similar meanings and emphasize that Job was a righteous man. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Job 1:1]

one who fears God and turns away from evil

See how you translated this in Job 1:1.

still holds fast to his integrity

"remains completely dedicated to doing what is good and right"

misled me against him

"persuaded me without cause to attack him"

to destroy him

Here "destroy" represents "make poor." Alternate translation: "to make him a poor man"

Job 2:4

Skin for skin, indeed

"Skin" here is a metonym for Job's life. Alternate translation: "A person will do anything to save his own life, even accept the loss of possessions and loved ones"

Job 2:5

But stretch out your hand now and touch his bones and his flesh, and see if he does not curse you to your face

Satan means that if God attacks Job, he will see how Job responds. Alternate translation: "But now, if you stretch out your hand and touch his bones and his flesh, you will see that he will curse you to your face"

stretch out your hand

Here "hand" refers to God's power to act. "But now use your power." See how you translated this in [Job 1:11]

touch

Here "touch" represents the action of harming. Alternate translation: "attack"

his bones and his flesh

This expression represents Job's body.

curse you to your face

See how you translated this in Job 1:11.

to your face

This refers to a time when God is paying attention. Alternate translation: "in your hearing"

Job 2:6

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Job 2:7

Then Satan went away from the presence of Yahweh

See how you translated this in Job 1:12.

He struck Job with painful boils

"He caused Job to suffer greatly with painful boils"

painful boils

large, itching and painful skin infections

Job 2:8

a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself

The scraping scratches the skin to lessen the itch.

sat down in the middle of ashes

This probably refers to a place where trash and garbage were dumped and perhaps burned. Sitting in such a place was a sign of deep mourning. Alternate translation: "sat on the trash heap"

Job 2:9

Do you still hold fast to your integrity?

This rhetorical question represents a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not still be holding fast to your integrity."

Curse God

"Reject God"

Job 2:10

You talk as a foolish woman

"You talk the way a stupid woman talks"

Should we receive the good from God and not receive the bad?

This rhetorical question represents a statement. Alternate translation: "We should certainly receive the bad from God as well as the good."

receive the good

"benefit from all the good things"

the good

This represents all the good things that God gives us.

receive the bad

"suffer all the bad things without complaining"

the bad

This represents all the bad things that God makes or allows us to experience.

sin with his lips

Here "lips" represents the act of speaking. Alternate translation: "sin by speaking against God"

Job 2:11

Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite

Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar are men's names. Teman was a city in Edom. Shuhites are the decedents of Abraham and Keturah. Naamah was a city in Canaan.

set a time

"agreed on a time"

to mourn with him and to comfort him

Here the words "mourn with" and "comfort" share similar meanings. The friends try to comfort Job by mourning with him. Alternate translation: "to grieve with Job in order to help ease his suffering"

Job 2:12

they lifted up their eyes

This is an idiom that means "they looked intently" or "they looked carefully."

they did not recognize him

This probably means that Job's visitors did not recognize him at first, when they saw him at a distance. Job looked very different than usual because of his grief and because of the sores covering his body. Alternate translation: "they barely recognized him"

They raised their voices and wept

Here "raised their voices" is an idiom that means they became loud. Alternate translation: "They wept out loud" or "They wept loudly"

tore his robe

This was a sign of mourning.

threw dust into the air and upon his own head

These were signs of mourning.

Job 2:13

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Chapter 3

Job 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Job uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. The purpose of these rhetorical questions is to show Job's earnest desire.

Job 3:1

opened his mouth

This idiom means he began to speak.

Job 3:2

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Job 3:3

May the day on which I was born perish, the night

Job speaks of that day and night as if they were people. Alternate translation: "I wish that I had never been born"

the night that said, 'A boy has been conceived.'

This expression intensifies the statement of Job's grief by going even further back in time from his birth to his conception. Alternate translation: "the night that said, 'A boy has been conceived' perish."

the night that said

Here the night is spoken of as if it were a person who could speak. The translator may choose, however, to translate it in a less metaphorical way. Alternate translation: "the night on which people said"

A boy has been conceived

This may be put into active form. Alternate translation: "his mother has conceived a male child"

Job 3:4

General Information:

The expressions in these verses are all wishes that the day of Job's birth would no longer exist. This may imply that the day, although in the past, still existed somehow.

May that day be dark ... nor light shine on it

These two clauses describe the darkness of the day of Job's birth, thus repeating Job's regret that he had been born. "Dark" describes night: the sun does not shine, so people cannot see. "Light" describes day: the sun shines, and people can see. If your language does not have words to describe day and night, you might use the sun as a metonym for the light that it brings and the darkness that happens when it is not shining. Alternate translation: "May that day be like the night ... nor may the sun shine during it"

May that day be dark

This is a wish for that day to not exist any longer. Alternate translation: "May that day disappear"

Job 3:5

May darkness and the shadow of death claim it for their own

Here darkness and the shadow of death are spoken of as if they were people who could claim something as their own possession. The word "it" refers to the day of Job's birth.

the shadow of death

Here a shadow represents death itself. Alternate translation: "death like a shadow"

May a cloud live over it

Here a cloud is spoken of as if it were a person who could live over the day of Job's birth. Alternate translation: "May a cloud cover it so no one can see it"

everything that makes the day black

This refers to things that block out the sun's light and create darkness. Here "black" represents darkness.

terrify it

"terrify that day." The day is spoken of as if it were a person who could be terrified by the darkness.

Job 3:6

may thick darkness seize it

This darkness is again spoken of as if it were a person who could grasp and hold the night. Alternate translation: "may thick darkness make it disappear"

thick darkness

"deep darkness" or "complete darkness"

May it not rejoice

The word "it" refers to the night of Job's birth or conception. The night of Job's conception is spoken of as if it were a person who should not rejoice. Alternate translation: "May that night vanish from the calendar"

may it not come into the number

That night is spoken of as if it were a person who could walk. Alternate translation: "may no one count it in the number"

Job 3:7

may that night be barren

The night of Job's birth is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: "may no child be born on that night"

may no joyful voice come into it

Here that the night of Job's birth is spoken of as if it were a time when it was still possible for someone to be happy. Alternate translation: "may no one hear the happy cry at the birth of a son"

joyful voice come

Here the voice stands for a person who is happy. Alternate translation: "may no one be happy in it ever again"

Job 3:8

General Information:

Job continues to curse the day he was born.

Those who curse the day–may they curse it, those who know how to wake up Leviathan

You may need to change the order of the clauses. Alternate translation: "May those who curse the day—those who know how to wake up Leviathan—curse the day I was born" or "Those who curse the day—those who know how to wake up Leviathan—may they curse the day I was born"

Those who curse the day

This metonym refers to people who use magic to cause other people to suffer on a given day as though they were causing the day itself to suffer. Alternate translation: "Those who know how to curse people"

may they curse it

The word "it" refers to the day on which Job was born.

those who know how to wake up Leviathan

Job is probably referring here to sorcerers and magicians, who he believes might be able to even provoke Leviathan in spreading chaos. Leviathan was an animal well known in Ancient Near Eastern mythology, which was thought to be responsible for all kinds of destruction, disorder, and chaos.

Job 3:9

May the stars of that day's dawn be dark

This refers to the planets that are often visible just before dawn. Alternate translation: "May the stars that appear before that day's first light be dark"

May that day look for light, but find none

The day of Job's birth is spoken of as if it were a person looking for something. Alternate translation: "May that day hope for light, but have none"

neither may it see the eyelids of the dawn

The dawn is spoken of as if it had eyelids as a person has. Alternate translation: "nor see the first light of the dawn"

Job 3:10

because it did not shut up the doors of my mother's womb

A woman's womb is spoken of as if it were a container with doors. Alternate translation: "because that day did not close my mother's womb"

because it did not hide trouble from my eyes

The day of Job's birth is spoken of here as if it were a person who could hide something.

from my eyes

Here "eyes" represents the person who sees with them. Alternate translation: "from me"

Job 3:11

General Information:

Verses 11 and 12 contain four rhetorical questions, which Job asks in order to show how said he was about being born.

Why did I not die when I came out from the womb?

"Why did I not die at birth?" Job poses this question in order to curse the day of his birth and to express his anguish. Alternate translation: "I wish I had died the day I was born"

Why did I not perish when my mother bore me?

Job means to say that he should not have been born alive. Alternate translation: "I wish I had perished when I came out of the womb."

Job 3:12

Why did her knees welcome me?

This perhaps refers to the lap of Job's mother. His mother's knees are spoken of as if they were people who could welcome a newborn baby. Alternate translation: "I wish there had been no lap to receive me."

Why did her breasts receive me so that I should suck?

Job's mother's breasts are spoken of as if they also were people who could welcome a newborn baby. Alternate translation: "I wish there had been no breasts for me to nurse."

Job 3:13

For now I would have been lying down quietly. I would have slept and been at rest

Job begins talking about what would have been true if he had died at birth. He is sad that these things are not true.

lying down quietly

"asleep, resting peacefully"

been at rest

Here the word "rest" means to sleep peacefully in death, but also that Job would not be experiencing the pain that he does.

Job 3:14

with kings and counselors of the earth

"with kings and their advisers"

Job 3:15

General Information:

Job continues talking about what would have been true if he had never been born. He is sad that these things are not true.

I would have been lying down with princes

"I would be resting with princes." In this phrase, the words "lying down" and "resting" are a polite way of saying "no longer alive."

Job 3:16

General Information:

Job continues talking about what would have been true if the day of his birth had been barren and cursed as he spoke of in [Job 3:7-8]

I would have been stillborn

"I would have died in my mother's womb"

like infants that never see the light

"like babies who have never been born"

infants

"babies"

Job 3:17

General Information:

Job changes his talk from dying to life after death.

There the wicked cease from trouble

Job is talking about the place where people go after they stop living. Alternate translation: "In that place, evil people stop causing trouble"

Job 3:18

the voice of the slave driver

Here "voice" is a metonym for the power that the slave drivers have over the slaves. Alternate translation: "They are no longer under the control of the slave driver"

the slave driver

This refers to slave drivers in general, not one particular slave driver. Alternate translation: "slave drivers"

slave driver

Some English versions read, "oppressor."

Job 3:19

small and great people

This is a figure of speech which means "all people, both poor people and rich people."

the servant is free from his master

A servant is no longer obligated to serve his master.

Job 3:20

Why is light given to him who suffers?

Here Job is wondering why people must stay alive and suffer. Alternate translation: "I do not understand why God gives life to a person who is suffering"

light

Here light represents life.

Why is life given to the one who is bitter in soul

"why does God give life to a miserable person?" Alternate translation: "I do not understand why God gives life to a person who is very unhappy"

Job 3:21

to one who longs ... for hidden treasure

This is the end of the question that Job begins asking with the words "Why is life given ... bitter in soul" (verse 20).

to one who longs for death without it coming

Here death is spoken of as if it were an object coming toward someone. Alternate translation: "to a person who no longer wants to be alive, but is still alive"

to one who digs for it more than for hidden treasure

A person hoping to die ("death") is spoken of as if he were digging for buried treasure. Alternate translation: "to a person who wants to stop living more than he wants to look for hidden riches"

Job 3:22

Why is light given to one who rejoices very much and is glad when he finds the grave

Here Job uses a question to make a statement. Alternate translation: "I do not understand why God allows a person to keep living when the person would be very happy to be buried in the ground"

one who rejoices very much and is glad

The phrase "rejoices very much" means basically the same thing as "is glad." Together, the two phrases emphasize the intensity of gladness. Alternate translation: "one who is extremely happy"

when he finds the grave

This is a polite way of referring to dying. Alternate translation: "when he is dead and can be buried"

the grave

Here the grave represents death.

Job 3:23

Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden, a man whom God has hedged in?

Job asks this question in order to make a statement. Alternate translation: "God should not give life to a man and then take away his future and confine him."

Why is light given to a man

Here light represents life. Alternate translation: "Why does God keep a man alive"

whose way is hidden

Here Job speaks of his future, which he does not know in advance, as if God had hidden it from him.

a man whom God has hedged in

Here a man who has difficulties and is in danger is spoken of as if God had put a hedge around him so he could not move.

whom God has hedged in

"around whom God has built a hedge." A hedge is a wall of bushes planted so close together that people cannot go through it.

Job 3:24

For my sighing happens instead of eating; my groaning is poured out like water

Job expresses his anguish in two ways.

my sighing happens instead of eating

"Instead of eating, I mourn"

my groaning is poured out like water

Moral qualities and emotions such as grief are often spoken of as if they were water.

Job 3:25

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Job 3:26

I am not at ease, I am not quiet, and I have no rest

"I do not feel safe, I am not calm, and I cannot rest." Job expresses his terrible anguish in three separate phrases. Alternate translation: "I am very anxious and I cannot rest"

Chapter 4

Job 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. In this chapter, Eliphaz speaks to Job.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Eliphaz uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job that he is wrong. These questions help to form Eliphaz's argument.

Job 4:1

Eliphaz

Eliphaz is a man's name.

Temanite

A Temanite belongs to the tribe of Teman.

Job 4:2

will you be impatient?

Eliphaz asks this question in order to make a statement. Alternate translation: "you will surely be impatient."

will you be impatient?

"will that annoy you?"

But who can stop himself from speaking?

Eliphaz asks this question to say that no one who sees a friend suffering can remain silent. Alternate translation: "No one can restrain himself from speaking (to a friend in such a state as you find yourself)" or "I must speak to you, (seeing that you are in a state of grief)."

Job 4:3

See, you have instructed many; you have strengthened weak hands

This verse states a single idea in two different ways.

you have strengthened weak hands

Here "weak hands" represents people who need help. Alternate translation: "you have helped others when they needed help"

Job 4:4

supported

Someone who has been encouraged is spoken of as if he were kept from falling down.

falling

Here becoming discouraged is spoken of as if it were falling down.

you have made feeble knees strong

Here discouragement is spoken of as if it were a person whose weak knees could not keep him upright.

Job 4:5

But now trouble has come to you

Here trouble is spoken of as if it were an object that could come to a person. Alternate translation: "But now you suffer from disasters"

you are weary

"you are discouraged"

Job 4:6

your fear

"the fact that you honor God"

Is not your fear your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope?

Eliphaz asks these questions in order to tell Job that it is because of his sin that he is suffering. Alternate translation: "Everyone thinks that you honor God; everyone thinks that you are an honest man. But these things must not be true, because you do not trust God any longer."

your fear

Eliphaz means Job's fear of God. Alternate translation: "your fear of God"

your ways

Here "your ways" represents "your conduct," "how you behave."

Job 4:7

Who has ever perished when innocent?

Eliphaz uses this question to prompt Job to search his life for sin

when were the upright people ever cut off

This question also means to make a statement, and may be put into active form. Alternate translation: "No one has ever cut off an upright person"

cut off

Here being cut off represents being destroyed.

Job 4:8

plow iniquity ... sow trouble ... reap

Here the actions of plowing and sowing represent causing trouble for other people. The action of reaping represents suffering the trouble that one has himself caused.

Job 4:9

By the breath of God they perish; by the blast of his anger they are consumed

The writer explains a single idea using two different statements. This is a form of Hebrew poetry used for emphasis, clarity, teaching, or all three.

the breath of God

This may represent the action of God giving a command.

the blast of his anger

This expression suggests the heavy breathing that a person sometimes does through his nose when he is very angry.

breath ... blast

The second builds on the first. They make the same point by using meanings that increase the result. "By the puff of God's mouth they die; the rushing wind of his anger devastates them."

perish ... are consumed

The second phrase builds on the first. They make the same point. "By the puff of God's breath they die, the rushing wind of his anger devastates them."

they are consumed

Here being consumed or eaten represents being killed.

Job 4:10

The roaring of the lion, the voice of the fierce lion, the teeth of the young lions—they are broken.

Here a lion's roar, his voice, and his teeth being broken are used as pictures of the wicked being destroyed.

they are broken

This may be put into active form. Alternate translation: "something breaks them"

Job 4:11

The old lion perishes for lack of victims; the cubs of the lioness are scattered everywhere

Eliphaz uses the picture of an old lion dying of hunger and of a lion's family being scattered as metaphors for the wicked being destroyed.

the cubs of the lioness are scattered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "something scatters the cubs of the lioness"

Job 4:12

Now a certain matter was secretly brought to me ... my ear received a whisper about it

These phrases express the same idea in two different way. They emphasize that Eliphaz heard a message whispered to him.

Job 4:13

visions in the night

"dreams"

when deep sleep falls on people

"when people sleep very deeply"

Job 4:14

fear and trembling came upon me

Here fear and trembling are spoken of as if they were objects that could come to a person. Alternate translation: "I began to be afraid and to tremble"

Job 4:15

the hair of my flesh stood up

This indicates great fear. If your language has a word for what people's hair does when they are frightened, you may want to use it here.

the hair of my flesh

"the hair on my body." In some languages, the word for the hair that grows on the top of the head is different from the word for hair that grows on other parts of the body.

Job 4:16

A form was before my eyes

"Something was before my eyes" or "I saw something"

form

shape

and I heard

"then I heard"

Job 4:17

Can a mortal man be more righteous than God?

Eliphaz poses this question so that Job will consider, "Do I regard myself as more righteous than God?" or "Am I justified before God?" Alternate translation: "A mortal man cannot be more righteous than God." or "A mortal man cannot be righteous before God."

Can a man be more pure than his Maker?

This question has the same purpose as the previous question. Alternate translation: "A man cannot be more pure than his Maker." or "A man cannot be pure before his Maker."

his Maker

"his Creator"

Job 4:18

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Job 4:19

those who live in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust

This is a figurative way of describing human beings, who were created out of the dust of the earth and whose bodies are like houses, which are made of clay and have dirt foundations.

who are crushed sooner than a moth

Possible meanings for this metaphor are 1) "who God destroys as easily as he crushes a moth" or 2) "whose lives are as short as the life of a moth."

Job 4:20

Between morning and evening they are destroyed

This refers to the idea of something happening quickly.

they are destroyed

This may also be put into active form. Alternate translation: "they die"

Job 4:21

Are not their tent cords plucked up among them?

This may be put into active form. Alternate translation: "Have not their enemies plucked up their tent cords from among them?"

their tent cords

Here tent cords represent a tent. Sometimes a person's home and family are pictured as his tent, which can also represent all his possessions.

Chapter 5

Job 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. In this chapter, Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

Special concepts in this chapter

Sickness and sin

In the ancient Near East, it was common to believe that a person's illness was caused by sin. It was seen as the punishment of a god. While Yahweh may punish people because of their sin, not all sicknesses are caused by sin.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Eliphaz uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job that he is wrong. These questions help to build Eliphaz's argument.

Job 5:1

To which of the holy ones will you turn?

Eliphaz poses this question to make the point that there is no one Job can turn to for help. Alternate translation: "Is there a holy one to whom you may turn?" or "There is no holy one to whom you can turn for help."

holy ones

This refers to supernatural beings of some kind, whether angels or other spirits.

Job 5:2

anger kills the foolish; jealousy causes the death of the silly

The phrases "the foolish" and "the silly" are emphatic in the Hebrew. Alternate translation: "it is the foolish whom anger kills; it is the silly of whom jealousy causes the death"

the silly

"the one who lacks sound judgment" or "the one who cannot think well"

the foolish ... the silly

These phrases refer to any foolish person and any silly person.

Job 5:3

a foolish person

any foolish person

a foolish person taking root

Here a person is spoken of as if he were a plant, perhaps becoming more foolish over time. Alternate translation: "a foolish person becoming grounded in foolishness"

his home

This refers to the person's family and all his property.

Job 5:4

His children are far from safety

"His" refers to the foolish person or the foolish people in Job 5:2. Alternate translation: "Their children are never safe"

are crushed

Here being crushed represents being oppressed, taken advantage of, at court. This idea may be put into active form. Alternate translation: "someone crushes them"

city gate

The city gate, functioning as a court, was the place where disputes were resolved and where judgments were given.

There is no one to rescue them

"There is no one to help the foolish people's children out of their hardship"

Job 5:5

they even take it from among the thorns

This perhaps refers to parts of a field where the worst crops grow, because of thorn plants present.

The thirsty pant for their wealth

Here greedy people are spoken of as if they were thirsty, and the wealth of the foolish person is spoken of as if it were something that they could drink.

Job 5:6

For difficulties do not come out from the soil; neither does trouble sprout from the ground

Here difficulties and trouble are spoken of as if they were plants.

Job 5:7

mankind is born for trouble, just as sparks fly upward

It is as natural for people, once they are born, to have trouble as it is for sparks to fly up from a fire.

Job 5:8

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Job 5:9

great and unsearchable things, marvelous things without number

"great things that cannot be understood, wonders that cannot be counted"

unsearchable things

This refers to things that mankind cannot understand.

great and unsearchable things

Here the writer uses two independent words connected by "and" to emphasize the greatness of God's actions. Alternate translation: "greatly profound things"

marvelous things

"wonderful things" or "wonders"

Job 5:10

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Job 5:11

He does this in order to set up on high those who are low

Humble people in distress are spoken of as if they were in a low position. When God rescues them, they receive honor. When this happens, they are spoken of as being raised up and put into a high position. Alternate translation: "God does this in order to rescue and honor the humble who have been suffering"

Job 5:12

He breaks the plans

Here stopping crafty people from doing what they have planned to do is spoken of as if those plans were things that he could physically break.

Job 5:13

He traps wise people in their own crafty actions

Here making wise people suffer for their own evil actions is spoken of as if it were catching them in traps. Their own actions are spoken of as if they were those traps.

twisted people

Here being evil in a clever way is spoken of as if it were being twisted. Alternate translation: "those who are cunning" or "those who are devious" or "those who are shrewd"

Job 5:14

They encounter darkness in the daytime

Here the cunning, wicked people whom God confuses are spoken of as if they unexpectedly are in the dark at noon, when the sun is at its highest position in the sky. They cannot do anything they wish to do, because they cannot see. Alternate translation: "Those who are cunning are in the dark, even at noontime"

grope

feel around like a blind person

noonday

the middle of the day, when the sun is highest and brightest

Job 5:15

But he saves the poor person from the sword in their mouths

Here the insulting and threatening things that people say are spoken of as if they were a sword in their mouths. Alternate translation: "But he saves the poor person from the threats of the mighty" or "But he saves the poor person when the mighty threaten or insult them"

Job 5:16

injustice shuts her own mouth

People who say unjust things are spoken of as if they were the injustice itself, who must stop speaking. Alternate translation: "It is as though injustice shut her own mouth"

Job 5:17

God corrects ... discipline of the Almighty

God is pictured as a parent correcting or instructing a child.

blessed is the man whom God corrects

"God really favors the man whom he corrects"

do not despise

"do not reject" or "do not consider worthless"

discipline

"instruction" or "correction"

Job 5:18

For he inflicts pain and then binds up; he wounds and then his hands heal

"For he causes pain but binds up; he crushes, but his hands heal"

inflicts pain ... binds up

If your language has a word for "pain" that is specifically the pain of a bleeding wound, you may want to use it here. The "pain" that "he inflicts" is by implication the pain of a bleeding wound, so when "he binds" it, he stops the bleeding and makes it feel better.

his hands heal

Here "his hands" represents God.

Job 5:19

He will rescue you out of six troubles; indeed, in seven troubles, no evil will touch you

The use of increasing numbers such as "six" and "seven" represents the idea of many, many times. Alternate translation: "He will rescue you out of trouble over and over again; indeed, time after time, no evil will touch you"

Job 5:20

General Information:

The shift in pronoun from "he" to "you" which began in Job 5:19 continues through the end of Eliphaz's speech in Job 5:27.

In famine he will ransom you

Here rescuing is spoken of as if it were ransoming, buying back. Alternate translation: "In famine God will rescue you from danger"

the hands of the sword

Here "hands" probably represents the people who attack with weapons, including swords. Alternate translation: "violent people" or "people who attack you"

Job 5:21

of destruction

Here "destruction" refers to the danger of being destroyed by enemies. Alternate translation: "that any enemy will destroy you"

Job 5:22

You will laugh at destruction and famine

Here "laugh" represents that the person is not afraid. Alternate translation: "You will not be afraid of any danger of destruction or famine"

beasts of the earth

This refers to wild animals. Alternate translation: "wild animals"

Job 5:23

you will have a covenant with the stones in your field

Here the stones in farmers' fields are spoken of as if they were people that someone could have a covenant with. Alternate translation: "the stones in your fields will be like people who promise that they will not make any trouble for you"

the beasts of the field

This refers to dangerous wild animals.

Job 5:24

You will know that your tent is in safety

Here "tent" represents a person's family, household, and all his possessions. Alternate translation: "You will know that your family, servants, and everything you own are safe"

you will visit your sheepfold and you will not miss anything

"when you visit where your flock stays at night, you will find all your sheep there"

Job 5:25

your seed will be great

Here "seed" represents a person's descendants. Alternate translation: "your descendants will be many"

your descendants will be like the grass on the ground

Here "descendants" are spoken of as if they were as many as blades of grass, and probably as thriving, too. Alternate translation: "your descendants will be as many and as alive as the grass that grows"

Job 5:26

You will come to your grave at a full age

"You will die at a very old age"

like a stack of grain bundles that goes up at its time

You may need to make explicit that the grain in this simile is fully ripe but not overly ripe. He would neither die young nor become weak in his old age.

Job 5:27

See, we have examined this matter; it is like this; listen to it, and know it for yourself

The words "we" refers to Job's friends but not to Job. Alternate translation: "Look, we have thought about this matter. Listen to what I am saying and know that it is true"

Chapter 6

Job 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Job's response to Eliphaz.

Special concepts in this chapter

Job's righteousness

Despite being upset about his circumstances, and desiring his own death, Job does not curse God. He would rather have God end his life than to curse him. (See: curse)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

Job uses many different metaphors in this chapter to express his pain or despair. He also is upset with the advice of his friends, who are supposed to help him during difficult times.

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Eliphaz that he is wrong. These questions help to build Job's response.

Job 6:1

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Job 6:2

in the balance

"on a scale"

Job 6:3

For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas

Job compares the burden of his suffering to the weight of wet sand; both can crush a person. Alternate translation: "For my anguish and calamities would be heavier than the sand on the seashore"

my words were reckless

"I spoke recklessly" or "I spoke rashly"

Job 6:4

For the arrows of the Almighty are in me

This is a metaphor for Job's suffering. He compares his many troubles to arrows that that God has shot his body with. Alternate translation: "It is as though the Almighty has shot arrows into my body"

my spirit drinks up the poison

"my spirit drinks up the arrows' poison." This continues the metaphor of the arrows, by implying that they had tips of poison and that Job feels the pain in his spirit. He speaks of feeling this pain as if his spirit drank the poison. Alternate translation: "I feel the pain of their poison in my inner being"

the terrors of God have arranged themselves in array against me

Job speaks of the terrible things that have happened to him as if they were soldiers that God had lined up to attack him all at once. Alternate translation: "God has caused all the terrible things that could happen to happen to me all at once"

the terrors of God have arranged themselves in array against me

God causing many things to terrify Job is spoken of as if God's terrors were soldiers lined up to attack Job. Alternate translation: "the terrors of God have arranged themselves like soldiers in an army"

Job 6:5

Does the wild donkey bray in despair when he has grass? Or does the ox low in hunger when it has fodder?

Job poses these rhetorical questions to emphasize that he has a reason to complain. These question can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "Just as the wild donkey does not bray in despair when he has grass and as the ox does not low in hunger when he has fodder, I would not complain if I did not have a reason"

bray

the sound a donkey makes

low

the sound an ox makes

fodder

animal food

Job 6:6

Can that which has no taste be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?

Possible meanings are 1) Job is comparing his displeasure for his circumstances to people's dislike for bland food or 2) Job is comparing his displeasure for his friend's advice to people's dislike for bland food.

Can that which has no taste be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?

Job uses these rhetorical questions to emphasize his own displeasure. These questions can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Tasteless food cannot be eaten without salt, just as there is no taste in the white of an egg."

Can that which has no taste be eaten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Can you eat that which has no taste"

Job 6:7

I refuse to touch them

"Them" refers to bad tasting foods.

Job 6:8

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Job 6:9

to crush me once

This means for God to cause him to die. Alternate translation: "to crush me and let me die"

that he would set his hand free and cut me off from this life

The phrase "he would set his hand free" is an idiom that means that Job wants God to do what God really desires to do. Also, the phrase "cut me off from this life" is a euphemism for killing him. Alternate translation: "that he would do what he really wants to do and cut short my life" or "that he would act quickly and end my life"

Job 6:10

even if I rejoice in pain that does not lessen

"I would leap for joy in unending pain" or "I would endure pain that does not diminish"

does not lessen

"does not diminish"

that I have not denied the words of the Holy One

"that I have not disowned God." This can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: "that I have always obeyed the Holy One"

Job 6:11

What is my strength, that I should continue to hope? What is my end, that I should prolong my life?

Job poses these questions to emphasize that he has no reason to continue living. These questions have the same meaning. They may be written as statements. Alternate translation: "I do not have enough strength to go on living; I have no reason to prolong my life"

continue to hope

keep waiting for something good to happen

Job 6:12

General Information:

The writer uses parallel rhetorical questions in each of these verses to emphasize Job's lack of strength to endure suffering.

Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh made of bronze?

Job describes the weakness of his body by saying that he is not as strong as rocks and bronze to emphasize his lack of strength. These rhetorical questions may be written as statements. Alternate translation: "I am not as strong as the rocks. My flesh is not as strong as metal."

Job 6:13

Is it not true that I have no help in myself ... me?

Job uses this rhetorical question to emphasize his lack of wisdom and his weakness. This question can be written as a statement. Also, the phrase "no help in myself" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "It is true that I have no strength left ... me."

wisdom has been driven out of me

"my success has been taken from me." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "my wisdom is gone"

Job 6:14

To the person who is about to faint, faithfulness should be shown by his friend

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "A friend should be faithful to the person who feels he is about to faint"

who is about to faint

This speaks of a person who feels hopeless and is overwhelmed by his troubles as if he were about to physically faint. Alternate translation: "who feels hopeless"

even to him who abandons the fear of the Almighty

"even if he stops fearing Almighty God." Possible meanings are 1) the faint person does not fear God or 2) his friend does not fear God.

Job 6:15

But my brothers have acted as deceitfully to me as a desert streambed

Job speaks of his friends being unfaithful to him as being like a "wadi" which is a stream that can suddenly dry up. Also, Job refers to his friends ironically here as his "brothers." Alternate translation: "But my friends are unfaithful to me. They are like a desert streambed"

as channels of water that pass away to nothing

"like streams of water that dry up." Job continues speaking of his friends being unfaithful as if they were streams that dry up.

Job 6:16

which are darkened because of ice over them ... and because of the snow that hides itself in them

These two phrases have the same meaning. They describe how the streambed is full of ice and snow in the winter. Alternate translation: "which look dark in the winter because they are covered with ice and are full of melted snow"

because of the snow that hides itself in them

This speaks of the snow melting and the water going into the streambed as if the snow were hiding in the streambed. Alternate translation: "because the snow melts and goes into them"

Job 6:17

When they thaw out, they vanish ... when it is hot, they melt out of their place

These two phrases have the same meaning. They describe how the streambed dries up in the hot season. Alternate translation: "When it is hot, the ice melts and the streambeds dry up"

Job 6:18

Connecting Statement:

Job is continuing his description of his friends being as unreliable as streams that dry up.

The caravans that travel by their way turn aside for water

"The caravans turn aside from the routes to find water" or "The caravans change course looking for water"

The caravans

A caravan is a large group of travelers riding camels across the desert.

Job 6:19

Tema ... Sheba

These are the names of places. The people of these places used caravans to trade things with people from other lands.

while companies of Sheba

"while caravans from Sheba"

hoped in them

"hoped for them" or "put their hope in them"

Job 6:20

but they were put to shame

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but they were disappointed" or "but they were not satisfied"

Job 6:21

General Information:

In these verses, Job poses four questions to rebuke his friends and to emphasize that he did not ask for help from any of them.

For now

Job uses this phrase to introduce the main part of what he is saying.

you friends are nothing to me

"you friends have not helped me at all"

are afraid

This means that they see the trouble Job has and are afraid of being in the same situation. Alternate translation: "you are afraid that God might do similar things to you"

Job 6:22

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Job 6:23

or, 'Save ... hand' or, 'Ransom ... oppressors'?

These words are the last of a series of rhetorical questions that begins in verse 22. Job uses these questions to emphasize that he has not asked his friends to give him anything or to help him. "I never said to you, 'Give ... me' or, 'Offer ... wealth' or, 'Save ... hand' or, 'Ransom ... oppressors'."

my adversary's hand ... the hand of oppressors

The word "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "having my adversary control me ... having my oppressors control me" or "my adversary's power ... my oppressors' power"

Ransom me

"Rescue me"

Job 6:24

Teach me ... make me

These verbs "teach" and "make" are second person plural and are spoken to his friends.

I will hold my peace

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "I will be silent"

Job 6:25

How painful are upright words! But your arguments, how do they actually rebuke me?

The exact meaning of the original language is uncertain. Some Bibles translate "How painful" as "How pleasant." Alternate translation: "When a person speaks the truth, it harms no one. But your arguments are not true, so how do they actually rebuke me?"

upright words

The word "upright" here is a metaphor for honesty or truthfulness. Alternate translation: "honest words" or "truthful words"

But your arguments, how do they actually rebuke me?

Job is using this question to rebuke his friends and to emphasize that what they are saying does not apply to him. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Your reasons for rebuking me do not apply to me even though you sternly correct me." or "But your arguments against me are not true, so they do not actually rebuke me!"

your arguments

"your reasons" or "your claims"

Job 6:26

Do you plan to ignore my words, treating the words of a desperate man like the wind?

Job uses this rhetorical question to scold his friends. He compares his words to the wind to explain that his friends act like his words are empty and useless. Alternate translation: "You ignore my words! I am a desperate man, and you treat my words as if they are as useless as the wind."

Do you

"You" is in second person plural form.

Job 6:27

you cast lots for a fatherless child

"you would even gamble to win an orphan"

you cast lots ... haggle over your friend

Here "you" and "your" are in second person plural form.

haggle over your friend like merchandise

This compares how the man would sell his friend to how a person sells merchandise or wares. Alternate translation: "bargain to sell your friend for money"

Job 6:28

Now

This word is used by Job to introduce new information.

please look

The verb "to look" is in second person plural form.

I would not lie to your face

The word "your" refers to Job's friends. Here his friends are represented by their faces to emphasize that they are looking at him. Alternate translation: "I would not lie to you while I am looking at you"

Job 6:29

Relent, I beg you

"Please be merciful to me" or "Stop speaking like this, I beg you"

let there be no injustice with you

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "let there always be justice with you" or "always be just in the way you treat me"

Indeed, relent

"Please relent."

Job 6:30

Is there evil on my tongue?

"Do I say wicked things?" Job uses this question to rebuke his friends and to emphasize that he is not wicked. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I do not say wicked things."

on my tongue

Here Job's speech is represented by his "tongue." Alternate translation: "in my speech"

Cannot my mouth detect destructive things?

Job uses this question to rebuke his friends and to emphasize that he can tell the difference between right and wrong. Here Job refers to himself by his "mouth" to emphasize his speech. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I know what is right to say and what is wrong to say."

Chapter 7

Job 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Job's response to Eliphaz.

Special concepts in this chapter

Job's righteousness

Despite being upset about his circumstances, and desiring his own death, Job does not curse God. He would rather have God end his life than to curse him. (See: curse)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

Job uses many different metaphors in this chapter to express his pain or despair. He also is upset with the advice of his friends, who are supposed to help him during difficult times.

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Eliphaz that he is wrong. These questions help to build Job's response.

Job 7:1

Does not man have hard labor on earth?

Job poses this negative question to emphasize his awareness that all people experience hard work. It can be translated as a positive statement. Alternate translation: "There is hard labor for every person on earth."

on earth

This is a generalization that means for the time people are living on the earth. Alternate translation: "while he lives on the earth"

Are not his days like the days of a hired man?

Job poses this negative question to emphasize his awareness that all people struggle in life. Alternate translation: "And their days are like the days of a hired man."

a hired man

"a day laborer." This is a man who worked jobs one day at a time and was paid at the end of every day.

Job 7:2

Like a slave ... like a hired man

Job compares his misery and trouble to that of the slave and hired man.

the shadows of evening

"cool shade." The implied information is that the shadows of evening provide coolness and shade from the sun

looks for his wages

"waits for his pay"

Job 7:3

I have been assigned months of emptiness

Job speaks as if God had commanded him to endure months of emptiness. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has assigned me months of emptiness"

months of emptiness

The abstract noun "emptiness" can be translated as the adjective "empty." This is a metaphor for life that is meaningless, because either he believes that he will never enjoy life again or he is unable to do work that has value. Alternate translation: "empty months" or "months when I have nothing to live for" or "months in which I can do nothing of value"

I have been given trouble-filled nights

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has given me trouble-filled nights"

trouble-filled nights

Possible meanings are 1) "nights in which bad things happen" or 2) "nights in which I greatly worry."

Job 7:4

When I lie down

The implied information is that this is when Job would lie down to sleep at night. Alternate translation: "When I lie down to sleep"

I say to myself

Job poses a question to no one else in particular. Alternate translation: "I ask" or "I wonder"

When will I get up and when will the night be gone?

Job poses this question to emphasize his intense suffering during the hours he should be sleeping. Alternate translation: "I wish I could get up, but night continues."

tossing to and fro

"turning back and forth." This indicates that Job has moved on his bed all night without any rest.

Job 7:5

My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust

The worms and clods of dust are pictured as covering Job as if they were clothing. Alternate translation: "My flesh is covered with worms and clods of dust"

My flesh

This represents his whole body. Alternate translation: "My body"

clods of dust

Possible meanings are 1) lumps or crusts of dirt or 2) scabs on the skin.

dissolve and run afresh

"break out again"

Job 7:6

My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle

Job compares his lifetime to the quickness of a weaver's shuttle. Alternate translation: "My life goes by very quickly"

weaver

a person who makes cloth by crossing threads or yarn

a weaver's shuttle

a moving part that carries thread or yarn back and forth quickly in a loom when making cloth

Job 7:7

call to mind

"remember." The phrase "call to mind" does not mean God forgot. Job is asking God to consider or think about the shortness of Job's life.

my life is only a breath

Job compares the shortness of his life to the shortness of a breath. Alternate translation: "my life is very short, like taking one breath"

my eye will no more see good

Here "my eye" represents Job's whole person and his ability to see or experience things. Alternate translation: "I will never again experience good things"

Job 7:8

The eye of God, who sees me, will see me no more

Many versions of the Bible translate this as "The eye which sees me will see me no more." The words "of God" were added to this phrase because they are implied by the context.

The eye of God, who sees me ... God's eyes will be on me

Here God is represented by his "eye" to emphasize what he looks at. Alternate translation: "God who watches me ... God will look for me"

Job 7:9

As a cloud is consumed and vanishes away, so he who goes down to Sheol will come up no more

Job is describing death as being like the clouds that disappear.

As a cloud is consumed

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "As a cloud fades"

he who goes down to Sheol will come up no more

"he who dies will not return"

Job 7:10

his place

The words "his place" represent those who live in his place. Alternate translation: "the people who live in his place" or "his family"

Job 7:11

I will not restrain my mouth

Here the mouth represents speech. Alternate translation: "I will not restrain my speech"

in the anguish of my spirit

"in the distress of my spirit" or "in the torment of my suffering." The abstract noun "anguish" can be translated using the adverb "distress." Alternate translation: "while my spirit is distressed"

in the bitterness of my soul

Here sorrow is spoken of as if it tasted bitter, and "soul" refers to the whole man. Alternate translation: "with anger and resentment"

Job 7:12

Am I the sea or a sea monster that you place a guard over me?

Job poses this question to express his anger at God. In comparing himself to the sea or a sea monster, Job suggests that God regards him as a hideous creature. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am not the sea or a sea monster that needs a guard to watch it."

Job 7:13

My bed will comfort me, and my couch will ease my complaint

Here "bed" and "couch" are metonyms for "sleep." In lying down to sleep, Job would hope to be comforted. The metonyms also have human attributes; they have the ability to comfort and ease a person. Alternate translation: "My bed, my couch, will be like someone who can comfort me"

My bed ... my couch

These phrases refer to the same thing. Alternate translation: "My bed ... my bed"

Job 7:14

you frighten me

"you" here refers to God

Job 7:15

my soul

This is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "I"

strangling

killing a person by squeezing the throat and stopping the breathing

these bones of mine

Here Job uses the word "bones" to refer to his body. Alternate translation: "This body of mine"

Job 7:16

to always be alive

"to live forever"

my days are useless

"my days are pointless" or "the days of my life are empty"

Job 7:17

Connecting Statement:

Job asks a rhetorical question to say that he does not understand why God should pay attention to people.

set your mind on him

Here the mind represents thoughts and attention. To "set your mind on" means to give attention to. Alternate translation: "direct your attention to him"

Job 7:18

that you should observe ... every moment?

This is the end of the rhetorical question that Job begins asking with the words "What is man that" in verse 17. The question can be translated as a statement. "Tell me what man is that ... mind on him, that you should observe ... every moment." or "I do not understand what man is that ... mind on him, that you should observe ... every moment."

observe him

"carefully examine him"

Job 7:19

How long will it be ... swallow down my own saliva?

Here Job uses paralleism to emphasize his wish that God would stop watching him. Alternate translation: "Look away from me! Leave me alone long enough for me to swallow my own saliva!"

saliva

liquid produced in people's mouths that keeps the mouth moist and helps to swallow food

Job 7:20

Even if I have sinned ... burden for you?

Job poses these questions to argue against God treating him unfairly. Alternate translation: "Even if I have sinned, that would do nothing to you, as you watch over people. Tell me why you have made me your target, so that I am a burden for you."

Job 7:21

Why do you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity?

Here Job uses two similar clauses within a rhetorical question to emphasize his point. Possible meanings are: 1) Job is asking why God does not forgive him. Alternate translation: "Tell me why you do not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity." or 2) Job is asking God why he cannot just overlook his supposed wrongdoings. Alternate translation: "Tell me why you do not just bear with my transgression and iniquity."

take away

"remove"

now will I lie down in the dust

The phrase "lie down in the dust" is a metonym that represents dying. Alternate translation: "now I will die"

I will not exist

"I will not be here" or "I will be gone"

Chapter 8

Job 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. In this chapter, Bildad speaks to Job.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Bildad uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job that he is wrong. These questions help to build Bildad's argument.

Job 8:1

General Information:

Verses 2 and 3 each consist of two different questions that have the same meaning. Bildad uses these questions to rebuke Job.

Connecting Statement:

In this chapter, Bildad begins to speak about Job's complaints.

Then Bildad the Shuhite answered

"Bildad" is the name of a man who is a member of the tribe of Shuah.

Job 8:2

How long will the words of your mouth be a mighty wind?

Bildad speaks of Job's words as if they are as empty and insubstantial as the wind. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "The words of your mouth are as insignificant as a mighty wind."

Job 8:3

Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert righteousness?

Here "God" and "the Almighty" both refer to Yahweh. These questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "God does not pervert justice; the Almighty does not pervert righteousness."

pervert justice? ... pervert righteousness?

"approve of and do what is not just? ... approve of and do what is not righteous?"

Job 8:4

for he gave them into the hand of their sins

Here "hand" represents the power or results of sin. Bildad implies that God killed Job's children because of their sin. Alternate translation: "for God caused the consequences of your children's sins to kill them"

Job 8:5

But suppose you diligently sought God and sought the favor of the Almighty

Bildad is about to say what would have happened if Job had correctly spoken to God, but Bildad does not believe that Job really did this.

diligently sought God ... sought the favor of the Almighty

These two phrases both refer to Job asking God for help or pleading with God for mercy.

diligently sought God

"earnestly asked God for help"

Job 8:6

General Information:

Bildad says that God would treat Job well if he was pure, but Bildad does not believe that Job is pure.

If you are pure and upright

"If only you were pure and righteous" or "If only you would obey God and do what is right"

stir himself on your behalf

Here Yahweh is spoken of as if he would wake up to help Job. Alternate translation: "help you" or "do good things for you"

restore you to your rightful place

This refers to giving back to Job the things he lost, including his family, wealth, and honor.

Job 8:7

Even though your beginning was small, still your final condition would be much greater

Here lack of wealth is spoken of as being a "small beginning." Alternate translation: "Even if you were poor early in your life, God would make you very wealthy later in your life"

Job 8:8

give your attention to what our ancestors learned

"study carefully what our ancestors discovered" or "consider the things our forefathers learned"

Job 8:9

our days on earth are a shadow

The shortness of life is spoken of as if it were a shadow which quickly disappears.

Job 8:10

Will they not teach you and tell you? Will they not speak words from their hearts?

Bildad uses these rhetorical questions to rebuke Job for not agreeing with Bildad and the ancestors. They can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "They will teach you and tell you and speak what they sincerely believe."

from their hearts

Here the word "hearts" represents their inner beliefs. Alternate translation: "that they sincerely believe"

Job 8:11

General Information:

It is unclear if this verse is the teaching of Bildad, or if Bildad is quoting the sayings of the ancestors of Job 8:8-10.

Can papyrus grow without a marsh? Can reeds grow without water?

Bildad uses these two parallel questions to emphasize the single point that people cannot live without God. Here the plants represent people and the water represents God. The questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "Papyrus plants cannot grow away from the marshes. Reeds cannot grow without water."

papyrus

a tall reed-like plant that grows in shallow water

Job 8:12

General Information:

It is unclear if this verse is the teaching of Bildad, or if Bildad is quoting the sayings of the ancestors of Job 8:8-10.

While they are still green and not cut down, they wither before any other plant

It is implied that they wither when there is no water. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "Without water, they stop growing and wither faster than any other plant, even if no one cuts them down"

wither

"dry up"

Job 8:13

General Information:

It is unclear if this verse is the teaching of Bildad, or if Bildad is quoting the sayings of the ancestors of Job 8:8-10.

So also are the paths of all who forget God

Here "the paths" represents a person's future and the events that will happen to them. Alternate translation: "The same thing will happen to everyone who forgets God"

the hope of the godless will perish

"the things the godless person desires will not happen"

Job 8:14

General Information:

It is unclear if this verse is the teaching of Bildad, or if Bildad is quoting the sayings of the ancestors of [Job 8:8-10]

His confidence will break apart ... his trust is as weak as a spider's web

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the godless person is trusting in something that cannot save him.

his trust is as weak as a spider's web

Here Bildad compares the trust of the godless person to a spider's web; the slightest force will break both.

Job 8:15

General Information:

In this verse the pronouns "he" and "him" refer to the godless person, who represents godless people in general. It may be helpful to readers to use the plural pronouns "they" and "their."

He leans on his house, but it will not support him; he takes hold of it, but it does not stand

This statement probably refers to a man relying on his property and wealth for security. If so, then "house" here represents the owner's property and wealth. Alternate translation: "He thinks he will be safe because he is wealthy, but he will not be safe"

it will not support him

This negative statement emphasizes the opposite. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "he will fall down"

it does not stand

This negative statement emphasizes the opposite. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "it will fall down"

Job 8:16

General Information:

Here pronouns "he" and "his" refer to the godless person, who represents godless people in general. It may be helpful to readers to use the plural pronouns "they" and "their."

Under the sun he is green, and his shoots go out over his entire garden

Here Bildad compares the godless person to a plant that is healthy.

Under the sun he is green

The meaning of the Hebrew text is unclear. Possible meanings are 1) he is healthy during the day or 2) he is watered before the sun rises.

Job 8:17

General Information:

In this verse the pronoun "his" refers to the godless person, who represents godless people in general. It may be helpful to readers to use the plural pronouns "they" and "their."

His roots are wrapped about the heaps of stone ... they look for good places among the rocks

These two phrases have similar meaning, but the meaning is unclear. Possible meanings are 1) he appears to be well-rooted in the rocks, taking advantage of every opening or 2) his roots cannot find fertile ground and must try to find nutrients among the rocks.

Job 8:18

General Information:

In this verse the pronouns "his" and "him" refer to the godless person, who represents godless people in general. It may be helpful to readers to use the plural pronouns "they" and "their."

if this person is destroyed out of his place

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if someone pulls him out of his place" or "if a gardener tears him out of the garden"

his place

"the rocky ground" or "the garden"

that place will deny him and say, 'I never saw you.'

The garden is spoken of as if it had human ability to speak. The garden immediately forgets that he existed.

Job 8:19

this is the "joy" of such a person's behavior

Bildad is speaking with irony to express that there is not any real joy for the godless person. Alternate translation: "this is all the joy they will receive from their godless actions"

other plants will sprout out of the same soil in his place

Bildad continues the metaphor from [Job 8:16-18]

sprout

"grow"

the same soil

"the rocky ground" or "the garden"

in his place

"in the place of the godless man"

Job 8:20

God will not reject an innocent man

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "God will accept an innocent man"

neither will he take the hand of evildoers

Here "take the hand" refers to help or support. Alternate translation: "God will not support people who do evil things"

Job 8:21

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, your lips with shouting

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how happy Job would be if he were innocent. The word "he" refers to God and "your" refers to Job. Alternate translation: "God will make you very happy again if you are innocent"

fill your mouth with laughter

God causing Job to laugh is spoken of as if God had poured laughter into Job's mouth. Alternate translation: "cause you to continually laugh"

your lips with shouting

The words "he will yet fill" are understood from the previous clause. God causing him to shout for joy is spoken of as if God had poured joy into Job's mouth. Alternate translation: "he will yet fill your lips with shouting" "God will cause you to shout for joy"

Job 8:22

Those who hate you will be clothed with shame

Here "shame" is spoken of as if it were clothing that God will cause Job's enemies to wear. This means they will be very ashamed. Alternate translation: "God will cause those who hate you to be very ashamed"

the tent of the wicked will be no more

Here "tent" refers to the homes of the wicked. Alternate translation: "the houses of the wicked will be destroyed"

will be no more

"will not last" or "will be destroyed"

Chapter 9

Job 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Job's response to Bildad.

Special concepts in this chapter

Job's righteousness and Yahweh's power

Despite being upset about his circumstances, Job does not curse God. Job does not think that he can make a claim against Yahweh because only God is perfectly wise and just. Yahweh is truly powerful and Job understands this. (See: curse and wise and justice)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

Job uses many different metaphors in this chapter to express himself or to describe Yahweh's power. He is also upset with the advice of his friends, who are supposed to help him during difficult times.

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Bildad that he is wrong. These questions help to build Job's response.

Job 9:1

General Information:

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Job 9:2

I truly know that this is so

"I know that what you say is true"

this is so

Here the word "this" refers to what Bildad said.

how can a person be in the right with God?

"how can anyone be innocent before God?"

Job 9:3

argue

dispute

he cannot answer him once in a thousand times

"Once in a thousand times" here is an idiom that means "at all." Possible meanings are 1) "he cannot give any answer to God" or 2) "God will not answer him at all"

a thousand times

"1,000 times"

Job 9:4

wise in heart

Here the heart represents the inner being or thoughts. Alternate translation: "wise in what he decides"

mighty in strength

The abstract noun "strength" can be expressed as the adjective "strong." Alternate translation: "mighty in how strong he is"

hardened himself against him

To harden oneself means to be stubborn. Alternate translation: "resisted him" or "defied him"

Job 9:5

he who removes the mountains

"God removes the mountains"

Job 9:6

he who shakes the earth

"God shakes the earth"

Job 9:7

who covers up the stars

"who blocks the stars from view"

Job 9:8

who by himself stretches out the heavens

God is spoken of as creating the heavens without any help, as if the heavens were fabric that he stretches out.

tramples down the waves of the sea

God is spoken of as calming the sea as if with his feet. Alternate translation: "puts his feet down on the waves of the sea" or "calms the waves of the sea"

Job 9:9

the Bear, Orion, the Pleiades

These are the names of constellations, which are groups of stars that seem like they form a particular shape in the sky.

Orion

a famous hunter in Greek mythology

Pleiades

several bright stars that look like they are close together in the sky

constellations

groups of stars that seem like they form a particular shape in the sky

Job 9:10

unsearchable things

"things that cannot be understood"

Job 9:11

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you."

he passes on

"he passes by" or "he moves on"

Job 9:12

If he takes something away, who can stop him? Who can say to him, 'What are you doing?

These are rhetorical questions that expect an answer of "No one." They can be reworded as statements. Alternate translation: "If he takes something away, no one can stop him. No one can ask him, 'What are you doing?'"

If he takes something away

"If he takes someone away" or "If he wants to snatch something away"

Job 9:13

the helpers of Rahab bow beneath him

Here "bow beneath him" symbolizes submission or defeat. Alternate translation: "he crushes the helpers of Rahab"

Rahab

The word "Rahab" here refers to a monster of the sea.

Job 9:14

How much less could I answer him, could I choose words to reason with him?

Job poses two similar questions to emphasize his reluctance to confront God. They can be reworded as a statement. Alternate translation: "So I certainly could not answer him or choose words to reason with him."

Job 9:15

General Information:

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Job 9:16

General Information:

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Job 9:17

For he breaks me with a tempest

Job compares his troubles from God to the effects of a tempest. Alternate translation: "He injures me as if with a tempest"

tempest

a powerful or violent storm

multiplies my wounds

"gives me many wounds" or "wounds me again and again"

without cause

"even though I have not given him cause to do so" or "even though I am innocent"

Job 9:18

to regain my breath

This is an idiom that means "to be able to breathe again" or

he fills me with bitterness

This verse pictures God as filling up Job's life with things that make him bitter. The abstract noun "bitterness" can be expressed as the adjective "bitter." Alternate translation: "he fills me up with bitter things"

Job 9:19

If it is a matter of strength

"If there is a contest of strength"

behold, he is mighty

"look and you will see that he is mighty" or "pay attention to what I am about to tell you: he is mighty"

he is mighty

"he is the strong one"

who can summon him?

This question expects an answer of "No one" to make the point that no one is able to bring God to court. This can be reworded as a statement. Alternate translation: "no one can summon him."

Job 9:20

Though I am in the right, my own mouth would condemn me; and though I am blameless, my words would prove me to be guilty

This verse expresses the same idea twice for emphasis.

Though I am in the right

Here "I am in the right" means I am the one who has done right things. Alternate translation: "Although I have done right things" or "Even though I am innocent"

my own mouth would condemn me

Here "mouth" represents Job's words. Alternate translation: "my own words would accuse me" or "what I say would condemn me"

blameless

"faultless"

my words would prove me to be guilty

Here "my words" are spoken of as if they could take action. Alternate translation: "God would use what I say to prove me guilty"

guilty

The word here has the meaning of "twisted" or "crooked."

Job 9:21

I am blameless

"I am faultless"

about myself

"what happens to me"

Job 9:22

It makes no difference

"It is all the same" or "It does not matter"

he destroys blameless people and wicked people together

Here "blameless" and "wicked" are two extremes for a merism that include everything in between. Alternate translation: "he brings everyone to an end, whether they are blameless or wicked"

Job 9:23

When a whip suddenly kills

The word "whip" here is a metaphor for any kind of disaster. Alternate translation: "When a disaster suddenly happens and people die"

the despair of the innocent

The word "despair" is an abstract noun that can be translated by the verb "despair." Here it is a metonym for the innocent who are despairing. Alternate translation: "the innocent who are despairing" or "the innocent who have lost all hope"

innocent

This is a nominalized adjective. Alternate translation: "innocent people".

Job 9:24

The earth is given

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God gives the earth"

The earth is

Here "the earth" is used to represent the people on the earth. Alternate translation: "The people of the world are"

into the hand of

Here "hand" is a metonym for "control." Alternate translation: "into the control of"

God covers the faces of its judges

This idiom means God keeps the judges of the earth from being able to judge the difference between right and wrong. Alternate translation: "God makes its judges blind" or "God keeps its judges from judging rightly"

If it is not he who does it, then who is it?

"If it is not God who does these things, then who does them?"

Job 9:25

My days are swifter than a running messenger

Job compares how quickly his days are passing by to a fast runner. Alternate translation: "My days pass swiftly"

running messenger

"runner" or "running man"

my days flee away

This pictures the days of Job's life as being able to run away like a person.

they see no good anywhere

This pictures the days of Job's life as being able to see like a person.

no good

"no good thing"

Job 9:26

They are as fast as papyrus reed boats

Job compares how quickly his days are passing by to the speed of fast boats. Alternate translation: "They pass quickly by like papyrus reed boats"

papyrus reed boats

"boats made out of reeds." Papyrus reed is a hollow grass that grows along the banks of rivers.

as fast as the eagle that swoops down on its victim

Job compares how quickly his days are passing by to a large bird diving toward its prey. Alternate translation: "as fast as the eagle that flies down quickly to catch its food"

swoops down

"rushes down"

Job 9:27

I would forget about my complaints

The abstract noun "complaint" can be translated as the verb "complain." Alternate translation: "I would stop complaining" or "I would stop complaining against God"

my complaints

It can be stated clearly whom Job was complaining against. Alternate translation: "my complaints against God"

I would take off my sad face and be happy

Job's sad face is spoken of here as if it was something that could be removed. Alternate translation: "I would stop looking unhappy and smile"

Job 9:28

I would be afraid of all my sorrows

Verses 28 and 29 express the consequences if Job does what he says in verse 27. This can be expressed by adding the word "then." Alternate translation: "Then I would be afraid of all my sorrows"

of all my sorrows

The abstract noun "sorrows" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "of everything that hurts me"

Job 9:29

I will be condemned

"I will be accused and punished." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will condemn me"

why, then, should I try in vain?

Job uses this question to emphasize that he does not think it is of any use trying to get God's attention. The implied information about what Job is trying can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "It is of no use to try to get God's attention."

Job 9:30

If I washed myself with snow water

"If I bathed my body in pure, clean water"

snow water

the water that comes from melted snow

snow

white flakes of frozen water that fall from clouds in places where the air temperature is cold

made my hands ever so clean

"made my hands exceedingly clean." Some other versions of the Bible translate this with the meaning of "cleaned my hands with very strong soap."

Job 9:31

plunge me in a ditch

"throw me into a pit"

my own clothes would be disgusted with me

Job's clothing is spoken of as if it would have a negative response to Job after God plunged him into a ditch. Alternate translation: "I would be too filthy for my own clothing"

Job 9:32

answer him

Job implies that God has charged him of doing wrong, and he wants to respond to those charges. Alternate translation: "answer his charges against me" or "defend myself" or "argue my innocence with him"

come together in court

"come together to trial." Here "court" is a place where people can come and a judge will settle disputes. "Coming together in court" is a metonym for going against each other in a court of law. Alternate translation: "confront each other before a judge"

Job 9:33

There is no judge between us

This means there is no judge who is greater than God who could decide what is right between him and Job.

lay his hand upon us both

Here "lay his hand upon" means having power or authority over. Alternate translation: "take hold of both of us" or "have authority over both of us"

Job 9:34

Connecting Statement:

These verses continue the previous argument that no one is greater than God who could act as a judge between God and Job.

take God's rod off me

Here "God's rod" is a metonym for God punishing or correcting Job. Alternate translation: "stop God from punishing me"

keep his terror from frightening me

The abstract noun "terror" can be translated as the verb "terrify." Alternate translation: "keep him from terrifying and frightening me"

Job 9:35

Then would I speak up

"Then I would speak"

as things are now

"because this is how things are now"

Chapter 10

Job 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Job's response to Bildad.

Special concepts in this chapter

Job's righteousness

Despite being upset about his circumstances, Job does not curse Yahweh. Instead, he defends himself to Yahweh, while trusting in his decision. (See: curse and trust)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to defend himself. He does not believe that he committed a sin deserving severe punishment.

Job 10:1

I am weary of my life

"I am tired of living"

I will give free expression to my complaint

The abstract nouns "expression" and "complaint" can be translated as the verbs "express" and "complain." Alternate translation: "I will freely express what I have to complain about" or "I will argue freely"

I will speak in the bitterness of my soul

How Job feels is compared to a bitter taste. The abstract noun "bitterness" can be translated as the adverb "bitterly." Alternate translation: "My inner being will speak bitterly" or "I will bitterly speak out"

Job 10:2

General Information:

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Job 10:3

Is it good to you that you should oppress me, to despise the labor of your hands while you smile on the plans of the wicked?

This question expects a "no" answer and can be changed into a statement. Alternate translation: "It is not good that you should oppress me, that you should despise the labor of your hands, while you smile on the plans of the wicked."

the labor of your hands

Here God is represented by his "hands." Alternate translation: "what you have created"

smile on the plans of the wicked

Here the idiom "smiling on" represents God's approval. Alternate translation: "approve the plans of the wicked"

Job 10:4

Do you have eyes of flesh? Do you see like a man sees?

These two questions have nearly the same meaning. These questions expect a negative answer to emphasize that God does not see or understand things the same way a man does. They can be expressed as statements. Alternate translation: "You do not have eyes of flesh, and you do not see like a man sees."

Job 10:5

Connecting Statement:

Job begins to ask a rhetorical question. He is saying that God lives forever but people live only for a short time, so God should not worry about Job's sins.

your days like the days of mankind ... your years like the years of people

These two phrases have nearly the same meaning.

your days

"the number of your days"

your years

"the number of your years"

Job 10:6

Connecting Statement:

Job continues the rhetorical question he began in verse 5.

inquire after my iniquity

"look to see if I have committed iniquity"

Job 10:7

Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words "Are your days" in verse 5.

although you know ... from your hand?

This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words "Are your days" in verse 5. The whole question can be translated as a statement. "Your days are not like the days of mankind, and your years are not like the years of people, so you should not inquire after my iniquity and search after my sin, because you know I am not guilty and there is no one who can rescue me from your hand."

from your hand

Here "your hand" represents God's power. Alternate translation: "from your power"

Job 10:8

Your hands

Here "hands" represent God and his creative action. Alternate translation: "You"

Your hands have framed and fashioned me together round about

Job is using a metaphor of a potter forming clay to describe how God carefully created him.

framed and fashioned me

"shaped and formed me." The words "framed" and "fashioned" are similar in meaning.

Job 10:9

Call to mind

"Remember"

bring me into dust again

"turn me back into dust again"

Job 10:10

General Information:

In these verses, Job uses the language of poetry to describe how God formed him in the womb.

Have you not poured me out like milk and curdled me like cheese?

This is a question that expects a positive answer. Alternate translation: "You poured me out like milk and curdled me like cheese." or "You formed me in the womb like poured milk becomes cheese."

you

Here "you" refers to God.

me

Here "me" refers to Job.

Job 10:11

You have clothed me with skin and flesh

God putting skin and flesh on Job's body is spoken of as if God was putting clothing on him. Alternate translation: "You have put skin and flesh on my body"

knit me together

"wove me together." God putting Job's body together in the womb is spoken of as if God was knitting or weaving a piece of cloth. Alternate translation: "put me together"

sinews

the parts of the body that connect muscles to bones or other body parts and are like tough, white bands or cords

Job 10:12

You have granted me life and covenant faithfulness

The abstract nouns "life" and "faithfulness" can be stated as "live" and "faithful." Alternate translation: "You have been faithful to your covenant and allowed me to live"

guarded my spirit

Here Job is represented by his "spirit." Alternate translation: "guarded me" or "watched carefully over me" or "kept me safe"

Job 10:13

General Information:

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Job 10:14

you would notice it

"you would watch me"

Job 10:15

If I have acted wickedly

"If I do evil things"

woe to me

"how terrible will it be for me"

lift up my head

This idiom means to be sure or confident. Alternate translation: "hold my head up" or "be confident" or "be sure about myself"

I am filled with disgrace—see my affliction

Another possible meaning, followed by some versions, is, "I am full of disgrace and am completely full of my own suffering," where the disgrace is bad but the suffering is even worse.

I am filled with disgrace

"I am totally ashamed" or "No one respects me anymore"

disgrace

shame

see my affliction

The abstract noun "affliction" can be translated using the verb "afflict." Alternate translation: "see how God is afflicting me"

Job 10:16

If my head were lifted up, you would stalk me like a lion

Possible meanings are that Job sees this as 1) a potential situation that has not happened yet or 2) as a situation that happens repeatedly. Alternate translation: "When my head is lifted up, you stalk me like a lion"

If my head were lifted up

This idiom means to become self-confident or proud. Alternate translation: "If I become proud"

you would stalk me like a lion

Possible meanings of this simile are 1) God hunts Job like a lion hunts its prey or 2) Job is like a lion being hunted by God.

again you would show yourself with marvellous acts of power against me

This phrase expresses irony in how God displays his marvelous power by acting to harm Job.

Job 10:17

You bring new witnesses against me

Job's troubles from God are spoken of as if they were people who were witnesses against him.

increase your anger against me

The abstract noun "anger" can be translated as the adjective "angry." Alternate translation: "are more and more angry with me"

you attack me with fresh armies

God sending troubles against Job is spoken of as if God was constantly sending new armies against him.

Job 10:18

brought me out of the womb

Here being brought out of the womb represents being born into this world. Alternate translation: "brought me out of my mother's womb" or "brought me into this world"

and that no eye had ever seen me

Job uses "eye" here to refer to the whole person. He wishes he could have died at birth, before anyone saw him. Alternate translation: "before any person had ever seen me" or "before I was born"

Job 10:19

I had never existed

"I had never lived"

I would have been carried

"My body would have been carried"

Job 10:20

Are not my days only a few?

Here "my days" represent the length of Job's life. This question expects a positive answer, to emphasize that Job only expects to live a few more days. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I only have a few days left to live." or "My life will soon end."

Job 10:21

the land

Here the place where the spirits of dead people go is spoken of as if it was a land. Alternate translation: "the place"

of darkness and of the shadow of death

The phrase "shadow of death" intensifies the idea of "darkness." Both phrases describe where the spirits of dead people go.

the shadow of death

See how you translated this in Job 3:5.

Job 10:22

as dark as darkness

"totally dark"

without any order

This negative phrase can be expressed in positive form. Alternate translation: "full of confusion" or "where all is confused"

where the light is like darkness

"where there is darkness even where there should be light" or "where there is no light at all"

Chapter 11

Job 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. In this chapter, Zophar speaks to Job.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Zophar uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job that he is wrong. These questions help to build Zophar's argument.

Job 11:1

Zophar the Naamathite

See how you translated this man's name in [Job 2:11]

Job 11:2

Should not such a multitude of words be answered?

Zophar is asking a question in the negative to emphasize that Job's words must be challenged. Alternate translation: "We must answer all of these words!" or "Someone should respond to all these words!"

Should this man, so full of talk, be acquitted?

Zophar uses this question to emphasize that they should not believe what Job was saying simply because Job talks much. Alternate translation: "This man is full of much talk, but we should not believe him!" or "Job, your many words alone do not show that you are innocent!"

Job 11:3

Should your boasting make others remain silent?

Zophar uses this question to rebuke Job. Alternate translation: "Just because you have spoken many words, this does not mean that others must keep silent."

When you mock, will no one make you feel ashamed?

Zophar uses this question to rebuke Job. You may need to make explicit what it is that Job is mocking. Alternate translation: "You have mocked us for what we have said. Now we will make you feel ashamed!"

Job 11:4

My beliefs are pure

"My understanding is correct"

I am clean in your eyes

The word "clean" here is a metaphor for innocence, and the "eyes" here are a metonym for the thinking or judgment of the person whose eyes they are. Alternate translation: "You should know that I am innocent" or "You should consider me innocent"

Job 11:5

that God would speak ... open his lips against you

The words "open his lips" are a metonym that means speak. These two phrases mean the same thing and are used together to emphasize Zophar's desire that God would speak harshly against Job.

Job 11:6

that he would show ... secrets of wisdom

What the "secrets of wisdom" are can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "that he would show you that you are suffering because of your sin"

sound wisdom has two sides

The word "wisdom" here is probably a metonym for a wise person, and the "two sides" are the different arguments in a dispute. When there is a disagreement, a wise person will listen to everyone before deciding what the truth is.

Know then

"Acknowledge then" or "So admit"

God demands from you less than your iniquity deserves

Demanding from Job represents punishing Job. Alternate translation: "God is punishing you less than you deserve"

Job 11:7

Can you understand God by searching for him? Can you comprehend the Almighty perfectly?

These two rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "You cannot understand God by searching for him, and you will never completely understand the Almighty!"

Job 11:8

The matter

This refers to understanding God. Alternate translation: "To understand God"

is as high as heaven ... deeper than Sheol

The impossibility of understanding God is spoken of as if it were impossible to go to these extremely far away places. Alternate translation: "is as inaccessible as the highest places in heaven ... is more inaccessible than the deepest places in Sheol"

what can you do?

Zophar uses this question to show that a person cannot do anything to understand God fully. Alternate translation: "you cannot do anything." or "you cannot understand him fully."

what can you know?

Zophar uses this question to show that a person cannot do anything to know God fully. Alternate translation: "you cannot know God fully." or "you cannot know all there is to know."

Job 11:9

Its measure

Possible meanings are that this refers to 1) God's greatness or 2) the greatness of God's wisdom.

is longer than the earth ... wider than the sea

God's greatness or wisdom is spoken of as if it could be measured in distance.

Job 11:10

If he ... shuts anyone up

"If God ... shuts anyone up in prison"

if he calls an assembly

The abstract noun "assembly" can be translated with the verb "assemble." You may need to make explicit that the "assembly" is a court that will judge whether someone is guilty. Alternate translation: "if God calls people together for a court"

who can stop him?

This question emphasizes that no one can stop God. Alternate translation: "no one can stop him!"

Job 11:11

does he not notice it?

This emphasizes that God does notice sin. Alternate translation: "he surely notices it!"

Job 11:12

foolish people will gain understanding when the foal of a wild donkey is born a man

Since a wild donkey can never give birth to a man, this means that foolish people will never get understanding. Alternate translation: "foolish people would be able to get understanding only if a wild donkey could give birth to a man" or "it is as impossible for a foolish person to get understanding as it is for a donkey to give birth to a man"

But foolish people will gain understanding

The abstract noun "understanding" can be expressed with the verb "understand." Alternate translation: "But foolish people will be able to understand"

Job 11:13

General Information

Zophar asks Job to consider what will happen if he does this things in this verse.

suppose that you set your heart right

The heart represents thoughts and attitudes. Setting it right represents correcting it. Alternate translation: "if you correct your attitude"

and reach out with your hands toward God

This is a symbolic action representing asking God for help. Zophar asks Job to consider what will happen if he sets his heart right. Alternate translation: "and make an appeal and pray to God"

Job 11:14

General Information

Zophar asks Job to consider what will happen if he puts iniquity far away from him and does not let righteousness live in his tent.

suppose that iniquity is in your hand

The hand represents what a person does. Alternate translation: "even if you have done some evil things"

but that you put it far away from you

Putting sin behind represents stopping sinning. Alternate translation: "but that you stop doing evil things"

and do not let unrighteousness live in your tents

Unrighteousness living represents people doing unrighteous things. Alternate translation: "and that you do not allow the members of your household to do unrighteous things"

Job 11:15

General Information:

In verses 15-19 Zophar tells Job the things that will happen if Job does what Zophar spoke about in verses 13-14.

lift up your face without a sign of shame

"Lifting up your face" represents the attitude of a person who is confident and brave.

Job 11:16

you will remember it only like waters that have flowed away

Zophar is comparing misery with water that flows downstream and it is gone. Alternate translation: "You will remember your misery, but it will be gone, like waters that have flowed away"

Job 11:17

Your life will be brighter than the noonday

Brightness represents being prosperous and happy. Alternate translation: "Your life will be prosperous and happy like the noonday"

though there be darkness

Darkness represents troubles and sadness. Alternate translation: "Though there might be dark troubles and sadness"

it will become like the morning

The morning represents light, which represents prosperity and happiness. Alternate translation: "it would be prosperous and happy like the morning"

Job 11:18

You will be secure ... will find safety ... will take your rest in safety

Zophar repeats the idea to emphasize how safe Job will be. Job will experience this if he does what Zopahr spoke of in verses 13 and 14.

will take your rest in safety

"Take your rest" here is an idiom for "rest." The phrase "in safety" can be expressed with the word "safely." Alternate translation: "will rest safely"

Job 11:19

you will lie down in rest

The abstract noun "rest" can be expressed with the verb "rest." Alternate translation: "you would lie down and rest"

many will seek your favor

This means that people will respect Job and will hope that he will treat them well.

Job 11:20

the eyes of wicked people will fail

Their eyes represent their understanding. Alternate translation: "the understanding of the wicked people will fail" or "the wicked people will not be able to understand"

they will have no refuge

"there will be no place to which they can escape"

Chapter 12

Job 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Job's response to Zophar.

Special concepts in this chapter

Job's righteousness

Despite being upset about his circumstances, Job does not curse God. His friends, on the other hand, judge Job's case, which Job recognizes to be Yahweh's authority. These three friends therefore try to take God's place. (See: curse and judge)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

Job uses many different metaphors in this chapter to express his pain or despair. He is also upset with the advice of his friends, who are supposed to help him during difficult times.

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Zophar that he is wrong. These questions help to build Job's response.

Job 12:1

General Information:

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Job 12:2

No doubt you are the people; wisdom will die with you

Job mocks how they are acting and shows how ridiculous they sound. Alternate translation: "Surely you are such important people that wisdom cannot exist without you" or "You all act like you are the only wise people and that when you die, wisdom will disappear"

No doubt

"Surely"

you

This is plural in verses 2 and 3.

you are the people

"you are the important people who know everything"

Job 12:3

Indeed, who does not know such things as these?

Job used this question to express a truth that should be obvious to his listeners. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "Certainly there is no one who does not know such things as these." or "Certainly everyone knows these things."

Job 12:4

I am something for my neighbor to laugh at—I, one who called on God and who was answered by him!

The relationship between these phrases can be made clear with the words "even though." Alternate translation: "I am something for my neighbor to laugh at—even though I am one who called on God and he answered me!"

I, a just and blameless man—I am now something to laugh at

The relationship between these phrases can be made clear with the words "even though." Alternate translation: "Even though I am a just and blameless man, people now laugh at me"

Job 12:5

In the thought of someone who is at ease, there is contempt for misfortune

The abstract nouns "thought," "ease," "contempt," and "misfortune" can be expressed with other phrases. Alternate translation: "A person who lives an easy life despises a person who suffers"

brings more misfortune

Bringing misfortune represents causing it to happen. Alternate translation: "causes more bad things to happen"

to those whose foot is slipping

The foot slipping represents being in danger or trouble. Alternate translation: "to those who are already in trouble"

Job 12:6

The tents of robbers prosper

Their tents prospering represents the robbers prospering in their tents. Alternate translation: "Robbers live in prosperity in their own tents"

their own hands are their gods

Here "their own hands" is a metonym for strength, and "their gods" is a metaphor for their pride. Alternate translation: "they are extremely proud of their own abilities"

Job 12:7

But now ask the animals ... the birds ... they will tell you

Job is saying that the animals and the birds understand God better than Job's friends do.

you

All occurrences of "you" are plural.

But now ask the animals, and they will teach you

The command in the first part of the sentence can be translated as a condition with the word "if." Alternate translation: "But if you ask the animals, they will teach you"

ask the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you

The command in the first part of the sentence can be translated as a condition. Alternate translation: if you ask the birds of the heavens, they will tell you" (See: )

Job 12:8

speak to the earth ... will declare to you

Job is saying that the beasts, the birds, the earth, and the fish understand God better than Job's friends do.

Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you

The command in the first part of the sentence can be translated as a condition. Alternate translation: "Or if you speak to the earth, it will teach you"

the fish of the sea will declare to you

The command "Ask the fish of the sea" is understood from the previous sentences. It can be translated as a condition. Alternate translation: "and if you ask the fish of the sea, they will declare to you"

Job 12:9

Which animal among all these does not know ... this?

This question emphasizes the point that all the animals know that Yahweh has done this. This question can be worded as a statement. Alternate translation: "Every animal among all these knows ... this."

the hand of Yahweh has done this

Yahweh's hand represents his power. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has done this by his power"

Job 12:10

In his hand is the life ... and the breath of all mankind

Yahweh's hand represents his control or power. Alternate translation: "God controls the life of every living thing and gives breath to all mankind"

the breath of all mankind

Here "breath" represents life or the ability to live.

Job 12:11

Does not the ear test words just as the palate tastes its food?

Job uses this question to emphasize that people listen to what others say and judge whether it is good or not. The ear and palate are metonyms for hearing and tasting. Alternate translation: "We hear what people say and test it just as we taste food and test it."

Job 12:12

With aged men is wisdom

"Aged men have wisdom." The abstract noun "wisdom" can be expressed with "wise." The word "men" refers to people in general. Alternate translation: "Old people are wise"

in length of days is understanding

This represents people gaining understanding when they live a long time. The abstract noun "understanding" can be expressed with the phrase "understand much." Alternate translation: "people gain understanding when they live a long time" or "people who live a long time understand much"

Job 12:13

General Information:

Verse 13 says that God is wise and mighty. The rest of this chapter shows that this is true by telling about the wise and mighty things that God does.

With God are wisdom and might

The abstract nouns "wisdom" and "might" can be expressed with the adjectives "wise" and "mighty." Alternate translation: "God is wise and mighty"

Job 12:14

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

they cannot be built again

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one can rebuild them"

if he imprisons someone, there can be no release

The abstract noun "release" can be expressed with the verb "free." Alternate translation: "if God shuts someone in, no one can free him"

Job 12:15

if he withholds the waters, they dry up

Possible meanings are that withholding waters represents 1) preventing the rain from falling. Alternate translation: "if he stops the rain from falling the land dries up" or 2) preventing running water from flowing. Alternate translation: "if he stops the water from flowing, the land dries up"

if he sends them out, they overwhelm the land

Possible meanings are that sending them out is a metaphor meaning 1) causing the rain to fall. Alternate translation: "if he causes a lot of rain to fall, it floods the land" or 2) causing the waters to flow. Alternate translation: "if he makes a lot of water flow, it floods the land"

Job 12:16

With him are strength and wisdom

The abstract nouns "strength" and "wisdom" can be expressed with the words "strong" and "wise." Alternate translation: "God is strong and wise"

people who are deceived and the deceiver are both in his power

Being in God's power represents God ruling over them. Alternate translation: "people who believe a lie and people who lie to others are both in his power" or "God rules over both people who believe lies and people who lie to others"

Job 12:17

He leads counselors away barefoot

Leading counselors away barefoot represents taking away their wisdom and authority.

in sorrow

The abstract noun "sorrow" can be expressed with the words "sad" or "grieve" Alternate translation: "and they feel very sad" or "and they grieve"

he turns judges into fools

"he makes judges become foolish"

Job 12:18

He removes the bond of kings

Possible meanings are that 1) this is a metonym for causing kings to no longer have authority. Alternate translation: "He takes away the authority of kings" or 2) this is a metonym for setting people free from the chains that kings have put on them. Alternate translation: "He takes off the bonds that kings have put on people"

he wraps a cloth about their waists

This cloth is probably what a slave wears. To put these cloths on kings represents making the kings slaves. Alternate translation: "he makes kings wear the clothing of slaves" or "he makes them slaves"

Job 12:19

He leads priests away barefoot

Leading priests away barefoot represents taking away their authority.

in sorrow

The abstract noun "sorrow" can be expressed with the words "sad" or "grieve" Alternate translation: "and they feel sad" or "and they grieve"

overthrows mighty people

"defeats powerful people"

Job 12:20

He removes the speech of those who had been trusted

Removing their speech represents making them unable to speak. Alternate translation: "He makes those who were trusted unable to speak" or "He silences people whom others trusted"

takes away the understanding of the elders

Taking away their understanding represents making them unable to understand or make good decisions. Alternate translation: "makes the elders unable to understand" or "makes the elders unable to make good decisions"

the elders

Possible meanings are 1) the older people or 2) the leaders.

Job 12:21

He pours contempt upon princes

Pouring contempt on princes is a metaphor for causing people to feel contempt for them. Alternate translation: "He causes people to greatly disrespect those who rule"

unfastens the belt of the strong

The belt is a symbol of strength. Unfastening a strong person's belt represents taking away his strength and making him weak. Alternate translation: "makes the strong weak"

the strong

This refers to any strong person. Alternate translation: "strong people"

Job 12:22

He reveals the deep things of darkness

Revealing things represents making them known. "Deep things from darkness" represent secrets that people do not know. Alternate translation: "He makes known secrets that people do not know"

brings utter darkness into the light

Bringing things out into the light is a metaphor for making them known. Alternate translation: "makes known things that no one can see"

Job 12:23

He enlarges nations

"He makes nations larger" or "He makes nations have more land"

he also leads them along as prisoners

God leading nations represents God causing enemy nations to lead them. The word "them" represents nations, which here represents the people of those nations. Alternate translation: "he also causes their enemies to lead them along as prisoners"

Job 12:24

He takes away understanding from the leaders of the people of the earth

Taking away their understanding represents causing them to be unable to understand. Alternate translation: "He causes the leaders of the people of the earth to be unable to understand"

to wander in a wilderness where there is no path

Wandering in a wilderness where there is no path represents being in a difficult situation and not knowing what to do. Alternate translation: "to be unsure of what to do like a person wandering in a wasteland with no path"

Job 12:25

They grope in the dark without light

Being in the dark without light represents lacking knowledge. Alternate translation: "They struggle to make decisions without knowledge as people struggle to walk in the dark without light"

he makes them stagger like a drunk man

Staggering or wandering like a drunk man represents living without purpose. Alternate translation: "he makes them live without purpose like a drunk person who staggers as he walks" or "they wander aimlessly like a drunk person who staggers back and forth"

Chapter 13

Job 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Job's response to Zophar. It also contains Job's claim of righteousness to Yahweh. (See: righteous)

Special concepts in this chapter

Job's righteousness

Despite being upset about his circumstances, Job does not curse God. His friends, on the other hand, judge Job's case, which Job recognizes to be Yahweh's authority. These three friends therefore try to take God's place. (See: curse and judge)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Zophar that he is wrong. These questions help to build Job's response.

Job 13:1

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to speak to his friends.

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

my eye has seen all this

Job referred to himself as his eye since it is with his eyes that he saw these things. Alternate translation: "I have seen all this"

my ear has heard and understood it

Job referred to himself as his ear since it is with his ears that he heard these things. Alternate translation: "I have heard and understood it"

Job 13:2

What you know, the same I also know

"What you know, I also know" or "I know as much as you"

Job 13:3

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to speak to his friends.

I wish to reason with God

Job's friends are judging him, but they not speaking the truth. Job would rather argue with God alone about his complaint.

Job 13:4

you whitewash the truth with lies

Putting whitewash or plaster on the truth represents ignoring the truth. Alternate translation: "you hide the truth with lies" or "you lie and ignore the truth"

you are all worthless healers

The word "healers" is a metaphor for people who comfort others. Healers who are "worthless" call themselves healers but do not actually heal people. Alternate translation: "you are all like physicians who do not know how to heal people" or "you all come to comfort me, but you do not know how, like unskilled physicians"

Job 13:5

hold your peace

This expression means "be quiet" or "stop talking."

That would be your wisdom

They thought that they were saying wise things, but Job was saying that they would be wiser if they would stop talking. The abstract noun "wisdom" can be expressed with the word "wise." Alternate translation: "If you were to do that, you would be wise" or "If you were to stop talking, you would appear wise"

Job 13:6

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to speak to his friends.

listen to the pleading of my own lips

Here "lips" represent the person who is speaking. Alternate translation: "listen to what I myself plead for"

Job 13:7

Will you speak unrighteousness for God, and will you talk deceitfully for him?

Job uses these two questions to rebuke his friends for speaking unrighteously. Alternate translation: "You think that you are speaking for God, but you are speaking unrighteousness. You are trying to defend him by speaking deceitfully."

speak unrighteousness

The abstract noun "unrighteousness" can be translated using the adjective "unrighteous," and the word "words" is a metonym for the message that the words carry. Alternate translation: "speak unrighteous words" or "say things of which God does not approve"

for God ... for him

"to defend God ... to defend him" or "as God's representative ... to represent him"

talk deceitfully

"lie" or "tell lies"

Job 13:8

Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God?

Showing kindness to God represents helping God or defending God against Job's complaints. Job uses these questions to rebuke his friends for thinking that they can defend God. Alternate translation: "You think that God need you to defend him? You think that you can argue for God like attorneys in court."

Job 13:9

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to speak to his friends.

Will it be good for you when he examines you?

Job uses this question to warn his friends that if God were to examine them, he would say that what they are doing is wrong. Alternate translation: "When God examines you, it will not be good for you."

Could you deceive him as you might deceive men?

Job uses this question to warn his friends that God knows the truth about them. Alternate translation: "You might be able to deceive men, but you cannot deceive God."

Job 13:10

reprove you

"rebuke you"

if in secret you showed partiality

"if you secretly show favor to another." Showing partiality refers to saying only good things about someone so that the judge will say that the person is good. Doing this in secret means pretending to speak fairly, but really favoring one person over another.

Job 13:11

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to speak to his friends.

Will not his majesty terrify you, and the dread of him fall upon you?

Job uses these questions to rebuke his friends. Possible meanings are 1) Job is saying that they should fear God. Alternate translation: "His majesty should make you afraid, and his dread should fall on you." or 2) Job is saying that they will fear God. Alternate translation: "His majesty will make you afraid, and his dread will fall on you!"

and the dread of him fall upon you

Dread falling on people represents them becoming terribly afraid. Alternate translation: "and you not be terribly afraid" or "and you not be terrified"

Job 13:12

Your memorable sayings are proverbs made of ashes

Ashes represent things that are worthless and do not last. Alternate translation: "Your memorable sayings are worthless like ashes" or "Your memorable sayings will be forgotten like ashes that are blown away"

your defenses are defenses made of clay

Job speaks of what they say as if it were a wall made of clay around a city; it cannot defend the people because clay breaks easily. Alternate translation: "What you say in defense is as useless as a wall of clay"

your defenses

Possible meanings are that this refers to 1) what they say to defend themselves or 2) what they say to defend God.

Job 13:13

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to speak to his friends.

Hold your peace

This is an idiom meaning "Be quiet" or "Stop talking"

let me alone

This is an idiom that means "stop bothering me" or "stop hindering me"

let come what may on me

Things coming on a person represents things happening to a person. This expression starting with "let" means that he does not care what might happen to him. Alternate translation: "let whatever may happen to me happen" or "I do not care what may happen to me"

Job 13:14

I will take my own flesh ... in my hands

"Flesh" here is a metonym for life. "Teeth" and "hands" are metonyms for his own control. These two phrases together emphasize that Job is willing to risk his life by arguing his case with God. Alternate translation: "I am ready to risk my life"

Job 13:15

General Information:

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Job 13:16

Connecting Statement:

Job finishes speaking to his friends and begins to address God directly.

This will be the reason for my deliverance

The abstract noun "deliverance" can be expressed with the verb "deliver." Alternate translation: "This is the reason that God will deliver me" or "This is why God will save me from my troubles"

Job 13:17

God, listen carefully

Job begins directing his speech directly to God.

listen carefully to my speech; let my declaration come to your ears

These two lines mean basically the same thing and intensify Job's request for God to listen to him.

let my declaration come to your ears

The abstract noun "declaration" can be expressed with the verb "declare." The ears represent listening. Alternate translation: "listen to my declaration" or "listen to what I declare"

Job 13:18

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to God.

See now, I

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: I"

I have set my defense in order

Setting his defense in order represents deciding what he will say to defend himself. Alternate translation: "I have thought through how I will defend myself" or "I have decided how I will explain myself"

Job 13:19

Who is the one who would argue against me in court?

Job uses this question to express his belief that since he is right, no one would argue against him. Alternate translation: "I do not believe that anyone would argue against me in court."

If you came to do so

"If you came to argue against me"

If you

"You" here means God himself.

if I were proved wrong

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if you were to prove me wrong"

die

If your language has a word for dying that refers to breathing for the last time, you may want to use it here.

Job 13:20

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to God.

from your face

"Face" represents the person. Alternate translation: "from you"

Job 13:21

withdraw your oppressive hand

An oppressive hand is a metonym for doing things that oppress someone. Withdrawing the hand is a metaphor for stopping doing those things. Alternate translation: "stop oppressing me"

do not let your terrors make me afraid

The phrase "your terrors" refers to what causes people to be terrified of God. Alternate translation: "do not terrify me"

Job 13:22

General Information:

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Job 13:23

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to God.

Job 13:24

Why do you hide ... like your enemy?

Job asks this question to complain about how God is treating him. He probably hopes for an answer.

you hide your face from me

Hiding one's face from someone represents refusing to look at him or ignoring him. Alternate translation: "you refuse to look at me" or "you ignore me"

Job 13:25

Will you cause a driven leaf to tremble?

Job is rebuking God because God is attacking Job when Job has no defense against God. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not cause this driven leaf to tremble"

cause a driven leaf to tremble

The word "tremble" here refers to trembling with fear. The phrase "driven leaf," which refers to a leaf that has died and dried up and is blown by the wind, is a metaphor for a man who has no strength and is harmless. Alternate translation: "terrify a weak, harmless man"

Will you pursue dry stubble?

Job uses this question to tell God that since Job is so insignificant and weak, it is useless to pursue him. "Leaf" and "stubble" are metaphors describing Job's weakness, insignificance, and frailty. Alternate translation: "It is useless for you to pursue dry stubble" or "You pursue me, but I am weak like a leaf blown by the wind and insignificant like dry stubble"

pursue

You may need to make explicit that the purpose of pursuing Job is to persecute him. Alternate translation: "persecute"

Job 13:26

Connecting Statement:

Job finishes presenting his case to God.

For you write down bitter things against me

"Bitter things" represents accusations. Alternate translation: "For you write down accusations against me"

you make me inherit the iniquities of my youth

Inheriting the iniquities of his youth is a metaphor. Possible meanings are it represents 1) being guilty for the sins of his youth. Alternate translation: "you say that I am still guilty for the sins of my youth" or 2) being punished for the sins of his youth. Alternate translation: "you punish me for the sins of my youth"

the iniquities of my youth

The abstract noun "youth" can be translated with the word "young." Alternate translation: "the sins I committed when I was young"

Job 13:27

You also put my feet in the stocks

Doing this represents punishing Job and keeping him from living freely as if Job had committed a crime and was a prisoner. Alternate translation: "It is as though you put my feet in the stocks"

the stocks

Possible meanings are 1) a frame that holds a prisoner's feet in place so that he cannot move at all or 2) chains around a prisoner's feet that make it hard for him to walk. These are used as a form of punishment.

all my paths

"Paths" represent the things Job does. Alternate translation: "everything I do"

you examine the ground where the soles of my feet have walked

The soles of his feet represent the person who walks. Alternate translation: "you examine the ground where I have walked"

you examine the ground where the soles of my feet have walked

Examining this ground represents examining all that Job has done. Alternate translation: "it is as though you examine the ground where I have walked" or "you examine everything I do like a person examining someone's footprints on the ground"

Job 13:28

like a rotten thing that wastes away

Job compares his life to something that is decaying. He is slowly dying.

like a garment that moths have eaten

Job compares himself to clothes that are full of holes because the moths have eaten parts of it.

Chapter 14

Job 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Job's claim of righteousness being presented to Yahweh. It also has an abrupt shift in tone. Rather than being hopeful, Job laments. (See: righteous and lament)

Special concepts in this chapter

Resurrection

The events of Job occurred long before the Old Testament was written. Therefore, he likely had very little direct revelation about Yahweh. The resurrection of the dead was apparently not well-known during Job's day. (See: reveal)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in his appeal to Yahweh.

Job 14:1

General Information:

This chapter continues Job's speech, which started in Job 12:1. Job is speaking to God.

Man, who is born of woman

This refers to all people, both men and women; all are born into this world.

lives only a few days

This is an exaggeration to emphasize that people live only a short time. Alternate translation: "lives only a very short time"

is full of trouble

Being "full of trouble" represents experiencing much trouble. Alternate translation: "has many troubles" or "suffers much"

Job 14:2

He sprouts from the ground like a flower and is cut down

Like the life of a flower, a person's life is short and is easily killed.

he flees like a shadow and does not last

A person's short life is compared to a shadow that disappears quickly.

Job 14:3

Do you look at any of these?

Job implies that he does not want God to pay so much attention to him. Alternate translation: "You do not look at any of these." or "You do not pay so much attention to these. Please do not pay so much attention to me."

look at

Here looking at some one represents paying attention to him in order to judge him. Alternate translation: "pay attention to" or "look for faults in"

Do you bring me into judgment with you?

Job uses this question to show his surprise that God judges him even though Job is so insignificant like the flowers. Alternate translation: "But you judge me."

Job 14:4

General Information:

Job continues speaking to God.

Who can bring something clean out of something unclean? No one

Job uses this question to persuade God to apply what he knows about unclean things to Job. Alternate translation: "No one can bring something clean out of something unclean"

Job 14:5

Man's days are determined

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "You determine a man's days" or "You decide how long a man lives"

The number of his months is with you

The number of man's months being with God represents God deciding the number of months that the man will live. "You decide how many months he will live"

you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass

Passing a limit represents living past a time that God has set for a person to die. Alternate translation: "you have appointed the time that he will die, and he cannot live longer than that"

Job 14:6

hired man

a man who is hired to do a job and goes home afterwards

Job 14:7

There can be hope for a tree

The abstract noun "hope" can be expressed with the verb "hope." The hope is explained in verses 7-9. Alternate translation: "We can hope that a tree will live again"

it might sprout again

"it might start growing again"

so that its tender stalk does not disappear

Disappearing represents dying. Alternate translation: "so that its young shoot will not die"

Job 14:8

Though

"Even if"

stump

the part of the tree that remains sticking out of the ground after someone has cut down most of the tree

Job 14:9

even if it only smells water

This describes the dead stump as if it could smell water to represent water being near it. Alternate translation: "even if only a little water is near it"

it will bud

"it will start growing"

send out branches like a plant

The tree sending out branches represents branches growing on the tree. Alternate translation: "branches will start growing on it like a plant"

Job 14:10

then where is he?

Job uses this question to emphasize that when a person dies, he is not present. Alternate translation: "no one knows where he is." or "he is gone."

Job 14:11

Connecting Statement:

Job begins to use word pictures to describe how it is that "man dies; he becomes weak" (verse 10).

As water disappears from a lake ... dries up

Water that has dried up from a lake or a river cannot return, and once a person dies or grows old, he cannot become young again.

becomes dry and dries up

The phrases "becomes dry" and "dries up" mean translate words that mean the same thing. If translating both phrases would be awkward in your language, you can leave one of them untranslated.

Job 14:12

Connecting Statement:

Job finishes comparing growing old and dying with water drying up (verse 11).

so people lie down

Lying down represents dying. Alternate translation: "so people die"

do not rise again

Rising again represents living again. Alternate translation: "do not live again"

Job 14:13

General Information:

Job continues speaking to God.

Oh, that you would hide me

This is an exclamation showing what Job wants very much but does not really expect to happen. Alternate translation: "I wish that you would hide me"

keep me in private

"keep me locked up" or "keep me hidden"

call me to mind

Call someone to mind is an idiom meaning to think about him. Alternate translation: "think about me" or "remember me"

Job 14:14

General Information:

This seems to be an elliptical statement of a hypothetical case: "If a man dies, he will not live again, but if he did, all the days of my hard service I would wait for my release to come."

If a man dies, will he live again?

The implicit answer is "no." Alternate translation: "If a man dies, he will not live again."

man

any male person

All my time of service there I will wait

"I will wait all the time I am serving there"

until my release should come

The abstract noun "release" can be expressed with the verb "release." Alternate translation: "until I should be released" or "until you release me"

Job 14:15

General Information:

Job continues speaking to God.

I would answer

"I would do what you wanted me to do"

You would have a desire for

The noun "desire" can be expressed with the verbs "desire" or "want." Alternate translation: "You would desire" or "You would want"

for the work of your hands

Here God's hands represent him making things. Job refers to himself as the work of God's hands. Alternate translation: "for me, whom you have made"

Job 14:16

number and care for

These two verbs together express a single action. Alternate translation: "attentively care for"

my footsteps

Footsteps represent his life or what he does. Alternate translation: "my life" or "the things I do"

you would not keep track of my sin

Keeping track of Job's sin represents thinking about his sin. Alternate translation: "you would not look at my sin" or "you would not think about my sin"

Job 14:17

My transgression would be ... you would cover up

These three lines express the same thought and are used together to emphasize his confidence that God would forgive him.

My transgression would be sealed up in a bag

Sealing transgression in a bag represents hiding it and refusing to think about it. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You would refuse to think about my transgression like someone who hides something in a bag"

you would cover up my iniquity

Covering up someone's iniquity so that it cannot be seen represents refusing to think about it. Alternate translation: "you would hide my iniquity" or "you would ignore my iniquity"

Job 14:18

General Information:

Job continues speaking to God.

mountains fall and crumble to nothing

"Crumble to nothing" here is an idiom meaning be completely destroyed. This phrase expands on the word "fall" and emphasizes complete destruction. Alternate translation: "mountains completely fall apart"

rocks are moved out of their place

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "rocks tumble down from their place"

Job 14:19

Like this, you destroy the hope of man

If it is easier in your language, you can put this phrase at the beginning of verse 18 and adjust the text accordingly. Alternate translation: "You destroy the hope of man, just like ... dust of the earth"

you destroy the hope of man

Destroying hope represents causing the things people hope for not to happen. Alternate translation: "You prevent the hope of man from happening"

the hope of man

The abstract noun "hopes" can be expressed with the verb "hope." Alternate translation: "the things that man hopes for"

Job 14:20

General Information:

Job continues speaking to God.

You forever defeat him

The word "him" refers to any person. Alternate translation: "You forever defeat man" or "You forever defeat people"

forever

or "completely"

he passes away

Passing away represents dying. Alternate translation: "he dies"

you change his face

Possible meanings are 1) the pain just before dying makes his face contract or 2) when a person dies, God makes the person's face look different.

send him away to die

This represents causing him to die.

Job 14:21

if they are brought low

Being brought low represents being shamed. Alternate translation: "if they are disgraced" or "if people shame them"

Job 14:22

General Information:

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Chapter 15

Job 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. In this chapter, Eliphaz speaks to Job again. His words in this chapter are much stronger than when he previously spoke.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Eliphaz uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job that he is wrong. These questions help to build Eliphaz's argument.

Job 15:1

Eliphaz the Temanite

This is the name of a man. People from Teman are known as Temanites. See how you translated this in [Job 2:11]

Job 15:2

Should a wise man answer with useless knowledge and fill himself with the east wind?

Eliphaz uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Job. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "A wise man should not answer with useless knowledge nor fill himself with the east wind."

fill himself with the east wind

The wind represents emptiness. This phrase speaks of a person speaking empty and meaningless words as if that person were full of the wind. Alternate translation: "fill himself with empty words" or "only have meaningless words"

the east wind

"hot air" or "the desert wind"

Job 15:3

Should he reason with unprofitable talk or with speeches with which he can do no good?

Eliphaz uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Job. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "He should not reason with unprofitable talk nor with speeches with which he can do no good." or "He should not argue using unprofitable talk or make speeches that accomplish nothing good."

Job 15:4

you diminish respect for God

Possible meanings are 1) "because of what you say and do, other people no longer respect God" or 2) "you are no longer respecting God."

diminish

make smaller

you obstruct meditation before him

Possible meanings are 1) "you make it difficult for others to meditate in God's presence" or 2) "you are no longer devoting yourself to God."

Job 15:5

your iniquity teaches your mouth

This describes "iniquity" as if it were a teacher and Job's mouth is described as if it is learning. This means that his speech is greatly influenced by his iniquity. Alternate translation: "your iniquity is like a teacher and your mouth is like its student" or "it is because of your sin that you speak the way you do"

your mouth

This speaks of Job, but refers to his "mouth" to place emphasis on what he says. Alternate translation: "you to speak" or "you to say what you say"

to have the tongue of the crafty

This refers to the way crafty people speak as their "tongue." Alternate translation: "to speak in the way of crafty people"

the crafty

This nominal adjective refers to people who harm others by lying to them.

Job 15:6

Your own mouth condemns you, not mine

This refers to Job and Eliphaz by their "mouths" to place emphasis on what they say. Alternate translation: "You are condemned by what you say, not by what I say" or "You condemn yourself by what you say, it is not I who condemns you"

your own lips testify

This speaks of Job, but refers to his "lips" to place emphasis on what he says. Alternate translation: "your own words" or "you testify"

Job 15:7

General Information:

Each verse is a parallelism that contains two rhetorical questions.

Are you the first man that was born?

The implicit answer here is "no." This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are not the first man that was born."

Were you brought into existence before the hills?

The implicit answer here is "no." This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You were not brought into existence before the hills." or "God did not bring you into existence before he brought the hills into existence."

Were you brought

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Did God bring you"

Job 15:8

Have you heard the secret knowledge of God?

The implicit answer here is "no." This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have not heard the secret knowledge of God."

Do you limit wisdom to yourself?

This rhetorical question emphasizes that he cannot limit wisdom to himself. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You cannot limit wisdom to yourself." or "You are not the only wise person."

Job 15:9

What do you know that we do not know?

The implicit answer here is "nothing." This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "There is nothing that you know that we do not know." or "Everything you know, we also know."

What do you understand that is not also in us?

This speaks of the men having understanding as if it were something "inside" them. Alternate translation: "Everything you understand, we also understand." or "We understand everything that you understand."

Job 15:10

With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men

Eliphaz speaks of him and the other men having learned wisdom from older men and wisdom that had been passed down from men of previous generations as if these older men were physically present with them. Alternate translation: "We acquired wisdom from old gray-haired people, from people who were born before your father was"

Job 15:11

Are the consolations of God ... gentle toward you?

This rhetorical question is an accusation, with the implicit answer to the question being "yes." This question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You must think that the consolations of God are too small for you, the words that are gentle toward you"

consolations

"comforts" or "sympathies"

Job 15:12

Why does your heart carry you away?

Here the "heart" represents a person's emotions. Alternate translation: "Why do your emotions take you away?" or "Why do you allow your emotions to guide your decisions?"

Why do your eyes flash

This probably refers to Job appearing angry, specifically the appearance of his eyes. Alternate translation: "Why do your eyes look angry" or "Why are you angry"

Job 15:13

turn your spirit

Here the "spirit" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "turn yourself"

bring out such words from your mouth

This describes him speaking. Alternate translation: "so you say harsh things against him"

Job 15:14

What is man ... What is he who is born

These two questions are basically the same and are used together to emphasize that a man cannot be perfect.

What is man that he should be clean?

This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that a man cannot be completely "clean." This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "A man, he cannot be completely clean."

clean

A person who God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.

What is he who is born of a woman that he should be righteous?

This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that a man cannot be completely "righteous." This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "A man who is born from a woman cannot be completely righteous."

Job 15:15

See

This word is used here to draw Job's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"

his holy ones

"his angels"

clean

Something that God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if it were physically clean.

in his sight

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in his judgment"

Job 15:16

abhorrent and corrupt

These two words basically mean the same thing and emphasize how wicked humans are.

abhorrent

If your language has a word for a person whom others reject as unclean in a ritual or spiritual sense, you might want to use it here.

who drinks iniquity like water

This describes iniquity as if it were water you can drink. It compares how the evil man desires to commit sin to how readily he desires to drink cool water. Alternate translation: "who love iniquity as much as they love a cup of fresh water" or "who commit evil deeds as often as they drink water"

Job 15:17

I will show you

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "I will explain to you" or "I will make it clear to you"

I will announce

"I will declare"

Job 15:18

their ancestors did not hide

Eliphaz emphasizes that their ancestors purposefully taught them these things. Alternate translation: "their ancestors taught openly"

Job 15:19

to whom alone the land was given

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to whom alone God gave the land"

among whom no stranger ever passed

This means that no foreigner lived among them, specifically so that they would not be influenced by pagan religions. Alternate translation: "no one from another country came and caused them to think wrongly about God"

Job 15:20

twists in pain

"suffers a lot of pain." This is either physical or emotional pain.

the number of years that are laid up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the years that God has laid up"

that are laid up

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "that are prepared" or "that are set aside"

Job 15:21

A sound of terrors is in his ears

"He constantly hears sounds that terrify him"

Job 15:22

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues describing the wicked man he began to describe in Job 15:20.

return out of darkness

Here "darkness" is a metaphor for trouble or misfortune. Alternate translation: "escape misfortune"

he has been marked out for the sword

Here "the sword" is a metonym that represents an enemy who is waiting to kill the evil man. Possible meanings are 1) he is worried that someone will murder him. Alternate translation: "he worries that someone is about to murder him" or 2) it is certain that he is someone will murder him. Alternate translation: "someone is waiting to murder him"

Job 15:23

for bread

Here "bread" refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "for food"

the day of darkness

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "the day of disaster" or "the moment of his death"

is at hand

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "is coming soon"

Job 15:24

Distress and anguish make him afraid; they prevail against him

The words "distress" and "anguish" mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of the emotion. Here these feelings are spoken of as if they were an enemy who is attacking the wicked man.

prevail against

"overpower" or "defeat"

as a king ready for battle

This compares how his distress and anguish overpower him to how a king, who is ready for battle, would prevail against him. Alternate translation: "just like a king, who is ready for a battle, would prevail against him"

Job 15:25

he has reached out with his hand against God

"he has shook his fist against God." This is a sign of aggression.

Job 15:26

runs at God

This speaks of the wicked man acting aggressively against God as if he were running towards him to attack him. Alternate translation: "attacks God" or "acts violently against God"

with a thick shield

"with his strong shield"

Job 15:27

This is true

"This" refers to the wicked man running at God from the previous verse.

he has covered his face with his fat and gathered fat on his loins

This wicked man is described as fat and weak, while believing himself to be strong enough to defeat God. Alternate translation: "he is weak with a fat face and fat loins"

Job 15:28

which no man inhabits

"which are abandoned"

heaps

piles of useless things

Job 15:29

He will not be rich; his wealth will not last

These two litotes express that he will be the opposite of rich, that he will be poor. Alternate translation: "he will be poor; all his money will disappear"

Job 15:30

out of darkness

Darkness here represents death. Alternate translation: "out of the darkness of death"

a flame will dry up his stalks

Here the flame represents God's judgment and the drying up of his stalks represents either the fact that his possessions disappear, or that he will die. Alternate translation: "God will take everything he owns away, like a fire dries out the moist branches of a tree"

the breath of God's mouth

Here God's "breath" represents his judgement. Alternate translation: "God's breath" or "God's judgment"

he will go away

This refers to him dying. Alternate translation: "he will die"

Job 15:31

for uselessness will be his reward

This is implied that this is what will happen if he trusts in useless things. Alternate translation: "for if he trusts in them, uselessness will be his reward"

Job 15:32

his palm branch will not be green

This speaks of the man looking pale and dead as if he were a dried out stalk or palm tree branch. Alternate translation: "he will look dead, just like the branch of a dead palm tree does not look green"

Job 15:33

He will drop his ... he will cast off his

These two lines give a similar image, which is repeated to emphasize that this will surely happen.

He will drop his unripe grapes like a grapevine

This speaks of the wicked man growing weak and dying as if he were a grapevine dropping unripe grapes. Alternate translation: "Just like a grapevine drops its unripe grapes, so the wicked man will drop his strength"

he will cast off his flowers like the olive tree

This speaks of the wicked man growing weak and dying as if he were were an olive tree dropping its flowers. Alternate translation: "just like an olive tree loses its flowers, so the wicked man will lose his strength"

Job 15:34

the company of godless people

"the group of godless people"

fire will consume their tents of bribery

The phrase "tents of bribery" means that the wicked people bought these tents with the money they made by bribery. Alternate translation: "the tents they bought with their bribes will be burned by fire"

Job 15:35

They conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity; their womb conceives deceit

The same thought is repeated three times to emphasize how much evil these people produce. This speaks of a person planning to do evil things and doing them as if the person were conceiving and giving birth to these things as a woman conceives and gives birth to a child. Alternate translation: "They plan to cause mischief and do evil things; they are always planning to deceive others"

their womb conceives

Here the "womb" is used to refer to the person to emphasize conception, as it is in the womb that conception takes place. Alternate translation: "they conceive"

Chapter 16

Job 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Job's response to Eliphaz.

Special concepts in this chapter

Job's response

Job expresses shock and disgust at the advice Eliphaz gives to him. He even mocks Eliphaz. He describes the difficulties of his circumstances but never curses Yahweh. (See: curse)

Advocate

Job describes the need for someone to intercede for him in heaven. This person would be his advocate and provide a witness for him. Although this is probably not intended as a prophecy, it closely parallels the way Jesus intercedes for people in heaven. (See: intercede, heaven and testimony and prophet)

Job 16:1

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Job 16:2

you are all troublesome comforters

"instead of comforting me, you all cause me only trouble"

Job 16:3

Will useless words ever have an end?

Job uses this rhetorical question to express that he wishes that they would stop speaking useless words. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "How I wish your useless words would end!"

What is wrong with you that you answer like this?

Job uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Eliphaz. Here the word "you" is singular and refers to Eliphaz, who just finished speaking to Job. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Eliphaz, you should stop answering me like this!"

Job 16:4

I could collect and join words together

Job speaks of thinking of useless things to say as if his words were random items that he collected and joined together. Alternate translation: "I could think of things to say"

shake my head

This is an action that shows disapproval.

in mockery

The word "mockery" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "to mock you"

Job 16:5

I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the quivering of my lips will bring you relief!

The words "mouth" and "lips" are metonyms for the words or messages that a person speaks using his mouth and lips. Here Job is speaking sarcastically and means the opposite of what he says. Alternate translation: "My words would surely not be encouraging to you! They would surely not lighten your grief" or "By speaking to you as you spoke to me earlier, I would not encourage you or lighten your grief!"

with my mouth

Here Job's "mouth" represents what he says. Alternate translation: "with what I say"

the quivering of my lips

This is a metonym for the words or message that he speaks. Alternate translation: "my comforting words"

will bring you relief

This speaks of grief as if it were a heavy physical burden. Alternate translation: "will lessen your grief" or "will help you feel less grief"

Job 16:6

grief

Job has experienced great loss of family and health that is unexplained and therefore causes him "great sorrow and emotional pain."

how am I helped?

Job uses this rhetorical question to express that keeping quiet does not lessen his grief. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "it does not help me at all."

Job 16:7

But now, God, you

Job now turns his complaining to God.

made all my family desolate

"destroyed all my family"

Job 16:8

You have made me dry up

This means that Job's body has shriveled and become wrinkled. Alternate translation: "You have made my body shrivel up"

which itself is a witness against me

Job describes the shriveling of his body as if it were an accuser against him. Alternate translation: "and people think that shows me to be a sinner"

the leanness of my body rises up against me, and it testifies against

Job describes the thinness of his body as if it were accuser against him. Alternate translation: "They see how thin my body is, and they think that proves that I am guilty"

against my face

Here Job is referred to by his "face." Alternate translation: "against me"

Job 16:9

God has torn me in his wrath and persecuted me ... as he tears me apart

This speaks of God causing Job pain as if God were a wild animal and Job were his prey that he was killing. Alternate translation: "Because God is very angry with me, it is as though he were a wild animal that tore my body apart with his teeth because he was my enemy"

my enemy

Job refers to God as his "enemy" as he describes how he has caused him great pain.

fastens his eyes on me

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "glares at me"

Job 16:10

People have gaped with open mouth

To "gape" means to stare in amazement with open mouth.

Job 16:11

hands me over to ungodly people, and throws me into the hands of wicked people

These two lines mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize Job's feeling of having been betrayed by God.

hands me over to

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "puts me under the control of"

throws me into the hands

Here a person's "hands" refer to his "control." Alternate translation: "delivers me to the control"

Job 16:12

and he broke me apart

Job speaks of his pain and despair as if he himself were something that was broken into pieces. Alternate translation: "but then it felt as though he broke me apart"

dashed me to pieces

Job speaks of God causing him pain and despair as if he were something that God had taken and smashed into pieces. Alternate translation: "it is as though he has taken me by the neck and smashed me to pieces"

he has also set me up as his target

Job speaks of himself being the focus of God's attacks as if God has set him up as a target to shoot arrows at. Alternate translation: "it is as though he set me up like a target"

Job 16:13

His archers surround me all around

Job speaks of himself being the focus of God's attacks as if God has set him up as a target and God had archers surrounding him to attack him. Alternate translation: "It is as though his archers have me surrounded"

God pierces my kidneys and does not spare me; he pours out my bile on the ground

Job speaks of the pain he is feeling by comparing it to God piercing his body with arrows. Here "God" represents the arrows that he shoots. Alternate translation: "It feels like God's arrows have pierced my kidneys and my liver, spilling my bile on the ground. He does not spare me"

Job 16:14

He smashes through my wall

Job speaks of the pain that he feels by comparing himself to a wall that God smashes through. Alternate translation: "I feel like a wall that God smashes through" or "I feel like a wall that God breaks through"

he runs upon me like a warrior

Job describes God as a soldier that attacks him. Alternate translation: "it is like he is a warrior who runs at me to attack me"

Job 16:15

I have sewn sackcloth on my skin

Job speaks of wearing clothing made of sackcloth as if the cloth were attached to his body. People often wore sackcloth to express mourning or great grief. Alternate translation: "Because I am mourning, I have sewn together sackcloth to wear as my clothing" or "I wear clothing that I made from sackcloth, because I am mourning"

I have thrust my horn into the ground

Job's "horn" represents the power and authority he had before but now is no more. Alternate translation: "I sit here in the dirt, very depressed"

Job 16:16

on my eyelids is utter darkness

Here Job's eyes are represented by his "eyelids." Job speaks of his eyes' dark appearance as if his eyes looked like the eyes of a dead person. Alternate translation: "there are dark circles around my eyes" or "my eyes are dark, like the eyes of a dead person"

Job 16:17

there is no violence in my hands

"Hands" refers to a person's ability and activity. Alternate translation: "I have not acted violently"

Job 16:18

Earth, do not cover up my blood

Jobs speaks to the "earth" directly even though it cannot hear him, to add strength to his statement. The earth is personified as purposefully covering up his blood after he dies. Alternate translation: "I wish my blood would not soak into the ground but that it would remain on top of the ground as proof of how I died"

Earth, do not cover up my blood

Job speaks of himself dying as if he would be murdered. Here his "blood" is a metonym referring to his death. Alternate translation: "Earth, when I die, do not hide how I died unfairly" or "Let it not be hidden how I died unfairly"

let my cry have no resting place

Job speaks of wanting everyone to know what happened to him as if his "cry" were a person that never stopped testifying to what happened to him and never rested. Alternate translation: "let everyone hear about what has happened to me"

Job 16:19

see

Job uses this word to draw attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "listen"

vouches for me

"testifies that I am righteous"

on high

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "in heaven" or "in heaven on high"

Job 16:20

scoff at

"scorn" or "ridicule"

my eye pours out tears

Job describes how strongly he feels his sorrow. Here he exaggerates how he often cries by saying that tears pour from his eyes. Alternate translation: "my eyes are full of tears while I cry out"

Job 16:21

for this man

"for me." Here Job refers to himself in the third person.

as a man does with his neighbor!

"as a man does for his neighbor." Job describes how he wants that one in heaven to plead for him.

Job 16:22

I will go to a place

Here Job is referring to himself dying. Alternate translation: "I will die and go to a place"

Chapter 17

Job 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Job's response to Eliphaz, but it is more directly addressed to Yahweh.

Special concepts in this chapter

Job's grief

Job expresses grief or great sadness in this chapter. He awaits the justice and intercession of Yahweh as he awaits his own death. (See: curse and intercede)

Advocate

Job describes the need for someone to intercede for him in heaven. This person would be his advocate and provide a witness for him. Although this is probably not intended as a prophecy, it closely parallels the way Jesus intercedes for people in heaven. (See: heaven and testimony and prophet)

Job 17:1

General Information:

Job continues to speak.

My spirit is broken

The word "spirit" is a synecdoche that refers to Job as a whole person and means that he has no physical strength left. Alternate translation: "I have no more strength"

my days are over

"my time is over" or "I am going to die soon"

the grave is ready for me

This phrase describes "the grave" as if it is a person who will receive Job as a guest. Alternate translation: "soon I will be dead and buried"

Job 17:2

Surely there are mockers with me

"Those who are around me are mocking me"

Surely

"Certainly" or "There is no doubt that"

my eye must always see

Job refers to himself by his "eyes" to emphasize what he sees. Alternate translation: "I must always see" or "I must always hear"

their provocation

"their insults." The word "provocation" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "them provoking me" or "them, trying to make me angry"

Job 17:3

Give now a pledge, be a guarantee for me with yourself

Job begins to speak to God. Here he speaks of his situation as if he were in prison. He is asking God to provide a pledge so that he may be released. Alternate translation: "God, give now a pledge so that I may be released from this prison" or "pay for my release from prison"

who else is there who will help me?

Job uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no one else to help him. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "there is no one else who will help me."

Job 17:4

General Information:

Job continues to speak.

have kept their hearts

The word "their" refers to his friends. They are referred to by their "hearts" to emphasize their emotions. Alternate translation: "have kept them" or "have kept my friends"

you will not exalt them over me

"you will not allow them to triumph over me"

Job 17:5

He who

"Anyone who"

denounces his friends for a reward

"falsely accuses his friends in order to get a profit" or "betrays his friends to receive a reward"

the eyes of his children will fail

The person's children are referred to here by their "eyes." This phrase describes the children suffering because of what their father or mother did. Alternate translation: "his children will suffer for it"

Job 17:6

General Information:

Job continues to speak.

he has made me a byword of the people

This means that people speak of him in a mocking way and use his name as an insult. Alternate translation: "because of him, people use my name as an insult" or "because of them, people use my name as a byword"

they spit in my face

"people spit in my face." In this culture spitting on someone was a great insult. If spitting has a different meaning in your culture you can write this differently. Alternate translation: "people insult me greatly, by spitting in my face"

Job 17:7

My eye is also dim because of sorrow

Job speaks of his vision as his "eyes." Alternate translation: "My vision has become weak because I am so sad" or "I am almost blind because of my sorrow"

all my members are as thin as shadows

Shadows have no thickness and are infinitely thin. That is an exaggeration of how thin Job's body parts are. Alternate translation: "all my body parts are very thin"

all my members

This is a generalization used to emphasize that his whole body is thin, but it probably refers specifically to his arms and legs. Alternate translation: "my arms and legs"

Job 17:8

will be appalled

"will be shocked" or "will be horrified"

by this

"by what has happened to me"

will stir himself up against

This is an idiom that means to awaken oneself or rouse oneself into activity. Alternate translation: "will begin to take action against"

Job 17:9

General Information:

Job continues to speak.

will keep to his way

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "will continue to live in a righteous way"

he who has clean hands

This speaks of a person being innocent as having clean hands. Alternate translation: "he who does what is right" or "he who is innocent"

will grow stronger and stronger

This does not refer only to physical strength but also to the strength of a person's will and emotions.

Job 17:10

you all

Job is speaking to Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.

come on now

Job invites his friends to debate what he has said. Alternate translation: "come on now, argue with me again"

Job 17:11

General Information:

Job continues to speak.

My days are past

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "My time is past" or "My life is over"

my plans are shattered, and so are the desires of my heart

Here Job's "heart" represents his inner being. Alternate translation: "my plans will never happen, nor will the things that I have desired most"

Job 17:12

These people, these mockers

These two phrases refer to the same people, namely Job's friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. The second phrase emphasizes their unfriendly attitude.

change the night into day

This speaks of the people claiming that night is day as if they actually changed night into day. Alternate translation: "claim it is daytime when it is night" or "say the opposite of what is true, just as night is the opposite of day"

light is near to darkness

It is implied that the mockers claim that it is light when it is close to dark. Alternate translation: "they claim that light is near to darkness" or "they claim that when it is becoming dark, that it is getting light"

Job 17:13

General Information:

Job continues to speak.

If the only home ... and if I have spread

The instances of "if" here have the meaning of "since"; Job is speaking as if all these things were true. "Since the only home ... and since I have spread"

have spread my couch in the darkness

Here Job speaks of being prepared to die as having laid his bed in the darkness. Alternate translation: "have prepared myself to go and sleep among the dead"

have spread my couch

"have made my bed"

Job 17:14

if I have said

The word "if" here has the meaning of "since"; Job is speaking as if this were true. "since I have said"

I have said to the pit ... and to the worm

These two lines are a variation to each other and are used together to emphasize how desperate Job is.

the pit

"the grave"

You are my father

Job speaks of the closeness he will soon have with his grave by comparing it to the closeness a man has with his father. Alternate translation: "You are as close to me as my father" or "When I am buried, you will be as close to me as a father"

the worm

"the maggot." Worms are the small creatures that eat dead bodies.

You are my mother or my sister

Job speaks of the closeness he will soon have with the worms in his grave by comparing it to the closeness a man has with his mother and sisters. Alternate translation: "You are as close to me as my mother or my sister" or "You will be as close to me as a mother or sister"

Job 17:15

where then is my hope?

The implicit answer is "nowhere," because he has no hope. This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "then I have no hope."

As for my hope, who can see any?

This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that that no one expects him to have any hope. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can see any hope for me." or "No one expects me to have any more hope."

Job 17:16

Will hope go down with me ... dust?

The implicit answer is "no." This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Hope will not go down with me ... dust." or "I will no longer hope when I go down ... dust."

gates of Sheol

Sheol does not really have gates, but it is a metaphor for Job entering Sheol. Alternate translation: "when I go into Sheol"

when we

"when I and the things that I hope for" or "when I and my hopes." The word "we" refers to Job and his hope.

descend to the dust

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "die and are buried" or "go to the grave"

Chapter 18

Job 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. In this chapter, Bildad speaks to Job again. His words in this chapter are much stronger than when he previously spoke, and he is even angry at Job.

Job 18:1

General Information:

Bildad the Shuhite is speaking to Job. (See: and

Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said

"Bildad" is the name of a man who is a member of the tribe of Shuah. See how you translated this in Job 8:1.

Job 18:2

When will you stop your talk?

This rhetorical question means that Job has been talking for too long. This may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Stop talking!"

Consider, and

"Be reasonable, and" or "Think about these things, and"

Job 18:3

General Information:

Bildad continues speaking to Job.

Why are we regarded as cattle, stupid in your sight?

Bildad uses this rhetorical questions to emphasize to Job that he should not consider his friends as animals who cannot think or speak. It can be written as a statement in active form. Alternate translation: "We should not be regarded as beasts, as stupid in your sight." or "You should not regard us as beasts or think of us as stupid."

Why are we

The word "we" probably refers to Bildad and Job's other friends and so is exclusive.

regarded

Regarding, looking, is a metonym here for thinking well or badly of someone.

in your sight

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in your judgment" or "in your thinking"

your sight

The word "your" here is plural. Bildad is using sarcasm to tell Job that Job should not think of himself as a great man. Alternate translation: "your sight, you who wrongly think you are great"

Job 18:4

You who tear at yourself in your anger

Here Bildad is stating that it is because of Job's anger and disobedience that he has been injured, not because of God's anger as Job has previously claimed. The word "tear" here means to "injure." Alternate translation: "You who have caused your own injuries because of your anger"

should the earth be abandoned for you or should the rocks be removed out of their places?

This rhetorical question suggests that letting Job, whom they consider a guilty man, go free would be like changing the whole world. Bildad uses these huge exaggerations here to emphasize how outrageous he thinks this is. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "asking God to let you, a guilty man, go free is as silly as asking for God to forsake the earth for your sake or for God to move the rocks out of their places to please you!"

should the earth be abandoned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "should everyone leave the earth"

should the rocks be removed out of their places

This can be stated in active form. The word "rocks" here refers to large rocks, such as those in the mountains. Alternate translation: "should God remove the rocks from their places" or "should God move mountains around"

Job 18:5

General Information:

Bildad continues speaking to Job.

Indeed, the light of the wicked person will be put out; the spark of his fire will not shine

Bildad speaks of a wicked person dying as if his lamp were being blown out. Alternate translation: "What will happen is that the lives of wicked people like you end as quickly as we can put out a light or extinguish the flame of a fire"

will be put out

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will go out"

Job 18:6

The light will be dark in his tent; his lamp above him will be put out

Bildad continues to speak of the wicked person dying. He speaks of the wicked man's life as if it were the light in his tent. Alternate translation: It will be like the light in his tent has turned to darkness, like the lamp above him has gone out"

Job 18:7

General Information:

Bildad continues to describe the wicked person.

The steps of his strength will be made short

This speaks of the wicked person suddenly experiencing disaster as if he no longer had strength to walk. Alternate translation: "It will be like he no longer has the strength to walk"

his own plans will cast him down

"his own advice makes him fall down." This speaks of the wicked person undergoing disaster as if he fell down. Alternate translation: "his own plans will lead him into disaster"

Job 18:8

For he will be thrown into a net by his own feet; he will walk into a pitfall

"His own feet will lead him into a net." Bildad uses this image to say that the way that a wicked person lives his life leads him to sudden disaster. Alternate translation: "It will be as though he led himself into a net, as if he walked right into a pitfall"

a net

cords or ropes that people weave together to create a mesh. People used nets to catch animals.

a pitfall

a pit that has branches and leaves over it so that an animal will walk onto the branches and leaves and fall into the pit

Job 18:9

General Information:

Bildad continues to speak and uses three parallel images to describe how suddenly the wicked person will experience disaster.

A trap will take him ... a snare will

These four phrases speak of the wicked man experiencing disaster as if he were caught in a trap. Alternate translation: "It will be as though a trap will take him ... a snare will"

A trap

People used this kind of trap to catch birds. The trap snapped shut and held on to the foot of the bird.

will take him by the heel

Here the "heel" refers to the whole foot. Alternate translation: "will take hold of his foot"

Job 18:10

A noose is ... and a trap for him in the way

These four phrases speak of the wicked man experiencing disaster as if he were caught in a trap. Alternate translation: "It will be as though a noose is ... and a trap for him in the way"

A noose is hidden for him on the ground

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone has hidden a noose on the ground in order to catch him"

A noose

a rope with a loop that grabs hold of an animal's leg when the animal steps in the middle of the loop

a trap for him

The understood verbal phrase "is hidden" may be supplied. Alternate translation: "a trap is hidden on the path to catch him" or "someone will hide a trap to catch him in the way"

Job 18:11

Terrors will make him afraid on every side

"Terrors all around will make him afraid"

they will chase him at every step

This speaks of the things that terrify the wicked person as if they were enemies who chased him. Alternate translation: "it will be as if the terrors will chase him all around"

Job 18:12

General Information:

Bildad continues to describe the wicked person.

His wealth will turn into hunger

This speaks of the wicked man becoming poor and hungry as if his wealth were something that turned into something else. Alternate translation: "Instead of being wealthy, he will become poor and hungry"

calamity will be ready at his side

The phrase "ready at his side" is an idiom that means that something is continually present. Alternate translation: "he will continually experience disaster" or "he will not be able to avoid calamity"

Job 18:13

The parts of his body will be devoured

This can be stated in active form. Also, this speaks of a disease destroying his body as if it were an animal that had attacked him and was eating him. Alternate translation: "Disease will eat away at his skin" or "Disease will destroy his skin"

the firstborn of death will devour his parts

Here a disease that kills many people is referred to as "the firstborn of death." This speaks of that disease destroying his body as if it were an animal that had attacked him and was eating him. Alternate translation: "a deadly disease will destroy the different parts of his body"

Job 18:14

General Information:

Bildad continues to describe the wicked person.

He is torn from the safety of his tent

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Disaster rips him out of his tent, where he is safe"

marched off

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it marches him off" or "it forces him to go"

the king of terrors

This is a reference to "King Death," a pagan god who was believed to rule over death. Alternate translation: "the one who rules over the dead" or "the king of death"

Job 18:15

People not his own

"People who are not his family"

after they see that sulfur is scattered within his home

People used sulfur to get rid of any diseases from a dying person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after they spread sulfur all over his home"

Job 18:16

General Information:

Bildad continues to describe the wicked person.

His roots will be dried up ... branch be cut off

This speaks of the wicked man dying and having no descendants as if he were a tree whose roots dried up and branches withered, producing no fruit. Alternate translation: "He will die and leave no descendants, he will be like a tree whose roots have dried up and whose branches have all withered"

will his branch be cut off

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his branches will wither"

Job 18:17

His memory will perish from the earth; he will have no name in the street

These phrases have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize the fact that nobody will remember him after he dies.

His memory will perish from the earth

This speaks of the "memory" of the wicked man as if it were a person who died. Alternate translation: "No one on the earth will remember him"

he will have no name in the street

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "no one walking along the street will even remember his name"

Job 18:18

General Information:

Bildad continues to describe the wicked person.

He will be driven from light into darkness ... and be chased out of this world

These phrases together emphasize the fact that the wicked person will be sent to Sheol, the place of the dead.

He will be driven from light into darkness

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will drive the wicked person from light into darkness"

from light into darkness

The word "light" refers to life, and the word "darkness" refers to death. Alternate translation: "from the light of life to the darkness of death"

be chased out of this world

This speaks of God making him leave earth and go where dead people go as if he were chasing him. Alternate translation: "God will make him leave this world" or "God will send him to the place where dead people go"

be chased out

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will chase him"

Job 18:19

He has no offspring ... no survivor where he once lived

Together these two phrases emphasize that he will have no family or descendants left.

where he once lived

Or "in his temporary dwelling-place." If your language has a word for a place in which people live temporarily until they can move to a better place, you may want to use it here.

Job 18:20

Those who live in the west ... those who live in the east

The phrases "in the west" and "in the east" are together a merism that refers to all people living everywhere. This is probably an exaggeration, as not everyone on the earth will hear about what happens to every specific wicked person, but Bildad is speaking of Job in the third person to warn Job that if Job continues to do evil, everyone Job cares about will be desolated and horrified at what happens when God punishes Job.

one day

"on the day God punishes him"

Job 18:21

General Information:

Bildad continues to describe the wicked person.

the homes of unrighteous people, the places of those who do not know God

These two phrases have the same meaning and refer to the same people. Here these people are referred to by the places where they live. Alternate translation: "unrighteous people, those who do not know God"

Chapter 19

Job 19 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Job's response to Bildad.

Verses 25-27 are very important to this book. They show the great depth of Job's faith in Yahweh after his most difficult time. (See: faith)

Job 19:1

General Information:

See: and

Connecting Statement:

Job speaks to his three friends.

Job 19:2

How long will you torment me and crush me with words?

Job uses this question to complain about how his friends are treating him. Alternate translation: "Stop making me suffer and crushing me with words."

crush me with words

Job uses this image to say that their words make him feel very sad and hopeless. Alternate translation: "torment me with your words"

Job 19:3

General Information:

Job continues to speak to his three friends.

These ten times you have insulted me

The phrase "These ten times" refers to the way that the friends have completely insulted Job. Alternate translation: "You have completely insulted me" or "You have insulted me many times"

you are not ashamed that you have treated me harshly

Job is rebuking them for this. This can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: "You should be ashamed that you have treated me so harshly"

have treated me harshly

"have despised me" or "have publicly ridiculed me"

Job 19:4

have erred

"have sinned by accident" or "mistakenly sinned"

my error remains my own concern

Job implies that his friends are not responsible for continuing to rebuke him since he is the one who made the error. Alternate translation: "my error is my own responsibility, so you should not continue to rebuke me" or "my error did not hurt you, so you should not continue to rebuke me"

my error

"my sin" or "my mistake"

Job 19:5

General Information:

Job continues to speak to his three friends.

If indeed you will exalt yourselves above me

"If you think you are better than I am" or "Since you act as though you are better than I am"

use my humiliation against me

How his friends would do this can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "claim that my humiliation is proof against me" or "use my humiliation as evidence that I am guilty"

use my humiliation against me

The abstract noun "humiliation" can be expressed with the verb "humiliate." Alternate translation: "claim that what has happened to humiliate me proves that I am guilty"

Job 19:6

has caught me in his net

Job speaks as if God were a hunter that has trapped Job in his net. This metaphor represents God taking control of Job and Job's feeling of helplessness. Alternate translation: "has trapped me" or "has taken control of me" or "has control of what happens to me, so that I am helpless"

Job 19:7

General Information:

Job continues to speak to his three friends.

See, I cry out

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: I cry out"

Violence!

This is a cry for help. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Violence! Help!" or "Help! I am being attacked!"

I call out for help

"I shout for help" or "I cry for help"

but there is no justice

The abstract noun "justice" can be translated with a phrase that makes the meaning clear. Alternate translation: "but no one protects me from those who do me wrong"

Job 19:8

He has walled up ... darkness in my path

Job uses these images to describe how God has made him feel helpless and hopeless.

He has walled up my way so that I cannot pass

"God has put a wall on the road that I am walking on" or "He has blocked the way so I cannot keep going"

Job 19:9

He has stripped ... the crown from my head

Job uses these images to say that God has taken his good reputation, wealth, and dignity away from him.

He has stripped me of my glory

Job speaks of his glory as if it were a robe that God has taken away. Alternate translation: "He has taken away my glory"

he has taken the crown from my head

The crown refers to Job's dignity or honor. Alternate translation: "he has taken away my dignity and honor" or "it is as though he has taken my crown off my head"

Job 19:10

General Information:

Job continues to speak to his three friends.

He has broken me down on every side

Job speaks of God ruining him as if Job were building that God is smashing down. Alternate translation: "He has ruined me in every way" or "He has attacked me in every way"

I am gone

The metaphor "being gone" represents being completely destroyed. Alternate translation: "I am completely destroyed"

he has pulled up my hope like a tree

Job speaks of God causing Job not to have hope as if Job's hope were a tree that God has pulled with its roots out of the ground. Alternate translation: "he has completely taken away all my hope" or "because of what he has done, I can no longer hope for anything good"

like a tree

This simile is also an ellipsis. You may need to supply the omitted words. Alternate translation: "the way a man pulls a tree up by its roots"

Job 19:11

He has also kindled his wrath against me

Job speaks of God's wrath as if it were a fire. Alternate translation: "God has also lit a fire of anger against me" or "God has also become very angry with me"

he regards me as one of his adversaries

"he thinks of me as an enemy"

Job 19:12

His troops come on together

Job speaks of God attacking him as if Job was a city and God was sending an army to attack it. Alternate translation: "God sends his army to attack me"

they cast up siege mounds against me

Job speaks of God attacking him as if Job was a city and God's army was piling up dirt against the city wall in order to climb over the wall and attack the city. Alternate translation: "the soldiers pile up dirt in order to climb over my wall"

encamp around my tent

Job speaks of God attacking him as if Job was in his tent and God's army was camping around him and preparing to attack him. Alternate translation: "they camp around my tent and prepare to attack me"

Job 19:13

General Information:

Job continues to speak to his three friends.

He has put my brothers far from me

Being "far from" someone represents being unwilling to relate to him or help him. Alternate translation: "God has caused my brothers to stay away from me" or "God caused my brothers to refuse to help me"

my acquaintances are wholly alienated from me

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "my acquaintances have alienated themselves from me" or "my friends treat me like a stranger"

Job 19:14

My kinsfolk have failed me

"My relatives have left me without help"

my close friends

"my intimate friends"

have forgotten me

"have abandoned me" or "have neglected me." This means that they refuse to treat him according to how he and they had related to each other in the past. It implies that they abandoned him.

Job 19:15

General Information:

Job continues to speak to his three friends.

regard me

"consider me"

I am an alien in their sight

Job describes how people now think of him as an outsider. Here sight represents judgement or evaluation. Alternate translation: "they think of me as a foreigner"

Job 19:16

but he gives me no answer

"but he does not respond to me" or "but he does not come to me." The answer is a response to Job's call.

although I seek his favor with my mouth

The phrase "my mouth" is a metonym which refers to Job speaking. Alternate translation: "even though I speak to him and plead with him"

seek his favor

"plead with him"

Job 19:17

General Information:

Job continues to speak to his three friends.

My breath is offensive to my wife

Here "breath" represents the smell of his breath. If something is offensive to someone, it means that he hates it. Alternate translation: "My wife hates the smell of my breath"

those who were born from my mother's womb

Job refers to his brothers and sisters this way to imply that they are people who should love him. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "my own brothers who should love me" or "my brothers and sisters who should love me"

Job 19:18

despise me

"hate me" or "detest me"

they speak against me

"they ridicule me" or "they make fun of me"

Job 19:19

All my familiar friends

"All my closest friends" or "All of my friends with whom I shared my secrets." This refers to his closest friends.

abhor me

"think I am disgusting"

have turned against me

"have betrayed me"

Job 19:20

General Information:

Job continues to speak to his three friends.

My bones cling to my skin and to my flesh

"I am just skin and bones" or "My skin sticks to my bones." Job speaks of his bones, skin, and flesh to describe his appearance. He was extremely thin, and people could easily see the shape of his bones. Some languages have idioms for this.

I survive only by the skin of my teeth

This idiom means that he is barely surviving, that he almost does not survive. Alternate translation: "I am barely alive" or "I hardly survive"

Job 19:21

Have pity upon me

"Have compassion on me"

for the hand of God has touched me

Here "touched me" is a metonym for "hit me." And, "hand" represents God's power. Causing Job to suffer is spoken of as if Yahweh were physically hitting him with his hand. Alternate translation: "because God has afflicted me"

Job 19:22

Why do you pursue me ... God does?

Job uses this question to complain about how his friends are treating him. Alternate translation: "Do not persecute me ... God does!"

Will you ever be satisfied with my flesh?

Job uses this question to complain about how his friends are treating him. Alternate translation: "You have consumed my flesh enough!" or "Stop consuming my flesh!"

Will you ever be satisfied with my flesh?

Job speaks of his friends speaking so cruelly to him as if they were wild beasts eating up another animal. Alternate translation: "Stop violently slandering me." or "Stop attacking me with your words."

Job 19:23

General Information:

Job continues to speak to his three friends.

Oh, that my words were now written down

This exclamation tells what Job wishes for. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I wish that someone would write down my words"

my words

"what I am saying"

Oh, that they were inscribed in a book

This exclamation tells what Job wishes for. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I wish that someone would write them in a book"

Job 19:24

Oh, that with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever

This exclamation tells what Job wishes for. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I wish that someone would use an iron pen and lead to carve them in the rock forever"

an iron pen

"an iron chisel." This was a tool used for writing. It was made of iron so that people could carve words in rock.

lead

Lead is a soft metal. We do not know how people used lead when carving rock. They may have filled the letters of the inscription with lead in order to make the inscription last longer.

Job 19:25

General Information:

Job continues to speak to his three friends.

my Redeemer

"My Defender." Here "Redeemer" refers to a person who will rescue Job by proving Job's innocence, restoring his honor, and giving him justice.

at last he will stand on the earth

This refers to standing to speak in court. Possible meanings are 1) the Redeemer will be the last one to speak in the court. Alternate translation: "he will judge whether or not I am guilty" or 2) the Redeemer will stand in this final court to defend Job. Alternate translation: "at last he will defend me in court"

Job 19:26

after my skin ... is destroyed

Possible meanings are that this refers to 1) his body being destroyed by disease or 2) his body decaying after he has died.

in my flesh I will see God

His flesh represents his body, and "in my flesh" represents being alive. Alternate translation: "while I live in my body, I will see God"

Job 19:27

my own eyes—I, and not someone else

The synecdoche "my own eyes" represents Job. The phrases "my eyes" and "and not someone else" emphasize that Job himself will actually see God. It is not that someone else will see God and tell Job about him.

My heart fails within me

People thought of the heart as being where the emotions are. So the heart failing represents him having very many emotions. Alternate translation: "I am very emotional about it" or "My emotions overwhelm me as I think about that"

My heart fails within me

Possible meanings are that 1) Job feels very hopeful, thankful, and happy or 2) Job feels exhausted waiting to see his Redeemer.

Job 19:28

General Information:

Job continues to speak to his three friends.

How we will persecute him!

This is an exclamation. Possible meanings are 1) that they will certainly persecute Job or 2) that they will persecute him severely.

The root of his troubles lies in him

The "root" represents the source. Alternate translation: "He is the source of all his troubles" or "He has all these troubles because of what he has done"

Job 19:29

then be afraid of the sword

Possible meanings are that the sword represents 1) God judging them. Alternate translation: "then be afraid that God will judge you" or 2) God killing them. Alternate translation: "then be afraid that God will kill you"

because wrath brings the punishment of the sword

The abstract nouns "wrath" and "punishment" can be expressed with the adjective "angry" and the verb "punish." Possible meanings are that 1) God's anger results in punishment. Alternate translation: "because God will be angry with you and punish you" or 2) the anger of Job's friends results in punishment. Alternate translation: "because if you are so angry with me, God will punish you"

brings

"causes" or "results in"

there is a judgment

The abstract noun "judgment" can be expressed with the verb "judge." Alternate translation: "God judges people"

Chapter 20

Job 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. In this chapter, Zophar speaks to Job again. His words in this chapter are much stronger than when he previously spoke, and he is even angry at Job. He claims that Job took advantage of the poor and is being punished for it.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

There are many metaphors used in this chapter. Zophar uses them to explain the temporary nature of life and riches. He also uses them to describe God's punishment of Job.

Job 20:1

General Information:

Zophar replies to Job.

Zophar the Naamathite

See how you translated this man's name in Job 2:11. Since this is the second time that Zophar speaks, some translations omit "the Naamathite" here.

Job 20:2

My thoughts make me answer quickly

The idea of Zophar's thoughts making him do something represents his strong desire to do something. Alternate translation: "I want very much to answer you quickly"

because of the worry that is in me

The abstract noun "worry" can be expressed with the adjective "worried." The reason for the worry can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "because I am very worried about you" or "because I am very worried because of what you said"

Job 20:3

I hear a rebuke that dishonors me

The abstract noun "rebuke" can be expressed with the verb "rebuke." Alternate translation: "I hear you rebuke me, and what you say dishonors me" or "You insult me by how you rebuke me"

a spirit from my understanding answers me

Here "spirit" probably refers to a thought or idea. Alternate translation: "a thought from my understanding answers me"

a spirit from my understanding answers me

This "spirit" or thought is spoken of as if it were a person that could answer Zophar. Alternate translation: "I have a thought from my understanding, and now I know what I wanted to know"

a spirit from my understanding answers me

The content of the answer can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "a thought from my understanding answers me about how I can reply to you" or "I have a thought from my understanding, and now I know how I can reply to you"

a spirit from my understanding answers me

The abstract nouns "spirit" and "understanding" can be expressed with the verbs "think" and "understand." Alternate translation: "because I understand things, I have thought, and now I know how I can reply to you"

Job 20:4

General Information:

Zophar continues speaking with Job.

Do you not know this fact from ancient times ... man on earth

Zophar begins a rhetorical question to cause Job to think deeply about what he will now say.

Job 20:5

Connecting Statement:

Zophar finishes the rhetorical question he began in verse 4.

the triumph ... for a moment?

Zophar uses a rhetorical question to cause Job to think deeply about what he will now say. This can be translated as a statement. "Surely you know ... man on earth; the triumph ... for a moment."

the triumph of a wicked man is short

The abstract noun "triumph" can be expressed with the verbs "triumph" or "celebrate." Alternate translation: "the wicked man triumphs only a short time" or "the wicked person celebrates for only a little while"

the joy of a godless man lasts only for a moment

The abstract noun "joy" can be expressed with the verb "rejoice" or the adjective "happy." The word "moment" is an exaggeration to emphasize that the time is very short. Alternate translation: "a godless man rejoices for only a moment" or "the godless man is happy for only a very short time"

Job 20:6

General Information:

Zophar continues speaking to Job.

Though his height reaches up to the heavens

"Though the wicked person's height reaches up to the heavens." The abstract noun "height" can be expressed with the adjective "tall." Alternate translation: "Though he is as tall as the heavens"

Though his height reaches up to the heavens

The wicked man's height represents either his reputation or his pride. Also, here "reaches up to the heavens" represents being very great. Alternate translation: "Though his reputation is great" or "Though his pride is great"

his head reaches to the clouds

"and though his head is as high as the clouds." This also represents his reputation or pride being great. This means the same as the previous phrase.

Job 20:7

will perish forever like his own dung

Dung mixes in with the ground and disappears. The reference to dung may also imply that the wicked person is worthless. Alternate translation: "will perish permanently like his dung, which completely disappears in the ground"

his own dung

If people are embarrassed about the word "dung," translators may refer to something else that disappears completely. Alternate translation: "dust that the wind blows away"

Job 20:8

General Information:

Zophar continues speaking to Job.

He will

"The wicked person will"

He will fly away like a dream ... he will be chased away like a vision of the night

Here "fly away" and "be chased away" represent disappearing. They may also imply being forgotten, since dreams and visions disappear when people forget them. Alternate translation: "He will disappear like a dream ... he will be forgotten like a vision of the night"

will not be found

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will find him"

Job 20:9

The eye that saw him

The eye represents a person. Alternate translation: "Anyone who saw him" or "The people who saw him"

his place

The phrase "his place" represents those who live in his place. Alternate translation: "the people who live in his place" or "his family"

Job 20:10

General Information:

Zophar continues speaking to Job.

His children

"The wicked person's children"

his hands will have to give back his wealth

Here the word "hands" refers to the wicked man's children. When he dies, his children will have to return everything that he took from others.

Job 20:11

His bones are full of youthful strength

The word "bones" represents his body. Being "full of youthful strength" represents being strong like a young person. Alternate translation: "His body is strong like a young person's body"

but it will lie down with him in the dust

The word "it" refers to his youthful strength. The metonym "lie down ... in the dust" represents dying. The strength dying is a metaphor for disappearing. Alternate translation: "but his youthful strength will die with him" or "but his youthful strength will disappear when he dies"

Job 20:12

General Information:

Zophar continues speaking to Job.

Although wickedness is sweet in his mouth

Here "wickedness is sweet" represents a person enjoying doing wicked things. Alternate translation: "Although doing wicked things is pleasurable like tasting sweet food in the mouth"

although he hides it under his tongue

Zophar speaks of wickedness as if it were sweet food that a person puts under his tongue so it will stay in his mouth and he can taste it for a long time.

Job 20:13

he holds it there and does not let it go but keeps it still in his mouth

Zophar speaks of wickedness as if it were sweet food that a person puts under his tongue so it will stay in his mouth and he can taste it for a long time.

Job 20:14

the food in his intestines turns bitter

When food turns bitter in the stomach, it causes pain and a bitter taste. This is a metaphor for a person experiencing the painful consequences of doing wicked things. Alternate translation: "those wicked things become like food that has turned bitter in the stomach" or "the consequences of those wicked things are painful like food that becomes sour in the stomach"

it becomes the poison of asps inside him

This image is even worse than sour food in the stomach. This is a metaphor for a person experiencing the terrible consequences of doing wicked things. Alternate translation: "the consequences of doing those wicked things are painful like the poison of asps inside him"

asps

poisonous snakes

Job 20:15

General Information:

Zophar continues speaking to Job.

He swallows down riches ... cast them out of his stomach

Zophar speaks of gaining and losing wealth as if it were food that a person eats and vomits. Alternate translation: "The wicked person becomes very wealthy, but he loses his wealth like a person who vomits up his food. God causes him to lose it all"

He swallows down riches

Possible meanings are that "swallows down riches" represents 1) accumulating riches and storing them selfishly. Alternate translation: "The wicked man gains much wealth and keeps it all for himself" or 2) accumulating riches in wicked ways. Alternate translation: "The wicked man steals many riches"

God will cast them out of his stomach

Here "cast them out of his stomach" is a metonym for causing the man to vomit them. This is a metaphor for causing the man to lose his riches.

cast

throw

Job 20:16

He will suck the poison of asps

Here "suck the poison of asps" represents doing evil things. Both are very dangerous. Alternate translation: "Doing evil things is like sucking the poison of asps" or "He will do evil things and endanger his life like a person who sucks the poison of asps"

asps

poisonous snakes

the viper's tongue will kill him

The viper is a poisonous snake. Its tongue represents its poisonous bite. Alternate translation: "the viper's poisonous bite will kill him" or "the viper will bite him and he will die"

the viper's tongue will kill him

The viper represents the man's wickedness. Alternate translation: "his wickedness will kill him like a viper's bite"

Job 20:17

General Information:

Zophar continues speaking to Job.

the streams, the torrents of honey and butter

"Streams" and "torrents" are metaphors that represent abundance. "Honey" and "butter" are metonyms that represent the good things that God gives people. Alternate translation: "the abundance of good things that God gives his people"

Job 20:18

the fruit of his labor

Normally "the fruit of his labor" simply refers to the results of his labor. In this case it refers to the things the wicked man had stolen. Alternate translation: "the things he had worked to get" or "the things he had stolen"

will not be able to swallow it

Here "to swallow" the fruit of his labor represents enjoying the things he had stolen. Alternate translation: "will not be able to enjoy them"

Job 20:19

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Job 20:20

he has known no satisfaction in his belly

The word "belly" here is a metonym for the person's desires. Alternate translation: "he has never been able to satisfy his desires"

Job 20:21

There is nothing left that he did not devour

This can be reworded with only one of the negatives. Alternate translation: "He devoured everything, and there is nothing left" or "There is nothing left because he devoured everything"

There is nothing left that he did not devour

Here "devour" represents taking things for himself. Alternate translation: "There is nothing left that he did not take for himself" or "He took everything for himself, and there is nothing left"

Job 20:22

he will fall into trouble

"he will suddenly experience trouble"

the hand of everyone who suffers will come against him

Here "hand" represents power, and "hand ... will come against him" represents people attacking him. Alternate translation: "everyone who is in poverty will attack him" or "everyone who suffers will attack him"

suffers

If your language has a separate word for suffering because of poverty, you may want to use it here.

Job 20:23

General Information:

Zophar continues speaking to Job.

to fill his stomach

Here "fill his stomach" is a metonym meaning eat a lot.

God will throw the fierceness of his wrath on him

The "fierceness of his wrath" represents God's anger and punishment. Throwing the punishment on him represents punishing him severely. Alternate translation: "God will be angry and throw down his punishment on him" or "God will be angry and punish him severely"

God will rain it down on him

"God will cause it to rain down on him." Here "rain it down on him" represents causing much punishment to happen to the man. Alternate translation: "God will punish him severely"

Job 20:24

will flee from the iron weapon

The iron weapon represents the person carrying it. Alternate translation: "will flee from the person carrying an iron weapon"

a bow of bronze will shoot him

The bow represents the person who shoots an arrow with it. Alternate translation: "someone with a bronze bow will shoot him"

Job 20:25

liver

This is a large and important part of the body. If someone shoots through it with an arrow, the person who is shot will die.

Terrors come over him

He will suddenly become very afraid. Alternate translation: "he is terrified"

Job 20:26

Complete darkness is reserved for his treasures

"Complete darkness" here is a metaphor for destruction. Alternate translation: "Destruction is reserved for his treasures" or "His treasures will be destroyed"

a fire not fanned will devour him

Here "devour" is a metaphor meaning destroy. Alternate translation: "a fire that is not fanned will destroy him"

a fire not fanned will devour him

The phrase "not fanned" implies that no human will start the fire. Rather, God will cause the fire. Alternate translation: "a fire that is not started by humans will destroy him" or "God will cause a fire to destroy him"

it will consume

Here "consume" is a metaphor meaning destroy. Alternate translation: "the fire will destroy"

Job 20:27

The heavens ... the earth

Possible meanings are: 1) those who live in the heavens and the earth or 2) Zophar is describing the heavens and the earth as if they are humans who will testify in court against the wicked person.

Job 20:28

General Information:

This concludes Zophar's speech to Job.

vanish

disappear

his goods will flow away on

Here "flow away" represents being taken away from him. Alternate translation: "his goods will be taken away from him, like goods that float away in a flood, on"

his goods

"his possessions"

the day of God's wrath

Here "wrath" represents punishment. The abstract noun "wrath" can be expressed with the verb punish. Alternate translation: "the day when God punishes people"

Job 20:29

This is the wicked man's portion from God

Here "portion from God" represents what God has decided should happen to someone. It is spoken of as if it were something that God would give him. Alternate translation: "This is what God has decided should happen to the wicked man"

the heritage decreed for him by God

This represents what God has decided should happen to someone. It is spoken of as if it were something that God would give him as an inheritance. Alternate translation: "what God has planned to give to him" or "what God has planned should happen to him"

Chapter 21

Job 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Job's response to Zophar. It is also a response to all three of his friends in general.

Special concepts in this chapter

Ancestor's sin

In the ancient Near East, it was common to believe that a person could be punished because of the sins of their fathers and ancestors. It was seen as the punishment of a god. While a father's sin may have consequences for their children, Yahweh does not punish people because of their father's sin.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Zophar that he is wrong. These questions help to build Job's argument.

Job 21:1

Connecting Statement:

Job begins to answer Zophar's accusations.

Job 21:2

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Job 21:3

Put up with me

"Allow me" or "Be patient with me"

mock on

"you can continue mocking me." Job is using sarcasm to imply that his friends would ignore what he would say and continue to mock him.

Job 21:4

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

As for me, is my complaint to a person? Why should I not be impatient?

Job uses questions to emphasize that he thinks it is fair for him to complain to God. Alternate translation: "I am not complaining to a person. I have the right to be impatient"

Job 21:5

lay your hand upon your mouth

"cover your mouth with your hand." Possible meanings are that 1) this is a response to being astonished. Alternate translation: "cover your mouth with your hand" or 2) this is a symbol that the person will not speak. Alternate translation: "do not say anything"

Job 21:6

trembling seizes my body

"fear causes my body to tremble" or "I shake with fear"

Job 21:7

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

Why do wicked people continue to live, become old, and grow mighty in power?

Job uses this question to show that his friends are wrong to think evil men always suffer. Alternate translation: "Wicked people indeed continue to live, become old, and become wealthier."

Job 21:8

Their descendants are established with them in their sight ... their offspring are established before their eyes

This two clauses mean the same thing and emphasize that this is true.

in their sight ... before their eyes

These phrases mean the same thing because "eyes" refers to sight. Wicked people get to watch their descendants grow strong and wealthy.

Job 21:9

Their houses

Here "houses" refers to the family members that lives in them. Alternate translation: "Their families"

rod of God

This refers to God's punishment.

Job 21:10

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

does not lose her calf prematurely

"she does not miscarry" or "her calf is born healthy and strong"

Job 21:11

little ones like a flock

Job compares these children to lambs to emphasize that they run, play, and are happy.

Job 21:12

tambourine

a musical instrument with a head like a drum that can be hit and with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instrument is shaken

Job 21:13

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking with his friends.

their days

"their lifetime"

they go down quietly to Sheol

This is a polite way of saying that they die. Alternate translation: "they die peacefully"

Job 21:14

your ways

This refers to how God wants people to behave.

Job 21:15

What is the Almighty, that we should worship him? What profit would we get if we prayed to him?

The wicked people use these questions to mock God. Alternate translation: "We do not believe that this Almighty God is worthy of our worship. If we pray to him, he cannot do anything good for us."

Job 21:16

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

See, is not their prosperity in their own hands?

Here "hands" refers to their power or control. Job uses this question to challenge his friends. Alternate translation: "Look, these wicked people claim that they make themselves prosper!"

Job 21:17

How often is it ... their calamity comes upon them?

Job uses this question to emphasize that it seems to him that God does not punish the wicked very often. Alternate translation: "It is not often ... their calamity comes upon them."

the lamp of wicked people is put out

Job compares extinguishing the lamp to a person dying. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God causes them to die suddenly"

the lamp of wicked people

Job compares the life of the wicked to a lamp that is burning.

How often does it happen ... in his anger?

Job uses this second question to emphasize that it seems to him that God does not punish the wicked very often. Alternate translation: "It is not often ... in his anger."

Job 21:18

How often is it ... the storm carries away?

Job uses this third question to emphasize that it seems to him that God does not punish the wicked very often. Alternate translation: "It is not often ... the storm carries away."

they become like stubble before the wind or like chaff that the storm carries away

The death of the wicked is spoken of as if they were worthless less chaff and stubble that blows away. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God takes them away like the wind blows away the chaff"

Job 21:19

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

You say

These words are added by most versions in order to make it clear that the Job is quoting his friends in the next statement.

God lays up one's iniquity for his children

Job speaks of iniquity as if it were an object that could be stored for later use. You may need to make explicit that God stores the iniquity so that the sinner's children will pay for it. Alternate translation: "God keeps a record of a person's sins, then he punishes the person's children for those wicked deeds"

Let him pay it himself, ... know it

Job now begins to state his own opinion. You may need to make explicit that what the sinner should know is how bad his sins have been. It may be helpful to use an indirect quotation. "But I say that he should pay it himself, ... know his guilt'"

Job 21:20

Let his eyes see

Here "eyes" refers to the person. Alternate translation: "Let him see"

let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty

Here the wrath of God is spoken of as if it were a drink that a person can taste, and tasting is a metonym for experiencing the drink. Job wants the wicked person to experience God's punishment.

Job 21:21

For what does he care about his family after him when the number of his months is cut off?

Job uses this question to show that punishing the evil man's children is not effective. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For the wicked man does not care what happens to his family after he has died!"

the number of his months is cut off

This is a polite way of saying that he dies.

the number of his months

This refers to the length of his life.

Job 21:22

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

Can anyone teach God knowledge, since he judges even those who are high?

Job asks this question to emphasize that God knows everything. Alternate translation: "Obviously, no one can teach anything to God, since he even judges those in heaven."

those who are high

Possible meanings are 1) "those who are in heaven" or 2) "powerful people."

Job 21:23

One man dies in his full strength

Job contrasts this man who dies in health and peace to the man who dies in sorrow and pain in [Job 21:25]

Job 21:24

His body is full of milk ... the marrow of his bones is moist

Both of these phrases mean that the person is very healthy.

His body is full of milk

The word for "milk" may mean "fat." Either rendering means he is well-fed. Alternate translation: "His body if full of fat"

the marrow of his bones is moist

This idiom means his body is youthful and healthy.

Job 21:25

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

Another man dies

Job contrasts this man to the man who dies in peace in Job 21:23.

in bitterness of soul

Here sorrow is spoken of as if it tasted bitter, and "soul" refers to the whole man. Alternate translation: "with anger and resentment" or "after living a sad life"

has never experienced anything good

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "has experienced only bad things"

Job 21:26

They lie down alike in the dust

This is a polite way to say that they died. Alternate translation: "They both die and people bury them"

the worms cover them both

Worms are associated with decay of dead bodies. Alternate translation: "the worms in the dirt eat their dead bodies"

Job 21:27

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

See

Job uses this phrase to call attention to the statement that follows. Alternate translation: "Listen"

Job 21:28

Where now is the house of the prince? Where is the tent in which the wicked man once lived?

Job believes his friends will ask these question to scold him. Both questions mean the same thing. Alternate translation: "See, the house of the evil ruler is gone. The tent of the wicked man has disappeared."

Job 21:29

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

Have you never asked traveling people?

Job uses these questions to rebuke his friends for not learning from people who travel. Alternate translation: "You should listen to those who have traveled to distant places."

Job 21:30

Connecting Statement:

Job finishes asking a rhetorical question that begins with the words "Do you not know" in verse 29.

the wicked man is kept ... from the day of wrath?

Job uses these questions to rebuke his friends for not learning from people who travel. "Those who have traveled to distant places will tell you ... from the day of wrath."

the wicked man is kept from the day of calamity ... he is led away from the day of wrath

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God keeps the wicked man from the day of calamity ... God leads him away from the day of wrath"

Job 21:31

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

Who will condemn the wicked man's way to his face?

Job uses this question to contradict his friends' belief that the wicked are always judged. Alternate translation: "No one condemns the wicked man to his face."

to his face

This means no one will go directly to the wicked person and condemn him personally.

Who will repay him for what he has done?

Job uses this question to contradict his friends' belief that the wicked are always judged. Alternate translation: "No one repays him for the bad things that he has done."

Job 21:32

he will be borne

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will carry him"

Job 21:33

The clods of the valley will be sweet to him

Job imagines that the dead person will even enjoy the dirt that is put on him. This means the wicked person will even have a good death and a nice burial after a fulfilling life. "Clods" refer to the earth that covers the grave. Alternate translation: "He will enjoy being covered with the dirt of the valley" or "He will enjoy being buried in the dirt of the valley"

all people will follow after him, as there were innumerable people before him

Job emphasizes that a large crowd of people will be in the funeral procession of this imaginary wicked man to honor him. Alternate translation: "a huge number of people go to the grave site; some go in front of the procession and some come behind"

Job 21:34

Connecting Statement:

This concludes Job's speech to his friends.

How then do you comfort me with nonsense, since in your answers there is nothing but falsehood?

Job uses a question to scold his friends. Alternate translation: "You cannot comfort me with nonsense. All of your answers are false."

Chapter 22

Job 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of the advice of Job's friend, Eliphaz. His words in this chapter are much stronger than when he previously spoke.

Special concepts in this chapter

Repentance

Eliphaz tries to get Job to repent in this chapter. Eliphaz assumes that he is righteous, while assuming Job is not. (See: repent and righteous)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Eliphaz uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job that he is wrong. These questions help to build Eliphaz's argument.

Job 22:1

Eliphaz the Temanite

See how you translated this man's name in [Job 2:11]

Job 22:2

Can a man be useful to God? Can a wise man be useful to him?

Both questions mean basically the same thing. Eliphaz uses questions to emphasize that a person's actions and wisdom do not benefit God. Alternate translation: "A man cannot be useful to God. A wise man cannot be useful to him."

Job 22:3

Is it any pleasure to the Almighty if you are righteous? Is it gain to him if you make your ways blameless?

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Eliphaz uses questions to emphasize that Job's actions do not help God. Alternate translation: "The Almighty does not receive any pleasure if you are righteous. He does not gain anything if you make your ways blameless."

Job 22:4

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

Is it because of your reverence for him that he rebukes you and takes you to judgment?

Eliphaz uses questions to scold Job and accuse him of committing terrible sins. Alternate translation: "It is certainly not because you have been devoted to him that God rebukes you and takes you to judgment!"

Job 22:5

Is not your wickedness great? Is there no end to your iniquities?

Eliphaz uses questions to scold Job and accuse him of committing terrible sins. Alternate translation: "As you know, he judges you because your wickedness is great and you keep on sinning!"

Job 22:6

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

you have demanded guarantee of a loan

This refers to a lender taking something from the borrower to ensure that the borrower pays him back.

you have stripped away clothing from the naked

Eliphaz is accusing Job of taking clothes as security from poor people who borrowed from him.

Job 22:7

withheld bread

Here "bread" refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "withheld food"

Job 22:8

possessed the earth ... lived in it

Eliphaz is accusing Job of taking land from poor people and not allowing them to live on it. He is emphasizing this point by restating it twice.

possessed the earth

Eliphaz is exaggerating the amount of land that Job owned in order to portray Job as greedy. Alternate translation: "possessed a great amount of land"

Job 22:9

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

You have sent widows away empty

"You made widows go away with nothing"

widows

women whose husbands have died

the arms of the fatherless have been crushed

Here "arms" refer to power. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you even oppressed the fatherless"

Job 22:10

snares are all around you ... sudden fear troubles you

These are metaphors for trouble and danger. Alternate translation: "you are always in danger ... you become afraid for no reason"

Job 22:11

There is darkness ... an abundance of waters covers you

Each of these metaphors means troubles and dangers are all around Job because of his sin.

an abundance of waters

"a flood"

Job 22:12

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

Is not God in the heights of heaven?

Eliphaz uses this question to say that God sees Job's sin and will judge him. Alternate translation: "God is in the heights of heaven and sees everything that happens on earth."

Look at the height of the stars, how high they are!

Eliphaz implies that God is higher than the stars. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Look at how high the stars are. God is even higher than the stars!"

Job 22:13

What does God know? Can he judge through the thick darkness?

Eliphaz uses these questions to imply that Job has said these things against God. Alternate translation: "God does not know what happens on earth. He sits in dark clouds and cannot see to judge us."

Job 22:14

he walks on the vault of heaven

Here "vault" refers to the barrier that ancient people believed separated the earth from heaven. Alternate translation: "he lives too far away in heaven to see what happens here"

Job 22:15

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

Job 22:16

those who were snatched away

Dying is compared to God snatching them away. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those who died" or "those whom God took away"

those whose foundations have washed away like a river

The death of wicked people is compared to buildings that had their foundations washed away by a flood.

Job 22:17

What can the Almighty do to us?

Eliphaz quotes a question wicked people use to mock God. Alternate translation: "The Almighty cannot do anything to us!"

Job 22:18

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

Yet he filled

"Yet God filled"

the plans of wicked people are far from me

The idiom "far from me" means Eliphaz rejects them. Alternate translation: "but I will not listen to their wicked plans"

Job 22:19

see their fate

"know what will happen to the wicked"

Job 22:20

They say

"The righteous say"

Surely those who rose up against us are cut off

Here "those who rose up" refers to the wicked people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Surely God has destroyed the wicked people who harmed us"

Job 22:21

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

Now

Eliphaz uses this word to introduce something important he is about to say.

Job 22:22

instruction from his mouth

Here "from his mouth" represents what God has spoken. Alternate translation: "the instruction that God has spoken"

store up his words

God's words are compared to treasures that Job could keep in a storeroom. Alternate translation: "treasure his commands"

your heart

Here "heart" refers to Job's thoughts. Alternate translation: "your mind"

Job 22:23

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

you will be built up

Eliphaz compares Job's restoration to the rebuilding of a house that has fallen. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he will heal you and make you prosper again"

if you put unrighteousness far away from your tents

Unrighteousness is pictured as a person who is living in Job's tent who must be removed. Alternate translation: "if you and everyone in your house stops sinning"

Job 22:24

Lay your treasure down in the dust

To lay a treasure in the dust is to treat it as unimportant. Alternate translation: "Consider your riches as unimportant as dust"

the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks

To put gold in the stream is to treat it as no more valuable than stones. Alternate translation: "the gold of Ophir is as worthless as stones in a stream"

Ophir

This is the name of a region famous for its gold.

Job 22:25

the Almighty will be your treasure, precious silver to you

This means God will be more valuable to Job than any treasure.

Job 22:26

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

you will lift up your face to God

This means Job will no longer be ashamed but will trust in God. Alternate translation: "you will be able to approach God confidently"

Job 22:27

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Job 22:28

it will be confirmed for you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will cause you to succeed"

light will shine on your paths

God's blessing is compared to a light on all of Job's paths. Alternate translation: "it will be like a light shining on the road in front of you"

Job 22:29

Connecting Statement:

This concludes Eliphaz's speech to Job.

the one with humble eyes

Here the word "eyes" is a synecdoche for the whole person or a metonym for the way the person thinks and acts. Alternate translation: "the humble person"

humble eyes

"lowered eyes," eyes that look at the ground and not at the person with whom their owner is conversing

Job 22:30

He will rescue even the man who is not innocent; who will be rescued through the cleanness of your hands

Job being innocent is spoken of as if his hands were physically clean. The phrase "who will be rescued" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will rescue even the person who is not innocent because you do what is right"

He will rescue even the man who is not innocent; who will be rescued through the cleanness of your hands

Some versions of the Bible read, "He rescues the innocent person; so he will rescue you when your hands are clean"

Chapter 23

Job 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Job's response to Eliphaz.

Special concepts in this chapter

Court

This chapter uses an extended metaphor of a court case to describe Job's "case," which he seeks to bring to Yahweh, who is a judge. Cultures without a legal system will have difficulty translating this chapter.

Job 23:1

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Job 23:2

Even today my complaint is rebellion

Here "Even today" emphasizes that his friends arguments have not changed Job's situation at all. Alternate translation: "In spite of what you have said, my complaint is rebellion"

my complaint is rebellion

That is, God continues to afflict Job, but Job will not stop claiming that he has done no wrong.

my hand ... heavy because of my groaning

Possible meanings are 1) "I can barely lift my hand because of my groaning" or 2) "God's hand continues to make me suffer in spite of my groaning" where "hand" refers to God's power to punish.

Job 23:3

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

Oh, that I knew where ... Oh, that I might come

These two lines mean the same thing and emphasize Job's desire to meet with God.

I might find him

"I might find God"

Job 23:4

lay my case ... fill my mouth

These two lines mean the same thing and emphasize Job's desire to explain his situation to God.

fill my mouth with arguments

Here "fill my mouth" refers to speaking. Alternate translation: "I would speak all of my arguments"

Job 23:5

I would learn the words ... would understand

These two lines mean basically the same thing and emphasize Job's desire to hear God's answer.

the words with which he would answer me

"the answer that he would give me"

Job 23:6

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

Would he

"Would God"

Job 23:7

There

This refers to the place where God is.

I would be acquitted forever by my judge

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "my judge would acquit me forever" or "God, who is my judge, would say that I am innocent once and for all"

Job 23:8

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking. He begins using a merism to say that he has looked everywhere.

Job 23:9

north ... south

This is the end of the merism that begins with the words "eastward ... westward" in verse 8. By mentioning these four directions, Job emphasizes that he has looked everywhere.

where he hides himself

Job speaks of God as if he is a person who hides.

Job 23:10

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

he knows the way that I take

Job's actions are spoken of as if he is walking on a path. Alternate translation: "God knows what I do"

I will come out like gold

Job believes that the test will prove that he is as pure as refined gold. Alternate translation: "he will see that I am as pure as gold when anything not pure has been burned away"

Job 23:11

My foot has held fast to his steps

Here "My foot" refers to Job. Alternate translation: "I have followed the path he has shown me"

I have kept to his way

Job's obedience is spoken of as if he is walking in a path that God showed him. Alternate translation: "I have done what he told me to do"

turned not aside

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "followed it exactly"

Job 23:12

I have not gone back from

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I have always obeyed"

of his lips

This phrase refers to the message that God spoke. Alternate translation: "that he spoke"

the words of his mouth

Here God is represented by his "mouth." Alternate translation: "what he said"

Job 23:13

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

But he is one of a kind, who can turn him back?

Job uses this question to emphasize that there is no one like God and no one can force him to change. Alternate translation: "But there is no one like him, and nobody can make him change his mind." or "But he alone is God, and no one can influence him."

What he desires, he does

"He does whatever he wants to do"

Job 23:14

he carries out his decree against me

"he is doing to me what he said he would do"

there are many like them

"he has many similar plans for me"

Job 23:15

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

Job 23:16

For God has made my heart weak; the Almighty has terrified me

These two lines mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Job is very afraid of God.

made my heart weak

A person whose heart is weak is a person who is timid or fearful. Alternate translation: "made me afraid"

Job 23:17

I have not been brought to an end by darkness

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "The thick darkness in front of me has not made me silent" or 2) "Darkness has not stopped me" or "God has stopped me, not the darkness."

the gloom of my face

Here Job refers to himself by his "face." Alternate translation: "my sadness"

Chapter 24

Job 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Job's response to Eliphaz. It is a continuation of the previous chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Court

This chapter uses an extended metaphor of a court case to describe Job's "case," which he seeks to bring to Yahweh, who is a judge. Cultures without a legal system will have difficulty translating this chapter.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Eliphaz that he is wrong. These questions help to build Job's argument.

Job 24:1

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

Why are times for judging wicked people not set by the Almighty?

Job uses this question to express his frustration that God has not judged evil. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I do not understand why God does not set a time when he will judge wicked people." or "The Almighty should set a time when he will judge wicked people."

Why do not those who are faithful to God see his days of judgment come?

Job uses this question to express his frustration that the righteous have not seen God judge evil. Alternate translation: "It seems that those who obey him never get to see him judge the wicked." or "God should show the day he will judge the wicked to those who know him."

Job 24:2

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

boundary markers

These are stones or other objects to mark the boundary between the lands owned by different people.

pastures

land with grass for animals to eat

Job 24:3

They drive away

"They steal"

those without fathers

"orphans" or "children whose parents have died"

they take the widow's ox as a pledge

"they take widows' oxen to guarantee that the widows will pay back the money that they loaned to those widows"

widow

a woman whose husband has died

as a pledge

A lender would take something from a borrower to ensure that the borrower pays him back.

Job 24:4

out of their path

"out of their way" or "off the road"

poor people of the earth all hide themselves

The word "all" is an exaggeration to show that many poor people are afraid of these wicked people.

Job 24:5

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

these poor people go out to their work like wild donkeys in the wilderness, looking carefully for food

These poor people are spoken of as if they are wild donkeys who do not know where they will find food. Alternate translation: "these poor people go out to search for food as if they were wild donkeys in the wilderness"

wild donkeys

"donkeys that no one owns or cares for"

Job 24:6

General Information:

This verse is a synecdoche that describes the misery and hard work of the poor. They harvest food for rich people's animals to eat, and they get the last grapes of crops that the wicked enjoy in luxury.

They reap fodder in the field

The words in this line are not clear. Other possible meanings are that they reap at night or that they reap in fields not their own.

reap ... glean

Reaping is the work of hired hands, while gleaning is the work of the landless poor. Taken together, this is a description of poor people who must work in fields belonging to other people, including the wicked.

fodder

food for animals

Job 24:7

They lie naked ... they have no covering

These two lines describe the same thing and are used together to emphasize that these people do not have enough clothing to keep warm.

Job 24:8

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

They are wet with the showers of the mountains

"They become wet when it rains in the mountains"

Job 24:9

The fatherless is seized from the breast, and they take a pledge against the poor

You may need to make explicit that the word "they" refers to the understood actors who seize the fatherless. "They seize the fatherless from the breast and take a pledge against the poor" or "The fatherless are seized from the breast of the poor as a pledge"

The fatherless is seized from the breast

Here "breast" is a synecdoche for the mother. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The wicked seize the fatherless from their mothers"

The fatherless is

"Fatherless children are" or "The orphan is" or "Orphans are"

Job 24:10

go about

"walk around"

naked without clothing

The words "without clothing" mean the same thing as "naked." Alternate translation: "completely naked" or "naked because they have no clothing"

they carry bundles of grain belonging to other people

This means their work will provide food for others but not for themselves.

Job 24:11

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

The poor people make oil

they squeezed olives in order to extract olive oil from them

within the walls of those wicked men

Here "walls" refers to the whole house. Alternate translation: "in the houses of those evil men"

they tread the wicked men's winepresses

It may be helpful to state that they do this to produce juice to make wine. Alternate translation: "they tread on grapes to make juice for wine"

they themselves suffer thirst

"they suffer from thirst" or "they are thirsty"

Job 24:12

General Information:

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Job 24:13

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

rebel against the light

Possible meanings of "light" are 1) visible light or 2) spiritual light, which refers to God or living righteously. Alternate translation: "hate the daylight" or "do not want to do things openly" or "rebel against God"

they know not its ways, nor do they stay in its paths

These two lines describe the same thing, and are used together to emphasize that they do not want to follow the ways of the light. Alternate translation: "they do not know how to live a moral life; they stay far away from living a righteous life"

Job 24:14

the poor and the needy

The words "poor" and "needy" refer to the same group of people and emphasize that these are people who are unable to help themselves.

he is like a thief

The murderer kills in secret just like a thief steals without anyone seeing what he does. Alternate translation: "he kills people secretly, just like a thief steals secretly"

Job 24:15

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

the eye of the adulterer

Here "eye" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "the adulterer"

for the twilight

"for the sunset"

No eye will see me

Here "eye" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "No one will see me"

Job 24:16

they dig into houses

They dig into the houses in order to steal what is in them. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "wicked people dig into houses to steal what is in them"

they shut themselves up

"they hide inside"

Job 24:17

For all of them, thick darkness is like the morning

The thick darkness is as comfortable for the wicked as light of the morning is for normal people.

the terrors of thick darkness

"the scary things that happen at night"

Job 24:18

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

like foam on the surface of the waters

Foam lasts only a short time. This emphasizes how quickly God will cause the wicked to disappear.

their portion of the land is cursed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God curses the part of the land that they own"

Job 24:19

As drought and heat melt away ... those who have sinned

Job says that sinners will disappear in Sheol in the same way as snow melts and disappears when it becomes warm.

drought and heat

These two words describe essentially the same weather and are used together to describe it fully.

Job 24:20

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

The womb

This refers to the mother. Alternate translation: "The mother"

the worm will feed sweetly on him

This means that he will die and worms will eat his body. Alternate translation: "the worm will enjoy eating his dead body" or "he will die and then his body will be eaten by worms"

he will be remembered no more

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will remember him anymore"

wickedness will be broken like a tree

God's destruction of the wicked man is describes as if he were cutting down a tree. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will destroy the wicked as if he were a tree"

Job 24:21

The wicked one devours

This metaphor emphasizes how ruthless the wicked man is. Alternate translation: "Just like a wild animal kills its prey, so the wicked person harms"

the barren women who have not borne children

The people of that day considered that a woman who was barren was cursed by God. Therefore, this represents the most unfortunate women.

widow

a woman whose husband has died

Job 24:22

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

by his power

"by using his power" or "because he is powerful"

he rises up and does not strengthen him in life

Here "does not strengthen him in life" means God does not keep the mmighty alive. Alternate translation: "God rises up and does not give the mighty the strength to live" or "God rises up and causes them to die"

the mighty

"mighty people" or, by implication, "the wicked" or "wicked people"

Job 24:23

gives him what he needs ... he is supported

"gives to the mighty what the mighty needs ... he is supported" or "gives to mighty people what they need ... they are supported"

he is supported

"he is safe" or "he has what he needs"

but his eyes are on his ways

Here "eyes" are a synecdoche for God, whose eyes they are. Alternate translation: "but God is always watching what they do"

Job 24:24

Connecting Statement:

This concludes Job's speech.

they will be brought low

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will bring them low" or "God will destroy them"

they will be gathered up like all the others

Some translations are based on a different early text, which says "they wither and fade like weeds."

they will be gathered up like all the others

This can be stated in active form. What "the others" refers to can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "God will gather them up as he gathered up the other wicked people"

they will be cut off like the tops of ears of grain

These wicked people will be cut off in the same way heads of grain are cut off during harvest. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will cut them off like a farmer cuts off the top of a stalk of grain"

Job 24:25

If it is not so, who can prove me to be a liar; who can make my speech worth nothing?

Job uses this question to express the certainty of his argument. The implicit answer is: "no one." Alternate translation: "This is true, and no one can prove that I am a liar; no one can prove me wrong."

make my speech worth nothing

"prove what I say is wrong"

Chapter 25

Job 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of the advice of Job's friend, Bildad. His words in this chapter are much stronger than when he previously spoke.

Special concepts in this chapter

God's holiness and man's sin

Bildad describes the holiness of Yahweh and the universal nature of man's sinfulness. While his points are accurate, they are not convincing for Job because he has been righteous. (See: holy and sin and righteous)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Bildad uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job that he is wrong. These questions help to build Bildad's argument.

Job 25:1

Bildad the Shuhite

See how you translated this man's name in Job 2:11.

Job 25:2

Dominion and fear are with him

Here "him" refers to God. The abstract nouns "dominion" and "fear" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "God rules over all and people should fear only him"

he makes order in his high places of heaven

"he makes peace in the high heaven"

Job 25:3

Is there any end to the number of his armies?

Bildad uses this question to emphasize how great God is. The implicit answer is "no." This refers to the armies of God's angels. Alternate translation: "There is no end to the number of angels in his army." or "His armies are so big that no one can count them."

Upon whom does his light not shine?

Bildad uses this question to emphasize that God gives light to every person. Alternate translation: "There is no one upon whom his light does not shine." or "God makes his light shine over everyone."

Job 25:4

Connecting Statement:

Bildad continues speaking.

How then can man ... God? How can he who is born ... him?

These two questions are used together to emphasize that it is impossible for a man to be good enough before God.

How then can man be righteous with God?

The implicit reaction is that he cannot. Alternate translation: "A man can never be righteous before God."

How can he who is born ... acceptable to him?

The implicit reaction is that he cannot. Alternate translation: "He who is born of a woman cannot be clean or acceptable to him."

he who is born of a woman

This idiom includes everyone. Alternate translation: "any person"

Job 25:5

See

The word "See" here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: "Indeed"

the moon has no brightness to him

The abstract noun "brightness" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "the moon is not bright enough for God"

the stars are not pure in his sight

Here "pure" means "perfect." Alternate translation: "he does not think even the stars are perfect"

Job 25:6

How much less man ... a son of man, who is a worm

These two lines say the same thing and are used together to emphasize that man is not perfect.

who is a worm

Bildad states that human beings are as worthless as worms. Alternate translation: "who is as worthless as a worm"

a son of man

This is another way of referring to a person. Alternate translation: "a person"

Chapter 26

Job 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Job's response to Bildad.

This chapter begins a section continuing through chapter 31.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's power

While Bildad describes Yahweh's power as being so much greater than Job's, Job understands the true extent of Yahweh's power. It is not just over Job's life, but over all of creation.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Sarcasm

Job uses sarcasm in this chapter. This is the use of irony to insult Bildad.

Job 26:1

General Information:

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Job 26:2

How you have helped one ... the arm that has no strength

In these statements, Job is accusing Bildad. The word "one" refers to Job. And, the word "arm" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "I am powerless and have no strength, but you act like you have helped me; but really, you have not helped me at all"

Job 26:3

How you have advised one who has no wisdom and announced to him sound wisdom

Job is saying that Bildad has not provided him with good advice and knowledge. Alternate translation: "You act like I have no wisdom and that you have advised me, that you have given me good advice"

announced to him sound wisdom

"given him good advice"

Job 26:4

With whose help have you spoken these words? Whose spirit was it ... you?

In these questions Job continues to mock Bildad. They are both rhetorical questions and have basically the same meaning. They are used together to strengthen each other. Alternate translation: "You must have had help speaking these words. Perhaps some spirit helped you speak them!"

Job 26:5

The dead

This refers to dead people. Alternate translation: "Those who are dead" or "The spirits of the dead"

tremble

They tremble because they are afraid of God. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "tremble in fear" or "tremble in fear of God"

those who are beneath the waters

This refers to the dead people who tremble.

all who dwell in them

This refers to the dead people who dwell in the waters.

Job 26:6

Sheol is naked before God; destruction itself has no covering

Sheol is spoken of as if it were a person. These two phrases have the same meaning. To be "naked" or have "no covering" is to be completely exposed and not able to hide anything. Alternate translation: "It is like sheol is naked before God, for nothing in sheol, the place of destruction, is hidden from God"

destruction

This is another name for sheol. Alternate translation: "the place of destruction"

Job 26:7

He stretches out the northern skies over the empty space

The northern skies represent heaven, the place where God dwells with the beings he created to dwell there.

Job 26:8

He binds up the waters in his thick clouds

The clouds are compared to a large blanket in which God wraps the rainwater. Alternate translation: "He wraps up the water in his thick clouds"

but the clouds are not torn under them

This can be stated actively. The word "them" refers to the waters. Alternate translation: "but the weight of the waters does not tear the clouds"

Job 26:9

and spreads his clouds on it

This phrase tells how he covers the surface of the moon. Alternate translation: "by spreading his clouds in front of it"

Job 26:10

He has engraved a circular boundary on the surface of the waters

This speaks of the horizon, where the earth appears to meet the sky, as if God has marked a boundary on the ocean.

Job 26:11

The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his rebuke

People thought of heaven or the sky as resting on pillars. Job speaks as though the pillars are humans that shake in fear when God is angry. Alternate translation: "The pillars that hold up heaven shake in fear when God rebukes them" or "The pillars that hold up the sky shake like people who are afraid when God rebukes them"

Job 26:12

he shattered Rahab

"he destroyed Rahab"

Rahab

This is the name of a frightening monster that lived in the sea. See how you translated this in [Job 9:13]

Job 26:13

By his breath he made the skies clear

The noun "breath" can be translated with the verb "breathe" or "blow." This image represents God causing the wind to blow away the clouds. Alternate translation: "God blew away the clouds so that the skies were clear"

his hand pierced the fleeing serpent

It is implied that God his holding a sword, and here "his hand" represents that sword. Also, "pierced" represents killing. Alternate translation: "With his sword he pierced the fleeing serpent"

the fleeing serpent

"the serpent as it was trying to escape from him." This refers to Rahab, the monster in the sea. See Job 26:12.

Job 26:14

See, these are but the fringes of his ways

Here "fringes" represents a small part that we can see of something that is much bigger. Alternate translation: "See, these things that God has done show only a small part of his great power"

how small a whisper do we hear of him!

This is an exclamation that expresses Job's amazement of all the great things that God does that we do not even know about. Seeing what God does is spoken of as hearing God's voice. Alternate translation: "it is as if we heard only his quiet whisper!"

Who can understand the thunder of his power?

The "thunder of his power" represents God's greatness. Job uses this question to emphasize that God's power is so great that no one can understand it. Alternate translation: "The thunder displays the greatness of his power which no one can understand!"

Chapter 27

Job 27 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Job's response to Bildad.

Special concepts in this chapter

Job's righteousness

Despite being upset about his circumstances, Job does not curse God. Instead, he recognizes Yahweh's authority. (See: curse)

Job 27:1

continued his discourse

Or "continued speaking." If your language has a word for a series of proverbs or short teachings, you might want to use it for "discourse" here.

Job 27:2

As surely as God lives

This phrase shows that Job is taking an oath. Job compares the certainty that God is alive to the certainty of what he is saying. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: "I swear by God"

has taken away my justice

Justice is spoken of as if it were an object that could be taken away or given. Taking it away represents refusing to treat Job with justice. Alternate translation: "has refused to treat me justly"

made my life bitter

Job's "life" being bitter represents Job feeling resentful toward God. Alternate translation: "has caused me to become resentful" or "has made me feel angry because of the unfair way he has treated me"

Job 27:3

while my life is yet in me

This refers to the duration of the rest of his life. Alternate translation: "during the whole time that my life is yet in me" or "as long as my life is yet in me"

while my life is yet in me

The abstract noun "life" can be expressed with the adjective "alive" or the verb "live." Alternate translation: "as long as I am still alive" or "while I still live"

the breath from God is in my nostrils

"Breath ... in my nostrils" represents being able to breathe. "Breath from God" represents God making him able to breathe. Alternate translation: "God enables me to breathe"

nostrils

"nose"

Job 27:4

My lips will not speak wickedness, neither will my tongue speak deceit

These two phrases have basically the same meaning and are used together to emphasize that he will not speak in such ways. The phrases "My lips" and "my tongue" represent Job himself. Alternate translation: "I will not speak wickedness or deceit"

speak wickedness ... speak deceit

The abstract nouns "wickedness" and "deceit" can be expressed with "wickedly" and "deceitfully." Alternate translation: "speak wickedly ... speak deceitfully"

Job 27:5

I will never admit that you are right

"I will never agree with you and say that you three are right"

that you are right

The word "you" here is plural. It refers to Job's friends.

I will never deny my integrity

"I will never say that I am not innocent" or "I will always say that I am innocent"

Job 27:6

I hold fast to my righteousness

Here "hold fast" is a metaphor that represents being determined to continue to say something. The abstract noun "righteousness" can be expressed with "righteous." Alternate translation: "I am determined to continue saying that I am righteous"

will not let it go

Here "will not let it go" is a metaphor that represents not stopping saying something. Alternate translation: "will not stop saying that I am righteous" or "will not stop saying so"

my conscience will not accuse me so long as I live

Here the phrase "my conscience" represents Job. Alternate translation: "even in my thoughts, I will not accuse myself"

Job 27:7

Let my enemy be ... let him who rises up against me be

The two clauses that start with these words share the same meaning. They are used together to emphasize Job's strong desire that this should happen.

Let my enemy be like a wicked man

How he wants his enemy to be like a wicked person can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Let my enemy be punished like a wicked man" or "Let God punish my enemy as he punishes wicked people"

let him who rises up against me be like an unrighteous man

How he wants this person to be like an unrighteous man can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "let him who rises up against me be punished like an unrighteous man"

him who rises up against me

Here "rises up against me" is a metaphor meaning "opposes me." The whole phrase refers to Job's adversary. Alternate translation: "him who opposes me" or "my adversary"

Job 27:8

For what is the hope of a godless man when ... when God takes away his life?

Job uses this question to say that such a man has no hope. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate translation: "There is no hope for the godless when God ... takes away his soul."

when God cuts him off, when God takes away his life

These two phrases have the same meaning. Alternate translation: "when God cuts him off and takes away his life" or "when God causes him to die"

cuts him off

This is a metaphor meaning "kills him" or "causes him to die"

takes away his life

This is a metaphor meaning "kills him" or "makes him stop living"

Job 27:9

Will God hear his cry when trouble comes upon him?

Job uses this question to say that God will not help that person. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate translation: "God will not hear his cry when trouble comes upon him." or "When trouble comes upon him and he cries out for help, God will not hear him."

Will God hear his cry

Here "hear his cry" represents responding to the godless man's cry and helping him. Alternate translation: "Will God respond to his cry"

Job 27:10

Will he delight himself in the Almighty and call upon God at all times?

Job uses this question to say that the godless man will not do these things. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate translation: "He will not delight himself in the Almighty and call upon God at all times." or "He will not be happy about what the Almighty does and he will not pray to God often."

Job 27:11

I will teach you

Each occurrence of "you" in these verses is plural and refers to Job's three friends.

the hand of God

God's "hand" represents his power. Alternate translation: "the power of God"

I will not conceal the thoughts of the Almighty

The abstract noun "thoughts" can be expressed with the verb "think." Alternate translation: I will not hide from you what the Almighty thinks"

Job 27:12

why then have you become completely useless?

Job uses this question to rebuke his friends for saying such foolish things. To become useless here is hyperbole for speaking useless words. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate translation: "you should not have spoken so foolishly!"

Job 27:13

This is the portion of a wicked man with God

"This is what God has planned for the wicked man"

the inheritance of the oppressor that he receives from the Almighty

Here "the inheritance of the oppressor" is a metaphor representing what will happen to the oppressor. What God will do to him is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that God will give him. Alternate translation: "what the Almighty will do to the oppressor"

Job 27:14

it is for the sword

Here "the sword" represents dying in battle. Alternate translation: "they will die in battle"

Job 27:15

Those who survive him

This refers to the wicked man's children. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Those who continue to live after their wicked father dies"

will be buried by plague

Here "be buried" represents dying. Alternate translation: "will die by plague"

their widows ... them

The words "their" and "them" refer to "Those who survive him," that is, the children of the wicked man.

Job 27:16

heaps up silver like the dust

Here "heaps up" is a metonym meaning "gathers much." Job speaks as if the silver were as easy to get as dust. Alternate translation: "gathers large piles of silver" or "gathers silver as easily as he could gather dust"

heaps up clothing like clay

Here "heaps up" is a metonym meaning "gathers much." Job speaks as if the clothing were as easy to get as clay. Alternate translation: "gathers large piles of clothing" or "gathers clothing as easily as he could gather clay"

Job 27:17

General Information:

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Job 27:18

He builds his house like a spider

After "spider," the phrase "builds its web" is understood information. It can be made clear. Alternate translation: "He builds his house as a spider builds its web"

He builds his house like a spider

A spider web is fragile and easily destroyed. Alternate translation: "He builds his house as fragile as a spider builds its web" or "He builds his house as fragile as a spider's web"

like a hut

A hut is a temporary house that is also not very strong. Alternate translation: "like a temporary hut"

Job 27:19

He lies down in bed rich

"He is wealthy when he lies down in bed." This refers to his lying down in bed at night and sleeping.

but he will not keep doing so

"but he will not keep lying down in bed rich" or "but he will not continue to be wealthy when he lies down in bed"

he opens his eyes

Opening his eyes represents waking up in the morning. Alternate translation: "he wakes up"

everything is gone

"all of his riches are gone" or "everything has vanished"

Job 27:20

Terrors overtake him

Here "overtake him" represents suddenly happening to him. Possible meanings are that "terrors" is a metonym for 1) things that cause people to be afraid. Alternate translation: "Terrifying things suddenly happen to him" or 2) fear. Alternate translation: "He suddenly becomes terrified"

like waters

The word "waters" refers to a flood. Floods can happen very suddenly when people do not expect them, and they are dangerous and frightening. Alternate translation: "like a flood" or "like waters that rise up suddenly"

a storm takes him away

"a violent wind blows him away"

Job 27:21

it sweeps him out of his place

Job speaks of the wind blowing the wicked man out of his house as if the wind were a person sweeping dust out of a house with a broom. Alternate translation: "the wind sweeps him out of his place like a woman who sweeps dirt out of a house" or "the wind easily blows him out of his place"

his place

"his home"

Job 27:22

General Information:

In verses 22-23 Job speaks of the wind as if it were a person attacking the wicked person.

It throws itself at him

Here the phrase "throws itself at him" represents the wind blowing strong against him like an attacker. Alternate translation: "It blows strong against him like someone attacking him"

he tries to flee out of its hand

Here "hand" represents the power or control that the wind has over the wicked man. Alternate translation: "he tries to flee out of its control"

Job 27:23

It claps its hands at him

Clapping the hands is a way of mocking someone. Here it represents the wind making loud noises. Alternate translation: "It makes loud noises like someone clapping his hands to mock him"

hisses him from his place

The wind makes a noise as it blows him out of his place, and the noise is like the hissing sound that people make to mock someone. Alternate translation: "it makes a hissing noise as it causes him to leave his home" or "it blows him out of his place and makes a hissing noise like someone who hisses at him to mock him"

Chapter 28

Job 28 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Job's response to Bildad.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's wisdom

Despite being upset about his circumstances, Job does not curse God. Instead, he recognizes Yahweh's wisdom and authority. This chapter especially focuses on Yahweh's wisdom as he controls the circumstances of Job's life. Men cannot understand because they do not have Yahweh's wisdom. (See: curse and wise)

Job 28:1

mine

This is a place where people dig rocks out of the earth. These rocks have metal in them.

refine

This is the process of heating a metal to remove all of the impurities that are in it.

Job 28:2

Iron is taken out of the earth

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People take iron out of the earth"

copper is smelted out of the stone

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people smelt copper out of the stone" or "people heat stone to melt copper out of it"

copper

an important red-brown colored metal

smelted

This is a process of heating rocks to melt the metal in them in order to get the metal out of the rocks.

Job 28:3

A man sets an end to darkness

Here "sets an end to darkness" represents shining a light in the darkness. People used a lantern or a torch for light. Alternate translation: "A man carries light into dark places"

to the farthest limit

"to the farthest parts of the mine"

Job 28:4

shaft

a deep narrow hole dug into the ground or rock. People go down into the hole to mine it.

places that are forgotten by anyone's foot

The foot is spoken of as if it is a person who can remember. Alternate translation: "places where people no longer walk" or "where no one ever walks"

He hangs far away from people

How and where he hangs can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Far away from people, he hangs from a rope in the shaft"

Job 28:5

the earth, out of which comes bread

Here "bread" represents food in general. Food coming out of the ground is a metaphor for food growing out of the ground. Alternate translation: "the earth, where food grows"

it is turned up below as if by fire

Possible meanings are that 1) people made fires under the ground to break apart the rock. Alternate translation: "it is broken up below by the fires that the miners make" or 2) "turned" is a metaphor for changed. Alternate translation: "it is broken up below so much that it appears that it was destroyed by fire"

it is turned

The word "it" refers to the earth.

Job 28:6

Its stones ... its dust

The word "its" refers to the earth.

sapphires

a rare and valuable blue gemstone

Job 28:7

No bird of prey knows the path to it ... nor has the falcon's eye seen it

These clauses express a similar meaning. Alternate translation: "No bird of prey or falcon knows or has ever seen the path that goes to the mine"

bird of prey

a bird that eats other animals

falcon

This may also be translated "hawk." Both are birds that hunt and eat other animals. You may translate this with a similar bird from your culture.

Job 28:8

The proud animals have not walked such a path ... nor has the fierce lion passed there

These clauses also express similar meaning.

The proud animals

This refers to very strong, wild animals.

Job 28:9

lays his hand on the flinty rock

This represents breaking up the rock. Alternate translation: "digs into the flinty rock"

flinty rock

"hard rock"

he overturns mountains by their roots

Digging up the mountains and the ground underneath them is a metaphor from digging out weeds or trees, an exaggeration that represents digging minerals out of the ground. Alternate translation: "he turns the mountains upside down by pulling out their roots"

Job 28:10

his eye sees

Here "his eye" represents him. Alternate translation: "he sees"

Job 28:11

He ties up the streams so they do not run

Here "ties up the streams" means damming or blocking the streams. Alternate translation: "He blocks the streams so they do not flow"

what is hidden there

This refers to things that people normally do not see because they are in the ground or underwater.

Job 28:12

General Information:

In 28:12-28, wisdom and understanding are spoken of as if they were precious objects that are in some place and people want to find them. Finding wisdom and understanding represents becoming wise and learning to understand things well.

Where will wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding?

These questions mean the same thing and are used to show that it is very difficult to find wisdom and understanding. Alternate translation: "It is very difficult to find wisdom and understanding."

Where will wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding

Becoming wise and understanding is spoken of as finding wisdom and understanding. Alternate translation: "How do people become wise? How do people learn to understand things well"

Job 28:13

Man does not know its price

Possible meanings are 1) wisdom is spoken of as if it were something that people can buy. Alternate translation: "People do not know what it is worth" or 2) the word translated as "price" means "place." Alternate translation: "People do not know where it is"

neither is it found in the land of the living

"and it is not found in the land of the living." The "land of the living" refers to this world where people live. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and no one can find wisdom in this world"

Job 28:14

The deep waters ... say, 'It is not in me'; the sea says, 'It is not with me.'

The deep waters and the sea are presented as if they are people that can speak. Alternate translation: "Wisdom is not in the deep waters under the earth, nor is it in the sea"

Job 28:15

It cannot be gotten for gold

This can be stated in active form. This implies that wisdom is worth much more than gold. Alternate translation: "People cannot pay for wisdom with gold"

neither can silver be weighed as its price

This implies that wisdom is worth much more than silver. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and people cannot weigh out enough silver to pay for wisdom"

Job 28:16

It cannot be valued with ... sapphire

This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than the gold of Ophir, precious onyx and sapphire.

Ophir

This is the name of a land where there was fine gold.

onyx

a valuable black gemstone

sapphire

a valuable blue gemstone

Job 28:17

Gold and crystal cannot equal it in worth

This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than gold and crystal.

crystal

a valuable gemstone that is clear or lightly colored

neither can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold

"and it cannot be exchanged for jewels of fine gold." This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than jewels of fine gold.

exchanged

"traded"

Job 28:18

No mention is worth making of coral or jasper

"It is not worth making mention of coral and jasper." This implies that wisdom is worth so much more than coral and jasper that there is no need for Job to say anything about them. Alternate translation: "I will not bother to mention coral or jasper" or "Coral and jasper are worthless compared to wisdom"

coral

This is a beautiful, hard substance that grows on ocean reefs.

jasper ... rubies

These are valuable gemstones.

Job 28:19

The topaz of Cush does not equal it

This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than the finest topaz.

topaz

This is a valuable gemstone.

neither can it be valued in terms of pure gold

"and wisdom cannot be valued in terms of pure gold." This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than pure gold.

Job 28:20

From where, then, comes wisdom? Where is the place of understanding?

Job uses these questions to introduce how people get wisdom and understanding. Alternate translation: "I will tell you where wisdom comes from and where understanding is." or "I will tell you how to become wise and how to learn to understand things."

From where, then, comes wisdom

Wisdom is spoken of as if it were in a place and comes to people. Its coming represents people becoming wise.

Where is the place of understanding

Understanding is spoken of as if it were in a place.

Job 28:21

Wisdom is hidden from the eyes of all living things

This means that living things are unable to see wisdom. It can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "No living thing can see wisdom"

is kept hidden from the birds of the heavens

This means that the birds are unable to see wisdom. This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "even the birds that fly in the skies cannot see wisdom"

Job 28:22

Destruction and Death say

Here "Destruction" and "Death" are spoken of as if they are living things who can speak.

Job 28:23

God understands the way to it; he knows its place

Wisdom is spoken of as if it were in a certain place. Alternate translation: "God knows how to find wisdom. He knows where it is"

Job 28:24

the very ends of the earth

"the farthest places on the earth"

Job 28:25

parceled out the waters by measure

This describes God deciding how much water should be in each place. Possible meanings are that this refers to deciding 1) how much rain should be in each cloud or 2) how much water should be in each sea. Alternate translation: "decided how much water should be in each place"

Job 28:26

a path for the thunder

"he decided how the thunder can be heard" or "he decided the path of the thunderstorm"

Job 28:27

General Information:

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Job 28:28

See, the fear of the Lord—that is wisdom

The abstract noun "fear" can be expressed with the verbs "fear" or "respect." The abstract noun "wisdom" can be expressed with the word "wise." Alternate translation: "Listen, if you fear the Lord, you will be wise"

to depart from evil is understanding

Here "depart from evil" means refusing to do evil things. The abstract noun "understanding" can be expressed with the verb "understand." Alternate translation: "if you refuse to do evil, then you will understand many things"

Chapter 29

Job 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Job's statement, but now it is directly addressed to Yahweh.

In this chapter, Job recalls the days before Yahweh's blessings were taken from him. This is only one part of Job's argument that continues for the next 3 chapters.

Job 29:1

General Information:

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Job 29:2

Oh, that I were as I was in the past months

Job uses this exclamation to express a wish. Alternate translation: "I wish that I were as I was in past months"

Job 29:3

when his lamp shined on my head

God's lamp shining on Job represents God blessing Job. Alternate translation: "when God's blessing was like a lamp shining its light on my head"

when I walked through darkness by his light

Walking through darkness represents experiencing difficult situations.

Job 29:4

in the ripeness of my days

Job speaks of when he was young and strong as if his days were the time when the harvest is ripe. Alternate translation: "when I was young and strong"

when the friendship of God was on my tent

The abstract noun "friendship" can be expressed with the noun "friend." The word "tent" represents Job's home. Alternate translation: "when God was my friend and protected my home"

Job 29:5

General Information:

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Job 29:6

when my way was covered with cream

"when my path was flowing with cream." Job uses this exaggeration to express that he had many cows and they produced much more cream than he and his family needed. Alternate translation: "when my cows provided an abundance of cream"

and the rock poured out for me streams of oil

"and the rock poured out streams of oil for me." Job uses this exaggeration to express that he had many olive vines and great amounts of olive oil. The rock is where his servants pressed the oil out of the olives. Alternate translation: "when my servants pressed out a great amount of olive oil" or "when oil flowed like streams from the pressing rock"

Job 29:7

city square

This is an open area in a village or city where two or more streets meet.

Job 29:8

rose and stood for me

This is a symbol of respect. It can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "rose and stood respectfully for me"

Job 29:9

The princes used to refrain from talking when I came

This was a sign of respect.

they would lay their hand on their mouths

They did this to show that they would not speak. This was a sign of their respect for Job.

Job 29:10

The voices of the noblemen were hushed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The noblemen hushed their voices" or "The noblemen stopped speaking"

their tongue clung to the roof of their mouths

This represents them having so much respect for Job that they had nothing to say. Alternate translation: "they felt that they were unable to speak" or "they had nothing to say"

Job 29:11

after their ears heard me ... after their eyes saw me

The ears represent those who heard him, and the eyes represent those who saw him. Alternate translation: "after they heard what I told them ... after they saw me"

they would then give witness to me and approve of me

"they would witness approvingly of me"

Job 29:12

I rescued the one who was poor when he cried out

Here "the one who was poor" refers to any poor person. Alternate translation: "I used to rescue poor people who cried out"

Job 29:13

The blessing of him who was about to perish came on me

Someone's blessing coming on another represents that person blessing another. Alternate translation: "He who was about to perish would bless me"

him who was about to perish

This represents anyone who was about to die. Alternate translation: "those who were about to die"

I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy

Here "the widow's heart" represents any widow. Alternate translation: "I caused widows to sing joyfully"

Job 29:14

I put on righteousness, and it clothed me

People often spoke of righteousness as if it were clothing. Alternate translation: "I did what was righteous, and it was like clothing that I put on"

my justice was like a robe and a turban

People often spoke of justice as if it were clothing. Alternate translation: "I did what was just, and it was like a robe and a turban on me"

turban

a long cloth that men wrap around their heads and wear as a hat

Job 29:15

I was eyes to blind people

This represents helping blind people. Alternate translation: "I was like eyes for blind people" or "I guided blind people"

I was feet to lame people

This represents helping blind people. Alternate translation: "I was like feet for lame people" or "I supported lame people"

Job 29:16

I was a father to needy people

Here "I was a father" represents providing for people. Alternate translation: "I provided for needy people as a father provides for his children"

Job 29:17

General Information:

In verses 18-20 Job tells about the things he used to say before bad things happened to him.

I broke the jaws of ... I plucked the victim

Job speaks of unrighteous people who persecute others as if they were wild animals that attack their victims by picking them up between their teeth. Alternate translation: "I made unrighteous people stop persecuting people, like someone who breaks the jaw of a wild animal and rescues its victim from between its teeth"

Job 29:18

I will die in my nest

Here "nest" represents Job's home and family. Job used to speak as if he were a bird that lived in a nest with his baby birds. Alternate translation: "I will die at home with my family" or "I will die in the safety of my home"

I will multiply my days like the grains of sand

There are more grains of sand on the shore than anyone can count. To say that he would live more days than anyone could count is an exaggeration to express that he would live a very long time. Alternate translation: "I will live a very long time" or "I will live many years"

Job 29:19

My roots ... my branches

Job used to speak of his strength as if he were strong like a well-watered tree.

Job 29:20

The honor in me is always fresh

The abstract noun "honor" can be expressed with the verb "honor." Here "fresh" represents the honor being constantly given. Alternate translation: "People constantly give me honor" or "People always honor me"

the bow of my strength is always new in my hand

A new bow is very strong. Job's bow of strength in his hand represents his physical strength. Alternate translation: "I am always strong like a new bow"

Job 29:21

General Information:

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Job 29:22

my speech dropped like water on them

Here "dropped like water on them" represents refreshing the people who heard him. The abstract noun "speech" can be translated with the verb "speak" or "say." Alternate translation: "my speech refreshed their hearts as drops of water refresh people's bodies" or "what I said to them refreshed them like drops of water"

Job 29:23

They always waited for me as they waited for rain

People waited for Job patiently and expected to hear good things.

they opened their mouth wide to drink in my words

This represents waiting eagerly for Job to speak in order to benefit from what said. Alternate translation: "they eagerly waited for me to speak in order to benefit from what I said"

as they would do for the latter rain

"as farmers wait eagerly for the latter rain"

the latter rain

This refers to the large amount of rain that falls just before the dry season.

Job 29:24

I smiled on them

It can be stated clearly that the purpose of smiling was to encourage them. Alternate translation: "I smiled on them to encourage them"

the light of my face

This represents the kindness they saw in Job's face.

Job 29:25

I selected their way

Here "selected their way" represents deciding what they should do.

sat as their chief

Here "sat" represents ruling or leading. Chiefs sat down when they made important decisions. Alternate translation: "led them as their chief"

sat as their chief

Job was their chief. Alternate translation: "led them because I was their chief"

I lived like a king in his army

Job speaks of how he led the people and how they obeyed him as if he were a king and they were his army.

like one who comforts mourners

This phrase means that Job actually was one who comforted people. Alternate translation: "I comforted them when they mourned"

Chapter 30

Job 30 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Job's statement, but now it is directly addressed to Yahweh.

In this chapter, Job laments his current condition as others insult him. (See: lament)

Job 30:1

whose fathers I would have refused to allow to work beside the dogs of my flock

This shows how much he despised those fathers. They were not even good enough to be with his dogs. Alternate translation: "whose fathers I despised and would not have allowed to work beside the dogs of my flock"

the dogs of my flock

The dogs' relationship to the flock can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the dogs that guarded my flock"

Job 30:2

Indeed, the strength of their fathers' hands, how could it have helped me ... perished?

Job uses this question to mock the weakness of those men. Alternate translation: "The strength of their fathers' hands could not have helped me ... perished."

men in whom the strength of their mature age had perished

Their strength perishing is a metaphor that represents no longer being strong but weak. The phrase "mature age" refers to them being old. Alternate translation: "men who had become old and had no strength" or "men who had become old and weak"

Job 30:3

They were thin from poverty and hunger

The word "They" refers to the fathers of the young mockers.

They were thin from poverty and hunger

The abstract noun "poverty" can be expressed with the word "poor." The abstract noun "hunger" can be expressed with the words "hungry" or "starving." Alternate translation: "They were very thin because they were poor and starving"

they gnawed at the dry ground

Possible meanings are that 1) "dry ground" is a metonym for the dry roots that grow in the ground. Alternate translation: "they chewed on the dry roots they found in the ground" or 2) "gnawed at the dried ground" is a metonym for eating whatever they could find in the dry ground.

Job 30:4

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to talk about the fathers of the mockers.

saltwort ... bushes' leaves ... the roots of the broom tree

These are plants that people would eat only if they could find nothing better.

the roots of the broom tree were their food

Possible meanings are 1) the people ate the roots of the broom tree or 2) the people warmed themselves by burning the roots of broom trees.

Job 30:5

They were driven out from among people who shouted after them as ... a thief

The phrase "were driven out" means "were forced to leave." These phrases can be reordered and stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The people shouted after them as ... a thief and forced them to leave"

shouted after them as one would shout after a thief

"shouted at them as though they were thieves"

Job 30:6

General Information:

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Job 30:7

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to talk about the fathers of the mockers.

brayed like donkeys

Job speaks of the men crying out in hunger as if they were wild donkeys making a loud noise. Alternate translation: "cried out like wild donkeys because they were hungry"

they gathered together under the nettles

"Nettles" are bushes with sharp thorns. This implies that they did not have a home.

Job 30:8

They were the sons of fools

Here "were the sons of fools" represents having the characteristics fools. Alternate translation: "They were like fools" or "they were fools"

indeed, sons of nameless people

The word "indeed" shows that what follows strengthens the previous thought. Here "sons of nameless people" represents having the characteristics of nameless people. Alternate translation: "indeed, they were nameless people" or "indeed, they were worthless"

nameless people

Here being "nameless" represents having no honor or respect. It means that they are worthless. Alternate translation: "worthless people"

They were driven out of the land with whips

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) the idea of whips implies that they were being treated like criminals. Alternate translation: "People treated them like criminals and forced them to leave the land" or 2) people actually used whips to force them out. Alternate translation: "People whipped them and forced them to leave the land"

They were driven out of the land

Here "the land" refers to the land where they lived before they were forced to go out to the wilderness.

Job 30:9

Connecting Statement:

Job speaks again about the people who were mocking him.

But now I have become the subject of their taunting song

The abstract noun "song" can be expressed with the verb "sing." Alternate translation: "But now they sing songs about me to taunt me"

I have become a byword for them

Here "byword" is a metonym for the person about whom people make cruel jokes. Alternate translation: "I am now one whom they make cruel jokes about" or "They joke and say cruel things about me"

Job 30:10

they do not refrain from spitting in my face

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "they even spit in my face"

Job 30:11

God has unstrung the string to my bow

A bow that is unstrung is not useful. The phrase "has unstrung the string of my bow" is a metaphor for making Job powerless. Alternate translation: "God has taken away my power to defend myself"

those who taunt me

"those who mock me"

cast off restraint before my face

A restraint keeps a person from moving freely and doing what he wants. Here "restraint" represents refraining from doing something, and "cast off restraint" represents not refraining from doing something. In this case the mockers did not refrain from being cruel to Job. Alternate translation: "do not refrain from being cruel to me" or "do whatever cruel things they want to do to me"

Job 30:12

General Information:

Job speaks about the mockers treating him cruelly as if they were a mob and an army attacking him.

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to speak about the people who were mocking him.

Upon my right hand rise the rabble

"the rabble rise upon my right hand." Possible meanings are 1) rising upon Job's right hand represents attacking his strength. Alternate translation: "Gangs of young people attack my strength" or 2) rising upon Job's right hand represents attacking his honor. Alternate translation: "Mobs attack my honor"

they drive me away

"they force me to run away"

pile up against me their siege mounds

Armies would pile up mounds of dirt along a city's wall in order to climb over the wall and attack the city. Job speaks of the mockers preparing to attack him as if they were doing that. Alternate translation: "prepare to attack me like an army that prepares to attack a city"

Job 30:13

They destroy my path

This represents keeping Job from escaping their attack. Alternate translation: "They prevent me from escaping from them"

they push forward disaster for me

Here "push forward disaster" represents trying to make disaster happen. Alternate translation: "they try to make disaster happen to me" or "they try to destroy me"

men who have no one to hold them back

Here "hold them back" represents stopping them from doing something. Alternate translation: "men who have no one to stop them from attacking me"

Job 30:14

General Information:

Job speaks about the mockers treating him cruelly as if they were an army attacking him.

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to speak about the people who were mocking him.

They come against me like an army through a wide hole in a city wall

This represents attacking Job forcefully.

they roll themselves in on me

This represents many coming to attack him at once, like giant ocean waves rolling in on him.

Job 30:15

Terrors are turned upon me

Possible meanings are 1) Job has become terrified or 2) things are happening to Job that make him afraid.

my honor is driven away as if by the wind

Job speaks of suddenly having no honor as if the wind had blown it from him. Alternate translation: "Nobody honors me" or "I am now a person that people do not honor"

my prosperity passes away as a cloud

Job speaks of his prosperity ending as if it were a cloud that was blown away. Here "prosperity" may refer to well-being or safety. Alternate translation: "I no longer prosper at all" or "I am no longer safe"

Job 30:16

Now my life is pouring out from within me

Job speaks as if his life were a liquid and his body were a container. He feels he is about to die. Alternate translation: "Now I am dying"

many days of suffering have laid hold on me

Job speaks of his continuous suffering as if the days of suffering have grabbed hold of him. Alternate translation: "I suffer many days, and the suffering does not end"

Job 30:17

my bones in me are pierced

Job speaks of the pain in his bones as if his bones were being pierced. Alternate translation: "my bones ache terribly" or "I have sharp pain in my bones"

the pains that gnaw at me take no rest

Job speaks of his constant pain as if it were alive and biting him and refuses to rest. Alternate translation: "the pains that cause me to suffer do not stop" or "I am in constant pain"

Job 30:18

God's great force has seized my clothing

Job speaks of God using his force as if God's force were actually doing something. Here "God's ... force" stands for "God." Alternate translation: "God has seized my clothing by his great force"

God's great force has seized my clothing

The image of God's force seizing Job is a metaphor. Possible meanings are 1) it represents Job's pain. Alternate translation: "My pain feels like God has grabbed my clothing tightly" or 2) it represents God's causing Job's many problems. Alternate translation: "It is as though by his great force God has grabbed me by my clothes"

it wraps around me like the collar of my tunic

The image of God's force wrapping around Job is a metaphor. Possible meanings are 1) it represents Job's pain. Alternate translation: "he wraps the collar of my tunic tightly around me" or 2) it represents God's causing Job's many problems. Alternate translation: "It is as though he grabs me by the collar of my tunic"

Job 30:19

He has thrown me into the mud

Job says that God has humiliated him. Alternate translation: "It is as though he has thrown me in the mud" or "He has humiliated me, like a person thrown in the mud"

I have become like dust and ashes

This represents Job's feeling of being worthless. Alternate translation: "I have become as worthless as dust and ashes"

Job 30:20

General Information:

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Job 30:21

cruel

This word means unkind.

with the might of your hand you persecute me

The word "hand" represents God's power. Alternate translation: "you persecute me with your power"

Job 30:22

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to God.

lift me up to the wind ... throw me back and forth in a storm

These expressions represent the extreme suffering that God made Job endure.

cause it to drive me along

"cause the wind to push me along"

Job 30:23

you will bring me to death

Here "bring me to death" represents causing Job to die. Alternate translation: "you will cause me to die"

the house appointed for all the living

Job speaks of the world of the dead as if it were a house to which God has appointed all living things to go. Alternate translation: "the world of the dead, to which everything that has ever lived goes"

all the living

That is, all things now alive, but that will die one day.

Job 30:24

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to God.

does no one reach out with his hand to beg for help when he falls? Does no one in trouble call out for help?

Job uses these questions to justify himself for crying out to God for help. Alternate translation: "Everyone reaches out with his hand to beg for help when he falls. Everyone who is in trouble calls out for help." or "I have fallen, and so God should not think I am doing wrong when I beg for his help. I am in trouble, so of course I call out for help!"

does no one reach out with his hand to beg for help when he falls? Does no one in trouble call out for help?

Some versions interpret these questions as Job complaining that God has reached out with his hand to harm Job when Job was in trouble and crying out for help. Alternate translation: "Surely no one would reach out with his hand against someone who falls and calls out for help."

Job 30:25

Did not I weep ... hard? Did I not grieve ... man?

Job uses these questions to remind God of how Job had done good to others. A: "You know that I wept ... hard, and I grieved ... man!"

him whose day is hard

Here the word "day" is a synecdoche for the person's life, and "hard" here means "difficult." Alternate translation: "him whose life is difficult"

Job 30:26

When I hoped for good, then evil came

Looking for good represents hoping for good things, and evil coming represents evil things happening.

I waited for light ... darkness came

Here "light" represents God's blessing and favor and "darkness" represents trouble and suffering. Alternate translation: "I waited for the light of God's blessing, but instead I experienced the darkness of suffering"

Job 30:27

My heart is troubled and does not rest

Job speaks of his heart as if it were a person. Alternate translation: "I am troubled in my heart and the feeling does not end"

days of affliction have come on me

Days of affliction coming on Job represents Job experiencing affliction for many days. Alternate translation: "I experience affliction many days" or "I suffer every day"

Job 30:28

I have gone about

Here "have gone about" represents living. Alternate translation: "I have lived" or "I live"

like one who was living in the dark, but not because of the sun

Here "living in the dark" is a metaphor that represents being extremely sad. The phrase "but not because of the sun" clarifies that "living in the dark" is a metaphor, that is, the darkness is not caused by the sun being hidden. Alternate translation: "like one who is terribly sad"

Job 30:29

a brother to jackals, a companion of ostriches

Being a brother to these animals is a metaphor for being like them. Alternate translation: "I am like jackals and ostriches that cry out in the wilderness"

Job 30:30

my bones are burned with heat

Here "bones" refers to the whole body, which suffers from fever.

heat

Another possible meaning is "fever."

Job 30:31

my harp is tuned for songs of mourning

Here "my harp" represents Job himself, and also represents his desire to sing only songs of mourning. Alternate translation: "I play only songs of mourning on my harp"

my flute for the singing of those who wail

Here "my flute" represents Job himself, and also his desire to sing only songs of crying. Alternate translation: "I play only songs of wailing on my flute"

wail

To wail is to cry very loudly because of terrible sadness or pain.

Chapter 31

Job 31 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Job's statement and it is directly addressed to Yahweh.

In this chapter, Job presents his case to Yahweh that he is upright and not guilty of the sins he is being accused of. (See: righteous and guilt and sin)

Job 31:1

General Information:

Job continues speaking.

I have made a covenant with my eyes

Job speaks of making a promise about what he would look at as though his eyes were a person and he made a covenant with them. Alternate translation: "I have made a firm promise about what I will look at"

I have made a covenant with my eyes

What job promised can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "I made a promise that I will not look lustfully on a virgin" or "I promised that I will not look lustfully on a virgin"

how then should I look with desire on a virgin?

Job uses this question to emphasize that he would never break his promise. Alternate translation: "So I certainly will not look with lust at a virgin."

Job 31:2

For what is the portion from God above, the inheritance from the Almighty on high?

Job speaks of God's response to people's behavior as if it were the portion of an inheritance that God gives. Alternate translation: "For how will God above respond to me? What will the Almighty on high do?"

For what is the portion from God above, the inheritance from the Almighty on high?

Possible meanings are Job uses this question to emphasize 1) that God will not bless bad behavior. Alternate translation: "For if I look lustfully on a woman, God Almighty on high will not bless me." or 2) that God will punish bad behavior. Alternate translation: "For if I look lustfully on a woman, God Almighty on high will certainly punish me."

Job 31:3

General Information:

Job continues speaking.

Job 31:4

Does not God see my ways and count all my steps?

Here "my ways" and "my steps" are metaphors for Job's behavior. Here "see my ways" and "count all my steps" are metaphors for knowing everything Job does. Job uses this question to emphasize that God does know all he does. Alternate translation: "Certainly God watches me and knows everything that I do."

Does not God see my ways and count all my steps?

Job may be implying that God should know that Job is righteous and does not deserve calamity and disaster.

Job 31:5

General Information:

Job continues speaking.

If I have

In 31:5-40 Job describes different situations in which he would deserve God's punishment. But, Job is confident that they are not true and that he is innocent.

have walked with falsehood, if my foot has hurried to deceit

Here "walked" and "hurried" are metaphors that represent how Job lived. Alternate translation: "have done anything false or purposely deceived anyone"

Job 31:6

let me be weighed in an even balance

People used balances to weigh items and to determine their value. This image represents judging honestly. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let me be judged honestly" or "let God judge me honestly"

Job 31:7

General Information:

Job continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but Job is confident that they are not true.

If my step has turned aside from the way

Here "my step" is a metaphor for Job's behavior, and "turned out of the right way" is a metaphor for changing from living right. Alternate translation: "If I have changed from living right" or "If I have stopped doing what is right"

if my heart has gone after my eyes

Here "my heart" and "my eyes" are metonyms for what Job desires and sees. The heart going after the eyes is a metaphor for desiring to do what he sees. It is implied that this refers to sinful things that Job sees. Alternate translation: "if I have have wanted to do any sinful things that I see"

if any spot has stuck to my hands

This is a metaphor for being guilty. Alternate translation: "if I am guilty of any sin at all"

Job 31:8

then let me sow, and let another eat, and let my crops be uprooted

Job is saying that if he really has sinned, then this bad thing should happen to him. He would do the hard work of sowing his fields, but he would not be able to eat any of it.

let my crops be uprooted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let someone else come and take the harvest from my field"

Job 31:9

General Information:

Job continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true.

If my heart has been deceived by a woman

Here "my heart" represents Job. Here the word "deceived" expresses the idea of "enticed." The word "woman" expresses the idea of "another man's wife." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If another man's wife has enticed me" or "If I have desired another man's wife"

if I have lain in wait at my neighbor's door

It can be stated clearly why he was waiting at his neighbor's door. Alternate translation: "if I have waited at my neighbor's door so I could sleep with his wife"

Job 31:10

then let my wife grind grain for another

Possible meanings are 1) this is an euphemism which means Job is saying may his wife sleep with another man or 2) it means she will become a slave and work for another man.

Job 31:11

General Information:

Job continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true.

For that would be a terrible crime

The word "that" refers to Job sleeping with another woman.

it would be a crime to be punished by judges

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it would be a crime for which judges should punish me"

Job 31:12

For that is a fire that consumes as far as Abaddon, and it would burn all my harvest to the root

Job speaks of the harm that sleeping with another woman causes as if it were a fire that destroys everything. The words "that" and "it" refer to sleeping with another man's wife. Alternate translation: "For adultery is like a fire that burns up everything from here to Abaddon and that would burn up all my harvest"

consumes as far as Abaddon

These words are probably a metaphor for "destroys everything so I have nothing good for the rest of my life," but you should probably translate this literally.

it would burn all my harvest to the root

The word "it" here refers to the action sleeping with another man's wife. This action is a metonym for the punishment that Job would suffer as a result of the action. A fire burning up his harvest is a synecdoche for losing everything he has worked for. Alternate translation: "those who punish me would take away everything I have worked for"

Job 31:13

General Information:

Job continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true.

my male servant or my female servant

These two items refer to Job's servants in general, not to any particular male or female servant, and so may be combined: "my male or female servant" or "any of my servants."

Job 31:14

what then would I do when God rises up to accuse me? When he comes to judge me, how would I answer him?

Job uses these questions to emphasize that if God were to judge him, Job would not be able to make himself appear to be good. Alternate translation: "then there would be absolutely nothing I could say to defend myself when God comes to judge me."

Job 31:15

Did the one who made me in the womb not make them also? Did not the same one mold us all in the womb?

Job uses these questions to emphasize that he is no different from his servants. He implies that God would be angry if Job were to treat his servants as less valuable than himself. Alternate translation: "The one who made me in the womb also made them. He formed us all in the womb."

Job 31:16

General Information:

Job continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true. He does not finish his sentence in verses 16 and 17. Instead he explains in verse 18 why they are not true.

If I have withheld poor people from their desire

"If I have kept poor people from getting what they desire"

if I have caused the eyes of the widow to grow dim from crying

Here "to grow dim" refers to the widow having bad eyesight from crying a lot. Alternate translation: "if I have caused a widow to cry in great sadness"

Job 31:17

my morsel

"my food"

Job 31:18

because from my youth the orphan grew up with me as with a father

Here "the orphan" represents orphans in general. Job is describing how he truly treated orphans. Alternate translation: "because even when I was young I took care of orphans like a father"

because from my youth

The phrase "But I have done none of those things" is understood from the context. Alternate translation: "But I have done none of those things, because from my youth"

I have guided his mother, a widow, from my own mother's womb

Job is describing how he truly treated widows. With the phrase "from my own mother's womb" he uses exaggeration to emphasize that he did this all his life. Alternate translation: "all my life I have guided the orphan's mother, a widow" or "all my life I have guided widows"

Job 31:19

General Information:

Job continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he knows they are not true.

Job 31:20

if his heart has not blessed me

The phrase "his heart" represents the poor man who needs clothing. Alternate translation: "if he has not blessed me"

because he has not been warmed with the wool of my sheep

Here "the wool of my sheep" represents blankets or clothing made from the wool of Job's sheep. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because the wool of my sheep has not warmed him" or "because I have not given him clothing made from the wool of my sheep"

Job 31:21

if I have lifted up my hand against the orphan

Lifting up the hand against someone represents threatening to harm him. Alternate translation: "if I have threatened to harm the orphan"

the orphan

This is a generic noun for any orphan or fatherless child. Alternate translation: "orphans" or "fatherless people"

I saw my support in the city gate

Here "saw" is a metaphor for "knew," "support" is a metaphor for "approval," and "the city gate" is a metonym for the leaders who sit at the city gate. Alternate translation: "I knew that the leaders at the city gate would approve of me"

in the city gate

This is where the important men of the city would gather to make decisions.

then bring charges against me

This phrase is not in the original language or in other versions of the Bible. It was added here to help preserve the meaning of Job's statement in this long sentence.

Job 31:22

then let my shoulder fall from the shoulder blade, and let my arm be broken from its joint

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "then let someone tear off my shoulder from the shoulder blade and break my arm from its joint"

Job 31:23

For I dreaded ... his majesty

This is the reason that Job did not do any of the wicked things he spoke of in verses 7 through 21.

Job 31:24

General Information:

Job continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true.

If I have made gold my hope

The abstract noun "hope" can be translated with the verbs "trust" or "hope." Alternate translation: "If I trusted in gold" or "If I hoped that having a lot of gold would make me secure"

if I have said to fine gold, 'You are what I am confident in'

This line means the same as the previous line.

Job 31:25

my hand had gotten many possessions

Here "my hand" represents Job's ability to do things. Alternate translation: "I have gained many possessions by my own ability"

then bring charges against me

This phrase is not in the original language or in other versions of the Bible. It was added here to help preserve the meaning of Job's statement in this long sentence.

Job 31:26

General Information:

Job continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true.

the moon walking

Here "walking" represents moving slowly. Alternate translation: "the moon moving across the sky"

Job 31:27

if my heart has been secretly attracted

Here "my heart" represents Job. This phrase can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if I have been secretly attracted to them" or "if I have secretly desired to worship them"

so that my mouth has kissed my hand

Here "my mouth" represents Job. This is a sign of love and devotion. Alternate translation: "so that I have kissed my hand"

Job 31:28

to be punished by judges

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for which judges would be right to punish me"

I would have denied the God who is above

"I would have been unfaithful to the God who is above"

Job 31:29

General Information:

Job continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true.

at the destruction of anyone who hated me

The abstract noun "destruction" can be translated with the verb "destroy." Alternate translation: "when anyone who hated me was destroyed" or "when bad things happened to anyone who hated me"

when disaster overtook him

"when he experienced disasters"

then bring charges against me

This phrase is not in the original language or in other versions of the Bible. It was added here to help preserve the meaning of Job's statement in this long sentence.

Job 31:30

Indeed, I have not even allowed my mouth to sin

Here "my mouth" represents Job speaking. Alternate translation: "Truly I did not let myself sin" or "Truly, I did not sin"

by asking for his life with a curse

Here "asking for his life with a curse" represents cursing someone's life so that he will die. Alternate translation: "by cursing him so that he would die" or "by cursing his life"

Job 31:31

General Information:

Job continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true.

the men of my tent

The tent represents Job's household. The men of his tent includes family members and servants. All of these knew Job well. Alternate translation: "the men of my household" or "my family members and servants"

Who can find one who has not been filled with Job's food?

Job's men would have used this question to emphasize that Job was generous to everyone. Alternate translation: "Everyone has been filled with Job's food!" or "Everyone we know of has eaten as much of Job's food as he wanted!"

Job 31:32

even the foreigner has never had to stay in the city square

Job is explaining how he truly treated foreigners. Here "stay in the city square" represents sleeping overnight in the city square. Alternate translation: "foreigners have never had to sleep in the city square" or "foreigners have never had to sleep outside"

I have always opened my doors to the traveler

Here "opened my doors to the traveler" represents welcoming the traveler into his home. Alternate translation: "I have always welcomed the traveler into my home"

and if that is not so, then bring charges against me

This phrase is not in the original language or in other versions of the Bible. It was added here to help preserve the meaning of Job's statement in this long sentence.

Job 31:33

General Information:

Job continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true.

If ... I have hidden my sins

Here "have hidden my sins" represents trying to keep people from knowing that he had sinned. Alternate translation: "If ... I have tried to keep my sins a secret"

by hiding my guilt inside my bosom

This represents trying to keep people from knowing that he is guilty. The "bosom" is the chest and arms and is probably a metonym for the tunic that covers it. Alternate translation: "by hiding the evidence of my guilt inside my tunic" or "like one who hides the evidence of his guilt inside his tunic"

Job 31:34

because I feared the great multitude, because the contempt of the families terrified me

This would be the reason for hiding his sins. These two phrases mean the same thing. They emphasize that a person may hide his sin because he fears what other people may think about him.

so that I kept silent and would not go outside)—

The dash at the end of the line is used to show that Job did not finish this sentence.

Job 31:35

Oh, if only I had someone to hear me!

This exclamation expresses Job's wish. Alternate translation: "I wish I had someone to hear me" or "I wish that someone would listen to me"

here is my signature

Here "my signature" represents Job's promise that everything he is saying is true. He speaks of his complaint as if he had written a legal document. Alternate translation: "I solemnly promise that all I have said is true"

let the Almighty answer me!

Here an answer probably refers to telling Job what wrong he accuses Job of doing. Alternate translation: "let the Almighty tell me what I have done wrong" or "I wish the Almighty would say what I have done wrong"

If only I had the indictment that my opponent has written!

This expresses Job's wish. Job speaks as though his troubles are evidence that someone has written something accusing him of terrible sin. Alternate translation: "I wish I had the accusation that my opponent has written" or "If only I could read my opponent's complaint against me"

my opponent

These words could refer to 1) God or 2) someone else.

Job 31:36

Surely I would carry it openly on my shoulder; I would bind it on myself like a crown

This represents putting it where everyone could read it.

Job 31:37

I would declare to him an accounting for my steps

Here "my steps" represents Job's actions. Alternate translation: "I would declare to him an accounting for all I have done" or "I would tell him everything I have done"

as a confident prince I would go up to him

This means Job would approach God without any fear. Job implies that he could do this because he was not guilty. Alternate translation: "I would approach him boldly"

Job 31:38

General Information:

This concludes Job's description of situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is convinced that they they are not true.

If my land ever cries out against me, and its furrows weep together

Job speaks of being guilty as if his land were a person who cries out against Job because of the wrong Job has done to the land. Alternate translation: "If I have done wrong concerning my land" or "If I have stolen my land from someone"

Job 31:39

to lose their lives

This represents dying. Alternate translation: "to die"

Job 31:40

weeds instead of barley

The words "let" and "grow" are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "let weeds grow instead of barley"

Chapter 32

Job 32 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Job's friends give up on trying to convince him that he is being punished for sinning. This chapter introduces Elihu who was a witness to these interactions between Job and his friends. According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is the first of Elihu's four statements. (See: sin and testimony)

Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers, or songs. The ULB and many other English translations set the lines of 32:6-22, which is an extended quotation, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. This quotation continues through the next chapter.

Job 32:1

he was righteous in his own eyes

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "he considered himself righteous"

Job 32:2

Then the anger of Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled; it was kindled against Job

This compares Elihu's anger to someone starting a fire. Also, this can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job"

Elihu ... Barakel ... Ram

These are names of men.

Buzite

This is the name of a people-group.

he justified himself rather than God

This means that he considered himself innocent and believed God had been wrong to punish him. Alternate translation: "he justified himself and claimed that God had been wrong to punish him"

Job 32:3

Elihu's anger was also kindled against his three friends

This compares Elihu's anger to someone starting a fire. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Elihu also became very angry with his three friends"

Job 32:4

Now

This word is used here to mark a pause in the story. This tells background information about Elihu.

Job 32:5

that there was no answer in the mouths of these three men

This means that the men were done speaking to Job. This speaks of the men possibly having an answer as if the answer were an object that would be in their mouths. Alternate translation: "that these three men had nothing else to say" or "that these three men had no more answers to give Job"

his anger was kindled

This compares Elihu's anger to someone starting a fire. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he became very angry"

Job 32:6

you are very old

Here "you" is plural and refers to Job and his three friends.

Job 32:7

Length of days should speak; a multitude of years should teach wisdom

These two lines mean the same thing. Elihu emphasizes that since older people are wiser than younger people, they should be the first to speak of what they know. Alternate translation: "He who has lived many years should speak; He would is older should teach wisdom"

Job 32:8

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking to Job and his friends.

there is a spirit in a man; the breath of the Almighty

Both phrases mean the same thing. Elihu is emphasizing that a man's wisdom comes from God. Alternate translation: "there is a spirit in a man, that is, the breath of the Almighty that"

the breath of the Almighty

Here the spirit is represented by "breath." Alternate translation: "the spirit of the Almighty"

Job 32:9

General Information:

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Job 32:10

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Job 32:11

See

Elihu uses this word here to draw the mens' attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "Listen"

I waited for your words

"I waited to hear what you would say." The word "your" refers to Job's friends and so is plural.

searching for a word

The word "word" is a synecdoche for an entire message, and "searching for" a word as if it were a solid object is a metaphor for thinking of the right thing to say. Alternate translation: "thinking about what to say" or "trying to think of the right thing to say"

Job 32:12

who could respond to his words

Here the word "respond" does not just mean to answer, but to answer with a helpful response.

Job 32:13

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking to Job's friends.

We have found wisdom

This means that they believe that they have figured out what is wise. Alternate translation: "We have discovered what is wise"

to defeat Job

This speaks of God responding to Job and correcting him as if he were defeating him in battle. Alternate translation: "to refute Job" or "to answer Job"

Job 32:14

with your words

"by saying what you have said"

Job 32:15

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking.

dismayed

discouraged or distressed

Job 32:16

Should I wait because they are not speaking, because they stand there silent and answer no more?

Elihu uses a question to emphasize that he will not wait any longer to speak. Elihu answers this question himself in the next verse. Alternate translation: But because you do not speak, I certainly will not wait any longer; you merely stand there and do not reply anymore.

Job 32:17

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking using parallelisms.

I also will answer on my part

"I will now take my turn to answer"

Job 32:18

I am full of words

Elihu speaks of having a lot to say as being full of words. Alternate translation: "I have so much to say"

the spirit in me compels me

"my spirit forces me to say it"

Job 32:19

my breast is like fermenting wine that has no vent; like new wineskins, it is ready to burst

While wine is fermenting, gas collects in the container. If the gas is not let out the container will burst. Elihu means that he has so much to say that if he does not speak he feels like he will burst. Also, these two phrases are parallel and have the same meaning. Alternate translation: "I feel like my breast is about to burst, like a container of fermenting wine that has no vent"

my breast is

This represents Elihu, specifically his spirit. Alternate translation: "my spirit is" or "I am"

Job 32:20

I may be refreshed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I may feel better"

open my lips

Here the "lips" represent the mouth. Alternate translation: "open my mouth"

Job 32:21

favoritism; neither will I give honorific titles to any man

Elihu is probably speaking of giving honorific titles to someone as a metaphor for flattering him, and he is probably speaking indirectly about Job and his friends by speaking of "a man" in general. Alternate translation: "favoritism; neither will I flatter anyone" or "favoritism, nor will I flatter any of you"

Job 32:22

my Maker

This is a name referring to God. Alternate translation: "God who made me"

take me away

This means that he would destroy him. Alternate translation: "destroy me"

Chapter 33

Job 33 General Notes

Structure and formatting

According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is a continuation of the first of Elihu's four statements and it is addressed to Job. (See: sin and testimony)

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This quotation is a continuation of the previous chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

God's mercy

While Job has been complaining about the lack of justice and response from Yahweh, Elihu shows Job that Yahweh has shown him great mercy along the way. He is still alive because of Yahweh's mercy. (See: mercy)

Job 33:1

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking.

hear my speech; listen to all my words

These two phrases mean the same thing. Elihu is emphasizing that Job must listen carefully.

Job 33:2

See now, I

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: I" See how you translated this phrase in Job 13:18.

I have opened my mouth ... my tongue has spoken in my mouth

These mean the same thing. Elihu is emphasizing that he is now ready to speak. His "tongue" speaking represents himself speaking. Alternate translation: "I have opened my mouth and I have begun to speak"

Job 33:3

My words come from the uprightness of my heart

Here Elihu refers to himself by his "heart" as he speaks of being upright. Alternate translation: "I will speak with uprightness" or "I will speak with complete honesty"

my lips speak pure knowledge

Here Elihu refers to himself by his "lips" to emphasize his speech. Alternate translation: "I will speak sincerely to you the things I know"

Job 33:4

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking to Job.

The Spirit of God ... has given me life

These two lines mean the same thing. Elihu is emphasizing that God has made him and so gives authority to what he is saying.

Job 33:5

set your words in order before me and stand up

This speaks of Job preparing what he will say as if he were setting up and organizing physical objects. Alternate translation: "prepare what you will say, and stand up and answer me"

Job 33:6

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking to Job.

See

Elihu uses this word here to draw Job's attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "Listen"

I am just as you are in God's sight

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "I am just as you are in God's judgment" or "God judges me the same way that he judges you"

I also have been formed out of the clay

Though people are not made out of clay, God has made everyone as a potter carefully makes things out of clay. Alternate translation: "God has made both of us just as a potter forms things from clay"

I also have been formed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has also made me" or "God has formed both of us"

Job 33:7

terror of me will not make you afraid

"you do not need to be afraid of me"

neither will my pressure be heavy upon you

This means that he will not hinder Job or burden him. He speaks of emotional burden here as if it were a heavy physical burden. Alternate translation: "neither will I burden you" or "I will not oppress you with what I say"

Job 33:8

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking to Job.

in my hearing

"where I could hear you"

I have heard the sound of your words saying

"I have heard you say"

Job 33:9

clean

A person who God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.

there is no iniquity in me

"I have not sinned"

Job 33:10

General Information:

Elihu continues quoting what he heard Job say.

See

The speaker uses this word here to draw attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "Listen"

Job 33:11

He puts my feet in stocks

"Stocks" are wooden blocks a jailer puts around a prisoner's feet to restrict his movement. Job speaks of feeling like he is a prisoner by saying that he is in stocks. Alternate translation: "I feel he has made me a prisoner"

my paths

These words refer to where he goes. Here where he goes represents what he does. Alternate translation: "everything that I do"

Job 33:12

I will answer you

Elihu is speaking to Job, so the word "you" is singular.

Job 33:13

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking to Job.

Why do you struggle against him?

Elihu uses this question to emphasize that Job should not struggle against God. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not struggle against God." or "You should not try to argue with God."

He does not account for any of his doings

"He does not have to explain to us anything he does"

Job 33:14

God speaks once—yes, twice

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "God speaks again and again in different ways"

Job 33:15

a dream ... a vision of the night

These phrases have the same meaning.

when deep sleep falls upon men, in slumber on the bed

This speaks of people being in a deep sleep as if the sleep fell upon them or overcame them. Alternate translation: "when people are fully asleep on their bed"

Job 33:16

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking to Job.

then God opens the ears of men

This speaks of God making people aware of things as if he were opening their ears so that they could hear. Alternate translation: "then God reveals things to people"

Job 33:17

to cause man to turn away from his deed

This speaks of God keeping someone from doing something as if he were physically causing him to turn his body away from something. Alternate translation: "to keep man from"

man

If your language has a word for human beings, male and female, you may want to use it here.

his deed

"what he desires to do" or "what he is doing." The context implies that the deed will be evil, so if your language has a word for a deed that is probably evil, you may want to use it here.

a man

This is a male person as opposed to a female, a strong person as opposed to a weak person.

Job 33:18

God keeps man's life back from the pit ... his life from crossing over to death

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Alternate translation: "God saves people from the grave and from death"

the pit

The place where people go when they die is referred to here as "the pit." Alternate translation: "the place where dead people are"

man's life back ... his life

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "man from dying and ... he keeps him"

from crossing over to death

Here "death" represents the place where people go when they die, that is, sheol. Alternate translation: "from going to sheol"

Job 33:19

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking to Job.

Man is punished also

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God also punishes a person"

with pain on his bed

This means that the person is experiencing such pain that he must lie in bed. Alternate translation: "with pain so that he must lie in bed"

constant strife in his bones

The word "strife," possibly referring to the man's reaction to God causing him to "turn away from his deed" [Job 33:17]

Job 33:20

so that his life abhors food, and his soul abhors delicacies

These two phrases mean basically the same thing, that the person is in so much pain that he cannot even eat. The person is represented by his "life" and his "soul." Alternate translation: "the result is that he does not desire any food, not even very special food"

abhors delicacies

"hates even very special food"

Job 33:21

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking to Job.

His flesh is consumed away so that it cannot be seen; his bones, once not seen, now stick out

This can be stated in active form. "His flesh" refers to his fat and muscles, not to his body's outer skin. Alternate translation: "Disease makes his body weak and thin so that a person can see his bones"

Job 33:22

his soul draws close to the pit

Here a person is represented by his "soul." Alternate translation: "he is close to going into the grave"

the pit

The place where people go when they die is referred to here as "the pit." Alternate translation: "the place where dead people are"

his life to those who wish to destroy it

Here the person is represented by his "life." The phrase "those who wish to destroy it" refers to the place where people go after they die. Alternate translation: "and he is close to going to the place where dead people go" or "and he will soon go to the place of the dead"

Job 33:23

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking to Job.

for him

This does not refer to a specific person. Elihu continues speaking about any person in general.

one out of a thousand

In some languages it may be more natural to refer to "a great number" instead of "a thousand." Alternate translation: "one from the great number of angels"

Job 33:24

to be gracious to him and say

“to be gracious to the man and to say to God”

the pit

The place where people go when they die is referred to here as "the pit." Alternate translation: "the place where dead people are"

I have found a ransom for him

This means that the angel has found a way to pay for the sins of the man so that he does not have to die. Alternate translation: "for I have found a way for you to keep him from dying"

Job 33:25

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking to Job.

then

This word is used here to introduce what will happen if God grants the angel's request by saving the man.

his flesh will become fresher than a youth's

This speaks of the man being healed and his body growing strong again as if his body became new like a youth's body. Alternate translation: "the sick man's body will become new again like a young person's body"

fresher than a youth's

In this comparison, the word "fresher" is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: "fresh like a youth's"

a youth's

This refers to a youth's flesh. Alternate translation: "a youth's flesh"

it is restored to the days of his youthful vigor

This speaks of the man's flesh again being as strong as it was when he was young. Alternate translation: "it will become strong again, as it was when he was young"

Job 33:26

he sees God's face with joy

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "he joyfully worships God"

God's face

Here God is represented by his "face." Alternate translation: "God"

will restore to the person his righteousness

Possible meanings are that the words "his righteousness" refer to 1) the righteousness of the person. Alternate translation: "will once again consider the person righteous" or "God will make things right for the person again" Or 2) God's righteousness.

Job 33:27

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking to Job.

but my sin was not punished

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but God did not punish me for sinning"

Job 33:28

rescued my soul from going down into the pit

Here the person is referred to by his "soul." Alternate translation: "rescued me from dying and going to the pit"

the pit

The place where people go when they die is referred to here as "the pit." Alternate translation: "the place where dead people are"

my life will continue to see light

Here the person is represented by his "life." Also, living is spoken of as seeing the light. Alternate translation: "I will continue to live and see the daylight" or "I will continue to live"

Job 33:29

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking to Job.

See

Elihu uses this word here to draw Job's attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "Listen"

twice, yes, even three times

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "again and again"

Job 33:30

his soul

The person is represented by his "soul." Alternate translation: "him"

to bring his soul back from the pit

This speaks of saving the man from dying as if he had died and was being brought back to life. Alternate translation: "to keep him from dying and going to the pit"

the pit

The place where people go when they die is referred to here as "the pit." Alternate translation: "the place where dead people are"

he may be enlightened with the light of life

This is an idiom and may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he may be happy to still be alive"

Job 33:31

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking to Job.

Pay attention, Job, and listen to me

These phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: "Listen carefully to me, Job"

Job 33:32

justify you

"show that you are in the right" or "show that you are innocent"

Job 33:33

General Information:

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Chapter 34

Job 34 General Notes

Structure and formatting

According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is the second of Elihu's four statements and it is addressed first to Job's friends and then to Job. (See: sin and testimony)

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. Elihu uses many of Job's statements against him. His attitude is not too different from Job's friends.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's justice

Elihu defends the justice of Yahweh after Job claimed that Yahweh was being unjust. (See: justice)

Job 34:1

Moreover, Elihu

"Then, Elihu"

Elihu

See how you translated this man's name in [Job 32:2]

Job 34:2

Listen to my words

"Listen to what I say"

you wise men ... you who have knowledge

Elihu is criticizing Job and his friends. He does not think they are actually wise.

Job 34:3

For the ear tests words as the palate tastes food

Elihu means people listen carefully to determine what is right or wrong just like we taste food to determine if it is good or bad. Here people are referred to by their "ear" and their "palate" to emphasize that they are tasting and hearing. Alternate translation: "For we listen to words to know what is good and bad, just as we taste foods to know what is good to eat"

Job 34:4

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking.

Let us

Here "us" refers to Elihu, Job, and his three friends.

Job 34:5

has taken away my rights

"refused to give me justice"

Job 34:6

I am considered to be a liar

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God considers me to be a liar"

My wound is incurable

Here Job's sickness and suffering is spoken of as if it were a "wound." Alternate translation: "I am sick and no one can heal me"

Job 34:7

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking.

What man is like Job

Elihu uses this rhetorical question to scold Job. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "There is no one else like Job"

who drinks up mockery like water

Elihu is accusing Job of mocking others as often as a person drinks water. Alternate translation: "who mocks other people as frequently as he drinks water"

Job 34:8

who walks with wicked men

Here "walk" is an idiom for how a person acts. Alternate translation: "who behaves like wicked men"

Job 34:9

General Information:

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Job 34:10

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking. Each of these verses contain parallel phrases.

you men of understanding

Elihu is criticizing Job and his friends. He does not actually think they are wise.

far be it from God ... far be it from the Almighty that he should commit sin

These two phrases have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize that God would never do anything wrong. The phrase "far be it from" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Almighty God would never consider doing anything that is wicked or wrong"

Job 34:11

For he pays back a person's work

This means that he gives to a person what he deserves for the work he has done. Here "work" is a metaphor for what a person does. Alternate translation: "For he gives to a person what he deserves in return for he does"

he makes every man come upon the reward of his own ways

The phrase "his own ways" is an idiom for how a person lives his life. Elihu emphasizes that God gives to people what they deserve. Alternate translation: "he causes every man to receive the reward he deserves for how he lives"

Job 34:12

General Information:

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Job 34:13

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking.

Who put him in charge over the earth? Who put the whole world under him?

Both of these rhetorical questions have the same meaning and emphasize that no one needed to grant God authority because it was already his. These questions can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "No one needed to give permission to God to take responsibility over all the earth. He is the rightful one to rule the world."

Job 34:14

If he ever set his intentions ... his breath

The word "he" refers to God. Elihu is describing a situation that he does not believe would ever happen.

his spirit and his breath

The "spirit" and "breath" of God are what makes all living things alive. Alternate translation: "his spirit and breath which give us life"

Job 34:15

all flesh

Here all living things are represented by their "flesh." Alternate translation: "all living things"

mankind would return to dust again

This means that all people would die and their bodies would decay and become soil. In the beginning God created man from the dust. Alternate translation: "the bodies of mankind would soon become soil again"

Job 34:16

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking.

now

Elihu uses this word to bring attention to something important he is about to say.

you have

Here "you" is singular and refers to Job.

listen to the sound of my words

"listen to what I say." This means the same as the previous part of the sentence.

Job 34:17

Can one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn God, who is righteous and mighty?

Elihu uses this question to rebuke Job for implying that God hates justice. Alternate translation: "One who hates justice cannot be expected to rule over people. So you really cannot criticize God, who is righteous and powerful, and you cannot say that what he has done is wrong."

Can one who hates justice govern?

The implicit answer to this rhetorical question is "no." This question implies that God could not rule the world if he hated justice. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "One who hates justice cannot govern the world." or "God could certainly never hate what is right and still rule the world."

Will you condemn God, who is righteous and mighty?

This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that Job does not have the authority or a reason to condemn God. Alternate translation: "You cannot condemn God, who is righteous and mighty!"

Job 34:18

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking.

God, who says to a king, 'You are worthless,' or says to nobles, 'You are wicked'?

This continues the rhetorical question from the previous verse, emphasizing to Job that he cannot condemn God. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "He says to some kings, 'You are worthless,' and he says to some nobles, 'You are wicked.'"

God, who says to a king

This is part of the previous question. The understood words from the previous verse, "will you condemn God," may be supplied. Alternate translation: "Will you condemn God, who says to a king"

Job 34:19

for they all are the work of his hands

Here "hands" refer to power. Alternate translation: "for God made them all"

Job 34:20

at midnight

Midnight is the time when one day ends and another begins. Here "midnight" is used as an idiom. Alternate translation: "at night" or "suddenly, at night"

people will be shaken and will pass away

This can be stated in active form. The phrase "will be shaken" is an idiom that means to be "struck." Alternate translation: "God strikes them and they die"

mighty people will be taken away, but not by human hands

This means that it is God who causes people to die, not people. Also, this can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it is God and not humans who cause mighty people to die"

not by human hands

Here people are represented by their "hands." Alternate translation: "not by humans" or "not by people"

Job 34:21

For God's eyes are upon a person's ways

God's "eyes" represent his sight. The phrase "a person's ways" is an idiom for what he does and how he lives. Alternate translation: "For God watches everything a person does"

he sees all his steps

This means that he always knows where the person is and where he is going. Alternate translation: "he sees him wherever he goes"

Job 34:22

no darkness ... no deep shadow

The words "deep shadow" mean basically the same thing as, and intensify, the word "darkness."

Job 34:23

in judgment

"so he may judge him" or "to be judged"

Job 34:24

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking.

He breaks mighty men into pieces

This speaks of God destroying these men as if he actually broke their bodies into pieces. Alternate translation: "He destroys mighty men" or "He destroys important people"

for their ways that need no further investigation

He does not need to investigate what they have done because he already knows everything about them. Alternate translation: "without needing to do further investigation, because he already knows their ways"

their ways

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "the things they have done"

he puts others in their places

This means that he appoints other people to rule in their positions. Alternate translation: "and he chooses other people to rule in their places"

Job 34:25

in the night

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "when they are not expecting it"

they are crushed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and crushes them"

crushed

They are no longer able to cause trouble. Alternate translation: "destroyed"

Job 34:26

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking.

In the open sight of others, he kills them for their wicked deeds like criminals

This phrase compares the way that these people die to how criminals die. Alternate translation: "He kills them for their wicked deeds, in the open sight of others as if they were criminals"

In the open sight of others

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "In a place where everyone can see"

he kills them

This speaks of God causing these people to die, though he does not actually strike them with a sword himself. He may cause someone else to kill them or disaster to come upon them. Alternate translation: "he causes them to die"

Job 34:27

his ways

This refers to God's instructions for how people should behave.

Job 34:28

they made the cry of poor people come to him

The word "cry" can be expressed as a verb. This speaks of God hearing their cry as if the cry were a person that came to him. Alternate translation: "they made the poor people cry, and God heard them"

Job 34:29

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking.

When he stays silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can see him?

These two questions speak of God not punishing wicked people as if he were being silent and hiding his face.

When he stays silent, who can condemn him?

Elihu uses this rhetorical question to teach Job. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can criticize God if he decides to remain silent"

If he hides his face, who can see him?

Elihu uses this rhetorical question to teach Job. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can go and see him if he decides to hide his face"

his face

Here God is represented by his "face." Alternate translation: "himself"

Job 34:30

no one to entrap people

This compares a godless ruler harming people as if he were a hunter trapping his prey. Alternate translation: "no one to harm the people"

Job 34:31

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking.

Job 34:32

teach me what I cannot see

Here to "see" means to know. Alternate translation: "teach me what I have done wrong that I am not aware of"

Job 34:33

Is it according to your desires that God must punish that person?

Elihu is rebuking Job. Alternate translation: "God does not need to punish that person according to your desires."

you reject this

Another possible meaning is "you reject God" or "you do not want God to punish you."

what it is that you know

"what you are thinking about this"

Job 34:34

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking.

who hears me

"who hears me speaking"

Job 34:35

General Information:

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Job 34:36

If only Job were put on trial in

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If only we could put Job on trial in" or "If only we could take Job to court so a judge could listen to"

in the smallest details of his case

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "to listen to his case thoroughly" or "to hear all of the details of his case"

of his talking like wicked men

"of how he has spoken like a wicked man"

Job 34:37

he adds rebellion

This refers to rebellion against God. Alternate translation: "he adds rebellion against God"

he claps his hands in mockery in our midst

In this accusation, this means that Job clapped his hands to strengthen his mockery of God. Alternate translation: "he claps his hands as he mocks God in our midst" or "he mocks God right in front of us"

he piles up words against God

Elihu speaks of "words" as if they were objects, and of speaking many words as if it were piling those objects one on top of the other. Alternate translation: "he speaks many words against God"

Chapter 35

Job 35 General Notes

Structure and formatting

According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is the third of Elihu's four statements and it is addressed first to Job's friends and then to Job. (See: sin and testimony)

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. Elihu uses many of Job's statements against him.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Elihu uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job. These questions help to build Elihu's argument.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Ironic situation

Elihu explains the irony of Job's claim. He claimed to be righteous and desired Yahweh to intervene. In this chapter, Elihu explains to Job that his claims of righteousness are prideful. This makes him unrighteous. (See: and righteous)

Job 35:1

General Information:

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Job 35:2

Do you think this is just ... 'I am in the right before God'?

Elihu uses questions to challenge Job. Alternate translation: "You must think you are right ... 'I am in the right before God.'" or "It is not just ... 'I am in the right before God.'"

Do you think this is just when you say

"Do you think it is right for you to say"

Do you think

Here "you" is singular and refers to Job.

say, 'I am in the right before God'?

This can be translated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "say that you are in the right before God."

I am in the right before God

Possible meanings are 1) Job is claiming to be innocent before God or 2) Job is claiming that he, rather than God, is right. Alternate translation: "I am more righteous than God"

Job 35:3

For you ask, 'What use is it to me?' and, 'Would I be better off if I had sinned?'

Elihu quotes Job as saying the these two rhetorical questions. Alternate translation: "For you say, 'It does not benefit me' and, 'I am no better off than if I had sinned.'"

Job 35:4

Connecting Statement:

Elihu continues speaking.

Job 35:5

General Information:

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Job 35:6

Connecting Statement:

Elihu continues speaking.

If you have sinned ... what do you do to him?

These two lines share similar meanings. The second line intensifies the meaning of the first line.

If you have sinned, what harm do you do to God?

Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job's sins cannot actually do anything to God. Alternate translation: "If you have sinned, you have not done any harm to God."

If your transgressions are many, what do you do to him?

Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job does nothing to God by his transgressions. Alternate translation: "If you committed a great many transgressions, you still do nothing to him."

Job 35:7

If you are righteous, what can you give to him? What will he receive from your hand?

The two rhetorical questions mean basically the same thing, that Job's righteousness adds nothing to God. Alternate translation: "If you are righteous, that does not enable you to give anything to him, and there is nothing that he will receive from your hand."

receive from your hand

Here the word "hand" represents Job. Alternate translation: "receive from you"

Job 35:8

another son of man

"another human-being" or "another person"

Job 35:9

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking.

Because of many acts of oppression

The word "oppression" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "Because of the many things that people do to oppress others"

they call for help from the arms of mighty men

Here "arms" refers to power or strength. Alternate translation: "they call for someone to deliver them from the power of mighty men"

Job 35:10

who gives songs in the night

Elihu speaks of God enabling people to have hope in troubling circumstances as if he were giving to them songs which they can sing during the night.

Job 35:11

General Information:

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Job 35:12

Connecting Statement:

Elihu continues speaking.

they cry out

"the oppressed people cry out"

Job 35:13

General Information:

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Job 35:14

How much less will he answer you ... that you are waiting for him!

Since God will not hear the prayers of prideful, evil men, it is even less likely that he will hear Job, who is complaining against him. Alternate translation: "So he certainly will not answer you ... that you are waiting for him!"

that your case is before him

"you have presented your case to him"

you are waiting for him

"you are waiting for him to respond"

Job 35:15

General Information:

Elihu continues speaking.

Now you say that his anger does not punish, and he does not take even a litte notice of transgression

Because Job is saying these things about God that are untrue, it is even less likely that God will answer Job's prayers.

his anger does not punish

Here "his anger" is a metonym for "him." Alternate translation: "he never punishes anyone because he is angry"

Job 35:16

he multiplies words without knowledge

Elihu speaks of "words" as if they were objects, and of speaking many words as if it were piling those objects one on top of the other. The word "knowledge" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "he speaks many words without knowing what he is talking about"

Chapter 36

Job 36 General Notes

Structure and formatting

According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is the last of Elihu's four statements and it is addressed first to Job's friends and then to Job. (See: sin and testimony)

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. His attitude is not too different from Job's friends.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's justice

This chapter focuses on the justice of Yahweh. It is important to remember that justice won't always come in this life. (See: justice)

Job 36:1

General Information:

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Job 36:2

Be patient with me

"Allow me to speak"

I will show you some things

Elihu speaks of explaining things to Job as if he were going to show those things to Job. Alternate translation: "I will explain some things to you"

Job 36:3

I will obtain my knowledge from far off

Elihu speaks of having knowledge of many different subjects as if it were getting his knowledge from far away places. Alternate translation: "I will show you my great knowledge"

that righteousness belongs to my Maker

Here the word "righteousness" can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: "that my Maker is righteous"

Job 36:4

my words will not be false

"what I say will not be false"

someone who is mature in knowledge is with you

The word "someone" refers to Elihu himself. He speaks of being very knowledgeable as if it were being mature in knowledge. Alternate translation: "I, who am with you, am very knowledgeable"

Job 36:5

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

he is mighty in strength of understanding

The phrase "mighty in strength" forms a doublet that means "very strong." Elihu speaks of God understanding everything perfectly as if his understanding were very strong. Alternate translation: "he is very strong in understanding" or "he understands everything completely"

Job 36:6

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Job 36:7

He does not withdraw his eyes from righteous people

Elihu speaks of God protecting righteous people as if God were watching them with his eyes, and of God ceasing to protect them as if he withdrew his eyes from them. Alternate translation: "He does not stop protecting the righteous people"

sets them on thrones with kings

Elihu speaks of God honoring the righteous people as if God were causing them to sit on thrones with kings.

they are lifted up

Elihu speaks of God honoring the righteous people as if he lifted them up to a high place. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he lifts them up" or "he honors them"

Job 36:8

If they are bound in chains

Here the word "they" refers righteous people whom God will discipline if they sin. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If someone binds them in chains" or "If someone makes them a prisoner"

trapped in cords of suffering

Elihu speaks of a person being made to suffer as if that person were trapped in ropes that cause suffering. Alternate translation: "someone causes them to suffer"

Job 36:9

their transgressions and their pride

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "he reveals to them their transgressions and their pride"

Job 36:10

He also opens their ears

Elihu speaks of causing a person to listen as if it were opening that person's ear. Alternate translation: "He also causes them to listen"

to his instruction

The noun "instruction" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "to what he is instructing them"

to turn back from iniquity

Elihu speaks of stopping an action as if it were turning back from it. Alternate translation: "to stop committing iniquity"

Job 36:11

they will spend their days in prosperity, their years in contentment

The words "days" and "years" both refer to the person's lifetime. Alternate translation: "they will spend their lives in prosperity and contentment"

Job 36:12

they will perish by the sword

Elihu speaks of a person dying violently as if someone had killed them with a sword. Alternate translation: "they will die a violent death"

Job 36:13

who are godless in heart

Here the word "heart" refers to the thoughts and emotions. The phrase may indicate that the person stubbornly refuses to trust God. Alternate translation: "who refuse to trust in God"

store up their anger

Elihu speaks of a person remaining angry as if that person stored up their anger like one would store up treasure. Alternate translation: "are always angry"

even when God ties them up

Elihu speaks of God disciplining people as if God were tying them up with ropes. Alternate translation: "even when God punishes them"

Job 36:14

their lives end among the cultic prostitutes

Here "cultic prostitutes" refers to young men who served in pagan temples performing sexually immoral acts as part of their rituals. Possible meanings for this phrase are 1) the godless die because of their immoral behavior or 2) the godless die in shame and disgrace.

Job 36:15

he opens their ears

Elihu speaks of God causing a person to listen as if God were opening their ears. See how you translated this in [Job 36:10]

Job 36:16

into a broad place where there is no hardship

Elihu speaks of living without trouble as if it were being in a wide-open space where there were no hardships.

where your table would be set with food full of fatness

Elihu speaks of living prosperously as if it were having one's table filled with the best foods.

your table would be set

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "your servants would set your table"

food full of fatness

Meat that had plenty of fat on it was a sign of prosperity because the animals were healthy and well-fed. Alternate translation: "the very best food"

Job 36:17

you are full of judgment on wicked people

Possible meanings are 1) "God is punishing you as he would punish the wicked" or 2) "you are obsessed with the judgment that the wicked deserve."

judgment and justice have laid hold of you

Elihu speaks of God judging Job and giving him justice as if judgment and justice were people that have laid hold of Job. Alternate translation: "God has brought you to judgment and given you justice"

Job 36:18

Do not let your anger entice you to mockery

Some versions of the Bible translate this as "Beware that you are not enticed by wealth."

Job 36:19

Can your wealth benefit you, so that you will not be in distress, or can all the force of your strength help you?

Elihu asks these questions to state that money and power will not be able to help Job if he acts unjustly. Alternate translation: "Your wealth cannot cause you to no longer be in distress, and all the force of your strength cannot help you."

all the force of your strength

"all of your great strength" or "all of your mighty efforts"

Job 36:20

when peoples are cut off in their place

Possible meanings are 1) that "peoples" refers to people in general and "cut off in their place" is a metaphor for oppressing others by dragging them away from their homes. Alternate translation: "when people drag others away from their homes" or 2) that "peoples" represents nations and "cut off in their place" is a metaphor for nations being destroyed. Alternate translation: "when nations will perish"

Job 36:21

you are being tested by suffering

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God is testing you by making you suffer"

Job 36:22

See, God

"You know this already: God"

God is exalted in his power

Possible meanings are 1) "God is extremely powerful" or 2) "people exalt God because he is powerful"

who is a teacher like him?

Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one is a teacher like God. Alternate translation: "no one is a teacher like him." or "no one teaches like he does."

Job 36:23

Who has ever instructed him about his way?

Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one has ever taught God what to do. Alternate translation: "No one has ever instructed him about what he should do."

Who can ever say to him, 'You have committed unrighteousness?'

Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can accuse God of having committed unrighteousness. Alternate translation: "No one can ever say to him, 'You have committed unrighteousness.'"

Job 36:24

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Job 36:25

they see those deeds only from far away

Elihu speaks of people not being fully able to understand God's deeds as if people were only able to see those deeds from far away. Alternate translation: "they do not fully understand them"

Job 36:26

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

the number of his years is incalculable

This refers to how long God has existed. Alternate translation: "people cannot know how long he has lived" or "people cannot know his age"

Job 36:27

that he distills as rain from his vapor

The word "distills" can also mean "refine" or "filter." Elihu describes how God turns the drops of water, or vapor, that he draws up into rain. Alternate translation: "that he turns into rain"

Job 36:28

General Information:

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Job 36:29

can anyone understand the extensive spread of the clouds and the thunder from his hut?

Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can do these things. Alternate translation: "no one can understand the extensive spread of the clouds and the thunder from his hut."

the extensive spread of the clouds

The phrase "the extensive spread" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "how the clouds spread across the sky"

from his hut

Elihu speaks of the sky as if it were a "hut" in which God lives. Alternate translation: "from the sky, where God lives"

Job 36:30

See, he spreads

"Look carefully and see how he spreads"

and covers the roots of the sea

Elihu speaks of the deep parts of the sea as if the sea were a plant and its depths were its roots. Possible meanings are 1) although the lightning causes light in the sky, the deep parts of the sea remain dark. Alternate translation: "but the depths of the sea remain dark" or 2) the lightning in the sky cause even the depths of the sea to have light. Alternate translation: "and lights up the depths of the sea"

Job 36:31

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Job 36:32

He fills his hands with the lightning

Elihu speaks of the lightning that storms cause as if God were holding the lightning in his hand and directing it to strike where he wills. Possible meanings are 1) that God holds the lightning bolts in his hands in order to throw them, or 2) that God hides the lightning bolts in his hands until he is ready to use them.

Job 36:33

Its thunder

"The thunder caused by the lightning" or "The thunder"

hear it is coming

"hear that the storm is coming"

Chapter 37

Job 37 General Notes

Structure and formatting

According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is a continuation of the previous chapter and the last of Elihu's four statements, and it is addressed first to Job's friends and then to Job. (See: sin and testimony)

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. His attitude is not too different from Job's friends.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's justice

This chapter focuses on the justice of Yahweh. It is important to remember that justice won't always come in this life. (See: justice)

Job 37:1

my heart trembles ... it is moved out of its place

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of his fear.

my heart trembles at this

The word "this" refers to the storm in Job 36:33.

it is moved out of its place

Elihu speaks of his heart beating violently as if it were to jump out of his chest. Alternate translation: "it moves out of its place" or "it beats violently"

Job 37:2

the noise of his voice, the sound that goes out from his mouth

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Elihu speaks of the thunder as if it is God's voice.

Job 37:3

to the edges of the earth

Elihu speaks of the farthest places on the earth as if they were the earth's borders. Alternate translation: "everywhere in the world"

Job 37:4

A voice roars after it ... the voice of his majesty

Elihu continues to speak of the thunder as if it is God's voice.

roars after it

"roars after the lightning"

the voice of his majesty

"his majestic voice"

when his voice is heard

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when people hear his voice"

Job 37:5

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Job 37:6

and to the rain shower

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "and in the same way he says to the rain shower"

Be strong

"Be a strong shower of rain"

Job 37:7

He stops the hand of every man

Here the word "hand" represents the entire person. Alternate translation: "He stops every man"

Job 37:8

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Job 37:9

The storm comes from its chamber in the south and the cold from the scattering winds in the north

In Israel, strong wind storms blow in from the south and cold weather approaches from the north.

The storm comes from its chamber in the south

Elihu speaks of the storm blowing in from the south as if the storm has a place where it resides until it comes.

Job 37:10

By the breath of God ice is given

Elihu speaks of the cold north wind as if it were God's breath. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God's breath makes ice"

frozen like metal

Elihu compares the hardness of ice to the hardness of metal. Alternate translation: "frozen, as hard as metal"

Job 37:11

he weighs down the thick cloud with moisture

Elihu speaks of God causing the storm clouds to be full of water as if the moisture weighed heavily on the clouds. Alternate translation: "he causes the thick clouds to be full of moisture"

Job 37:12

the earthly world

Possible meanings are 1) "the land on which people live" or 2) "the land on which it is possible to live."

Job 37:13

sometimes it happens for correction

The word "correction" can be translated with a verbal phrase. The object of his "correction" is people. Alternate translation: "sometimes it happens to correct his people"

sometimes for his land

This means that the rain waters the ground and causes vegetation to grow. Alternate translation: "sometimes to water the land"

sometimes as acts of covenant faithfulness

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithful" or "faithfully." Alternate translation: "sometimes to act faithfully to his covenant" or "sometimes to be faithful to his people"

Job 37:14

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Job 37:15

Do you know how God establishes the clouds and makes the lightning bolts to flash in them?

Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job cannot know this. Alternate translation: "You cannot understand how God establishes the clouds and makes the lightning bolts to flash in them."

establishes the clouds

"controls the clouds" or "makes the clouds obey him"

Job 37:16

Do you understand the floating of the clouds, the marvelous deeds of God, who is perfect in knowledge?

Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job does not know these things. Alternate translation: "You do not understand the floating of the clouds, the marvelous deeds of God, who is perfect in knowledge."

the floating of the clouds

"how the clouds float"

the marvelous deeds of God

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "or do you understand the marvelous deeds of God"

Job 37:17

Do you understand how your garments become hot ... from the south?

Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job does not know these things. Alternate translation: "You do not understand how your garments become hot ... from the south."

how your garments become hot

"how you become hot in your clothes" or "how you sweat in your clothes"

because the wind comes from the south

In Israel, hot winds blow in across the desert from the south and cause hot temperatures. Alternate translation: "because of the hot, dry wind blowing in from the south"

Job 37:18

Can you spread out the sky ... a mirror of cast metal?

Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job cannot do this. Alternate translation: "You cannot spread out the sky ... a mirror of cast metal."

as strong as a mirror of cast metal

In biblical days, mirrors were made of metal. Elihu speaks of the sky giving no rain as if it were as hard as solid metal.

cast metal

This refers to metal that is melted, poured into a mold, and then hardens as it cools.

Job 37:19

Teach us what we should say to him

Here the words "us" and "we" refer to Elihu, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, but not to Job. Elihu uses this phrase sarcastically.

because of the darkness of our minds

Elihu speaks of the inability to understand as if it were having darkness in one's mind. Alternate translation: "because we do not understand"

Job 37:20

Should he be told that I wish to speak with him?

Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can do this. Alternate translation: "I cannot have someone tell him that I wish to speak with him."

Should he be told

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Should I have someone tell him"

Would a person wish to be swallowed up?

Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one would want this to happen. Alternate translation: "No person would want to be swallowed up."

to be swallowed up

Elihu speaks of a person being destroyed as if the person were swallowed up. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for God to destroy him"

Job 37:21

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Job 37:22

over God is fearsome majesty

The word "fearsome" means that it causes fear. Elihu speaks of God's majesty as if it were something that rests upon God. Alternate translation: "God's majesty causes people to fear"

Job 37:23

we cannot find him

Possible meanings are 1) "we cannot approach him" or 2) this is a metaphor in which Elihu speaks of a person's being unable to fully understand God as if he could not find God. Alternate translation: "we cannot comprehend him"

Job 37:24

those who are wise in their own minds

Here "minds" represents the person's thoughts. Alternate translation: "those who are wise in their own thinking" or "those who consider themselves to be wise"

Chapter 38

Job 38 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. Yahweh finally speaks in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's greatness

Yahweh is far greater than any man. He is the creator of the earth, and his ways will not always be understood by men because their knowledge is always limited.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Yahweh uses a series of rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to defend his character.

Job 38:1

Then Yahweh called

Here, the word "then" marks the beginning of a new part of the book. See if your language has a similar way to introduce a new scene. Alternate translation: "After all that had happened, Yahweh called.

called to Job

"answered Job" or "responded to Job"

out of a fierce storm

"from a powerful storm"

Job 38:2

Who is this who brings darkness to plans by means of words without knowledge?

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that Job spoke of things he did not know about. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You bring darkness to my plans by means of words without knowledge."

Who is this who brings

"Who are you to bring"

brings darkness to plans

"obscures my plans" or "confuses my purposes." How Job confuses God's plans is spoken of as if he were making God's plans harder to see. The abstract noun "darkness" can be translated as the verb "darkens." Alternate translation: "darkens plans" or "makes plans hard to see"

by means of words without knowledge

"by speaking of things about which you do not know"

words without knowledge

The abstract noun "knowledge" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "unknowing words" or "ignorant words"

Job 38:3

gird up your loins like a man

"tie your robe up around your waist like a man." Men tied up their robes around their waists so that their legs could move more freely as they did heavy work. The idiom "gird up your loins like a man" means to get ready to do something involving action such as work, a contest, or a battle. Job was to prepare for the hard work of answering God. Alternate translation: "get yourself ready for hard work"

Job 38:4

General Information:

Yahweh begins to challenge Job with a series of questions that emphasize he created the earth and Job did not.

Where were you when I laid the earth's foundations? Tell me, if you have so much understanding

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Tell me where you were when I laid the foundations of the earth, if you have so much understanding"

I laid the earth's foundations

Yahweh describes creating the earth as though he was building a structure.

if you have so much understanding

The abstract noun "understanding" can be translated as the verb "understand." Alternate translation: "if you understand so much"

Job 38:5

Who determined its dimensions? Tell me, if you know

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Tell me who determined its dimensions, if you know"

dimensions

"size"

Who stretched the measuring line over it?

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Tell me who stretched the measuring line over it."

measuring line

a rope or cord that people use to make something the right size and shape

Job 38:6

General Information:

The word "its" refers to the earth. Yahweh uses more questions to emphasize that Job could never understand how great God is.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

On what were its foundations laid?

This can be stated in active form. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "On what did I set its foundations?" or "Tell me on what its foundations were laid."

Who laid its cornerstone

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Tell me who laid its cornerstone"

Job 38:7

Connecting Statement:

Job finishes the rhetorical question that begins with the words "Who laid its cornerstone" in verse 6.

when the morning stars ... the sons of God shouted for joy?

Job finishes the rhetorical question that begins with the words "Who laid its cornerstone" in verse 6. This can be translated as a statement. "Tell me who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars ... the sons of God shouted for joy."

when the morning stars sang together

The morning stars are spoken of as singing like people sing. Possible meanings are: 1) the "morning stars" are the same as the "sons of God" in the next line or 2) "the morning stars" refer to stars in the sky.

the morning stars

"the bright stars that shine in the morning"

sons of God

This refers to angels, heavenly beings. See how you translated this in Job 1:6.

shouted for joy

The abstract noun "joy" can be translated as the adverb "joyfully." Alternate translation: "shouted joyfully"

for joy

"because they were full of joy"

Job 38:8

General Information:

Yahweh uses another question to emphasize that he created the earth and Job did not.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Who shut up the sea ... of the womb

This can be translated as a command. Alternate translation: "Tell me who shut up the sea ... of the womb"

shut up the sea with doors

Yahweh compares the way that he prevented the sea from covering all of the earth to holding it back with doors. Alternate translation: "prevented the water from flooding over the land"

as if it had come out of the womb

Yahweh compares his creation of the sea to childbirth.

Job 38:9

Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words "Who shut up" in verse 8.

when I made clouds ... and thick darkness its swaddling bands?

This can be translated as a command. Alternate translation: "Tell me who shut up ... when I made clouds ... and thick darkness its swaddling bands."

its clothing

"as clothes for the sea"

thick darkness its swaddling bands

The abstract noun "darkness" can be translated as the adjective "dark." Alternate translation: "made dark clouds its swaddling bands"

swaddling bands

long pieces of cloth that people use to wrap a baby in after it is born

Job 38:10

I marked out for the sea my boundary

"I made a boundary for the sea"

boundary

Yahweh set a limit beyond which the sea was not allowed to cross.

I placed its bars and doors

Yahweh compares the way that he made a boundary for the sea to containing the sea with bars and doors. Alternate translation: "I set up its barriers"

bars

long pieces of wood or metal that are used to keep a door shut

Job 38:11

when I said to it

"when I said to the sea." Yahweh speaks to the sea as though it were a person.

You may come this far, but no farther

The words "this far" mean only as far as the boundary that Yahweh set up. Alternate translation: "You may come as far as this boundary, but no farther"

to the pride of your waves

"to the power of your waves." The waves are spoken of as if they could have pride. The abstract noun "pride" can be translated as the adjective "proud." Alternate translation: "to your proud waves" or "to your powerful waves"

Job 38:12

General Information:

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he created the light of day and Job did not.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job. He begins to ask a rhetorical question.

Have you ... to know its place

This question expects a negative answer. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have never ... shaken the wicked out of it."

given orders to the morning

Yahweh describes the morning as being able to receive orders and know things like a person.

caused the dawn to know its place

"caused the dawn to know where it belongs"

dawn

the daylight that appears in the morning sky before the sun rises

Job 38:13

Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words "Have you given" in verse 12.

so that it might take hold ... shake the wicked out of it?

This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words "Have you given" in verse 12. This question expects a negative answer. It can be translated as a statement. "You have never given ... so that it might take hold ... shaken the wicked out of it."

take hold of the edges of the earth

The light of dawn is spoken of as if it seizes the horizons of the earth. Alternate translation: "grasp the ends of the earth"

shake the wicked out of it

The daylight is pictured as causing wicked people to leave like shaking something to remove unwanted things. Alternate translation: "shake wicked people out of the earth"

Job 38:14

The earth is changed in appearance like clay changes under a seal

At nighttime, people cannot see clearly, but in the morning the light reveals the distinct shape of everything, just like a seal creates distinct images in clay.

all things on it stand out clearly like the folds of a piece of clothing

Here "it" refers to the earth. This phrase has a similar meaning to the first phrase in this verse.

Job 38:15

From wicked people their light is taken away

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The morning takes away the 'light' of wicked people"

their light

The wicked consider darkness to be their light, because they do their evil deeds in the darkness and they are familiar with the darkness.

their uplifted arm is broken

The raised arm of the wicked represents their power and intention to do evil things, but the wicked stop doing those evil things when the morning light comes.

Job 38:16

General Information:

Yahweh uses five questions to emphasize that he understands the earth and seas and Job does not.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Have you gone to the springs of the sea?

This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have not gone to the springs of the sea."

Have you walked in the lowest parts of the deep?

This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have not walked in the lowest parts of the deep."

the springs of the sea

"the sources of the sea"

the deep

This refers to the sea or ocean where the water is very deep. Alternate translation: "the deep sea" or "the ocean depths" or "the deep water"

Job 38:17

Have the gates of death been revealed to you

Death is spoken of as if it were a city that had gates through which people enter into it. This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "Has anyone shown the gates of death to you"

the shadow of death

See how you translated this in Job 3:5.

Job 38:18

Have you understood the earth in its expanse?

This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "You do not understand the earth in its expanse."

the earth in its expanse

"the great broad places of the earth"

if you know it all

"if you know all about these things"

Job 38:19

General Information:

Yahweh uses three questions to emphasize that he understands light and darkness and Job does not. Each of these verses have two parallel phrases.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Where is the way to the resting place of light—as for darkness, where is its place?

This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "You do not know the way to the resting place of light or the place of darkness."

the resting place of light

"the dwelling of light." Light is spoken of as having a resting place from which it comes forth each day.

light

"daylight" or "sunlight"

Job 38:20

Can you lead light and darkness to their places of work? Can you find the way back to their houses for them?

These questions expect a negative answer. They can be expressed as statements. Alternate translation: "You cannot lead light and darkness to their places of work, or find the way back to their houses for them."

to their places of work

"to their territory." Light and darkness are spoken of as being led out and back each day to accomplish Yahweh's purposes.

Job 38:21

Undoubtedly ... so large

Yahweh uses mocking irony to emphasize that Job does not understand light and darkness. Alternate translation: "It is obvious that you do not know, because you were not born when I created them, and you are not very old"

for you were born then

"for you were already living then." The word "then" refers to the time when light was created and separated from darkness. Alternate translation: "for you were already born when I created them"

the number of your days is so large

"you have lived so many years"

Job 38:22

General Information:

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he rules over the natural world and Job does not.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job. He bgins to ask a rhetorical question.

storehouses for the snow ... storehouses for the hail

Snow and hail are pictured as being stored by Yahweh to do his will.

hail

balls of ice (usually small) that sometimes fall down from the sky during a storm

Job 38:23

Connecting Statement:

The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Have you entered" in verse 22 ends here.

these things that I have kept ... and war?

The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Have you entered" in verse 22 ends here. "You have never entered the storehouses for the snow, and you have never seen the storehouses for the hail, these things that I have kept ... and war."

these things that I have kept

The words "these things" refer to the snow and the hail (verse 22).

Job 38:24

What is the path to where the lightning bolts are distributed or to where the winds are scattered from the east over the earth?

These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "What is the path to where I distribute the lightning bolts or to where I scatter the winds from the east over the earth?"

the winds are scattered

"the winds are blown"

Job 38:25

General Information:

Yahweh questions Job to emphasize that he causes it to rain and thunder and Job does not.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job. He begins to ask a series of rhetorical questions.

Who has created the channels for the floods of rain

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Only I have created the channels for the floods of rain"

or who has made a path for the thunder

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "and only I have made a path for the thunder"

the floods of rain

"the torrents of rain"

a path for the thunder

"a way for the rumble of thunder to be heard."

Job 38:26

on lands where no person exists, and on the wilderness, in which there is no one

These two phrases have nearly the same meaning.

where no person exists

"where there are no people"

Job 38:27

Connecting Statement:

The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Who has created" in verse 25 ends here.

to satisfy ... sprout with grass?

The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Who has created" in verse 25 ends here. This can be translated as a statement. "I am the one who has created ... of rain, and I am the one who has made ... to satisfy ... sprout with grass."

to satisfy

The implied information is that it is the rain that meets the needs of the land to grow grass. Alternate translation: "so that the rain can satisfy the needs of"

devastated and desolate

"ruined and wasted." These two words have nearly the same meaning and emphasize the ruined and empty nature of these regions.

with grass

"the new grass" or "the fresh grass." This is grass that is just starting to grow.

make the ground sprout with

"make the ground support new grass"

Job 38:28

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh begins a series of four questions to emphasize to Job that he makes rain, dew, ice, and frost and Job does not. Rain, dew, ice, and frost are spoken of as though they could be born like people are.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Does the rain have a father, or, who fathers the drops of dew?

These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "Tell me who the rain's father is, and tell me who has become the father of the drops of dew."

fathers the drops of dew

Becoming the father of the dew is a metaphor for creating it. Alternate translation: "causes the drops of dew to exist"

Job 38:29

Out of whose womb did the ice come? Who bore the white frost out of the sky?

These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "Tell me whose womb the ice came out of. Tell me who bore the white frost out of the sky."

ice

"frozen water"

bore

"gave birth to"

the white frost

dew that freezes on the ground on cold, clear nights

Job 38:30

The waters hide themselves and become like stone

The waters are spoken of as being able to hide. During the winter the ice hides the water underneath it.

become like stone

The hardness of ice is spoken of as if it was stone. Alternate translation: "become hard like stone"

the deep

This refers to the sea or ocean where the water is very deep. Alternate translation: "the deep sea" or "the ocean depths" or "the deep water"

Job 38:31

General Information:

Yahweh uses five questions to emphasize to Job that he rules the heavens and Job does not.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Can you fasten chains on the Pleiades, or undo the cords of Orion?

These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "You cannot fasten chains on the Pleiades, and you cannot undo the cords of Orion."

fasten chains on

"bind chains onto" or "tie the bonds of"

the Pleiades ... Orion

These are the names of constellations. See how you translated them in Job 9:9.

undo the cords of Orion

"loosen the cords that hold Orion"

Job 38:32

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Can you lead the constellations ... proper times? Can you guide ... children?

These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "You cannot lead the constellations ... proper times. You cannot guide ... children."

constellations

groups of stars that seem like they form a particular shape in the sky

to appear at their proper times

"so that they appear at the right time"

the Bear

This is the name of a constellation. Translate as in Job 9:9.

its children

"its cubs"

Job 38:33

Do you know the regulations of the sky? Could you set in place the sky's rule over the earth?

These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "You do not know the regulations of the sky? You could not set in place the sky's rule over the earth."

Job 38:34

General Information:

Yahweh uses two questions to emphasize to Job that he rules the rain clouds and lightning and Job does not.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Can you raise ... may cover you?

These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "You cannot raise ... may cover you."

an abundance of rainwater

The abstract noun "abundance" can be translated as the adjective "abundant." Alternate translation: "an abundant amount of rainwater" or "a flood of waters"

Job 38:35

Can you send out ... you, 'Here we are'?

These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "You cannot send out you, 'Here we are!'"

Here we are

The lightning bolts are spoken of as servants saying they are ready to follow commands.

Job 38:36

General Information:

Yahweh uses three questions to emphasize to Job that he rules the clouds and rain and Job does not.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Who has put wisdom in the clouds or has given understanding to the mists?

These questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "I am the one who has put wisdom in the clouds and given understanding to the mists."

has put wisdom in the clouds

"has given wisdom to the clouds"

Job 38:37

Connecting Statement:

A rhetorical question begins here.

Who can pour out the water skins of the sky

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am the one who can pour out the water skins of the sky."

the water skins

These are skins that people sew together so that they can hold water. Yahweh refers to the thick clouds as "waters skins" because they hold much water just like water skins.

Job 38:38

when the dust runs ... tightly together?

The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Who can pour out" in verse 37 ends here. "Only I can pour out ... when the dust runs ... tightly together."

when the dust runs into a hard mass

The rain makes the loose dry dirt stick together like one piece of dirt. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the rain molds the dirt into a hard mass"

the clods of earth clump tightly together

"the lumps of soil stick together"

Job 38:39

General Information:

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he knows how to feed the lions and Job does not.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Can you hunt down a victim for a lioness or satisfy the appetite of her young lion cubs

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that you cannot hunt down a victim for a lioness or satisfy the appetite of her young lion cubs"

a victim

"prey." This is an animal that a lion could eat.

lioness

This is a female lion.

appetite

hunger

of her young lion cubs

"of young lions." These are young lions that are old enough to hunt for themselves.

Job 38:40

Connecting Statement:

The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Can you hunt" in verse 39 ends here.

when they are crouching ... to lie in wait?

The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Can you hunt" in verse 39 ends here. This can be translated as a statement. "You know that you cannot hunt down ... when they are crouching ... to lie in wait."

dens

A "den" is a lair or shelter where lions live.

sheltering in hiding

"hiding in a thicket." Lions hide in thick vegetation when hunting their prey.

to lie in wait

The implied information is that the lions are hiding and waiting for their prey to come near. Alternate translation: "to lie waiting for a victim"

Job 38:41

General Information:

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he provides food for the ravens and Job does not.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Who provides victims ... for lack of food?

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Tell me who provides victims ... for lack of food."

provides victims

"provides food." This refers to animals that ravens look for and can eat.

ravens

large birds with shiny black feathers that feed on dead animals

cry out to God

The implied information is that the ravens are crying out for food. Alternate translation: "cry to God for help" or "cry out for God to give them food"

stagger about

This means to walk around in an unsteady way.

for lack of food

"because they have no food" or "because they have nothing to eat"

Chapter 39

Job 39 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULB sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. Yahweh continues to speak in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's greatness

Yahweh is far greater than any man. He is the creator of the earth, and his ways will not always be understood by men because their knowledge is always limited. Since Job cannot understand creation, he cannot truly understand Yahweh.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Yahweh uses a series of rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to defend his character. Many of these questions focus on nature because Yahweh is the creator of the heavens and the earth. (See: and heaven)

Job 39:1

General Information:

Yahweh uses four questions to emphasize that he is greater than Job because Yahweh takes care of the wild mountain goats and deer and Job does not.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Do you know at what time ... bear their young?

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Surely you do not know when ... bear their young!"

Can you watch when the deer are having their fawns?

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are not able to watch to make sure everything goes well when the deer give birth to their fawns!"

are having their fawns

"give birth to their fawns"

Job 39:2

Can you count the months that they gestate?

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You cannot count the months that they are pregnant."

that they gestate

"to complete their pregnancy"

they

The word "they" refers to the goats and the deer.

gestate

"are pregnant"

Do you know the time when they bear their young?

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Of course you do not know when they give birth to their young."

Job 39:3

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

They crouch down

The word "They" refers to the wild mountain goats and the deer.

then they finish their labor pains

Possible meanings are 1) their labor pains are over when the birth is finished or 2) "labor pains" is a metonym that refers to the offspring of the goats and deer because they are the result of the mother's labor and pain. Alternate translation: "send out their offspring from their womb"

Job 39:4

the open fields

"the countryside" or "the wild"

do not return to them

"do not come back to them" or "do not come back to their mothers"

Job 39:5

General Information:

Yahweh uses two questions to emphasize that he is greater than Job because Yahweh takes care of the wild donkeys and Job does not.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Who sent the wild donkey out free?

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am the one who sent the wild donkey out free."

the wild donkey ... the swift donkey

These are different names for the same kind of donkey.

Who has untied the bonds of the swift donkey

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am the one who untied the bonds of the swift donkey"

bonds

ropes, chains, or straps that hold an animal and keep it from running away

Job 39:6

General Information:

The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Who has untied" in verse 5 ends here.

whose home I have made ... in the salt land?

The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Who has untied" in verse 5 ends here. This can be translated as a statement. "I am the one who has untied ... whose home I have made in the Arabah, his house in the salt land."

whose home I have made in the Arabah

Yahweh describes the donkey as though he were a person that had a house. "I gave him the Arabah as a place to live"

the salt land

the land around the Salt Sea that has a lot of salt in it

Job 39:7

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

He

The word "He" refers to the wild donkey.

laughs in scorn

Yahweh describes the donkey as though he were a person. The donkey laughs because those in the city have to hear loud noise, but he lives in a quiet place.

the driver's

someone who forces an animal to work

Job 39:8

pastures

places where animals can eat plants growing in the field

Job 39:9

General Information:

Here Yahweh uses four questions to emphasize that Job is not like Yahweh because Job cannot control the wild ox.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Will the wild ox be happy to serve you?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "The wild ox will not be happy to serve you."

the wild ox

Possible meanings are 1) a type of ox that used to live in the wild or 2) some kind of buffalo that looked like oxen.

be happy

"be willing"

Will he consent to stay by your manger?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "He will not consent to stay by your manger."

consent to stay by your manger

"stay by your manger through the night"

manger

something that holds food so that animals can eat it

Job 39:10

Can you use ropes to hold the wild ox in the furrows?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You cannot control the wild ox with a rope in order to plow furrows in your fields."

ropes

Farmers would tie ropes to animals' heads or necks in order to lead them.

furrows

These are long channels made in the dirt while plowing. See how you translated this in Job 31:38.

Will he harrow the valleys as he follows after you?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "He will never harrow the valleys as he follows after you."

harrow

to smooth and break up the soil

Job 39:11

General Information:

Here Yahweh uses three questions to continue his argument that Job is not like Yahweh because Job cannot control the wild ox.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Will you trust him because his strength is great?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You cannot trust him because his strength is great."

trust him

The word "him" refers to the "wild ox."

Will you leave your labor to him to do?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You will not be able to make him do your labor for you."

leave your labor to him to do

"have him do your hard work for you"

Job 39:12

Will you depend on him ... grain for your threshing floor?

These two clauses basically mean the same thing. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You will not be able to depend on him ... grain for your threshing floor."

Job 39:13

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

The wings of the ostrich ... pinions and plumage of love?

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that Job cannot explain why ostriches behave the way they do. Alternate translation: "You do not know whether the pinions and plumage of the ostrich represent love when they wave their wings proudly."

ostrich

a very large bird that can run very fast but cannot fly

wave proudly

"move with joy"

pinions

the very long feathers on the wings of birds

plumage

the smaller feathers that cover the body of a bird

of love

The Hebrew word is uncertain. Possible meanings are 1) "of faithfulness" or 2) "of a stork." The name of the stork meant "the faithful one" or "the loving one" because people knew that storks take very good care of their chicks.

Job 39:14

on the earth

"on the ground"

Job 39:15

crush them

The word "them" refers to the eggs.

trample them

"step on them"

Job 39:16

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

She deals roughly

The word "She" refers to the female ostrich.

her labor

the work that she does when she lays the eggs

might have been in vain

If the chicks die, all of her work was useless. Alternate translation: "might have been useless if the chicks die"

Job 39:17

deprived her of wisdom

"made her forget wisdom" or "not given her wisdom"

understanding

See how you translated this in Job 11:6.

Job 39:18

When she runs

This verse is in contrast to her weakness in caring for her chicks. Alternate translation: "However, when she runs"

she laughs ... its rider

It is implied that she laughs because she is faster than the horse. Alternate translation: "she laughs ... its rider because she can run faster than the horse"

Job 39:19

General Information:

Yahweh uses three questions to emphasize that Job is not like Yahweh because Job cannot control the wild horse.

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Have you given the horse his strength?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have never given the horse his strength."

Did you clothe his neck with his flowing mane?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You cannot clothe his neck with his flowing mane."

clothe his neck with his flowing mane

The horse's "mane" is spoken of as if it was clothing for the neck of the horse. Alternate translation: "made his flowing main to cover his neck like clothes"

flowing mane

the long hair on the top of the neck of a horse

Job 39:20

Have you ever made him jump like a locust?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are not able to make him jump like a locust."

a locust

a large kind of grasshopper that can jump very far and very quickly

snorting

a very loud sound that horses make with their nose

Job 39:21

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

He paws

The word "He" refers to the horse. The horse paws the ground because he is very excited to begin the fight. Alternate translation: "He paws with excitement and"

paws

"digs at the ground with his hooves"

to meet the weapons

Here "the weapons" represent the battle in which they are used. Alternate translation: "to join in the battle"

Job 39:22

He mocks fear

"He is not afraid at all"

mocks

"laughs at"

dismayed

discouraged

does not turn back

"does not run away"

Job 39:23

quiver

a container that holds arrows

rattles

shakes and makes noise

flank

the side of a horse

javelin

a long stick with a sharp end that people throw at their enemies

Job 39:24

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

He

The word "He" refers to the horse.

swallows up ground

The horse runs over the ground so quickly that the ground passes by like water that a person drinks. Alternate translation: "runs very fast over the ground"

with fierceness and rage

The horse is very excited, so he moves quickly and strongly.

at the sound of the ram's horn

It can be stated that someone blows the ram's horn. Alternate translation: "when someone blows a ram's horn to announce that a battle has begun"

he cannot stand in one place

"he is too excited to stand still"

Job 39:25

he says, 'Aha

The word "Aha" is a sound people make when they discover something. The horse makes a sound because he has discovered the battle.

the thunderous shouts

It is implied that the horse hears these things. Alternate translation: "he hears the thunderous shouts"

the outcries

"the battle cries." People have special shouts that they use in war to show their great strength and bravery and to scare the enemy.

Job 39:26

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Is it by your wisdom ... for the south?

Yahweh uses this question to prove that Job is not as great as Yahweh. The implicit answer to this question is "no." Alternate translation: "It is not by your wisdom ... for the south."

stretches out his wings for the south

Here the stretching out of his wings refers to flying. Alternate translation: "flies to the south"

for the south

In the biblical geography, birds fly south during the winter in order to live in warmer climates.

Job 39:27

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Is it at your orders ... nest in high places?

Yahweh uses this question to prove that Job is not powerful enough to command the eagles. The implicit answer to this question is "no." Alternate translation: "You are not able to command the eagle to mount up and build his nest in high places."

at your orders

The abstract noun "orders" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "because you tell it to do so"

mounts up

This means he flies upward. Alternate translation: "flies up into the sky"

Job 39:28

a stronghold

The high cliffs are strongholds for eagles because the animals that would want to eat them cannot reach them.

Job 39:29

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

he searches for victims

Here the word "he" refers to the eagle.

for victims

"for animals that he can kill and eat"

his eyes see them

Here "his eyes" refer to the eagle. Alternate translation: "he sees them"

Job 39:30

His young

"The baby eagles." It may be helpful to state that this happens after the eagle kills and animal. Alternate translation: "After an eagle kills an animal, the baby eagles"

drink up blood

"drink the blood of the animal that he killed"

where killed people are

"where there are dead people." This phrase refers to dead bodies that are lying out in the open, not to bodies that are buried in the ground.

there he is

It can be made explicit that he comes to eat the dead bodies. Alternate translation: "he is there to eat them"

Chapter 40

Job 40 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers, or songs. The ULB and many other English translations set the lines of 40:1-2, 4-5, 7-24, which are extended quotations of Job and Yahweh, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.

Special concepts in this chapter

Job's righteousness

In seeking to defend his own righteousness, Job accuses Yahweh of being unjust. Yahweh asks a very important question: "Will you condemn me so you may claim you are right?" This is the essence of Job's error.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Irony

Yahweh states, "He who argues with God, let him answer." Job immediately answers him. This is irony. While Job is forced to acknowledge the power of Yahweh, he does not repent of his former statements. Because of this, Yahweh asks him more questions. (See: repent)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Animals

There are several animals mentioned in this chapter that do not exist and may never have existed. It may be necessary to leave these names untranslated or to translate their names as adjectives.

Job 40:1

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Job 40:2

Should anyone who wishes to criticize try to correct the Almighty?

Yahweh is rebuking Job. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one who wants to criticize me should try to argue with me, for I am Almighty God." or "You, a person, want to criticize me, Almighty God, but you should not try to correct me."

He who argues with God, let him answer

Yahweh speaks of Job and himself as if they were two other people to remind Job that no person anywhere should argue with God. Alternate translation: "You want to argue with me, so answer me"

Job 40:3

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Job 40:4

See, I am

"You are right when you say that I am" or "Look at me and you will see that I am"

I am insignificant

"I am not important"

how can I answer you?

Job uses this question to apologize for questioning God. Alternate translation: "I cannot answer you."

Job 40:5

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Job 40:6

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Job 40:7

gird up your loins like a man

A man who tucks his robe up under his sash or belt is preparing for hard physical work, and Job was to prepare for the hard work of answering God. See how you translated this in [Job 38:3]

Job 40:8

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

Will you actually say that I am unjust?

The word "actually" indicates that Yahweh is surprised that Job would say that Yahweh is unjust and that Job should make sure that he really wants to say that. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am surprised that you are saying I am unjust." or "You should be sure that you want to say that I am unjust, because that is what you are saying."

Will you condemn me so you may claim that you are in the right?

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are condemning me so you can claim that you are innocent."

Job 40:9

an arm like God's

The arm is a metonym for the strength in the arm. Alternate translation: "strength like God's strength"

can you thunder with a voice like his?

God uses this rhetorical question to show Job that God is powerful and Job is not. Alternate translation: "you certainly cannot thunder with a voice like God's."

can you thunder with a voice like his

Here "thunder with a voice" is a metaphor for speaking in way that is extremely loud and frightening like thunder. Alternate translation: "can you speak with the sound of thunder as he does"

a voice like his

"a voice like his voice"

Job 40:10

clothe yourself in glory and dignity; array yourself in honor and majesty

The abstract nouns "glory," "dignity," "honor," and "majesty" are spoken of as if they were clothing that a person could put on. They can be translated as adjectives and verbs. Alternate translation: "make yourself glorious; do something great so people will respect you and honor you; make people think you are a great king"

Job 40:11

Scatter around the excess of your anger

The abstract noun "anger" is spoken of as it it were something that usually could be held in a container, but in this situation there is so much of it that what does not fit needs to be spread around. It is also a metonym for the actions a person takes when he is angry. You may need to make explicit why the person is angry. Alternate translation: "Be angry because people are proud, and punish them"

bring him low

"take away everything he is proud of"

Job 40:12

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Job 40:13

their faces

The "face" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "them"

the hidden place

a euphemism for the place where people's spirits go when they die

Job 40:14

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Job 40:15

See now, the behemoth

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is an exhortation for the hearer to pay attention. "Listen carefully: the behemoth"

behemoth

a large water animal, possibly the hippopotamus

he eats

the behemoth eats

eats grass like an ox

Both the behemoth and the ox eat grass.

Job 40:16

See now, his strength

The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is an exhortation for the hearer to pay attention. "Listen carefully: his strength" See how you translated this phrase in Job 40:15.

loins ... belly's muscles

These two phrases refer to the same part of the body.

Job 40:17

like a cedar

Cedar is a very hard wood, and his tail becomes very hard.

Job 40:18

like tubes of bronze

Here, his bones are compared to tubes made of bronze to show how tough this animal is.

like bars of iron

This last comparison describes the strength of this great animal.

Job 40:19

chief of the creatures

"most important of the creatures" or "strongest of the creatures"

the creatures of God. Only God

Yahweh speaks as if he were another person. Alternate translation: "of my creatures. Only I, God"

Job 40:20

the hills provide him with food

The hills are spoken of as if they were people capable of giving him food. Alternate translation: "food grows on the hills for him"

Job 40:21

lotus plants

flowering plants that float on the water in swampy areas

reeds

tall grasses found in swamps or marshes

Job 40:22

lotus plants

flowering plants that float on the water in swampy areas. See how you translated this in Job 40:19.

willows of the brook

Willows are large trees that grow in damp ground. If they are unknown in your culture, you can use a general term for trees that grow near water.

Job 40:23

banks

sides of the river

though the Jordan should surge up to his mouth

"even if the flood of the Jordan should come up to his mouth"

Job 40:24

Can anyone capture him with a hook ... snare?

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can capture him with a hook or pierce his nose through with a snare."

Chapter 41

Job 41 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers, or songs. The ULB and many other English translations set the lines of this chapter, which is an extended quotation of Yahweh, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. It is a continuation of the previous chapter.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Yahweh uses a series of rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to defend his character and to convince Job to repent. (See: and repent)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Animals

There are several animals mentioned in this chapter that do not exist and may never have existed. It may be necessary to leave these names untranslated or to translate their names as adjectives.

Job 41:1

General Information:

God continues speaking. He is using many rhetorical questions to challenge Job.

Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook?

God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that you cannot draw out Leviathan with a fishhook."

draw out

pull out of the water

Or tie up his jaws with a cord?

The words "can you" are understood from the previous question. They can be repeated here. God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Or can you tie up his jaws with a cord?" or "And you know that you cannot tie up his jaws with a cord."

his jaws

Leviathan's jaws

Job 41:2

Can you put a rope into his nose ... with a hook?

God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that you cannot put a rope into Leviathan's nose ... with a hook."

Job 41:3

Will he make many pleas to you?

God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that he will not make pleas to you."

he

Leviathan

Will he speak soft words to you?

God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that he will not speak soft words to you."

Job 41:4

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to rebuke Job. He uses rhetorical questions to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan.

Will he make a covenant with you, that you should take him for a servant forever?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that he will not make a covenant with you, that you should take him for a servant forever."

he ... him

The words "he" and "him" refer to Leviathan.

Job 41:5

Will you play with him as you would with a bird?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that you cannot play with him as you would play with a bird."

Will you tie him up for your servant girls?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that you cannot tie him up for your servant girls."

Job 41:6

Will the groups of fishermen bargain for him?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that the groups of fishermen will not bargain for him."

Will they divide him up to trade among the merchants?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that they will not divide him up to trade among the merchants."

Will they divide

"Will the groups of fishermen divide"

Job 41:7

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to rebuke Job. He uses rhetorical questions to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan.

Can you fill his hide with harpoons or his head with fishing spears?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You cannot pierce his skin with your hunting weapons, nor can you pierce his head with fishing spears."

his

Leviathan's

harpoons

large spears with barbed points that people use to hunt large sea creatures

Job 41:8

him

Leviathan

Job 41:9

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you."

will not anyone be thrown down to the ground just by the sight of him?

This generalization can be translated as a statement in active form. Alternate translation: "Anyone who looks at him will be so frightened that he will throw himself on the ground."

the sight of him

"by looking at him" or "by seeing him"

Job 41:10

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to rebuke Job by asking him rhetorical questions. He uses rhetorical questions to remind Job that Yahweh is much more powerful than both Leviathan and Job.

None is so fierce that he dare stir Leviathan up; who, then, is he who can stand before me?

It would be easier to stir up Leviathan than to stand before Yahweh. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Since you know that no person is so fierce that he dare stir Leviathan up, you should certainly know that no one can stand before me."

Job 41:11

Who has first given anything to me in order that I should repay him?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that no one has first given anything to me, so there is no one whom I need to repay."

Job 41:12

I will not keep silent concerning ... nor about ... nor about

This can be translated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I will certainly speak about ... and about ... and about"

concerning Leviathan's legs, nor about the matter of his strength, nor about his graceful form

These are three things about which God will not keep silent.

his

The word "his" refers to Leviathan.

Job 41:13

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to rebuke Job by asking him rhetorical questions.

Who can strip off his outer garment?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can strip off his outer clothing."

his ... his

Leviathan's

Who can penetrate his double armor?

The word "armor" is a metaphor for the hard scales or hide on his back. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can penetrate his very thick hide."

Job 41:14

Who can open the doors of his face ... terror?

This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can pry his jaws apart ... terror."

Job 41:15

shields

The word "shields" is a metaphor for Leviathan's hide. Both shields and Leviathan's hide protect well and deflect arrows and other weapons.

tight together as with a close seal

This means the "shields" are very close to one another and nothing can get between them.

Job 41:16

One is so near to another

One row of shields is so near to another (Job 41:15).

between them

between the rows of shields (Job 41:15)

Job 41:17

They ... they ... they

the rows of shields (Job 41:15).

they cannot be pulled apart

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one can pull them apart"

Job 41:18

from his snorting

"when he snorts." A snort is a sound like a short snore. Another possible meaning is "from his sneezing" or "when he sneezes."

his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning dawn

This means that his eyes are red as the morning dawn is red.

his

The word "his" refers to Leviathan.

Job 41:19

Out of his mouth go burning torches, sparks of fire leap out

God expresses the same idea in two different ways in order to emphasize the terrifying appearance of Leviathan. You can make this clear by adding the omitted words. Alternate translation: "Out of his mouth go burning torches, sparks of fire leap out of his mouth"

his

The word "his" refers to Leviathan.

Job 41:20

nostrils

the two openings of the nose

smoke like a boiling pot

Both the smoke and a boiling pot are very hot.

Job 41:21

kindles coals into flame

"causes coals to catch fire"

Job 41:22

his ... him

The words "his" and "him" refer to Leviathan.

terror dances in front of him

The abstract noun "terror" can be translated as the verb "be afraid." Alternate translation: "when people see him coming, they are very afraid"

Job 41:23

they cannot be moved

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one can move them"

Job 41:24

His heart is as hard as a stone

A rock or stone does not change and become soft. Possible meanings are 1) Leviathan's physical chest and the organs inside it are physically hard or 2) Leviathan is not afraid of anything or 3) Leviathan is spoken of as a person who kills without ever being sorry.

a lower millstone

"the hardest of rocks." The lower millstone is the larger and harder of the two rocks used to grind grain. It would be the hardest rock people could find.

Job 41:25

he ... himself

Leviathan

the gods

Possible meanings are 1) "mighty people" or 2) "very strong people" .

Job 41:26

strikes him

strikes Leviathan

Job 41:27

He thinks of iron as if it were straw

"He thinks of weapons made of iron as if they were weapons made of straw." Straw would not get through his hide, and iron weapons do not get through his hide.

of bronze as if it were rotten wood

You can make this clear by adding the omitted words. Alternate translation: "he thinks of weapons made of bronze as if they were weapons made of rotten wood"

Job 41:28

to him sling stones become chaff

Chaff cannot hurt Leviathan, and sling stones are just as ineffective as chaff.

him ... him

Leviathan

Job 41:29

Clubs are regarded as straw

A club made of straw would not hurt him, and a club made of wood would not hurt him. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "He thinks of clubs as if they were straw"

he laughs at the whirring flight of a spear

The person throwing the spear hopes that the spear will kill Leviathan, but the writer speaks as if Leviathan knows the spear will not kill him and so laughs.

he laughs

Leviathan laughs

Job 41:30

His ... he ... he

These words refer to Leviathan.

he leaves a spreading trail in the mud as if he were a threshing sledge

Just as a threshing sledge goes over grain on a threshing floor and turns it to powder, so Leviathan's tail leaves a trail in the mud as he wags it when he walks.

Job 41:31

He makes the deep to foam up like a pot of boiling water

"As he passes through the water, he leaves a trail of bubbles behind him, like the bubbling of boiling water in a pot"

He

The word "he" refers to Leviathan.

he makes the sea like a pot of ointment

The ointment in a pot is cloudy if someone shakes it, and the sea is muddy when Leviathan swims in it.

Job 41:32

one would think the deep had gray hair

This is because the bubbles in his wake are white.

Job 41:33

there is no equal to him

"no other creature is like Leviathan"

him

Leviathan

Job 41:34

He sees everything that is proud

"He is very, very proud"

he is king over all the sons of pride

Leviathan is spoken of as if he were a person who is able to become king and be proud. Alternate translation: "Leviathan has more reason to be proud than anyone else on earth"

He ... he

Leviathan

Chapter 42

Job 42 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers, or songs. The ULB and many other English translations set the lines of 42:1-6, which is an extended quotation of Job, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.

In this chapter Job shows his complete trust in Yahweh. (See: trust)

Special concepts in this chapter

Justice

Yahweh enacts justice at the end of this book. He punishes Job's friends and restores Job's blessings. Yahweh's blessing was not dependent upon Job's repentance, but upon Yahweh's grace. (See: justice, restore, bless and repent and grace)

Job 42:1

General Information:

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Job 42:2

I know that you can do all things, that no purpose of yours can be stopped

You may want to repeat the words "I know." Alternate translation: "I know that you can do all things. I know that no purpose of yours can be stopped"

no purpose of yours can be stopped

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one can stop any of your plans"

Job 42:3

Who is this

The ULB and most modern versions agree that Job is loosely quoting God's own words from [Job 38:2]

conceals plans

That is, hides or misrepresents God's plans.

Job 42:4

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Job 42:5

but now my eye sees you

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents understanding. Alternate translation: "but now I really understand you"

Job 42:6

despise myself

Job's self is a metonym for what he said. Alternate translation: "I despise the things I said"

despise

intensely dislike

I repent in dust and ashes

Sitting in dust and ashes is a symbolic act showing the person is sorry.

Job 42:7

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Eliphaz the Temanite

See how you translated this man's name in Job 2:11

My wrath is kindled against you

Fire is a metaphor for anger, and starting a fire is a metaphor for becoming angry. Alternate translation: "I have become very angry with you"

Job 42:8

seven bulls

"7 bulls"

so that I may not deal with you after your folly

The abstract noun "folly" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "even though you have been very foolish, I will not punish you as you deserve"

Job 42:9

Bildad the Shuhite

See how you translated this man's name in Job 2:11

Zophar the Naamathite

See how you translated this man's name in Job 2:11

Yahweh accepted Job

The person is a metonym for the prayer he prays. Alternate translation: "God accepted Job's prayer for his three friends"

Job 42:10

Yahweh reversed his captivity

This is an idiom that means that Yahweh restored Job's good life. Alternate translation: "Yahweh restored his riches" or "Yahweh restored his wealth"

Job 42:11

all who knew him before

"all the people he had known before"

Job 42:12

more than the first

The words "he blesed" and "of Job's life" are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated here Alternate translation: "more than he blessed the first part of Job's life"

fourteen thousand sheep

14,000 sheep

six thousand camels

6,000 camels

one thousand yoke of oxen

1,000 yoke of oxen

Job 42:13

seven sons and three daughters

7 sons and 3 daughters

Job 42:14

Jemimah ... Keziah ... Keren-Happuch

women's names

Job 42:15

no women were found as beautiful as Job's daughters

"Job's daughters were more beautiful than all the other women"

Job 42:16

lived 140 years

"lived 140 years"

Job 42:17

being old and full of days

The words "full of days" means basically the same thing as "being old." The two phrases form a common idiom. Alternate translation: "a very old man"

Book: Psalms

Chapter 1

Psalm 1 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 1 is usually considered to be a "wisdom psalm," which gives advice to those who hear it read or sung. (See: wise)

Special concepts in this chapter

Blessed

A main theme in this psalm is what it means to be blessed. Here "blessed" refers to anyone who is well off because of a good relationship to God. The contrasting theme is that there are ungodly people, those who refuse to honor God. (See: bless and godly)

People who opposed Yahweh

There are several words in this psalm for those who oppose God: "the wicked" (those who do evil), "sinners" (those who ignore God's law), and "mockers" (those who mock God and the righteous people). (See: evil, sin and lawofmoses and righteous)

Psalms 1:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

who does not walk in the advice of the wicked

The "advice of the wicked" is spoken of as if it were a path to follow. Alternate translation: "who does not follow the advice of the wicked" or "who does not do what wicked people advise"

stand in the pathway with sinners

Here the word "pathway" represents the way people live. The word "stand" is in parallel with "walk." Alternate translation: "imitate the behavior of sinful people"

or sit in the assembly of mockers

Sitting with people who mock God represents joining people who mock God. Alternate translation: "or join those who mock God" or "or mock God with others who mock him"

Psalms 1:2

his delight is in the law of Yahweh

The word "delight" is an abstract noun that can be stated as a verb. A person who can "delight ... in the law" is happy because the law is good and because one is obeying it. Alternate translation: "what makes him truly happy is the law of Yahweh" or "what makes him truly happy is to know that he is obeying the law of Yahweh"

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

Psalms 1:3

General Information:

This passage introduces an elaborate image in which a righteous person is thought of in terms of a flourishing tree.

He will be like a tree ... fruit in its season

In the Bible, people are often spoken of as trees. People who delight in Yahweh's law can do all God wants them to do just as a tree that is planted by water produces good fruit. Alternate translation: "He will be prosperous like a tree ... fruit in its season"

planted by the streams of water

A tree that is planted by a stream can get enough water to be healthy.

that produces its fruit in its season

Healthy trees produce good fruit at the right time.

whose leaves do not wither

If a tree gets enough water, its leaves do not dry out and die.

whatever he does will prosper

"He will be successful at whatever he does"

Psalms 1:4

The wicked are not so

How they are not like that can be stated clearly. "The wicked are not prosperous" or "The wicked do not prosper"

but are like the chaff

How they are like chaff can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "but are worthless like the chaff"

Psalms 1:5

will not stand in the judgment

Possible meanings are 1) not standing in the judgment is a metonym for being judged by God and having to leave his presence. Alternate translation: "will not continue to stay before God when he judges them" or "will have to leave God's presence when he judges them as guilty" or 2) not standing in the judgment is a metaphor for being condemned in the judgment. "Alternate translation: "will be condemned in the judgment" or "will be condemned when God judges them"

in the judgment

The noun judgment can be expressed as a verb. This probably refers to the final judgment when God judges all people. Alternate translation: "when God judges everyone"

nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous

Translators can supply the verb "stand." Alternate translation: "neither will sinners stand in the assembly of the righteous" or "and sinners will not stand in the assembly of the righteous"

nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous

Being accepted by God as righteous is spoken of as standing with the group of righteous people. Alternate translation: "and God will not accept sinners along with the righteous people"

Psalms 1:6

For Yahweh approves of the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish

These two clauses contrast what happens to righteous people with what happens to wicked people.

the way of the righteous

How people live is spoken of as if it were a "way" or "road" that they are walking on. Alternate translation: "how the righteous live"

the way of the wicked will perish

How people live and what they do is spoken of as if it were a "way" or "road" that they walk on. Possible meanings are 1) the way perishing represents the wicked perishing because of how they live. Alternate translation: "The wicked will die because of how they live" or 2) the way perishing is a metaphor for no longer being able to live the way they do. Alternate translation: "the wicked will no longer be able to live the way they live"

Chapter 2

Psalm 2 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 2 is usually considered a royal psalm because it is about the king. It was probably first sung when a new person became the king. It is often thought to be about the Messiah because of verse 6 and 7 reference the Son of God. (See: christ and sonofgod)

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's protection

The main theme of this psalm is that God is protecting and empowering the king he has appointed and that it is useless for the foreign nations to oppose God and his king.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

"Today I have begotten you" here is a metaphor meaning that God acknowledges the king as his special person.

Psalms 2:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

Why are the nations in turmoil, and why do the peoples devise vain plans?

These questions are used to show surprise that the people are doing things that are so wrong and foolish. Alternate translation: "The nations are in turmoil and the peoples are devising vain plans."

are the nations in turmoil

This probably means that the nations were making a noisy and angry commotion.

the nations

This represents either the leaders or the people of the nations.

vain plans

These are probably plots against God and his people.

Psalms 2:2

The kings of the earth take their stand together ... the rulers take counsel together

These two clauses have similar meanings.

take their stand together ... take counsel together

These phrases have similar meanings, implying that the leaders stand together in order to fight against Yahweh and his Messiah. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "gather to fight ... plan together to revolt"

Psalms 2:3

Let us tear off the shackles ... throw off their chains

The people of other nations speak of Yahweh and the Messiah's rule over them as if it were shackles and chains. Alternate translation: "We should free ourselves from their control; we should not let them rule over us any longer"

Psalms 2:4

He ... the Lord

These phrases refer to Yahweh. Yahweh is often called "the Lord" but the words for "Yahweh" and "the Lord" are different.

sits in the heavens

Here sitting represents ruling. What he sits on can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "rules in the heavens" or "sits on his throne in heaven"

the Lord mocks them

"the Lord mocks those people." Why he mocks them can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "The Lord mocks them for their foolish plans"

Psalms 2:5

terrify them in his rage

The abstract noun "rage" can be stated as "furious." Alternate translation: "he will be furious and terrify them"

terrify

greatly frighten

Psalms 2:6

I myself

Yahweh is emphasizing that he, and not someone else, has set his king in place.

set my king in place

"appointed my king to rule"

Psalms 2:7

I will announce a decree of Yahweh. He

The person saying this is the king. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "The king says, 'I will announce a decree of Yahweh.' He"

He said to me

"Yahweh said to me"

You are my son! This day I have become your Father

Among many peoples in that part of the world then, men could decide to legally adopt children, who would become their heirs. Here Yahweh adopts a man and makes him king of Israel. Alternate translation: "I make you my son. This day I have become your Father" or "Now you are my son and am your Father"

Psalms 2:8

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues speaking to the new king of Israel.

the nations for your inheritance ... the ends of the earth for your possession

These phrases express very similar ideas.

the ends of the earth

"the lands that are very far away"

Psalms 2:9

You will break them with an iron rod; like a jar of a potter, you will smash them to pieces

These phrases express very similar ideas.

You will break them with an iron rod

Defeating the nations is spoken of as breaking them, and his power is spoken of as an iron rod. Alternate translation: "You will defeat them completely by your power"

you will smash them to pieces

Destroying nations is spoken of as if they could be smashed like a clay jar. Alternate translation: you will completely destroy them like a clay pot"

a jar of a potter

A potter is a person who makes clay pots and jars. These are fragile and can be broken easily. Alternate translation: "a clay jar" or "a clay pot"

Psalms 2:10

be corrected

This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "listen to this correction" or "take this correction"

judges of the earth

"powerful people who govern the nations on earth"

Psalms 2:11

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Psalms 2:12

Kiss the son

People would show their king that they were loyal to him by kissing him, perhaps on the feet. Alternate translation: "Show the son that you are truly loyal to him" or "Bow down humbly before his son"

you will die in the way

This may refer to dying right there, before the person has a chance to go away. Alternate translation: "you will die immediately"

when his anger burns for just a moment

The king's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that could burn. Alternate translation: "when he suddenly becomes very angry"

seek refuge in him

Asking the king for protection is spoken of as seeking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "ask the king to protect them"

Chapter 3

Psalm 3 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 3 is a psalm of deliverance. It is a morning song intended to be sung in the temple accompanied by musical instruments during morning worship. (See: temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's protection

Although the psalmist has many enemies and is saying he is without help, God is protecting him and delivering him from danger.

Psalms 3:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

A psalm of David

Possible meanings are 1) David wrote the psalm or 2) the psalm is about David or 3) the psalm is in the style of David's psalms.

Yahweh, how many are my enemies!

This exclamation shows that David is afraid of his enemies. Alternate translation: "Oh Yahweh, I have so many enemies!"

have risen against me

Fighting against someone is spoken of as rising against him. Alternate translation: "come against me"

Psalms 3:2

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Psalms 3:3

you, Yahweh, are a shield around me

A shield protects a soldier. David speaks as if God were a shield protecting him. Alternate translation: "you, Yahweh, protect me like a shield"

my glory

"you are my glory." By calling God his glory, David says that God is the one who gives him glory. Since David has just spoken about his enemies and God being his protector, he probably meant that God gives him glory by giving him victory over his enemies. Alternate translation: "you are the one who gives me glory" or "you are the one who gives me victory"

the one who lifts up my head

"you are the one who lifts up my head." Giving someone courage is spoken of as lifting up his head. Alternate translation: "the one who encourages me"

Psalms 3:4

I lift up my voice

Using one's voice to cry out is spoken as as lifting up his voice. Alternate translation: "I cry out"

Psalms 3:5

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Psalms 3:6

have set themselves against me on every side

"have surrounded me to destroy me"

Psalms 3:7

Rise up

David speaks of starting to do something as getting up. Alternate translation: "Take action" or "Do something"

hit all my enemies ... break the teeth of the wicked

These phrases say very similar things. The phrases "my enemies" and "the wicked" refer to the same group of people.

For you will hit all my enemies on the jaw

This was a way of insulting people. David speaks as if Yahweh would come and physically hit his enemies. Alternate translation: "For you will insult all my enemies like someone hitting them on the jaw"

you will break the teeth of the wicked

Animals attack with their teeth. Breaking their teeth takes away their power to attack. David speaks as if Yahweh would come and physically fight against the wicked. Alternate translation: "you will make the wicked unable to harm me like someone breaking the teeth of a ferocious animal"

Psalms 3:8

Salvation comes from Yahweh

The abstract noun "salvation" can be expressed with the verb "save." Alternate translation: "Yahweh saves his people"

Chapter 4

Psalm 4 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 4 is a psalm of deliverance. It is an evening song, intended to be sung in the temple accompanied by musical instruments during evening worship. (See: deliverer and temple)

Special concepts in this chapter

Trust

God protects all those who truly trust in him for protection. (See: trust)

Psalms 4:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician; on stringed instruments. A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship"

on stringed instruments

"people should play stringed instruments with this song"

Answer me when I call

"Respond to me when I call" or "Help me when I call"

God of my righteousness

"God, who shows that I am righteous"

give me room when I am hemmed in

Being in danger is spoken of as being in a narrow space. Alternate translation: "rescue me when I am in danger"

Psalms 4:2

General Information:

David sings this part of the song as if he is speaking to his enemies.

You people, how long will you turn my honor into shame?

David uses this question to rebuke his enemies. Alternate translation: "You people continually turn my honor into shame!"

turn my honor into shame

Shaming him instead of honoring him is spoken of as making his honor become shame. Alternate translation: "shame me instead of honoring me" or "bring me shame when you should be honoring me"

How long will you love what is worthless and seek after lies?

David uses this question to rebuke his enemies. Alternate translation: "You continue to love things that are worthless and seek after lies."

love what is worthless ... seek after lies

These two phrases are very similar in meaning. The lies are worthless. Alternate translation: "love worthless lies"

Psalms 4:3

Yahweh has set apart the faithful ones for himself

"Yahweh chooses godly people for himself"

Psalms 4:4

Tremble in fear

The relationship between "tremble" and "fear" and who people should fear can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Fear Yahweh so much that you tremble" or "Stand in awe of Yahweh"

Tremble

shake from fear

Meditate in your heart

The heart represents a person's thoughts. Thinking carefully is spoken of as meditating in one's heart. Alternate translation: "Think carefully"

Psalms 4:5

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness

"Offer the right sacrifices"

put your trust in Yahweh

Here "trust" is spoken of as if it were an object that could be put somewhere. The abstract noun "trust" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "trust in Yahweh" or "trust Yahweh"

Psalms 4:6

Who will show us anything good?

This question is used either to ask for something or to express a wish about something that has not happened. Alternate translation: "Please show us something good!" or "We wish someone would show us something good!"

Who will show us anything good?

Possible meanings are 1) showing something good represents bringing good things. Alternate translation: "Who will bring good things to us?" or 2) showing something good represents saying that good things have happened. Alternate translation: "Who will say that anything good has happened?"

lift up the light of your face on us

The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards them as if Yahweh's face shone a light on them. Alternate translation: "act favorably towards us"

Psalms 4:7

You have given my heart more gladness

The heart represents the person. Alternate translation: "You have given me more gladness"

You have given my heart more gladness than others have

Here "gladness" is spoken of as if it is an object that can be given. The abstract noun "gladness" can be stated as "glad." Alternate translation: "You have made me more glad than others are"

when their grain and new wine abound

"New wine" may represent grapes. Alternate translation: "when they reap plentiful harvests of grain and grapes"

Psalms 4:8

It is in peace that I will lie down and sleep

Peace is spoken of as if it were a place. This can be restated to remove the abstract noun "peace." Alternate translation: "I will be peaceful when I lie down and sleep" or "I will not be afraid of danger when I lie down and sleep"

make me safe and secure

The words "safe" and "secure" mean basically the same thing and emphasize complete safety. Alternate translation: "make me completely safe"

Chapter 5

Psalm 5 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 5 is a psalm of deliverance. Notice how the psalmist both praises God and asks him for help in defeating the wicked. It was intended to be sung accompanied by flutes. (See: deliverer and evil)

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's help

God does not help people who do evil but he blesses those who are good and trust in him. (See: bless and trust)

Psalms 5:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician; with wind instruments. A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship"

with wind instruments

"This song should be accompanied by people who play wind instruments."

Give ear to my words

This is a call for help. Alternate translation: "Listen to me as I call to you for help"

groanings

low sounds that people make with the voice when they are suffering

Psalms 5:2

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Psalms 5:3

in the morning you hear my cry ... in the morning I will bring my petition to you

These two phrases are very similar in meaning.

I will bring my petition to you

"I will make my request" or "I will ask you for what I need"

wait expectantly

"wait, expecting you to do what I ask you to do"

Psalms 5:4

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Psalms 5:5

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Psalms 5:6

Yahweh abhors

Since David is speaking to God in this psalm, this sentence can be stated with the word "you." Alternate translation: "Yahweh, you abhor"

the man of bloodshed and deceit

The phrase "the man" here refers to any person. Alternate translation: "anyone who kills or deceives others"

Psalms 5:7

because of your great covenant faithfulness

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "because you are faithful to your covenant"

your house

This refers to God's temple. Alternate translation: "your temple"

Psalms 5:8

lead me in your righteousness

David speaks of righteousness as if it were a path and of teaching as leading. The phrase "your righteousness" means that God is righteous Alternate translation: "teach me to do what is righteous as you do"

make your path straight before me

David speaks of righteousness as if it were a path. A straight path is easy to see or walk on. Alternate translation: "show me clearly how to live in the right way" or "make it easy for me to do what is right"

Psalms 5:9

General Information:

David talks about his enemies.

For there is no truth in their mouth

Truth being in the mouth represents speaking truthfully. Alternate translation: "For they never say what is true"

their inward being is wicked

The inward being represents people's thoughts and desires. Alternate translation: "their thoughts and desires are wicked"

their throat

The throat represents people's speech. Alternate translation: "their speech" or "what they say"

their throat is an open tomb

Their throat is spoken of as if it were an open tomb, ready for dead bodies to put into it. Possible meanings are 1) "they say that they will kill people" or 2) "What they say kills people"

they flatter with their tongue

"they say nice things about people without really meaning it"

their tongue

The tongue represents what people say.

Psalms 5:10

may their schemes be their downfall

"may their schemes cause them to experience disasters" or "may they become less important because of their schemes"

schemes

plans to harm people

downfall

This is something that causes a person to experience disasters or to lose power. Experiencing disaster or becoming less important is spoken of as falling.

Psalms 5:11

may all those who take refuge in you rejoice

God is spoken of as if he were a refuge, a place where people can be protected. Alternate translation: "May all those who go to you for protection rejoice"

those who take refuge in you rejoice ... shout for joy because you defend them

These two clauses express similar thoughts.

take refuge in you

Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "go to you for protection"

those who love your name

God's name represents him. Alternate translation: "those who love you"

Psalms 5:12

you will surround them with favor as with a shield

God's favor is spoken of as if it were a shield. Alternate translation: "you will favor them and protect them as a soldier protects himself with his shield" or "because you are kind to them, you will protect them

Chapter 6

Psalm 6 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 6 is a deliverance psalm: a call to God for help. (See: deliverer)

Special concepts in this chapter

Trouble

He is in deep trouble and needs God to help him in his difficult situation. But then God hears his prayer and scatters his enemies.

First Person

This psalm is written using first person making its perspective very personal. There are many uses of the first person in this Psalm.

Psalms 6:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship"

on stringed instruments

"people should play stringed instruments with this song"

set to the Sheminith style

This may refer to a style of music.

Psalms 6:2

my bones are shaking

The bones represent the whole body. His body may have been shaking because he was sick or extremely tired. Alternate translation: "my whole body is shaking"

Psalms 6:3

very troubled

"terrified" or "worried"

how long will this continue?

David uses this question to show that he does not want to continue feeling weak and troubled. Alternate translation: please, do not let this continue!"

Psalms 6:4

Return, Yahweh

David speaks of God being kind to him as God returning to him. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, come back to me" or "Have mercy on me, Yahweh"

Save me because of your covenant faithfulness

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "Save me because you are faithful to your covenant"

Psalms 6:5

For in death there is no remembrance of you. In Sheol who will give you thanks?

These two sentences express similar meanings.

For in death there is no remembrance of you

The abstract noun "remembrance" represents praise. Alternate translation: "For when people die, they no longer praise you"

In Sheol who will give you thanks?

David uses this question to emphasize that no one in Sheol thanks God. Alternate translation: "No one in Sheol will give you thanks!" or "The dead cannot praise you!"

Psalms 6:6

I am weary with my groaning

His groaning represents the pain or distress that he feels. Alternate translation: "I am very tired because of my pain"

I drench my bed with tears

This is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: "I make my bed wet with my tears" or "I cry in my bed"

bed ... couch

Possible meanings are 1) these are two words for the same thing or 2) the "couch" is the main cushion on the bed or 3) the "bed" is where he sleeps at night and the "couch" is another item of furniture.

I dissolve my couch with my tears

This is an exaggeration. "My couch is very wet because of my tears" or "I cry hard when I am on my couch"

Psalms 6:7

My eyes grow dim

The ability to see is spoken of in terms of the eyes. Alternate translation: "My vision is blurry" or "I cannot see clearly"

from grief

Grief here represents crying. Alternate translation: "from crying" or "because I cry so much"

Psalms 6:8

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Psalms 6:9

Yahweh has heard my appeal for mercy ... Yahweh has accepted my prayer

These two lines have very similar meanings.

Yahweh has accepted my prayer

Being willing to do what David has prayed for is spoken of as accepting his prayer. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will respond to my prayer"

Psalms 6:10

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Chapter 7

Psalm 7 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 7 is a deliverance psalm. (See: deliverer)

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's protection

The author had not wronged anyone, yet his enemy was trying to attack him. But he knew that God would protect him.

Cush the Benjamite

Note the superscription and the specific circumstances. There is no other reference to this incident in the Scriptures. But there are references to David being opposed by those of the tribe of Benjamin during the time he was serving King Saul.

Psalms 7:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A musical composition of David, which he sang to Yahweh concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

A musical composition of David

"This is a song that David wrote"

take refuge in you!

Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "go to you for protection!"

Psalms 7:2

they will rip me apart like a lion, tearing me in pieces

David speaks of his enemies attacking him as if they would rip his body apart and tear it in pieces as a lion would. Alternate translation: "they will violently kill me like a lion ripping apart its victim's body and tearing it in pieces" or "they will violently kill me"

with no one else able to bring me to safety

"and no one else will be able to save me"

Psalms 7:3

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Psalms 7:4

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Psalms 7:5

my life

The life represents the person. Alternate translation: "me"

overtake me

This represents capturing him. Alternate translation: "capture me"

let him trample my life to the ground

Here "my life" represents the writer. Alternate translation: "allow him to destroy me"

lay my honor in the dust

This refers to lying dead and unburied in disgrace.

Psalms 7:6

Arise, Yahweh, in your anger

Arising represents doing something or taking action. Alternate translation: "Do something in your anger" or "Be angry at my enemies and take action:

stand up against the rage of my enemies

Fighting against people is spoken of as standing up against them. Alternate translation: "fight against the rage of my enemies" or "attack my enemies who rage against me"

the rage of my enemies

Their rage represents their attacks. Alternate translation: "the attacks of my enemies" or "my enemies who attack me"

wake up

Waking up represents starting to do something or take action. Alternate translation: "Take action" or "Do something"

for my sake

"for me" or "to help me"

Psalms 7:7

The peoples are assembled

Here the word "peoples" represents all of the armies that have gathered to attack.

take once more your rightful place over them

Ruling people is spoken of as being over them. Yahweh's rightful place refers either to heaven or to ruling in general. Alternate translation: "Rule over them from heaven" or "Rule over them"

Psalms 7:8

vindicate me

"show them that I am not guilty"

Psalms 7:9

establish the righteous people

"make the righteous people strong" or "make the righteous people prosper"

you who examine hearts and minds

The hearts and minds represent people's desires and thoughts. Alternate translation: "you who know our inner thoughts"

Psalms 7:10

My shield comes from God

The word "shield" represents God's protection.

Psalms 7:11

a God who is indignant each day

Who God is angry with can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "a God who is angry with the wicked every day"

Psalms 7:12

God will sharpen his sword and will prepare his bow for battle

In verses 12 and 13, David speaks of God deciding to punish the wicked as if God were a warrior preparing to fight against them with weapons. Alternate translation: "God will take action against him like a warrior who sharpens his sword and prepares his bow for battle"

Psalms 7:13

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Psalms 7:14

one who is pregnant with wickedness ... conceives destructive plans ... gives birth to harmful lies

David speaks of the things that a wicked person does as if the person were pregnant and wickedness was the baby. Alternate translation: "the wicked person. He makes plans to destroy people and produces harmful lies"

Psalms 7:15

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Psalms 7:16

His own destructive plans return to his own head, for his violence comes down on his own head

Destruction and violence are spoken of as if they hit a person's head or fall down on it. Alternate translation: "His own destructive plans destroy him, for his violence attacks him" or "When he plans to destroy others, others destroy him; when he attacks others, others attack him"

Psalms 7:17

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Chapter 8

Psalm 8 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 8 is a psalm of worship and praise to God. This was to be sung by a choir.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's creation

God has made awesome things in the universe and has exalted humans to be rulers over this creation. (See: exalt)

A Little Lower than the Heavenly Beings

Psalms Psalm 8:4-6](./003.md) is quoted in [Hebrews 2:6-8, where it is applied to Jesus. (See: heaven and glory)

Psalms 8:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician; set to the Gittith style. A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship"

set to the Gittith style

This may refer to a style of music.

how magnificent is your name in all the earth

God's "name" represents his whole being. Alternate translation: "people all over the world know that you are very great"

Psalms 8:2

Out of the mouth of babies and infants you have established praise

Possible meanings are 1) praise is spoken of as a solid object that God takes out of babies' mouths and sets up as a defensive wall or 2) God has created the world so that true praise comes to him from babies. Alternate translation: "You have given babies and infants the ability to praise you" or "It is babies and infants who truly praise you"

Psalms 8:3

your heavens, the work of your fingers

God's fingers represent him. Alternate translation: "the heavens, which you have made"

Psalms 8:4

Of what importance is the human race that you notice them, or mankind that you pay attention to them?

These remarks have been expressed in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "It is amazing that you think about people and are concerned about them!"

the human race ... mankind

Both of these phrases refer to people in general.

Psalms 8:5

have crowned them with glory and honor

Glory and honor are spoken of as if they were crowns. The words "glory" and "honor" are similar in meaning. Alternate translation: "have given them glory and honor" or "have caused them to be like kings"

Psalms 8:6

You make him to rule over the works ... you have put all things under his feet

These two clauses express similar meanings.

You make him ... under his feet

"you make them ... under their feet." The words "him" and "his" here refer to people.

the works of your hands

The hands represent what God has done. Alternate translation: "the things that you made"

you have put all things under his feet

Having authority to rule others or control things is spoken of as having them under one's feet. This means God gave people authority over all that he created. Alternate translation: "you have given him authority over all things"

Psalms 8:7

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Psalms 8:8

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Psalms 8:9

how magnificent is your name in all the earth

With this exclamation, David shows his joy and awe about how great God is. Alternate translation: "your name is wonderfully magnificent in all the earth" or "people in all the earth know how magnificent you are"

your name

God's "name" represents him or his reputation. Alternate translation: "your reputation"

magnificent

excellent, great

Chapter 9

Psalm 9 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 9 is a psalm of praise.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's protection

God is a protector. He is all-powerful and his enemies cannot withstand him.

Acrostic Psalm

This psalm along with Psalm 10 form an acrostic. Which means that each unit begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

One Psalm or two

This psalm has a superscription but Psalm 10 doesn't. This fact and the acrostic nature of the two psalms has lead some scholars to believe these two psalms may have originally been written as one psalm.

Psalms 9:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician; set to Muth Labben style. A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship"

set to Muth Labben

This may refer to a style of music.

I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart

Since this song is addressed to Yahweh, Yahweh can be referred to as "you." Alternate translation: "Yahweh, I will give thanks to you with all my heart"

all your marvelous deeds

The noun "deeds" can be expressed with the verb "do." Alternate translation: "all the marvelous things you do" or "all the marvelous things you have done"

Psalms 9:2

I will sing praise to your name

Here God's name represents God. Alternate translation: "I will sing praise to you"

Psalms 9:3

turn back

"retreat" or "flee in fear"

Psalms 9:4

you sit on your throne, a righteous judge

Kings had authority to judge people, and they would sit on their throne when they judged. David speaks as if God were an earthly king. Alternate translation: "you judge like a king who sits on his throne, and you are righteous"

Psalms 9:5

you have blotted out their name forever and ever

Causing people to be forgotten is spoken of as blotting out their name. Alternate translation: "you have caused them to be forgotten as if their name was blotted out" or "no one will ever remember them again"

blotted out

"erased"

Psalms 9:6

The enemy crumbled like ruins

The enemy is spoken of as if it were a city full of broken down buildings. Alternate translation: "Our enemies were destroyed"

when you overthrew their cities

"when you destroyed their cities"

All remembrance of them has perished

Here "remembrance" is spoken of as if it were a living being that could die. Alternate translation: "All remembrance of them has stopped" or "There is no longer any remembrance of them"

All remembrance of them has perished

The abstract noun "remembrance" can be expressed with the verb "remember." Alternate translation: "No one remembers them at all"

Psalms 9:7

Yahweh remains forever

"Remain" probably represents sitting on the throne as king. Alternate translation: "Yahweh sits on his throne forever" or "Yahweh rules forever"

he has established his throne for justice

The phrase "his throne" represents God's rule. Possible meanings are 1) "He rules in order to judge people" or "He rules over people justly"

Psalms 9:8

He will judge the world with righteousness ... he will execute judgment for the nations with fairness

These two clauses express the same meaning.

He will judge the world with righteousness

Here "the world" refers to all the people in the world. Alternate translation: "He will judge all the people of the world righteously"

Psalms 9:9

Yahweh also will be a stronghold for the oppressed

God is spoken of as if he were a place that people could go to for safety. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will also protect the oppressed" or "Yahweh will also provide safety for those who are oppressed"

Psalms 9:10

Those who know your name

Here the words "your name" represent God. Alternate translation: "Those who know you"

do not abandon

"do not forsake" or "do not leave"

Psalms 9:11

who rules in Zion

"who is king in Jerusalem"

tell the nations

Here "the nations" represents the people of the nations.

Psalms 9:12

For the God who avenges bloodshed remembers

What he remembers can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "For the God who avenges bloodshed remembers those who were killed" or "For God remembers those who were killed and he punishes the killers"

he does not forget the cry

"He does not ignore the cry"

Psalms 9:13

see my affliction by those who hate me

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "see how those who hate me oppress me" or "see how badly my enemies treat me"

you who can snatch me from the gates of death

Death is spoken of as if it were a city that had gates through which people enter it. If someone is near the gates of death, it means that he will die soon. Keeping someone from dying is spoken of as taking him away from the gates of that city. Alternate translation: "you who can rescue me from death" or "you who can keep me from dying"

Psalms 9:14

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Psalms 9:15

The nations have sunk down into the pit that they made

People dig pits so they can catch animals that fall into them. Here digging a pit represents making plans to destroy people. Alternate translation: "The nations are like people who dig a pit for others and then fall into it"

their feet are caught in the net that they hid

People hide nets so they can catch animals that get caught in them. Here hiding a net represents making plans to destroy people. Alternate translation: "they are like people who hide a net and get trapped in it"

Psalms 9:16

the wicked is ensnared by his own actions

Here "wicked" is a nominal adjective that refers to any wicked person. A wicked person acting to harm other people is spoken of as if the wicked person had made a trap and then fallen into it and been unable to escape. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when a wicked person tries to harm other people, his actions will end up harming him"

is ensnared

"is trapped"

Psalms 9:17

turned back

"rejected"

all the nations that forget God

This refers to "the wicked."

Psalms 9:18

For the needy will not always be forgotten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will not always forget the needy" or "God will remember the needy"

nor will the hope of the oppressed be forever dashed

Hopes are spoken of as if they were objects that could be broken or destroyed. Hopes being destroyed represents the things that people hope for never happening. Alternate translation: "and the oppressed will not hope forever without results" or "and someday what the oppressed hope for will happen"

Psalms 9:19

Arise

Getting up represents starting to do something. Alternate translation: "Do something" or "Take action"

man

people

be judged

Here judging represents punishing. Alternate translation: "be punished"

in your sight

Here sight represents presence. Alternate translation: "in your presence"

may the nations be judged in your sight

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "judge the nations in your presence" or "take the nations into your presence and punish them"

Psalms 9:20

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Chapter 10

Psalm 10 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 10 is a psalm of deliverance. (See: deliverer)

Special concepts in this chapter

Evil people

The wicked people are prospering and think that God does not care. They think that he is not involved in these affairs. They destroy the innocent. The godly need God to come to their rescue and to punish the wicked people for the evil that they are doing to the good people. (See: evil, innocent and godly and good)

Second half of Psalm 9

As noted in the intro to the last psalm, this one is part of an acrostic poem. This psalm covers the last half on the Hebrew alphabet. It also does not have a superscription to introduce it. However, the psalms do separate well on the subjects they address. One addresses thanksgiving and praise whereas Psalm 10 is a lament. (See: lament)

Psalms 10:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

Why, Yahweh, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

The speaker uses these questions to express his distress that God has not helped him. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, it seems as though you are far away from me and you hide from me whenever I am in trouble"

Psalms 10:2

schemes

evil plans

Psalms 10:3

the wicked person

This refers to wicked people in general. Alternate translation: "wicked people"

his deepest desires

The noun "desires" can be expressed with the verb "want. "Alternate translation: "the things that he wants very much to do"

the greedy

"greedy people"

Psalms 10:4

The wicked

This refers here to wicked people in general. Alternate translation: "the wicked person"

in the haughtiness of his face

The word "face" here is a metonym for the person and how he thinks. Alternate translation: "has an arrogant attitude and" or "is proud and"

does not seek God

Seeking God represents either 1) asking God for help or 2) thinking about God and obeying him. Alternate translation: "does not ask God for help" or "does not think about God"

Psalms 10:5

He is secure at all times

"He is safe at all times." He is not really safe, but he thinks that he is.

your righteous decrees are too high for him

Something that is hard to understand is spoken of as if it were too high to reach. Alternate translation: "he cannot understand your righteous decrees"

he snorts at all his enemies

People snort at their enemies when they think that their enemies are weak and worthless. Alternate translation: "he thinks that all his enemies are weak and worthless" or "he sneers at all his enemies"

he snorts

This means that he blows air out noisily through his nose.

Psalms 10:6

He says

"The wicked man says"

throughout all generations

This probably simply means "forever."

I will not meet adversity

Experiencing adversity is spoken of as meeting it. Alternate translation: "I will not have any troubles"

Psalms 10:7

His mouth is full of curses and lies and oppression

What people say is spoken of as being in their mouth. Alternate translation: "He always curses people, tells lies, and threatens to harm people"

under his tongue are mischief and evil

Here the tongue represents speaking. Alternate translation: or "what he says injures and destroys people" or "he speaks words that threaten and hurt people"

Psalms 10:8

He waits in ambush

The word "he" refers to the wicked man.

his eyes look for some helpless victim

The eyes represent him. Alternate translation: "he looks for some helpless victim"

Psalms 10:9

He lurks in secret like a lion in the thicket

This speaks of the wicked person as if he were a lion. Alternate translation: "He hides while he waits for the weak to walk near him, the same way a lion quietly waits in the bush for the animal it wants to attack"

lurks

This means to hide or wait with intent to harm or kill.

he lies in wait

"lies down waiting" or "he hides and waits"

He catches the oppressed when he pulls in his net

The writer speaks of the wicked person catching people as if he were a hunter using a net to catch animals. Alternate translation: "He catches the oppressed like a hunter that catches an animal in a net and drags it away"

Psalms 10:10

they fall into his strong nets

The writer continues to speak of the wicked person catching people as if he were a hunter, his plans were nets, and the people were animals that fall into his net. Alternate translation: "his victims are caught by his plans like animals that fall into a hunter's strong nets"

Psalms 10:11

He says

The word "He" refers to the wicked person, and to wicked people in general.

God has forgotten

Refusing to pay attention to what people do is spoken of as forgetting. Alternate translation: "God does not pay attention" or "God does not care about what I do"

he covers his face

Refusing to pay attention to what someone does is spoken of as covering one's face. Alternate translation: "God refuses to see what is happening"

he will never see it

"he will never see what I am doing" or "he does not care what I am doing" or "he will never punish me for what I am doing"

Psalms 10:12

Arise

Starting to do something is spoken of as getting up. Alternate translation: "Do something"

Lift up your hand

Here lifting the hand to hit someone represents punishing him. Alternate translation: "Hit him hard" or "Punish the wicked person"

Psalms 10:13

Why does the wicked man reject God and say ... "You will not hold me accountable"?

The speaker uses this question to show that he is very sad that wicked people do these things. Alternate translation: "Wicked people are always rejecting God and saying ... 'You will not hold me accountable.'"

You will not hold me accountable

"You will not require me to tell you why I do what I do." Holding someone accountable here represents punishing him. Alternate translation: "You will not punish me"

Psalms 10:14

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Psalms 10:15

Break the arm of the wicked and evil man

Here "arm" represents power. Alternate translation: "Destroy the power of the wicked and evil man" or "Make the wicked and evil man weak"

wicked and evil

These words have the same meaning. You can use one word to express both concepts.

Make him account for his evil deeds

Making someone account for his evil deeds represents punishing him. Alternate translation: "Punish him for the evil things he has done"

Psalms 10:16

the nations are driven out of his land

This can be stated in active form. "Yahweh forces the people of other nations to leave his land"

Psalms 10:17

you have heard the needs of the oppressed

It is implied that the oppressed people cried out to God. Alternate translation: "when oppressed people cried out to you, you listened to them tell you what they need"

you strengthen their heart

A strong heart represents courage, and making people's hearts strong represents encouraging them. Alternate translation: "you encourage them" or "you make them confident"

Psalms 10:18

no man ... will cause terror again

"no one ... will cause people to be afraid again"

Chapter 11

Psalm 11 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 11 is a worship psalm. It tells how great God is and that God delivers the good people from the evil people. (See: deliverer and good and evil)

Special concepts in this chapter

Justice

The wicked people try to destroy the good people but God knows everything that is being done and he saves the good people and destroys the evil people. (See: justice and save)

Psalms 11:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship."

take refuge in Yahweh

Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "go to Yahweh for protection"

how will you say to me, "Flee like a bird to the mountain"?

This question is asked to provide emphasis. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "So do not ask me to run away!"

Psalms 11:2

For see! The wicked prepare their bows. They make ready their arrows on the strings to shoot in the darkness at the upright in heart

"Look! the wicked are preparing to attack upright people"

upright in heart

Here "upright in heart" refers to godly or righteous people.

Psalms 11:3

For if the foundations are ruined, what can the righteous do?

Here "the foundations" may refer to law and order. This rhetorical question is asked to add emphasis. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Righteous people cannot do anything when evil people are not punished when they disobey the laws!"

Psalms 11:4

his eyes watch, his eyes examine the children of mankind

Here Yahweh is represented by his "eyes." Yahweh is aware of everything that happens. Alternate translation: "He examines all that humanity does"

children of mankind

"humanity"

Psalms 11:5

Yahweh examines

"Yahweh watches carefully"

do violence

"hurt others"

Psalms 11:6

He rains burning coals and sulfur upon the wicked; a scorching wind will be their portion from his cup!

God's punishment is described as if it were burning coals and sulfur from a volcano. Alternate translation: "He punishes the wicked; there will be no relief for them!"

sulfur

burning sulphur

Psalms 11:7

see his face

"be in his presence"

Chapter 12

Psalm 12 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 12 is a judgment psalm, where the author asks God to judge and punish the wicked people. (See: judge and evil)

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh saves

There are so many wicked people now and they are proud of their evil. But God will save the poor who call out to him. (See: save and call)

Words

This relatively short psalm focuses on the words people use.

Psalms 12:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician; set to the Sheminith. A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship"

set to the Sheminith

This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 6:1.

Help, Yahweh

"Yahweh, come to my aid"

those who have integrity have vanished

"faithful people have all vanished"

Psalms 12:2

Everyone says ... everyone speaks

The two occurrences of "everyone" are exaggerations, used to emphasize that this is true of very many people.

everyone speaks with flattering lips and a double heart

Here "lips" is a metonym for what people say, and "a double heart" is a metaphor for deception. Alternate translation: "everyone speaks with flattering words and deception" or "everyone praises people falsely and tells lies"

Psalms 12:3

cut off all flattering lips

Here "flattering lips" is a metonym for people who flatter others. Possible meanings are 1) "cut off" is a metaphor for killing. Alternate translation: "kill all who flatter others" or 2) "cut off" is a metaphor for stopping something. Alternate translation: "stop all those who flatter others"

every tongue declaring great things

Here "every tongue" represents every person who declares great things. Alternate translation: "every person who boasts"

Psalms 12:4

With our tongues we will prevail

Here the word "tongues" represents what people say. Alternate translation: "We will prevail because of what we say"

we will prevail

"we will succeed" or "we will win" or "we will be victorious"

When our lips speak

Here the "lips" represents the people who speak. Alternate translation: "When we speak"

who can be master over us?

This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that they believed no one could rule over them. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "no one can rule over us!"

Psalms 12:5

groans

These are deep sounds that people make because of pain or some strong emotion.

I will arise," says Yahweh

This means Yahweh will do something to help the people.

Psalms 12:6

like silver purified in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times

Yahweh's words are compared to silver that has been purified. Alternate translation: "they are without any imperfection"

Psalms 12:7

You keep them

"You keep the righteous people safe"

Psalms 12:8

walk on every side

"surround us"

when evil is exalted among the children of mankind

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when people everywhere are praising evil"

children of mankind

"human beings" or "people"

Chapter 13

Psalm 13 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 13 is a psalm of deliverance because the psalmist is calling on God to deliver him from death and his enemies. (See: deliverer and call)

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's help

The author needs God to help him because his enemies will rejoice if they are able to defeat him. The string of rhetorical questions is very effective at heightening the fear David is feeling. (See: and fear)

Psalms 13:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship."

How long, Yahweh, will you forget me? Forever?

The writer asks these question to get the reader's attention and to add emphasis. They can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, it seems that you have forgotten about me and will never remember me!"

How long ... face from me?

The words "your face" represent God's whole being. This rhetorical question is asked to add emphasis. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "It seems like you are hiding from me!"

Psalms 13:2

How long will my enemy triumph over me?

This rhetorical question is asked to add emphasis. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Surely my enemies will not always defeat me!"

Psalms 13:3

Look at me and answer me

"Give me your attention and listen to me"

Give light to my eyes

This is a way of asking for strength. Alternate translation: "Make me strong again"

or I will sleep in death

To "sleep in death" means to die.

Psalms 13:4

Do not let my enemy say ... so that my enemy may not say

"Do not let my enemy say about me ... so that my enemy may not say about me"

when I am brought down

"when I fall" or "when they defeat me"

Psalms 13:5

I have trusted in your covenant faithfulness

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "I have trusted that you are faithful to your covenant" or "I have trusted you because you are faithful to your covenant"

my heart rejoices in your salvation

Here "my heart" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "I will rejoice because you have rescued me"

Psalms 13:6

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Chapter 14

Psalm 14 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 14 is a deliverance psalm because he is trusting God to deliver the poor. (See: deliverer and trust)

Special concepts in this chapter

Evil people

Wicked people do not even consider God when they make their plans. (See: evil)

Psalms 14:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship."

A fool says in his heart

This is an idiom that means to say to oneself or to think to oneself. Alternate translation: "A foolish person says to himself"

They are corrupt

The word "they" refers to all foolish human beings who say there is no God.

Psalms 14:2

children of mankind

This phrase refers to all humans.

who seek after him

This describes those who desire to know God as if they were actually following him on a path. Alternate translation: "who desire to know him"

Psalms 14:3

They have all turned away

This describes people who have rejected God as if they had stopped walking on the right path and had gone in another direction. Alternate translation: "They have all turned away from Yahweh"

Psalms 14:4

Do they not know anything ... who do not call on Yahweh?

This rhetorical question is asked to add emphasis. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "They act as if they do not know anything ... who do not call on Yahweh. But they know what they are doing!"

those who eat up my people

This refers to those who do evil things and destroy God's people as if they were eating food.

Psalms 14:5

They tremble

The word "they" refers to those who do evil things.

God is with the righteous generation

To say that "God is with" those who are righteous means that he helps them. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "God helps those who act righteously" or "God helps those who do the right things"

Psalms 14:6

You want

The word "you" here refers to the wicked people.

to humiliate the poor person

"to make the person who is poor feel ashamed"

Yahweh is his refuge

This speaks of the protection that Yahweh provides as if he were a shelter that one might seek in a storm. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is like a shelter of protection to him"

Psalms 14:7

Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion!

This is an exclamation. The writer is saying what he wishes or longs for God to do. Alternate translation: "I wish so much that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion!"

Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion!

Here "the salvation of Israel" is a metonym for Yahweh, the one who saves Israel. Alternate translation: "Oh, that Yahweh would come from Zion and save Israel!" or "I wish that Yahweh would come from Zion and rescue his people Israel!"

then Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be glad

These two phrases mean the same thing. Here both "Jacob" and "Israel" represent the people of Israel. The two phrases can be combined in the translation. Alternate translation: "then all the people of Israel will rejoice greatly"

Chapter 15

Psalm 15 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 15 is a wisdom psalm telling how people who honor God should live. (See: wise and life)

Special concepts in this chapter

Godliness

This psalm outlines a person who is godly and sees others from a godly perspective. There are several good actions mentioned. Such a person treats his neighbor right, does not slander him, does not take a bribe or interest from him, and keeps his promises even when it is difficult to do so. (See: godly and good and promise)

Moral Conditions for Worship

Scholars have noted that this psalm contains a list of ten different conditions for those who want to participate in worship at the temple. The list consists of three positives in verse 2, 3 negatives in verse 3, two positives in verse 4, followed by two negatives in verse 5. (See: temple)

Psalms 15:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

Who may live on your holy hill?

God's "holy hill" represents God's temple, which was on Mount Zion. Alternate translation: "Who may live in your holy place?"

Psalms 15:2

speaks truth from his heart

"speaks honestly"

Psalms 15:3

He does not slander with his tongue

Here "tongue" represents what a person says. The word "he" refers to the "righeous person"

harm

hurt

Psalms 15:4

The abhorrent is despised in his eyes, but he honors those who fear Yahweh

"Righteous people hate those who have rejected God, but they honor those who respect God"

The abhorrent

This phrase refers to any person whom Yahweh abhors. Alternate translation: "The wicked person" or "The person who has rejected Yahweh"

Psalms 15:5

will never be shaken

Here "to be shaken" represents not living safely any longer. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "will live in safety"

Chapter 16

Psalm 16 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 16 is a psalm of praise, thanking God for all his mercies. The New Testament considers this psalm to be a messianic psalm: a psalm about Christ. (See: mercy and christ)

Special concepts in this chapter

Messiah

God has been so good to the psalmist, who will worship no other god. The New Testament considers the tenth verse to be about Christ's resurrection when it says that he is God's anointed one, and that God will not leave his body in the grave to decay. (See: good, falsegod and resurrection and anoint)

Superscription

The term "Michtam" is used in the superscription for this psalm. There is much discussion about this term, but in the end no one is certain what it means. So it is easiest to transliterate this word into your language, or you are welcome to translate it as "psalm."

Psalms 16:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

take refuge in you

Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "go to you for protection"

Psalms 16:2

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Psalms 16:3

the holy people who are on the earth

Here "holy people" refers to God's own people who trust him. Alternate translation: "your people who live in this land"

Psalms 16:4

Their troubles will be ... gods

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The troubles of those who seek other gods will increase"

pour out ... blood to their gods

"pour out blood as a sacrifice to their gods"

or lift up their names with my lips

Lifting up their names is a metaphor for praising them, and "lips" is a metonym for what one says. Alternate translation: "or praise them with my words" or "and I will not praise their gods"

Psalms 16:5

my chosen portion

Here David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a portion of land that has been given to him.

my cup

Here David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a cup that contains many blessings. Alternate translation: "the one who blesses me"

You hold onto my lot

"You determine my future" or "You control what will happen to me"

Psalms 16:6

Measuring lines ... in pleasant places

Here laying down measuring lines is a metonym for measuring land and giving it to someone, and here this is a metaphor for God blessing David in many great ways. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You have measured off land for me in pleasant places" or "You have given me land in pleasant places" or "You bless me like one who gives land in pleasant places"

Measuring lines

These are ropes that people use to measure a plot of land and mark its boundaries.

surely a beautiful inheritance is mine

Here David speaks of Yahweh's blessings as if they were an inheritance that he has received. Alternate translation: "I am delighted with all the things that he has given me"

Psalms 16:7

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Psalms 16:8

I set Yahweh before me at all times

"I always remember that Yahweh is with me"

so I will not be shaken from his right hand

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "nothing will take me away from his side"

Psalms 16:9

General Information:

David continues to speak to God.

my heart is glad

Here the "heart" represents the speaker's thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: "Therefore I am glad"

my glory is rejoicing

Possible meanings are 1) the word "glory" represents the honor a person feels. Alternate translation: "I am honored to rejoice in God" or 2) the word translated "glory" really means "liver" and represents the speaker's emotions. Alternate translation: "I am rejoicing"

Psalms 16:10

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Psalms 16:11

abundant joy

"great joy" or "a large amount of joy"

joy resides in your presence

The writer speaks of "joy" as if it were a person.

in your right hand

The words "right hand" indicate being in God's special presence. Alternate translation: "when I am near you"

Chapter 17

Psalm 17 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 17 is a prayer for deliverance from all his enemies. (See: deliverer)

Special concepts in this chapter

Innocence

The psalmist is innocent and needs God to rescue him from these enemies. (See: innocent)

Psalms 17:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

Give ear to my prayer from lips without deceit

The phrase "give ear" is a metaphor for listening, and "lips without deceit" is synecdoche for a person who does not lie. Alternate translation: "Listen to my prayer for I speak without deceit"

Psalms 17:2

Let my vindication come from your presence

Vindication coming from God represents God judging someone and declaring him innocent. God's "presence" is a metonym for God himself. Alternate translation: "Let my vindication come from you" or "Declare that I am innocent"

let your eyes see what is right!

Here "your eyes" is synecdoche for God himself, and "see" is a metaphor for paying attention and firmly deciding to do something. Alternate translation: "please see what is right" or "do what is right"

Psalms 17:3

If you test my heart, if you come to me in the night

Here "test my heart" means to examine my thoughts and motives. Alternate translation: "If you examine my thoughts in the night"

my mouth will not transgress

Here the mouth is spoken of as if it were capable of acting on its own. It also represents the words that a person speaks. Alternate translation: "I will not tell lies or sin with my words"

Psalms 17:4

it is at the word of your lips that I have kept myself from the ways of the lawless

Here "the word of your lips" is a metonym for God's instruction, and "the ways of the lawless" is a metaphor for the things that lawless people do. Alternate translation: "it is by obeying your instruction that I have kept myself from doing the things that lawless people do" or "your instruction has caused me to avoid doing wicked things"

Psalms 17:5

My steps have held firmly to your tracks; my feet have not slipped

Both of these clauses mean the same thing. The repetition adds emphasis.

my feet have not slipped

The writer speaks of his obedience to God as if he were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "I am determined to follow your ways"

Psalms 17:6

turn your ear to me ... listen when I speak

These phrases mean the same thing. Here "your ear" refers to God's willingness to hear someone who prays to him. Alternate translation: "pay attention to me ... listen when I speak"

Psalms 17:7

Show your covenant faithfulness in a wonderful way

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "Show in a wonderful way that you are faithful to your covenant"

your right hand

The "right hand" refers to God's power. Alternate translation: "your mighty power"

take refuge in you

Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "go to you for protection"

Psalms 17:8

Protect me like the apple of your eye

The "apple of your eye" refers to something that is valuable. Alternate translation: "Protect me as you would something most valuable and precious"

hide me under the shadow of your wings

David speaks of God's protection as if he were a bird protecting its young under its wings. Alternate translation: "Keep me safe as a mother bird protects her babies by gathering them under her wing"

Psalms 17:9

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Psalms 17:10

their mouths speak with pride

Here "their mouths speak" represents his enemies when they speak. Alternate translation: "they speak with pride" or "they are always boasting"

Psalms 17:11

They have surrounded my steps

Here "surrounded my steps" represents how David's enemies have followed him everywhere he goes in order to capture him. Alternate translation: "My enemies have surrounded me"

Psalms 17:12

like a lion eager for a victim, like a young lion crouching in hidden places

These two phrases express very similar ideas. The repetition adds intensity.

They are like a lion ... like a young lion

The writer feels pursued the way a lion hunts its prey

Psalms 17:13

by your sword

This is a metaphor for Yahweh's power and for violent death in war. Alternate translation: "by having them die in war" or "by killing them in battle"

Psalms 17:14

Rescue me from men by your hand, Yahweh, from men of this world

This clause adds intensity to the words "Rescue my life from the wicked by your sword"

by your hand

These words represent the power of Yahweh and add intensity to the words "by your sword"

You will fill the bellies of your treasured ones with riches

The ancient text is hard to understand. Possible meanings are 1) "treasured" is a metaphor for loved, and "your treasured ones" refers to the people whom God loves. Alternate translation: "you will fill the bellies of the people you love with riches" or 2) "your treasured ones" refers to treasures that God gives to people, the "men of this world" Alternate translation: "you will fill their bellies with rich treasures"

You will fill the bellies ... with riches

Here "fill the bellies ... with riches" is a metaphor for giving them many valuable things. Possible meanings are 1) "You will give many riches to the people you love" or 2) "you will give the men of this world many riches"

Psalms 17:15

I will see your face in righteousness

Here "face" represents Yahweh in all of his being. David is confident he will see Yahweh. Alternate translation: "because I act in the right way, I will be with you one day"

I will be satisfied, when I awake, with a sight of you

David believes that after he dies, he will be with Yahweh. This can be made clear in the translation. Alternate translation: "After I die, I will be happy to wake up in your presence"

Chapter 18

Psalm 18 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 18 is a psalm of praise to God for his strengthening David for war.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's power

God has tremendous power and he enabled David to prosper in war. This psalm, and its superscription, also appears in 1 Samuel 22 with some minor differences.

Psalms 18:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A psalm of David, the servant of Yahweh, when he sang to Yahweh the words of this song on the day that Yahweh rescued him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He sang:

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship."

A psalm of David

Possible meanings are 1) David wrote the psalm or 2) the psalm is about David or 3) the psalm is in the style of David's psalms.

he sang to Yahweh the words of this song

"he sang this song to Yahweh"

on the day that Yahweh rescued him

"after Yahweh had rescued him"

from the hand of Saul

Here "hand" stands for the power of Saul. Alternate translation: "from Saul's power"

Psalms 18:2

Yahweh is my rock

David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a rock. The word "rock" is a picture of a safe place.

my rock, my fortress

Here the words "rock" and "fortress" share similar meanings and emphasize that Yahweh provides safety from enemies.

take refuge in him

Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "go to him for protection"

my shield, the horn of my salvation, and my stronghold

David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a "shield," "the horn" of his salvation, and his "stronghold." Yahweh is the one who protects him from harm. Here a similar idea is repeated three ways for emphasis.

Psalms 18:3

I will be saved from my enemies

"I will be rescued from my enemies"

Psalms 18:4

The cords of death surrounded me

David speaks of death as if it were a person who could capture him and bind him with ropes. Alternate translation: "I was about to be killed"

rushing waters of worthlessness

David is as helpless as if he were being carried away by a rushing flood of waters. Alternate translation: "I felt completely helpless"

Psalms 18:5

The cords of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death trapped me

Here "Sheol," the place of the dead, and "death" are spoken of as if they were people who could surround and trap him. These two clauses have similar meanings and the idea is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: "I felt trapped and thought I was going to die"

Psalms 18:6

In my distress

"In my great need" or "In my despair"

my cry for help went into his presence

Here David speaks of his "cry for help" as if it were a person who could come into the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "I prayed to him"

it went into his ears

Here David speaks of how Yahweh heard his cry for help. The idea is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: "he heard my appeal"

Psalms 18:7

Then the earth ... shaken because God was angry

God's being angry is spoken of as if the there was a terrible earthquake. Alternate translation: "God was so angry that it was as if the earth ... shaken"

the earth shook and trembled

The words "shook" and "trembled" mean basically the same thing and emphasize how greatly the earth shook. Alternate translation: "the land moved back and forth" or "the ground moved up and down" or "there was a violent earthquake"

the foundations of the mountains also trembled and were shaken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the foundations of the mountains also trembled and shook"

Psalms 18:8

Smoke went up from out of his nostrils ... Coals were kindled by it

David speaks of Yahweh as if he were breathing fire. This is a picture of how angry God was.

blazing fire came out of his mouth. Coals were kindled by it

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "blazing fire came out of his mouth and kindled coals"

Psalms 18:9

He opened

The word "He" refers to Yahweh.

thick darkness was under his feet

Though Yahweh does not actually have feet, the Psalmist gives him human characteristics. Alternate translation: "thick darkness was beneath him"

Psalms 18:10

wings of the wind

Here the Psalmist speaks of the wind as if it had wings like an angel.

Psalms 18:11

He made darkness ... him

Here the words "He" and "him" refer to Yahweh.

He made darkness a tent

Here darkness is spoken of as if it were a tent. Alternate translation: "He made darkness a covering" or "He made darkness a hiding place"

heavy rainclouds

"clouds heavy with rain" or "thick, dark rainclouds"

Psalms 18:12

Hailstones

stones made of ice

Psalms 18:13

Yahweh thundered in the heavens

Yahweh's voice sounded like thunder.

the Most High

"the Most High" refers to Yahweh.

Psalms 18:14

He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies ... lightning bolts dispersed them

Both of these clauses have similar meanings.

He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies

Here lighting strikes are being spoken of as if they were arrows

dispersed them

"sent them in different directions"

Psalms 18:15

General Information:

The writer continues to speak of Yaweh's great power.

Then the water channels appeared; the foundations of the world were laid bare

These two clauses have similar meanings. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then the water channels appeared and the bottom of the ocean became visible; you exposed the foundations of the world"

at the blast of the breath of your nostrils

Though God does not have human physical characteristics as described here, this pictures his mighty strength. The wind is spoken of here as if it came as a mighty blast from God's nostrils.

Psalms 18:16

He reached down ... he took hold ... He pulled me

The word "He" in these verses refers to Yahweh.

surging water

Here the Psalmist speaks of the dangers of his enemies as if they were huge waves or forceful waters, from which Yahweh has rescued him.

Psalms 18:17

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Psalms 18:18

They came against me

Here "They" refers to the strong enemies in verse 17.

They came against me on the day of my distress but Yahweh was my support

The abstract noun "distress" can be stated as an adjective. The abstract noun "support" can be stated as "protected." Alternate translation: "Strong enemies attacked me on a day when I was distressed, but Yahweh protected me"

Psalms 18:19

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Psalms 18:20

my hands were clean

Here having clean hands represents being innocent of wrongdoing. Alternate translation: "I was innocent" or "my actions were right"

Psalms 18:21

I have kept the ways of Yahweh

The laws of Yahweh are spoken of as if they were the paths on which one should walk. Alternate translation: "I have obeyed Yahweh's laws"

have not wickedly turned away from my God

Here being wicked is spoken of as if one left the right path and took the wrong path. Alternate translation: "have not done wickedly by turning away from my God"

Psalms 18:22

For all his righteous decrees ... I have not turned away from them

Both of these clauses have similar meanings. The writer repeats these ideas for emphasis.

have been before me

"have guided me" or "I have remembered"

Psalms 18:23

innocent before him

"innocent according to him"

I have kept myself from iniquity

"I have not sinned"

Psalms 18:24

my hands were clean

To have "clean hands" means that one is innocent of wrongdoing. See how you translated this in [Psalms 18:20]

before his eyes

This refers to God's presence. Alternate translation: "before him" or "according to him"

Psalms 18:25

General Information:

The writer speaks to Yahweh. He praises Yahweh for relating to people in ways that are approprite for how the people live.

To one who is faithful

"To anyone who is faithful" or "To those who are faithful"

you show yourself to be faithful

"you show that you are faithful" or "you are faithful"

to a man who is blameless

"to anyone who is blameless" or "to those who are blameless"

you show yourself to be blameless

"you show that you are blameless" or "you are blameless"

Psalms 18:26

General Information:

The writer continuies to speak to Yahweh and to praise Yahweh for relating to people in ways that are approprite for how the people live.

To one who is pure

"To anyone who is pure" or "To those who are pure"

you show yourself to be pure

"you show that you are pure" or "you are pure"

but to one who is perverse, you show yourself to be shrewd

The perverse person might think that he is wise and can sin without being punished, but God is wiser and will do to the perverse person what that person deserves.

but to one who is perverse

"but to anyone who is perverse" or "but to those who are perverse"

you show yourself to be shrewd

"you show yourself to be wise" or "you are cunning"

Psalms 18:27

you abase

"you humiliate"

with proud, uplifted eyes

This idiom refers to those who are proud. Alternate translation: "who are proud"

Psalms 18:28

For you give light to my lamp; Yahweh my God lights up my darkness

The writer speaks of Yahweh's presence as if he were a light. These clauses have similar meanings.

Psalms 18:29

For by you I can run over a barricade

"For with your help I can run past anything that is in my way"

Psalms 18:30

He is a shield to everyone who takes refuge in him

A shield protects a soldier. David speaks as if God were a shield protecting him. See how you translated this in [Psalms 3:3]

Psalms 18:31

For who is God except Yahweh? Who is a rock except our God?

The implied answer is no one. Alternate translation: "Only Yahweh is God! Only our God is a rock!"

a rock

David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a rock that he could climb to get away from his enemies. See how you translated this in [Psalms 18:2]

Psalms 18:32

puts strength on me like a belt

God gives strength to David as if it were a piece of clothing.

places the blameless person on his path

Here David speaks of living a life that is pleasing to God as if he were being placed on the right path. Alternate translation: "causes the blameless person to live a righteous life"

Psalms 18:33

makes my feet swift

This refers to enabling a person to run fast. Alternate translation: "makes me run very fast"

like a deer and places me on the heights

The deer is especially quick and stable in the mountains.

Psalms 18:34

He trains my hands

Here "my hands" refers to the person. Alternate translation: "He trains me"

my arms

This refers to the person. Alternate translation: "me"

Psalms 18:35

the shield of your salvation

Here the writer speaks of God's protection as if it were a shield. The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated with the verb "save." Alternate translation: "your protection and saved me"

Your right hand has supported me

Here God's right hand represents his power. Alternate translation: "Your power has supported me" or "You have supported me by your power"

your favor has made me great

Here God's favor represents him acting according to his favor. Alternate translation: "You have made me great according to your favor" or "By your kindness, you have made me great"

Psalms 18:36

a wide place for my feet beneath me

The writer speaks of the safety that God has provided as if it were a wide place for him to stand. Here "my feet" represent the person. Alternate translation: "a safe place for me"

my feet have not slipped

Here "my feet" refers to the person. The writer refers to the safety of God's protection as if he were standing on a place where he will not slip or fall. Alternate translation: "I have not slipped" or "I am doing well"

Psalms 18:37

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Psalms 18:38

I smashed them

"I crushed them" or "I broke them to pieces"

unable to rise

"unable to stand"

they have fallen under my feet

This idiom means the Psalmist has defeated his enemies. Alternate translation: "I have defeated all of them"

Psalms 18:39

you have girded me with strength

"you have put strength on me like a belt." The Psalmist says that Yahweh has given him strength that surrounds and supports him like a belt. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Psalms 18:32]

you put under me

Here the Psalmist speaks of the defeat of his enemies as if he were standing on them. Alternate translation: "you defeat for me"

those who rise up against me

This refers to those who oppose the Psalmist. Alternate translation: "those who are my enemies"

Psalms 18:40

You gave me the back of my enemies' necks

This represents God giving David victory over his enemies. Alternate translation: "You gave me victory over my enemies"

You gave me the back of my enemies' necks

This represents God giving David victory over his enemies. Possible images are 1) David could cut his enemies' heads off at the neck or 2) David could put his foot down on his enemies' necks or 3) David could see his enemies' backs when they ran away from him.

I annihilated those who hated me

"I defeated those who hated me" or "I destroyed completely those who hated me"

Psalms 18:41

but he did not answer them

This means Yahweh did not provide any help. Alternate translation: "but he did not help them"

Psalms 18:42

I beat them into fine pieces like dust before the wind

The psalmists enemies are compared to dust to show how defeated they are.

I threw them out like mud in the streets

The psalmist's enemies are compared to mud in the streets to show how defeated they are.

Psalms 18:43

disputes

disagreements, arguments

have made me head over nations

Here "head" represents the ruler. Alternate translation: "appointed me to be the ruler over many nations"

Psalms 18:44

foreigners were forced to bow

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God forced foreigners to bow"

Psalms 18:45

foreigners came trembling

Here "trembling" shows that they were very afraid. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "foreigners came shaking, showing that they were very afraid"

Psalms 18:46

may my rock be praised

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he is my rock and he should be praised" or "may people praise my rock"

my rock

Here the writer speaks of Yahweh's protection as if he were a rock that prevented his enemies from reaching him. See how you translated this in [Psalms 18:2]

May the God of my salvation be exalted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May people exalt the God of my salvation"

the God of my salvation

The abstract nouns "salvation" can be stated as "saved" or "rescued." Alternate translation: "the God who rescued me"

Psalms 18:47

the God who executes vengeance for me

To "execute vengeance" means to punish people for their evil actions. This can be restated to remove the abstract noun "vengeance." Alternate translation: "the God who punishes people for the evil things they have done to me"

Psalms 18:48

I am set free

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has set me free"

you lifted me above

Yahweh's protection of the writer is spoken of as if he lifted the writer up so high that his enemies could not reach him to harm him. Alternate translation: "you put me in a safe place high above"

who rose against me

"who attacked me" or "who rebelled against me"

violent men

"cruel men" or "savage men"

Psalms 18:49

among the nations

Here the writer means that he will give thanks to Yahweh so that all people will hear of Yahweh's greatness. Alternate translation: "so all the nations will hear about it"

to your name

Here "name" represents God himself. Alternate translation: "in honor of your name" or "to you"

Psalms 18:50

victory to his king

By using the words "his king," David is referring to himself as king.

he shows his covenant loyalty to his anointed one ... to his descendants forever

"he faithfully loves me as he promised in his covenant, and he will love my descendants forever"

Chapter 19

Psalm 19 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 19 is a praise psalm, praising God for his creation and for his law.

Special concepts in this chapter

God's law

God's law keeps people from sinning. There are two distinct themes in this psalm. Verses 1-6 are God's glory in the heavens and the second is praising God for his law. (See: lawofmoses and glory and heaven)

Psalms 19:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship."

The heavens declare

The heavens are described as if they were a person. Alternate translation: "The heavens show" or "The heavens look like they declare"

the skies make known the work of his hands

The skies are described as if they were a teacher. Alternate translation: "people can learn from looking at the skies that God has created them"

Psalms 19:2

speech pours out

What is beautiful about creation is compared to speaking, as if creation were a person. Then those words are compared to water that flows everywhere. Alternate translation: "creation is like a person speaking to everyone"

Psalms 19:3

There is no speech or spoken words; their voice is not heard

These phrases express clearly that the first two verses were a metaphor. Alternate translation: "There is no real speech or spoken words; no one hears an actual voice with their ears"

their voice is not heard

Other translations read "where their voice is not heard," emphasizing that creation's "speech" is available everywhere.

Psalms 19:4

General Information:

David has just said that creation shows God's glory.

their words ... their speech

This refers to the unspoken "words" of creation that show God's glory.

their words go out

The words are described as if they were people who go out with a message. Alternate translation: "the words that creation speaks are like people who go out"

their speech to the end of the world

The implied words can be included in the translation. Alternate translation: "their speech goes out to the end of the world"

He has pitched a tent for the sun

Here the writer speaks of the place that Yahweh created for the sun as if it were a tent. Alternate translation: "He created a place for the sun"

among them

The word "them" probably refers to the heavens.

Psalms 19:5

The sun is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber

The writer speaks of the sun's coming out as if it were a bridegroom. Alternate translation: "The sun is like a bridegroom walking joyfully toward his bride"

like a strong man who rejoices when he runs his race

This compares the sun to an athlete to emphasize the strength and brightness of the sun.

a strong man

"a fast runner"

Psalms 19:6

horizon

the line where the earth and the sky meet

to the other

Here "other" refers to the other horizon. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "to the other horizon"

nothing escapes its heat

"everything feels its heat"

Psalms 19:7

restoring the soul

The words "the soul" refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: "making a person strong again"

the simple

"those who have no experience" or "those who have not learned"

Psalms 19:8

the heart

These words refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: "a person"

are right

"are true" or "are correct"

bringing light to the eyes

Possible meanings are 1) "bringing understanding to a person" or 2) "making a person healthy again"

Psalms 19:9

altogether right

"completely right"

Psalms 19:10

They are of greater value than gold ... they are sweeter than honey

Yahweh's decrees are spoken of as if they could be bought and tasted. Alternate translation: "If you could buy them, they would be of greater value than gold ... if you could taste them, they would be sweeter than honey"

even more than much fine gold

The word "valuable" is understood from the previous phrase and can be repeated. Alternate translation: "even more valuable than a lot of fine gold"

fine gold

"pure gold" or "expensive gold"

Psalms 19:11

Yes

This word marks that there is more to the truth than what has just been said. Alternate translation: "Moreover"

by them your servant is warned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they warn your servant" or "they are a warning for your servant"

by them ... in obeying them

The word "them" refers to Yahweh's righteous decrees.

your servant is warned

David calls himself "your servant" when speaking to God as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: "I am warned"

Psalms 19:12

Who can discern all his own errors?

This appears in the form of a question to add emphasis and can be translated as a strong statement. Alternate translation: No one can be aware of his own errors!"

from hidden faults

"from secret mistakes I have made"

Psalms 19:13

Keep your servant also from

This idiom pictures the servant as being removed from the sins he does not wish to commit. Alternate translation: "Also, protect your servant from doing" or "Also, make sure that I do not commit"

your servant

David calls himself "your servant" when speaking to God as a sign of respect. See how you translated this in [Psalms 19:11]

let them not rule over me

Sins are described as if they were a king that could rule over someone. Alternate translation: "do not let my sins become like a king who rules over me"

innocent from many transgressions

"innocent of rebelling against you" or "innocent of committing many sins"

Psalms 19:14

the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

These expressions taken together describe everything a person says and thinks. Alternate translation: "the things I say and the things I think about"

be acceptable in your sight

"receive approval in your sight" or "be pleasing to you"

in your sight

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in your judgment"

Yahweh, my rock

The writer speaks of God as if he were a rock that one could climb and be protected from his enemies. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, you are like my rock"

Chapter 20

Psalm 20 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 20 is a royal psalm. It is probably a prayer for the king, perhaps when he first became king.

Special concepts in this chapter

Trust

Trusting God is much better than trusting in military might. (See: trust)

Psalms 20:1

General Information:

This Psalm begins with a group of people speaking to the king of Israel. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship"

help you

The word "you" in this Psalm is singular and refers to the king.

in the day of trouble

"in times of trouble" or "when you are in trouble"

may the name of the God of Jacob protect you

Possible meanings are 1) here "name" is a metonym for God's power. Alternate translation: "may the power of the God of Jacob protect you" or "may the God of Jacob protect you by his power" or 2) here "name" is a metonym for God himself. Alternate translation: "may the God of Jacob protect you"

Psalms 20:2

send help from the holy place

God helping from his holy place is spoken of as if God were sending help. Alternate translation: "may Yahweh help you from his holy place"

holy place ... Zion

Both of these refer to God's temple in Jerusalem.

Psalms 20:3

May he call to mind

The phrase "call to mind" is a way of saying "remember." It does not mean God forgot. It means to consider or think about. Alternate translation: "May he remember"

May he

The word "he" refers to Yahweh.

Psalms 20:4

May he grant

"May he give"

your heart's desire

Here "heart" stands for the entire person. The abstract noun "desire" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "what you desire" or "what you want"

fulfill all your plans

The abstract noun "plans" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "may he help you to accomplish everything that you plan to do"

Psalms 20:5

we will rejoice in your victory

Here "we" refers to the people. They will rejoice in the king's victory.

in the name of our God

Here "name" represents honor or reputation. Alternate translation: "in honor of our God" or "for the reputation of our God"

we will raise banners

"we will raise victory flags." They would do this to show that they were praising God because he gave their king victory over his enemies.

grant all your petitions

"give you everything you request from him"

Psalms 20:6

Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the psalm. It transitions from the people speaking to the king speaking.

I know

The word "I" probably refers to the king who is speaking in this section.

his anointed one ... answer him

The king is speaking about himself in the third person. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "me, his anointed one ... answer me"

from his holy heaven

God dwells in heaven as well as in the temple in Jerusalem (Psalms 20:2).

with the saving strength of his right hand

God's right hand represents his power. Alternate translation: "with his great strength he will rescue him"

Psalms 20:7

Some trust in chariots and others in horses

Here "chariots" and "horses" represent a king's army.

trust in chariots ... trust in the name

Many modern translations read, "boast in chariots ... boast in the name."

others in horses

The word "trust" is understood. Alternate translation: "others trust in horses"

we trust in the name of Yahweh our God

Here the word "name" is a metonym for what everyone knows about Yahweh and so for Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "we trust in Yahweh our God because of who he is"

we trust

Here "we" refers to the writer and the readers.

Psalms 20:8

we will rise

Here "we" refers to the writer and the readers.

They will be brought down and fall

The word "They" refers to the people who trust in chariots and horses. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will bring them down and make them fall"

brought down and fall

Both these verbs mean basically the same thing. Both of these stand for losing in battle.

we will rise and stand upright

"we will get up and stand up straight." These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Both of these stand for victory in battle.

Psalms 20:9

Yahweh, rescue the king

Possible interpretations are 1) the people ask God to protect the king or 2) the king continues to speak about himself in the third person.

the king; help us when we call

Some translations understand the Hebrew differently. Some translate it as the people speaking to Yahweh their king. Alternate translation: "King, help us when we call you"

Chapter 21

Psalm 21 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 21 is a royal psalm. The king is praying for victory. Victory in war comes from the power and help from God.

Special concepts in this chapter

Pronouns

There is a shift in pronouns in this psalm. In verses 1-6 the psalm addresses Yahweh in second person but in verse 7 the psalmist uses third person before moving back to second person in the latter part.

Psalms 21:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship."

in your strength, Yahweh

It is implied that this is strength Yahweh has given the king to defeat his enemies. Alternate translation: because you, Yahweh, have made him strong enough to defeat his enemies"

How greatly he rejoices

"He rejoices greatly"

in the salvation you provide

It is implied that God has saved the king from his enemies. The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "because you have saved him from his enemies"

Psalms 21:2

his heart's desire

"his heart's wish." Here "heart" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "his desire" or "what he wished for"

have not held back

"have not refused him" or "you have given him"

the request of his lips

Here "lips" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "his request" or "what he requested of you"

Psalms 21:3

you bring him rich blessings

The abstract noun "blessings" can be stated as "bless" or "good things." Alternate translation: "you bless him greatly" or "you give him many good things"

you placed on his head a crown of purest gold

To place a crown on a person's head is a symbol of making him a king.

a crown of purest gold

Here "purest gold" represents the great honor given to the king.

Psalms 21:4

He asked you for life; you gave it to him

The abstract noun "life" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "He asked that you cause him to live for a long time; you caused it to happen"

the length of his days forever and ever

The idiom "the length of his days" refers to the duration of his life. Alternate translation: "a long life that lasts forever"

Psalms 21:5

His glory

"The king's honor" or "The king's fame"

you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty

"you have placed on him splendor and majesty." Causing the king to be wealthy and powerful is spoken of as if splendor and majesty are objects that are placed on him. Alternate translation: "you have made him wealthy and powerful"

Psalms 21:6

you grant him

"you allow him to have" or "you agree to give him"

lasting blessings

"a blessings that will last" or "a blessings that will stay"

the joy of your presence

"the joy of being in your presence" or "the joy that comes from you being near to you"

Psalms 21:7

through the covenant faithfulness of the Most High

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "because the Most High is faithful to his covenant"

he will not be moved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will remove him as king"

Psalms 21:8

Your hand will seize

Here "hand" represents power. Alternate translation: "Your power will seize" or "You will powerfully seize"

Your hand ... hate you

Possible meaning of all occurrences of "your" and "you" are 1) they refer to the king or 2) they refer to God.

your right hand will seize those who hate you

This means the same thing as the first part of the sentence. It emphasizes that God will give the king the power to stop his enemies.

Psalms 21:9

At the time of your anger

"When you are angry and begin to act"

your anger ... you will burn

The words "your" and "you" refers to either 1) God or 2) the king.

you will burn them up as in a fiery furnace

Yahweh or the king destroying their enemies is spoken of as if their enemies are wood and Yahweh or the king will throw them into a furnace.

Yahweh will consume them in his wrath, and the fire will devour them

Both clauses mean basically the same thing. Yahweh completely destroying his enemies is spoken of as if his wrath is a fire that completely burns up his enemies.

Psalms 21:10

You will destroy

The word "you" refers to either 1) God or 2) the king.

from the earth ... from among the human race

Both phrases mean the same thing. They emphasize that absolutely none of their enemies will survive.

Psalms 21:11

they intended

"they planned." The word "they" refers to the enemies of God and the king.

evil against you

"to do evil things to you"

they conceived a plot

"they made a plan" or "they created a scheme"

Psalms 21:12

For you will turn them back; you will draw your bow before them

Possible meanings for "you" and "your" are 1) they refer to the king or 2) they refer to God and speak about him as if he were a warrior with a bow and arrows.

you will turn them back

This is a way of saying that God and the king will defeat their enemies in battle.

you will draw your bow before them

This implies that he actually shoots his arrows at his enemies.

Psalms 21:13

Be exalted, Yahweh, in your strength

Possible meanings are 1) "Yahweh, show us that you are very strong" or 2) "Yahweh, because you are strong we will exalt you"

we will sing and praise your power

The words "sing" and "praise" share similar meanings. Here the word "power" represents God and his power. Alternate translation: "with singing we will praise you because you are powerful"

Chapter 22

Psalm 22 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 22 is a messianic psalm. It contains references to events during the crucifixion of Christ. It is also a psalm of individual lament and praise. (See: christ and crucify and lament)

Special concepts in this chapter

Messiah

Christ was despised and taunted by his enemies; but finally people all over the earth will bow down to him.

New Testament usage

This psalm is quoted in different places in the New Testament. Verse 1a is cited in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34 as the words of Christ on the cross. Many of the events in the narratives of the crucifixion are mentioned in this psalm. (See: cross)

Psalms 22:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician; set to "The rhythm of the deer." A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship"

The rhythm of the deer

This may refer to a style of music.

My God, my God

The writer repeats "My God" to emphasize that he is desperate for God to hear him.

my God, why have you abandoned me?

The writer uses a question to emphasize that he feels like God has abandoned him. It may be best to leave this as a question. It can also be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "my God, I feel like you have abandoned me!"

you abandoned me

"you left me all alone"

Why are you so far from saving me and far from the words of my anguish?

Again the writer uses a question to emphasize that he feels like God is far away from him. It may be best to leave this as a question. It can also be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are far from saving me and far from the words of my anguish!"

far from the words of my anguish

The writer feeling like God is not listening to him is spoken of as if God were far from his words of anguish. Alternate translation: "why do you not listen when I speak to you about the anguish I feel" or "I have told you about my suffering but you do not come to me"

Psalms 22:2

in the daytime ... at night

The writer uses the words "daytime" and "night" to mean he prays to God all the time.

I am not silent

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I still speak"

Psalms 22:3

you sit as king with the praises of Israel

"the praises of Israel are the throne on which you sit as king." The praises of Israel are described as if they are a throne upon which God can sit and rule, or as a house in which God can live. Alternate translation: "you are king and the people of Israel praise you"

of Israel

Here "Israel" represents the people of Israel.

Psalms 22:4

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Psalms 22:5

were not disappointed

This can be stated in active and positive form. Alternate translation: "you did not disappoint them" or "you did not fail them" or "you saved them" or "you did for them what they needed you to do"

Psalms 22:6

I am a worm and not a man

The writer speaks of himself as if he were a worm. This emphasizes that he feels worthless or that the people treat him as if he were worthless. Alternate translation: "But it is like I am a worm and not a man"

disgrace to humanity and despised by the people

Both of these phrase mean basically the same thing. The phrase "despised by the people" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everyone thinks I am worthless and the people hate me"

Psalms 22:7

taunt me; they mock me; they shake their heads at me

These three phrases share similar meanings and emphasize how much people disrespect him.

they shake their heads at me

This describes an action used to mock someone.

Psalms 22:8

He trusts in Yahweh ... delights in him

The people are saying this to mock the writer. They do not really believe Yahweh will rescue him.

Let him rescue him

"Let Yahweh rescue him"

for he delights in him

Possible meanings are 1) "for Yahweh delights in him" or 2) "for he delights in Yahweh"

Psalms 22:9

For you

The writer uses the word "For" to begin explaining why he is confused and asking God why he is not coming to help.

you brought me from the womb

This is a way of saying "you caused me to be born."

when I was on my mother's breasts

This means that he has been trusting in Yahweh since he was very young. Alternate translation: "even from the time that I drank milk from my mother's breasts"

Psalms 22:10

I have been thrown on you from the womb

The phrase "have been thrown on" is a way of saying that Yahweh has taken care of him as if Yahweh had adopted him as his own child. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It was as though you had adopted me right when I was born"

you are my God

This implies that Yahweh has always taken care of the writer. Alternate translation: "you, God, have taken care of me"

since I was in my mother's womb

"since before I was born"

Psalms 22:11

Do not be far away from me

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Come close to me"

for trouble is near

The writer speaks about "trouble" as if it were an object that is near him. Alternate translation: "for my enemies are near me"

there is no one to help

"there is no helper"

Psalms 22:12

Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me

The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were bulls. This emphasizes how dangerous and powerful his enemies are. Alternate translation: "I have many enemies and they are like bulls that surround me; they are like strong bulls from Bashan that surround me"

Psalms 22:13

They open their mouths wide against me

The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were lions with the mouths open ready to eat him. His enemies may be speaking lies to discredit him. Or they may be threatening him and attacking him.

like a roaring lion ripping its victim

The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were lions. This emphasizes how powerful and dangerous his enemies are.

Psalms 22:14

I am being poured out like water

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It is like someone is pouring me out like water"

I am being poured out like water

The writer speaks about feeling completely exhausted and weak as if he were water being poured out of a jar.

all my bones are dislocated

"all my bones are out of place." It is possible the writer is in some kind of physical pain. Or he may be speaking of his emotional pain as if it were physical pain.

My heart is like wax ... inner parts

The writer speaks about no longer having courage as if his heart melted like wax. Here "heart" represents "courage."

wax

a soft substance that melts at a relatively low temperature

within my inner parts

"inside of me"

Psalms 22:15

My strength has dried up like a piece of pottery

The writer speaks about feeling weak as if his strength were like a dry piece of pottery that can easily break.

piece of pottery

an object made of baked clay that can be used in the house

my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth

"my tongue sticks to the top of my mouth." The writer may be describing his extreme thirst. Or he may be continuing to speak about being weak as if he were completely dry.

You have laid me in the dust of death

Possible meanings for "dust of death" are 1) it refers to a person turning to dust after they die. Alternate translation: "You are about to let me die and become dust" or 2) it is a way of speaking about the grave, which would mean God is causing the writer to die. Alternate translation: "You have laid me in my grave"

You have laid me

The "you" is singular and refers to God.

Psalms 22:16

dogs have surrounded me

The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were dogs. His enemies are coming close to him like wild dogs do to a dying animal. Alternate translation: "my enemies are like dogs that have surrounded me"

a company of evildoers

"a group of evildoers" or "a gang of evildoers"

encircled

stood in a circle

they have pierced my hands and my feet

This continues the dog metaphor. The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were dogs that are biting and piercing his hands and feet with their teeth.

pierced

stabbed through something with a sharp object

Psalms 22:17

I can count all my bones

Possible meanings are 1) the writer is so thin that he can see his bones. Alternate translation: "I can see all of my bones" or "I can feel each of my bones" or 2) this continues the dog metaphor and the writer can see his bones after the dogs have ripped his flesh.

look and stare at me

The words "look" and "stare" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that people look at him awkwardly and make fun of him.

Psalms 22:18

my garments

"my clothes"

Psalms 22:19

Do not be far away

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Be very close"

my strength

Here "strength" represents Yahweh who gives him strength. Alternate translation: "you who give me strength"

Psalms 22:20

Rescue my soul

Here "soul" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "Rescue me"

the sword

The sword is a common way of referring to a violent enemy. Alternate translation: "those who want to kill me" or "my enemies"

my only life

"my precious life" or "the only life I have"

claws of wild dogs

The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were dogs to emphasize how dangerous his enemies are. Also, the claws stand for the animals as a whole in a synecdoche. The writer emphasizes this part of the animal because it is what the animals would use to kill someone.

wild dogs

The word "wild" here means that no one has captured and tamed the animal.

Psalms 22:21

lion's mouth ... horns of the wild oxen

The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were lions and wild oxen to emphasize how dangerous his enemies are. Also, the mouth and horns stand for the animals as a whole in a synecdoche. The writer emphasizes these parts of the animals because they are what the animals would use to kill someone.

wild oxen

The word "wild" here means that no one has captured and tamed the animal.

Psalms 22:22

I will declare your name

"I will make known your name." Here "name" stands for God's character or reputation. Alternate translation: "I will talk about your character"

my brothers

Here "brothers" means "my fellow Israelites" or "my fellow worshipers of Yahweh"

in the midst of the assembly

"when my fellow Israelites and I gather together" or "when I am surrounded by my fellow worshipers of Yahweh"

Psalms 22:23

You who fear

Here "You" is plural.

you descendants of Jacob ... you descendants of Israel

Both of these refer to the same group of people.

Stand in awe of him

"Be full of awe for him" or "Let God's power amaze you"

Psalms 22:24

he has not despised or abhorred the suffering of the afflicted one

Possible meanings are 1) he has not despised the afflicted one because he is suffering or 2) he has not belittled the suffering of the afflicted one

despised or abhorred

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that God has not forgotten the one who is afflicted and suffering.

despised

strongly disliked or hated

he has not ... abhorred the suffering of the afflicted one

Here, suffering is a metonym for the person who suffers. To abhor something is to think of it as horrible. Alternate translation: "he has not ... thought of the afflicted one who suffers as horrible"

the suffering of the afflicted one ... from him ... the afflicted one cried

Possible meanings are 1) the author was speaking about how God treats people who are suffering. Alternate translation: "those who suffer ... from them ... those who are suffering cried" or 2) the author was speaking specifically about how God treated him. Alternate translation: "my suffering because of my affliction ... from me ... I cried"

has not hidden his face from him

Hiding one's face from someone represents ignoring him. Alternate translation: "has not turned his attention away from him" or "has not ignored him"

he heard

"he listened." It is implied that he responded when he heard their cry. Alternate translation: "he answered" or "he helped"

Psalms 22:25

because of you

Here "you" refers to Yahweh.

I will fulfill my vows

This refers to sacrifices the writer promised to offer to God.

before those who fear him

Here "him" refers to Yahweh. It can be stated as "you." Alternate translation: "in the presence of those who fear you"

Psalms 22:26

The oppressed will eat and be satisfied

This refers to the fellowship meal which occurs after the writer offers to God the sacrifices that he promised. He will invite those who were suffering to eat a part of the animal he sacrificed.

those who seek Yahweh

Those who want to know Yahweh and please him are spoken of as if they are literally seeking to find Yahweh.

May your hearts live forever

Here "hearts" represent the whole person. Alternate translation: "May you live forever"

May your hearts

Here "your" is plural and refers to the oppressed people.

Psalms 22:27

will remember and turn to Yahweh

Starting to obey Yahweh is spoken of as if the people physically turn toward Yahweh. Alternate translation: "will remember Yahweh and obey him"

all the families of the nations will bow down before you

This means the same thing as the first part of the sentence. The writer is emphasizing that everyone from every place will worship and obey Yahweh.

will bow down before you

This is a sign of giving honor and respect to someone.

before you

Here "you" refers to Yahweh. It can be translated in the third person to match the first part of the sentence. Alternate translation: "before him"

Psalms 22:28

For the kingdom is Yahweh's

"For the kingdom belongs to Yahweh." Here "kingdom" represents God's rule as king. Alternate translation: "For Yahweh is king"

he is the ruler over the nations

Here "nations" represents the people of the nations. Alternate translation: "he rules the people of the nations"

Psalms 22:29

will feast

The people will eat together at the feast. Alternate translation: "will eat together" or "will eat a festive meal together"

all those who are descending into the dust ... those who cannot preserve their own souls alive

Both phrases refers to the same group. They both refer to all people because all people will die.

those who are descending into the dust

Here "dust" represents the grave. The phrase "descending into the dust" is a way of referring to someone dying. Alternate translation: "those who are dying" or "those who die"

those who cannot preserve their own souls alive

"those who cannot save their own lives" or "those who cannot keep themselves from dying"

Psalms 22:30

A generation to come

Here "A generation" represents the people of a generation. The phrase "to come" speaks about a future time as if it were something that travels and arrives somewhere. Alternate translation: "People in the future generations"

the next generation

Here "generation" represents the people of that generation. Alternate translation: "the people of the next generation" or "their children"

of the Lord

"about the Lord" or "about what the Lord has done"

Psalms 22:31

tell of his righteousness

The abstract noun "righteousness" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "tell of the righteous things he has done"

Chapter 23

Psalm 23 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 23 is a psalm of praise to God for his continued care and protection. The psalmist praises God for always being with him and for caring for him.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Psalm 23 is an extended metaphor speaking of God as if he were a shepherd, and of the psalmist as if he were a sheep.

Psalms 23:1

General Information:

In much of this psalm, David writes as if he were a sheep and the Lord were his shepherd. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

Yahweh is my shepherd

The writer speaks about Yahweh as if he were a shepherd. This emphasizes how God cares for people as a shepherd cares for his sheep. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is like a shepherd to me" or "Yahweh cares for me as a shepherd cares for his sheep"

I will lack nothing

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I have everything that I need"

Psalms 23:2

He makes me to lie down in green pastures

The writer speaks about himself as if he were a sheep, and he speaks about Yahweh as if he were a shepherd. Alternate translation: He gives me rest like a shepherd who leads his sheep to lie down in green pastures"

he leads me beside tranquil water

The writer speaks about himself as if he were a sheep, and he speaks about Yahweh as if he were a shepherd. Alternate translation: "he provides what I need like a shepherd who leads his sheep beside tranquil water"

tranquil water

"calm water" or "water that flows gently." This water is safe to drink.

Psalms 23:3

General Information:

This psalm continues to tell about how God cares for us as a shepherd cares for his sheep.

He brings back my life

This means God makes a person who is weak and tired to be strong and rested again.

he guides me along paths that are right

Showing a person how to live in a way that pleases God is spoken of as if it were a shepherd showing a sheep the right path to take. Alternate translation: "he shows me how to live right"

for his name's sake

The phrase "his name" here refers to his reputation. Alternate translation: "for his reputation" or "so that people will honor him"

Psalms 23:4

General Information:

This psalm continues to tell about how God cares for us as a shepherd cares for his sheep.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley

The writer describes a person experiencing terrible trouble as if he were a sheep walking through a dark and dangerous valley. There a sheep could get lost or attacked by a wild animal. Alternate translation: "Though my life is like walking through a dark and dangerous valley"

I will fear no harm

The abstract noun "harm" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "I will not be afraid of something harming me"

you are with me

Here "you" refers to Yahweh.

your rod and your staff comfort me

The rod and staff represent protection because shepherds use them to protect their sheep from danger. Alternate translation: "I am not afraid because you protect me like a shepherd who protects his sheep with his rod and staff"

Psalms 23:5

General Information:

Now the writer tells how God is like someone who welcomes a guest into his home and protects him.

You prepare a table

A table represents a feast because people would put all the food on a table.

in the presence of my enemies

The meaning here is that the writer is not worried about his enemies because he is an honored guest of the Lord and therefore protected from harm. Alternate translation: "despite the presence of my enemies"

anointed my head with oil

People sometimes put oil on their guests' heads in order to honor them.

my cup runs over

Here a cup of wine that overflows represents many blessings. Alternate translation: "You fill my cup so much that it overflows" or "You give me many blessings"

Psalms 23:6

Surely goodness and covenant faithfulness will pursue me

Yahweh being good and faithful to a person is spoken of as if goodness and covenant faithfulness are things that pursue after a person. The abstract nouns "goodness" and "faithfulness" can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "Surely you will be good and faithful to me"

all the days of my life

The abstract noun "life" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "as long as I live"

the house of Yahweh

Possible meanings are that 1) this refers to Yahweh's eternal home, or 2) this refers to Yahweh's temple in Jerusalem. If possible, translate it so that both meanings could be understood.

for the length of my days

This idiom refers to the duration of his life. Alternate translation: "as long as I live" or "forever"

Chapter 24

Psalm 24 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 24 is a psalm of praise to God as the almighty God. (See: almighty)

Special concepts in this chapter

Righteous people

Only the righteous come to worship God. (See: righteous)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

The psalmists uses several rhetorical questions. Each question forms a unit with a response.

Psalms 24:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

its fullness

The abstract noun "fullness" can be stated with the verb "fills." Alternate translation: "everything that fills it"

Psalms 24:2

For he has founded it upon the seas and established it on the rivers

Here "founded it upon the seas" and "established it on the rivers" mean basically the same thing. The Hebrews of that time believed their land was supported by the oceans and deep underground rivers. Alternate translation: For he formed its foundation on the seas and built it on the deep waters"

the seas ... the rivers

These phrases are used together to refer to the huge deep ocean below the earth.

on the rivers

"the water that is deep below"

Psalms 24:3

Who will ascend the mountain ... in his holy place?

Both of these questions mean basically the same thing. The speaker is asking about who is allowed to go and worship Yahweh.

will ascend

"will go up" or "will climb"

the mountain of Yahweh

This refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem.

his holy place

This refers Yahweh's temple. His temple is on Mount Zion in Jerusalem.

Psalms 24:4

He who has ... who has ... and has not

Here "He" does not refer to a specific person. Alternate translation: "Those who have ... who have ... and have not"

who has clean hands

The word "hands" represents what a person does. For his "hands" to be clean means he does what is right. Alternate translation: "who does what is right"

a pure heart

Here "heart" represents a person's thoughts or motives. Alternate translation: "thinks good thoughts" or "does not think about doing what is wrong"

who has not lifted up a falsehood

Here "falsehood" represents a false idol. To "lift up" means to worship. Alternate translation: "who has not worshiped an idol"

Psalms 24:5

He will receive a blessing from Yahweh

The word "he" does not refer to a specific person. It refers to the ones with pure hearts mentioned in previous verse. The abstract noun "blessing" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will bless them"

righteousness from the God of his salvation

The abstract noun "righteousness" can be stated as "righteously." And, "salvation" can be stated as "save." Alternate translation: "God will deal righteously with him and save him"

Psalms 24:6

Such is the generation of those who seek him

Here "generation" represents people in general. Alternate translation: "The people who seek him are like this"

those who seek him, those who seek the face of the God of Jacob

Both statements mean the same thing. They both refer to those who go to the temple to worship God. Alternate translation: "the ones who approach God, they are the ones who may worship God, the one we Israelites worship"

those who seek him

Going to the temple to worship Yahweh is spoken of as if the person is literally seeking to find him.

the face of the God of Jacob

Here "face" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "the God of Jacob"

Psalms 24:7

Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, everlasting doors

The two phases are very similar in meaning. The words "gates" and "doors" refer to the gates of the temple. The writer is speaking to the gates as if they were a person. A gatekeeper would be the one to open the gates. Alternate translation: "Open up, you ancient gates" or "Open these ancient gates"

Lift up your heads

It is uncertain what specific part of the gate is the "head." But, it stands for the gate as a whole.

Psalms 24:8

Yahweh, strong and mighty; Yahweh, mighty in battle

The writer speaks about Yahweh as if he were a mighty warrior who fights in battles.

Psalms 24:9

Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, everlasting doors

The two phases are very similar in meaning. The words "gates" and "doors" refer to the gates of the temple. The writer is speaking to the gates as if they were a person. A gatekeeper would be the one to open the gates. See how you translated this in [Psalms 24:7]

Lift up your heads

It is uncertain what specific part of the gate is the "head." But, it stands for the gate as a whole.

Psalms 24:10

General Information:

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Chapter 25

Psalm 25 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 25 is a prayer for God's help.

Special concepts in this chapter

The humble

God is very good to humble people who seek to obey him.

Psalms 25:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

I lift up my life

The phrase "lift up my life" is a metaphor. Possible meanings are 1) the writer is giving himself to Yahweh, which means he is completely depending on Yahweh. Alternate translation: "I give myself to you" or 2) he is offering prayer and adoration to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "I worship and adore you"

Psalms 25:2

Do not let me be humiliated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not let my enemies humiliate me"

rejoice triumphantly over me

"rejoice in triumph over me." The phrase "over me" implies that his enemies have defeated him and stand above in victory. Alternate translation: "defeat me and rejoice about it"

Psalms 25:3

May no one who hopes in you be disgraced

"Do not let those who hope in you be disgraced." Disgrace could come from being defeated by their enemies. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not let enemies defeat those who hope in you"

who hopes in you

"who trusts you"

act treacherously

"act deceitfully" or "act with trickery"

without cause

"without a reason"

Psalms 25:4

Make known to me your ways, Yahweh; teach me your paths

Both statements mean the same thing. God teaching a person how they should behave is spoken of as if he were showing a person the correct path on which a person should travel.

Psalms 25:5

I hope in you

"I depend on you" or "I wait patiently for you"

Guide me into your truth and teach me

Guide and teach mean the same thing, to give instruction. Alternate translation: "Instruct me to conduct my life by obeying your truth"

the God of my salvation

The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as "saves." Alternate translation: "the one who saves me"

Psalms 25:6

Call to mind

This is an idiom. This does not mean God forgot something. The writer is asking God to think about and consider his acts of compassion and faithfulness. Alternate translation: "Remember" or "Think about"

your acts of compassion and of covenant faithfulness

The abstract nouns "compassion" and "faithfulness" can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "how you have been compassionate and faithful to your covenant"

for they have always existed

Here "they" personifies God's compassion and covenant faithfulness. Alternate translation: "for that is how you have always been"

Psalms 25:7

Do not think about the sins of my youth

The abstract noun "sins" can be stated as "sinned." Alternate translation: "Do not think about how I sinned against you when I was young"

or my rebelliousness

The abstract noun "rebelliousness" can be stated as "rebelled." Alternate translation: or about how I have rebelled against you"

Call me to mind

This is an idiom. This does not mean God forgot something. The writer is asking God to think about him. Alternate translation: "Remember me" or "Think about me"

with covenant faithfulness because of your goodness

The abstract nouns "faithfulness" and "goodness" can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "and be faithful to me because of your covenant, because you are good"

Psalms 25:8

the way

How God wants a person to behave is spoken of as if it were a way or path on which a person travels.

Psalms 25:9

the humble

This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "humble people" or "those who are humble"

his way

How God wants a person to behave is spoken of as if it were a way or path on which a person travels.

Psalms 25:10

All the paths of Yahweh are steadfast love and faithfulness

Here "paths" is a metaphor that represents what some one does or their character. The abstract nouns "loves" and "faithfulness" can be expressed with the verb "love" and the adjective "faithful." Alternate translation: "Yahweh always loves and is faithful"

Psalms 25:11

For your name's sake

The phrase "your name" here refers to Yahweh's reputation. Alternate translation: "For your reputation" or "So that people will honor you"

pardon my iniquity, for it is great

The abstract noun "iniquity" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "please forgive me, for I have sinned much"

Psalms 25:12

Who is the man who fears Yahweh?

This question introduces "the man who fears Yahweh" as a new topic. Alternate translation: "I will tell you about the man who fears Yahweh."

is the man who fears ... instruct him ... he should

These words refer to any person who fears Yahweh, not a specific person. Alternate translation: "are those who fear ... instruct them ... they should"

The Lord will instruct him in the way that he should choose

Yahweh teaching people how they should behave is spoken of as if Yahweh were teaching the people what way or path they should travel.

Psalms 25:13

His life ... his descendants

These words refer to any person who fears Yahweh, not a specific person. Alternate translation: "Their lives ... their descendants"

His life will go along in goodness

"God will cause him to prosper" or "God will cause them to prosper"

Psalms 25:14

The friendship of Yahweh is for those

"Yahweh is a friend to those." Some translate it as "Yahweh confides in those." His confiding in them shows the intimate friendship he has with them.

Psalms 25:15

My eyes are always on Yahweh

Here "eyes" represents looking. It is implied that he looks to Yahweh for help. Alternate translation: "I always look to Yahweh to help me" or "I always depend on Yahweh to help me"

for he will free my feet from the net

A net is a trap. A person who is in danger is spoken of as if their feet are tangled in a net. Alternate translation: He will rescue me from danger"

Psalms 25:16

Turn toward me

Yahweh paying attention to a person and considering him is spoken of as if Yahweh were physically turning towards the person.

Psalms 25:17

The troubles of my heart are enlarged

Here "heart" represents a person's emotions. Alternate translation: "I feel more and more troubled"

draw me out from my distress

"bring me out of my distress." This speaks of distress as if it were a place that a person can be brought out of. Alternate translation: "rescue me from my distress" or "relieve me of my distress"

my distress

The word "distress" is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: "the things that distress me" or "the things that cause me to be afraid"

Psalms 25:18

See my affliction

"Notice my affliction"

my affliction

The abstract noun "affliction" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "the things that afflict me" or "how afflicted I am"

my toils

The word "toils" is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: "the things that trouble me"

Psalms 25:19

they hate me with violent hatred

"they hate me and want to do violence to me"

Psalms 25:20

do not let me be humiliated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not let my enemies humiliate me"

take refuge in you!

Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "go to you for protection!"

Psalms 25:21

May integrity and uprightness preserve me

This speaks about "integrity" and "uprightness" as if they were persons who could keep another person safe. These abstract nouns can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "May being honest and doing what is right preserve me" or "Preserve me, Lord, because I am honest and do what is right"

preserve me

"keep me safe"

Psalms 25:22

Rescue Israel

"Save Israel" or "Redeem Israel"

Israel ... his troubles

Here "Israel" represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel ... our troubles"

Chapter 26

Psalm 26 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 26 is a teaching psalm; showing people how they should live by the example of the psalmsist.

Special concepts in this chapter

Praise

The psalmist delights in praising God and doing good deeds. It is striking how this psalm uses the first person pronoun. This is an individual psalm of petition. Each of the four petitions are accompanied with various claims. (See: good and works)

Psalms 26:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

I have walked

The word "walked" is a metaphor for behavior. Alternate translation: "I have behaved"

in Yahweh

The third person use of "Yahweh" can be stated in the second person. Alternate translation: "in you"

without wavering

Doubting is spoken of as if it were losing balance and waving back and forth. Alternate translation: "without doubting"

Psalms 26:2

Examine me

"Try me"

test the purity of my inner parts and my heart

Here "inner parts" and "heart" mean motives. Alternate translation: "test whether my motives are good"

Psalms 26:3

For your covenant faithfulness is before my eyes

Here "eyes" represent a person's thoughts and having something before one's eyes represents being aware of that thing. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "For I am always aware of your covenant faithfulness" or "For I am always aware that you are faithful to your covenant"

I walk about in your faithfulness

The word "walk" is a metaphor for behavior. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: "I conduct my life according to your faithfulness" or "I behave the way I do because you are faithful"

Psalms 26:4

I do not associate with

"I do not keep company with" or "I do not sit with"

with deceitful people

"with those who deceive others"

nor do I mingle with dishonest people

This means the same as the first part of the sentence. Alternate translation: "and I do not join with dishonest people"

dishonest people

"hypocrites" or "those who lie to others"

Psalms 26:5

the assembly of evildoers

"those who gather to do evil"

the wicked

This is a nominal adjective. Alternate translation: "wicked people" or "those who are wicked"

Psalms 26:6

I wash my hands in innocence

This seems to refer to a ritual washing of hands in water to symbolize freedom from sin and guilt.

I go around your altar

This was an action of worship that the Israelites were accustomed to doing.

Psalms 26:7

General Information:

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Psalms 26:8

the house where you live

Possible meanings are 1) if a person wrote this after the time of David, then the writer is referring to the temple in Jerusalem or 2) if David wrote this, then this refers to the tent that God told his people to set up so that they could worship him there.

the place where your glory lives

Here "glory" represents the presence and power of God, which is similar to a very bright light. Alternate translation: "the place where people can see the glorious light of your presence"

Psalms 26:9

Do not sweep me away with sinners

"Sweep away" here is a metaphor for destruction. Alternate translation: "Do not destroy me along with sinners"

or my life

The word "sweep" is understood. Alternate translation: "or sweep my life"

men of bloodshed

"people who are eager to shed others' blood" or "murderers"

Psalms 26:10

in whose hands

"Hands" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "people in which"

a plot

"a wicked plan"

Psalms 26:11

But as for me

This phrase shows that the writer is changing from speaking about wicked people to talking about himself.

I will walk in integrity

"Walk" here is a metaphor for behavior. Alternate translation: "I will behave with integrity"

Psalms 26:12

My foot stands

Here "foot" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "I stand"

level ground

Possible meanings are that "level ground" represents 1) a safe place or 2) right behavior

in the assemblies will I bless Yahweh

"when I gather with the people of Israel I will praise you"

Chapter 27

Psalm 27 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 27 is a psalm of praise to God because God keeps the psalmist safe from all his enemies.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's help

Because of God's help, he has nothing to fear, no matter what happens. The psalmist shows his confidence in God; he also asks God for help.

Psalms 27:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

Yahweh is my light

Here "light" represents life. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is the source of my life"

whom should I fear?

This question emphasizes that there is no one that David should fear. Alternate translation: "I will not be afraid of anyone"

Yahweh is my life's refuge

This speaks about Yahweh as if he were a place where people can go for safety. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is the one who keeps me safe"

whom should I dread?

This question emphasizes that there is no one that David should be afraid of. Alternate translation: "I will not dread anyone"

Psalms 27:2

to devour my flesh

Destroying someone completely is spoken of as if it were devouring a person's flesh. He did not mean that they wanted to eat his body. Alternate translation: "to destroy me"

my adversaries and my enemies

These words mean the same thing. These are the evildoers who came near to him.

stumbled and fell

This represents the writer's enemies failing to fulfill their plans to harm the writer. Alternate translation: "did not succeed" or "failed"

Psalms 27:3

Though an army encamps against me

"though an army surrounds me" or "though an army puts its tents around me"

my heart will not fear

Here "heart" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "I will not be afraid"

though war rises up against me

The writer's enemies are spoken of as if they themselves were a war. Alternate translation: "though my enemies come to fight against me"

I will remain confident

"I will continue to trust God to help me"

Psalms 27:4

have I asked of Yahweh

"I have asked Yahweh to let me do"

I will seek that

A person really wanting something and continually asking God for it is spoken of as if he were seeking to find something.

to see the beauty of Yahweh

The wonderful character of God is spoken of as if it were physical beauty. Alternate translation: "to see how wonderful Yahweh is"

to meditate in his temple

Possible meanings are 1) "to ask God what he wants me to do" or 2) "to think carefully about God in his temple."

Psalms 27:5

in the day of trouble

"in times of trouble" or "when I have troubles"

he will hide me

"he will protect me"

his shelter ... his tent

Both of these refer to the tabernacle where the writer is worshiping God.

in the cover of his tent

The word "cover" represents something that hides and protects.

He will lift me high on a rock

God keeping the writer safe from his enemies is spoken of as if God were placing him on a high rock where his enemies cannot reach him.

Psalms 27:6

my head will be lifted up above my enemies

This represents the writer receiving pride or honor when he defeats his enemies. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will honor me when I win the fight against my enemies" or "God will honor me by enabling me to defeat my enemies"

Psalms 27:7

Hear, Yahweh, my voice

The "voice" often represents a person who speak or calls out. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, hear me"

answer me

This implies that Yahweh hears the writer's prayer and Yahweh will do what the writer asks. Alternate translation: "answer my prayer" or "do what I request of you"

Psalms 27:8

My heart says

Here "heart" represents a person's mind or thoughts. Alternate translation: "In my heart I say" or "I say to myself"

Seek his face

A person going to the temple to pray to Yahweh is spoken of as if the person were seeking to find Yahweh. Here "face" represents all of God. Alternate translation: "Go and pray to Yahweh"

I seek your face, Yahweh

A person going to the temple to pray to Yahweh is spoken of as if the person were seeking to find Yahweh. Here "face" represents all of God. Alternate translation: "I will come to your temple to pray to you"

Psalms 27:9

Do not hide your face from me

The face here represents Yahweh's attention, and hiding the face represents rejecting someone. Alternate translation: "Do not reject me" or "Do not stop taking care of me"

do not turn your servant away in anger

David said "your servant" to refer to himself in a humble way. Alternate translation: "do not be angry with me"

do not abandon me or reject me

The words "abandon" and "reject" have similar meanings. The writer is emphasizing that he does not want God to leave him.

God of my salvation

The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as "saves." Alternate translation: "God who saves me" or "because you are the God who saves me"

Psalms 27:10

Even if my father and my mother abandon me

He is not saying that they actually have done this or that they would do it. His point is that even if they did that, God would not abandon him.

Yahweh will take me in

"Yahweh will keep me" or "Yahweh will take care of me"

Psalms 27:11

Teach me your way

How a person should behave is spoken of as if it were a way or path that person should travel. Alternate translation: "Teach me how you want me to live" or "Teach me to do what you want me to do"

Lead me on a level path

Yahweh keeping the writer safe from his enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh leads the writer on a level path where he will not stumble and fall. Alternate translation: "Keep me safe"

Psalms 27:12

Do not give me up to the desires of my enemies

The abstract noun "desires" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "Do not let my enemies do to me what they desire"

have risen up against me

"Risen up" here is an idiom meaning that a witness stood in court to present testimony. Alternate translation: "have stood up in order to speak against me"

they breathe out violence

Here violence is spoken for as if it was something a person could breathe out. Alternate translation: "they say that they will do violent things to me"

Psalms 27:13

What would have happened to me

This rhetorical question can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "Something bad would have happened to me"

the goodness of Yahweh

The abstract noun "goodness" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "the good things that Yahweh does"

in the land of the living

This refers to being alive. Alternate translation: "while I am alive"

Psalms 27:14

Wait for Yahweh ... Wait for Yahweh!

This verse may be 1) the writer speaking to himself or 2) the writer speaking to others or 3) someone speaking to the writer.

let your heart be courageous

Here "heart" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "be courageous"

Wait for Yahweh!

This line is repeated at the end of the psalm as a way of ending the psalm.

Chapter 28

Psalm 28 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 28 is a psalm of prayer to God that he is not be punished along with the wicked people. (See: evil)

Special concepts in this chapter

Trust

The psalmist trusted God completely and God rescued him. This is similar to psalm 7 and 17 because it is an individual lament psalm. (See: lament)

Psalms 28:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

I cry out

"I call out loudly"

my rock

This is a metaphor for strength. Alternate translation: "my strength"

do not ignore me

"do not be silent to me" or "do not leave me alone"

I will join those who go down to the pit

The pit is either the grave or the place where dead people are. Alternate translation: "I will die like those who are in the grave"

Psalms 28:2

Hear the sound of my pleading

Here "sound" refers to the content of his request. Alternate translation: "Hear my strong request"

I lift up my hands toward your most holy place

Lifting up hands is a symbol of worship. The writer is not worshiping the holy place, but Yahweh who lives in the holy place.

your most holy place

Possible meanings are 1) if David wrote this, then this refers to the tent that God told his people to set up so that they could worship him there, or 2) if a person wrote this after the time of David, then the writer is referring to the temple in Jerusalem.

Psalms 28:3

Do not drag me away

God punishing people is spoken of as if he physically drags them away. In this metaphor Yahweh may be dragging them to prison, exile, or death. Alternate translation: "Do not remove me"

who speak peace with their neighbors

Here "neighbors" refers to people in general. Alternate translation: "who speak peacefully with other people"

but have evil in their hearts

Here "hearts" represents a person's mind or thoughts. Alternate translation: "but are thinking something evil about them"

Psalms 28:4

Give them what their deeds deserve ... repay them what their wickedness demands

These two phrases mean the same thing. They are used together to emphasize that they deserve for God to punish them.

the work of their hands

Here "hands" represent what the person has done. Alternate translation: "the things they have done"

render to them their due

"give them what they deserve"

Psalms 28:5

Because they do not understand ... never rebuild them

Possible meanings are 1) David is confident about what God will do to wicked people or 2) David is asking God to destroy the wicked people.

they do not understand the deeds of Yahweh

It is implied that "do not understand" means they ignore or do not honor Yahweh's works. Alternate translation: "they do not regard with honor what Yahweh has done"

the work of his hands

Here "hands" represents what Yahweh has done or created. Alternate translation: "what he has created"

he will break them down and never rebuild them

The punishment of the wicked people is spoken of as if they were a building or a city that God would destroy.

Psalms 28:6

he has heard the sound of my pleading

Here "sound" represents what the writer said. Alternate translation: "has heard what I said when I pleaded to him"

Psalms 28:7

Yahweh is my strength

The abstract noun "strength" can be stated as "strong." Alternate translation: "Yahweh makes me strong"

my shield

This represents Yahweh's protecting the writer. Alternate translation: "he protects me"

my heart trusts

Here "heart" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "I trust"

I am helped

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he helps me"

my heart greatly rejoices

Here "heart" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "I greatly rejoice"

Psalms 28:8

Yahweh is the strength of his people

The abstract noun "strength" can be stated as "strong." Alternate translation: "Yahweh makes his people strong"

he is the saving refuge of his anointed one

Yahweh keeping the king safe is spoken of as if Yahweh were a place that the king could go for safety. Alternate translation: "he keeps safe the one he appointed to be king"

his anointed one

The words "anointed one" represent the king.

Psalms 28:9

your inheritance

This speaks about the people of God as if they were something God inherited. Alternate translation: "your possession" or "those who belong to you"

Be their shepherd and carry them forever

The writer speaks about Yahweh as if he were a shepherd and the people are his sheep. A shepherd would carry a sheep if it needed help or protection. Alternate translation: "Be like their shepherd and protect them forever"

Chapter 29

Psalm 29 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 29 is a worship psalm. It tells how Yahweh rules all nature.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's power

God is powerful. All he has to do is to speak in order to control nature.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metonymy

The voice of the Yahweh stands for Yahweh himself.

Psalms 29:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

you sons of God

The phrase "sons of" is a way of saying "having the characteristics of." Alternate translation: "you mighty men"

ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength

The abstract nouns "glory" and "strength" can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "praise Yahweh because he is glorious and strong"

Psalms 29:2

Ascribe to Yahweh the glory his name deserves

The abstract noun "glory" can be stated as a verb or adjective. Alternate translation: "Honor Yahweh just as his name deserves" or "Proclaim that Yahweh is glorious just as his name deserves"

his name deserves

The phrase "his name" refers to Yahweh or his reputation. Alternate translation: "as is proper because of who he is"

Bow down to Yahweh

The implied information is that the people were to bow down in worship. Alternate translation: "Bow down to worship Yahweh"

in the splendor of holiness

The abstract nouns "splendor" and "holiness" can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "because he is gloriously beautiful and holy"

Psalms 29:3

General Information:

The psalm shows Yahweh's power and glory.

The voice of Yahweh is heard over the waters

God's voice is louder and clearer than all other sounds and noises. It can be heard over other loud sounds such as the sound of the waters. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When Yahweh speaks his voice is louder than the sound of the sea" or "Yahweh shouts louder than the sound of the waters"

over the waters

This refers to the seas or the oceans. These waters make a very loud noise as the waves rise and fall.

The voice of Yahweh

All occurrences of "voice" here represent Yahweh speaking. The writer is emphasizing that when Yahweh speaks, the sound is so loud it is heard over the waters, and it is so powerful it can destroy the largest trees. Alternate translation: "When Yahweh speaks, his voice"

the God of glory thunders

This speaks about God speaking as if it were the sound of thunder. Just like the sound of thunder, Yahweh's voice can be heard over large distances. Alternate translation: "The voice of the glorious God is loud like thunder" or "When the glorious God speaks it rumbles like thunder"

over many waters

"over the large bodies of water"

Psalms 29:4

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Psalms 29:5

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Psalms 29:6

Connecting Statement:

The writer continues describing the power of God's voice.

He makes Lebanon skip like a calf

The ground of Lebanon shaking is spoken of as if it were a young calf skipping. This emphasizes that when Yahweh speaks, the power of his voice shakes the ground. Alternate translation: "He makes the land of Lebanon shake like a calf skipping"

skip

jump lightly back and forth

Sirion like a young ox

The words "he makes" and "skip" are understood from the first phrase. They can be repeated here. The ground of Sirion shaking is spoken of as if it were a young ox skipping. This emphasizes that when Yahweh speaks, the power of his voice shakes the ground. Alternate translation: "he makes Sirion skip like a young ox"

Sirion

This is a mountain in Lebanon. It is also called Mount Hermon.

Psalms 29:7

The voice of Yahweh sends out flames of fire

All occurrences of "voice" here represent Yahweh speaking. Alternate translation: "When Yahweh speaks he causes lightning to flash in the sky"

flames of fire

This refers to lightning.

Psalms 29:8

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Psalms 29:9

The voice of Yahweh causes

Here "voice" represents Yahweh speaking. Alternate translation: "When Yahweh speaks, the sound causes"

the oaks to twist

"the large trees to shake"

strips the forests bare

Removing the leaves of the trees is spoken of as if it was removing their clothing. Alternate translation: "strips off the leaves from the trees"

Psalms 29:10

Yahweh sits as king

This means that Yahweh rules. Alternate translation: "Yahweh rules" or "Yahweh is king"

over the flood

Here "flood" refers to waters that cover the earth.

Psalms 29:11

Yahweh blesses his people with peace

The word "peace" is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: "Yahweh blesses his people by causing them to prosper and to live peacefully"

Chapter 30

Psalm 30 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 30 is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving to God. The psalmist was near death but God rescued him.

Special concepts in this chapter

The psalmist's death

If he had died, it would not have been a help to God. But since God rescued him he can praise God.

Psalms 30:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A psalm; a song at the dedication of the temple. A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

a song at the dedication of the temple

"This song was sung when the temple was dedicated"

you have raised me up

The writer speaks of God rescuing him and keeping him from dying as if God had drawn him up from a deep well. Alternate translation: "you rescued me"

Psalms 30:2

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Psalms 30:3

brought up my soul from Sheol

Since "Sheol" was the place where dead people go, it refers to death. Alternate translation: "kept me from dying"

brought up my soul

Here "my soul" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "brought me up"

from going down to the pit

The "pit" represents death. Alternate translation: "from dying"

Psalms 30:4

Give thanks when you remember his holiness

The abstract nouns "thanks" and "holiness" can be stated as "thank" and "holy." Alternate translation: "Remember that God is holy and thank him" or "Remember what God has done because he is holy and thank him"

Psalms 30:5

his anger is only for a moment

"his anger lasts only a moment." The abstract noun "anger" can be stated as "angry." Alternate translation: "he is angry for only a moment"

a moment

Here "moment" represents a short amount of time. Alternate translation: "a short time"

but his favor is for a lifetime

The abstract noun "favor" can be stated as the adjective "good." Alternate translation: "but he is good to us all of our lives"

Weeping comes for a night, but joy comes in the morning

This speaks about "weeping" and "joy" as if they were something that travels and arrives at a certain time. Alternate translation: "We may cry during the night, but the next morning we will be joyful"

Psalms 30:6

In confidence

The word "confidence" is an abstract noun. The writer recalls a time when he was prospering and felt confident and safe. Alternate translation: "When I was confident" or "When I felt safe"

I will never be shaken

The word "shaken" is a metaphor for defeat. Alternate translation: "No one will defeat me"

Psalms 30:7

by your favor

The abstract noun "favor" can be stated as the verb "favored" or the adjective "kind." Alternate translation: "when you favored me" or "when you were kind to me"

you established me as a strong mountain

The writer's security is spoken of as if he were a strong mountain. Alternate translation: "you made me as secure as a high mountain"

when you hid your face

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "when you stopped helping me" or "when you rejected me"

I was troubled

"I was fearful" or "I was worried"

Psalms 30:8

sought favor from my Lord

The phrase "sought favor" means to ask for help. Alternate translation: "I pleaded for you to help me"

from my Lord

The writer is referring to Yahweh in third person. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: "from you, my Lord"

Psalms 30:9

What advantage is there in my blood, if I go down to the grave?

The writer uses this question to emphasize that he would be of no value to God if he were dead. Alternate translation: "There is no advantage in my blood, if I go down to the grave."

in my blood

Here "blood" is a metonym for a violent death. Alternate translation: "if I die a violent death"

Will the dust praise you? Will it declare your trustworthiness?

The writer uses these questions to emphasize that his dead and decayed body cannot praise God. Alternate translation: "The dust will certainly not praise you or tell others about how trustworthy you are."

the dust

This refers to the body of the writer which will decay and become dust when he is dead. Alternate translation: "my decayed body"

Psalms 30:10

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Psalms 30:11

You have turned my mourning into dancing

It was customary for the Jews to dance when they were very happy. The abstract nouns "mourning" and "dancing" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "You have caused me to stop mourning and to dance with joy instead"

you have removed my sackcloth

Sackcloth was associated with mourning and sorrow. Alternate translation: "You have caused me to no longer be sad"

clothed me with gladness

The writer speaks of gladness as if it were a garment that he could put on. Alternate translation: "caused me to be glad"

Psalms 30:12

my glory will sing praise to you

Here "my glory" refers to the writer's soul or heart or inner being. This represents the entire person of the writer, who worships God because God has made him glad. Alternate translation: "I will sing praise to you"

Chapter 31

Psalm 31 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 31 is a psalm of deliverance. The psalmist's enemies thought they had defeated him, but God protected him. (See: deliverer)

Special concepts in this chapter

Abandonment

Even though everyone deserted and despised the psalmist, God did not abandon him.

Psalms 31:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship"

In you, Yahweh, I take refuge

Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "I go to you, Yahweh, for protection"

never let me be humiliated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "do not let others humiliate me"

Psalms 31:2

be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to save me

The phrase "be my rock of refuge" is a request for protection. The second phrase emphasizes the first phrase.

my rock of refuge

Yahweh is spoke of as if he were a huge rock that would protect the writer from attack. Alternate translation: "like a huge rock on which I can be safe"

a stronghold to save me

Yahweh is spoken of as if he were a strong fortress in which the writer would be protected from his enemies.

Psalms 31:3

my rock

Yahweh is spoke of as if he were a huge rock that would protect the writer from attack. Alternate translation: "like a huge rock on which I can be safe"

my fortress

Yahweh is spoken of as if he were a strong fortress in which the writer would be protected from his enemies.

for your name's sake

In this phrase "name" represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: "so that your name may be honored" or "so that I may worship you"

lead and guide me

The words "lead" and "guide" mean basically the same thing and strengthen the request that Yahweh lead him. Alternate translation: "lead me where you want me to go"

Psalms 31:4

Pluck me out of the net that they have hidden for me

The writer is spoken of as if he were a bird caught in a hidden net, and waiting for Yahweh to free him from the trap.

you are my refuge

Yahweh is spoken of as if he is a place where the writer can hide from people who are attacking him. Alternate translation: "you always protect me" or "you give me constant protection"

Psalms 31:5

Into your hands

God is spirit, but he is here spoken of as if he has hands. Here "your hands" refers to Yahweh's care. Alternate translation: "Into your care"

I entrust my spirit

Here "my spirit" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "I place myself"

God of trustworthiness

"you are a God I can trust"

Psalms 31:6

I hate those who serve worthless idols

Here the word "worthless" refers to all idols. This can be clarified in translation. Alternate translation: "Idols are worthless. I hate those who serve them"

Psalms 31:7

I will be glad and rejoice in your covenant faithfulness

The words "glad" and "rejoice" share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of joy. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "I will be very glad because you are faithful to your covenant"

you saw my affliction ... you knew the distress of my soul

Both of these phrases express the idea that God knows about the writer's troubles.

the distress of my soul

Here "my soul" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "my distress"

Psalms 31:8

You have set my feet

Here "my feet" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "You have set me"

a wide open place

The Hebrews thought of wide open spaces as a metaphor for safety and freedom. Alternate translation: "a place where I am free"

Psalms 31:9

I am in distress

"I am suffering greatly"

my soul and my body

The terms "soul" and "body" are used to describe the complete person.

Psalms 31:10

For my life is weary

Here "my life" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "I have become very weak"

with sorrow ... with groaning

"because of my sorrow ... because of my groaning"

my years with groaning

The phrase "is weary" is missing, but is implied. Alternate translation: "my years are weary with groaning"

My strength fails

Here "My strength" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "I have become weak"

my bones are wasting away

Here "my bones" refers to the physical health of the writer. Alternate translation: "my health is failing"

Psalms 31:11

have become contemptible

The abstract noun "contemptible" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "people have contempt for me" or "people insult me"

are appalled at my situation

"are shocked at my condition"

Psalms 31:12

as a dead man whom no one thinks about

People do not think about dead people. The writer does not think people think about him.

like a broken pot

The writer speaks of himself as if he was completely useless. "as useless as a broken pot"

Psalms 31:13

the whispering of many

It is implied that "many" refers to people. Alternate translation: "many people talking about me"

terrifying news from every side

"scary reports from many sources"

take away my life

This idiom means to kill someone. Alternate translation: "kill me"

Psalms 31:14

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Psalms 31:15

My times are in your hand

Here "your hand" refers to Yahweh's power. Alternate translation: "You have the power to decide my future"

from those who pursue me

"from people who try to capture me"

Psalms 31:16

Make your face shine on your servant

The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards him as if Yahweh's face shone a light on him. Alternate translation: "Act favorably towards your servant"

save me in your covenant faithfulness

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "save me because you are faithful to your covenant"

Psalms 31:17

Do not let me be humiliated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not let others make me feel ashamed"

May the wicked be humiliated!

"I wish that God would disgrace wicked people!"

the wicked

This refers to "wicked people.

May they be silent in Sheol

Here "in Sheol" represents death. Alternate translation: "Let them die so they cannot speak"

Psalms 31:18

May lying lips be silenced

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "May someone make these lying lips silent"

lying lips

These represent lying people. Alternate translation: "people who lie"

that speak against the righteous defiantly

Here "the righteous" refers to people who are righteous. Alternate translation: "that say terrible things about righteous people"

with arrogance and contempt

These terms have similar meanings. Alternate translation: "with a complete lack of respect"

Psalms 31:19

is your goodness

This can be expressed with a verb. Alternate translation: "are the good things you do"

that you have stored up

Yahweh's goodness is spoken of as if it was something that could be stored up like a harvest. Alternate translation: "that you are keeping ready to use"

those who revere you

"those who respect you greatly"

take refuge in you

Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. See how you translated this in Psalms 31:1. Alternate translation: "those who go to you for protection"

Psalms 31:20

In the shelter of your presence, you hide them ... You hide them in a shelter

These phrases both mean that God protects them.

In the shelter

Yahweh's presence is spoken of as if it is a strong building where the writer would be safe.

You hide them in a shelter

Here a "shelter" represents a safe place. Alternate translation: "You provide a safe place for them"

from the strife of tongues

Here "tongues" refer to the people who are speaking violent things against the writer. Alternate translation: "where their enemies cannot speak evil at them"

Psalms 31:21

he showed me his marvelous covenant faithfulness

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "he showed me that he is wonderfully faithful to his covenant"

Psalms 31:22

I am cut off from your eyes

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You have removed me from your presence"

your eyes

Here Yahweh is represented by his "eyes." Alternate translation: "you"

you heard my plea for help

Here "plea" can be expressed with a verb. Alternate translation: "you heard me plead for help"

Psalms 31:23

the faithful

This refers to the faithful people. Alternate translation: "the people who are faithful"

he pays back the arrogant in full

Here "pay back" is an idiom that refers to punishment. Alternate translation: "he gives the proud people all of the punishment that they deserve"

Psalms 31:24

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Chapter 32

Psalm 32 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 32 is a psalm of confession of sin. (See: confess and sin)

Special concepts in this chapter

Confession of sin

This psalm tells of the sorrow of unconfessed sin; it also tells of the blessing of confession and of receiving God's forgiveness. It is such a blessing when God forgives sin. Trouble comes when sin is hidden and not confessed. (See: bless and forgive)

Psalms 32:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A psalm of David. A maschil

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

A psalm of David

Possible meanings are 1) David wrote the psalm or 2) the psalm is about David or 3) the psalm is in the style of David's psalms.

A maschil

This may refer to a style of music.

whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered

These phrases have similar meanings. They can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who God forgives his transgression and covers his sin"

whose sin is covered

Here sin that is forgiven is spoken of as if it were covered so that it can not be seen. Alternate translation: "whose sin is ignored" or "whose sin is deliberately forgotten"

Psalms 32:2

to whom Yahweh reckons no guilt

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Yahweh sees as innocent" or "who is not guilty according to Yahweh"

in whose spirit there is no deceit

Here "spirit" refers to the person. Alternate translation: "in whom there is not deceit" or "who is completely honest"

Psalms 32:3

my bones were wasting away

Here "my bones" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "I was wasting away" or "I was getting weaker"

all day long

This idiom means "continually." Alternate translation: "all the time"

Psalms 32:4

day and night

These extremes include everything in between. Alternate translation: "all the time"

your hand was heavy upon me

Here "hand" refers to Yahweh. The entire phrase is an idiom that means "you afflicted me." Alternate translation: "you made me suffer greatly"

My strength withered as in summer drought

David's strength is compared to a small, green plant that turns brown and crumbles in the dry season.

Psalms 32:5

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Psalms 32:6

at a time of great distress

"when they are in great trouble."

When the surging waters overflow, the waters will not reach them

Difficulties are spoken of as if they were a flood of water. Alternate translation: "Then when difficulties come like a flood of water, those people will be safe"

Psalms 32:7

You are my hiding place

Yahweh is spoken of as if he was a safe place from the attacks of the writer's enemies. Alternate translation: "You are like a place where I can hide myself from my enemies"

You will surround me with the songs of victory

This metaphor apparently means that Yahweh's protection of the writer is the cause for songs of victory to be sung. Alternate translation: "Because of you I will sing songs of victory"

Psalms 32:8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way

The words "instruct" and "teach" mean basically the same thing and emphasize careful instruction. Alternate translation: "I will teach you everything about the way"

I will instruct

Here the "I" is probably Yahweh who talks directly to David.

in the way which you should go

Living in the correct way is spoken of as if it were a path that the writer should walk. Alternate translation: "how you should live your life"

with my eye upon you

Here "my eye" refers to Yahweh's attention. Alternate translation: "and direct my attention to you" or "and watch over you"

Psalms 32:9

Do not be like a horse ... no understanding

The writer compares people with no understanding to horses and mules. Possible meanings are 1) the writer is speaking Yahweh's words to his readers, "You all must not be like a horse ... no understanding" or 2) Yahweh is speaking to the writer as though to a group of people.

bridle and bit

Two tools that are used by people to guide horses and mules go where the rider wants them to go.

where you want them to

"where anyone wants them to go." The "you" here is singular and refers to no one in particular.

Psalms 32:10

Yahweh's covenant faithfulness will surround the one who trusts in him

Yahweh being faithful to a person and protecting that person is spoken of as if Yahweh's covenant faithfulness surrounded the person. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "Because Yahweh is faithful to his covenant, he will protect the one who trusts in him"

Psalms 32:11

Be glad in Yahweh

Here "in Yahweh" refers to what Yahweh has done for them. "Be glad because of what Yahweh has done"

you righteous

This refers to people. Alternate translation: "you righteous people"

shout for joy

"shout joyfully" or "shout because of joy"

who are upright in heart

Here "heart" refers to the person. Alternate translation: "people who are upright"

Chapter 33

Psalm 33 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 33 is a worship song. It tells how great God is.

Special concepts in this chapter

God's power

God is the creator and also the God of his people, Israel. Whatever he plans works out. He alone provides safety in battle.

Psalms 33:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

Rejoice in Yahweh

Here "in Yahweh" refers to what Yahweh has done for them. "Rejoice because of what Yahweh has done"

praise is appropriate for the upright

"to praise Yahweh is appropriate for upright people"

Psalms 33:2

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Psalms 33:3

General Information:

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Psalms 33:4

General Information:

Each verse consists of two lines that have very similar meanings.

Yahweh's word is upright

Here "upright" is used as a metaphor for something that is true. Alternate translation: "Yahweh always does what he says that he will do"

Psalms 33:5

He loves righteousness and justice

These abstract nouns can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: "He loves doing what is right and just" or "He loves those who do what is right and just"

The earth is full of Yahweh's covenant faithfulness

People everywhere in the world being able to see evidence of Yahweh's covenant faithfulness is spoken of as if his covenant faithfulness filled the earth. The abstract noun "covenant faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "People everywhere on earth can see that Yahweh is faithful to his covenant" or "Throughout the earth, there is evidence that Yahweh is faithful to his covenant"

Psalms 33:6

By the word of Yahweh the heavens were made

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "By using his word, Yahweh made the heavens"

by the breath of his mouth

This refers to Yahweh's word. Alternate translation: "by his word"

Psalms 33:7

General Information:

Each verse consists of two lines that have very similar meanings.

like a heap

"like behind a dam." The writer describes the creation of the sea as if God piles up all the waters together.

he puts the oceans in storehouses

The writer describes the creation of the oceans as if God put them in a storehouse. Alternate translation: "he puts the oceans in their place, just like a man puts grain in a storehouse"

Psalms 33:8

Let the whole earth

This refers to the people on the earth. Alternate translation: "Let everyone on earth"

stand in awe of him

Here "stand in awe" is an idiom that means "be in awe." Alternate translation: "honor him"

Psalms 33:9

stood in place

Here "stood in place" is an idiom that means "was created." Alternate translation: "started to exist"

Psalms 33:10

General Information:

Each verse consists of two lines that have very similar meanings.

Yahweh frustrates

"Yahweh destroys" or "Yahweh breaks"

the alliances of nations

Here "nations" refers to the people of these nations. Alternate translation: "the alliances of the people of different nations"

alliances

An alliance is an agreement between two or more nations to support each other in a war against a common enemy.

the plans of the peoples

"the intentions of the peoples" Alternate translation: "the evil plans of the peoples"

Psalms 33:11

stand forever

Here "stand" is an idiom that means "endure."

the plans of his heart for all generations

The missing term "stand" is implied. Alternate translation: "the plans of his heart stand for all generations"

the plans of his heart

Here "his heart" refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "his plans"

for all generations

"for all future generations." This is an idiom that means "forever."

Psalms 33:12

Blessed is the nation

Here "the nation" refers to the people of the nation. Alternate translation: "Blessed are the people of the nation"

whose God is Yahweh

"who worship Yahweh as God"

as his own inheritance

The people Yahweh has chosen to worship him are described here as if they were an inheritance that he has received.

Psalms 33:13

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Psalms 33:14

he looks down

The place where Yahweh lives is spoken of as if it is above the earth where people live.

Psalms 33:15

shapes the hearts of them all

Here "hearts" refers to the thinking of these people. The writer speaks of Yahweh guiding the thinking of the people as if he were a potter who was shaping a bowl. Alternate translation: "guides their thinking as a potter shapes a bowl"

Psalms 33:16

No king is saved by a vast army

This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "A large army is not what saves a king"

Psalms 33:17

A horse is a false hope for victory

Here "a horse" represents the strongest part of the army. Alternate translation: "Having an army with strong horses does not provide security"

Psalms 33:18

See

This word shows that a new theme begins in this Psalm. Alternate translation: "Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

Yahweh's eye

Here "eye" refers to Yahweh's attention. Alternate translation: "Yahweh's attention"

those who hope in his covenant faithfulness

The idiom to "count on" means to "wait for" or to "expect." The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adverb. Alternate translation: "those who expect him to act faithfully because of his covenant" or "those who wait for him to act because he is faithful to his covenant"

Psalms 33:19

to deliver their lives from death

Here "their lives" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "to keep them from dying"

Psalms 33:20

We wait for Yahweh

Here "wait" is an idiom that refers to trust. Alternate translation: "We trust in Yahweh" or "We hope in Yahweh"

he is our help and our shield

Here Yahweh is spoken of as if he is a shield that protects soldiers in battle. Alternate translation: "he is our helper and protects us like a shield"

Psalms 33:21

Our hearts rejoice

Here "hearts" refer to the people. Alternate translation: "We rejoice"

in his holy name

Here "holy name" refers to Yahweh's holy character. Alternate translation: "in his holy character" or "in him because he is holy"

Psalms 33:22

Let your covenant faithfulness, Yahweh, be with us

Yahweh acting faithfully towards the people is spoken of as if Yahweh's covenant faithfulness were with them. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated with an adverb. Alternate translation: "May you always act faithfully towards us because of your covenant, Yahweh"

as we put our hope in you

"as we hope for your help"

Chapter 34

Psalm 34 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 34 is a teaching psalm and includes thanksgiving. It teaches that living right leads to a good life. (See: life)

The psalm does not relate directly to the superscription given about Abimelech.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's help

Good people can have problems, but God brings them through these. (See: good)

Psalms 34:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A psalm of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him out

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

A psalm of David

Possible meanings are 1) David wrote the psalm or 2) the psalm is about David or 3) the psalm is in the style of David's psalms.

pretended to be insane

"acted like a crazy person"

before Abimelek

This refers to a specific historical event that the Hebrews knew well. Alternate translation: "when he was in Abimelek's house" or "when he was Abimelek's prisoner"

his praise will always be in my mouth

Here "in my mouth" refers to David speaking about Yahweh. Alternate translation: "I will always praise him out loud"

Psalms 34:2

the oppressed

This refers to people who are oppressed. Alternate translation: "the oppressed people"

Psalms 34:3

Praise Yahweh with me

The verb "praise" is a command to a group. Alternate translation: "Everyone should praise Yahweh with me"

lift up his name

Here "lift up" is an idiom that refers to exalting Yahweh. Alternate translation: "tell people how great he is"

his name

Here "his name" refers to Yahweh's character. Alternate translation: "his character"

Psalms 34:4

I sought Yahweh

Here "sought Yahweh" means David was asking Yahweh for help. Alternate translation: "I prayed to Yahweh" or "I asked Yahweh for help"

Psalms 34:5

Those who look to him

Here "look to" represents seeking help from him. Alternate translation: "Those who look at him for help" or "those who expect help only from him"

are radiant

This idiom refers to their appearance as being joyful. Alternate translation: "are joyful"

their faces are not ashamed

Here "their faces" refers to the people who look to Yahweh. It can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "they are not ashamed" or "they are proud"

Psalms 34:6

This oppressed man

David describes himself as an oppressed man. Alternate translation: "I was oppressed and"

Yahweh heard him

Here "heard" means that Yahweh helped him. Alternate translation: "Yahweh heard me" or "Yahweh helped him"

Psalms 34:7

camps around

The angel of Yahweh is spoken of as if he were an army that camps around someone in order to protect them. Alternate translation: "guards"

Psalms 34:8

Taste and see that Yahweh is good

Yahweh's goodness is spoken of as something that can be tasted and seen. Alternate translation: "Try and experience that Yahweh is good"

takes refuge

Yahweh is spoken of as if he were a place where people can hide for protection from their enemies. Alternate translation: "trust him to protect them"

Psalms 34:9

There is no lack for those who fear him

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Those who fear him will always have what they need"

Psalms 34:10

will not lack anything good

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "will always have the good things they need"

Psalms 34:11

sons

Here this does not refer to literal sons of the writer, but to the people he is teaching about Yahweh. Alternate translation: "my students"

Psalms 34:12

What man is there who delights in life and loves many days, that he may see good?

The implicit answer to this question is "every man." This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Every man delights in life and desires to live many days and have a good life"

Psalms 34:13

keep your tongue from evil ... keep your lips from speaking lies

These two phrases refer to the same thing and it is said in different ways to emphasize its importance.

Then keep your tongue from evil

Here "tongue" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "Therefore, do not speak evil"

keep your lips from speaking lies

Here "lips" refers to the person speaking. Alternate translation: "do not speak lies"

Psalms 34:14

Turn away from evil

Here "Turn away" is a metaphor for avoiding evil. Alternate translation: "Refuse to do evil"

Seek peace

Here "seek" means to be concerned about peace. Alternate translation: "Try hard to live in peace with other people"

Psalms 34:15

The eyes of Yahweh are on the righteous

Here "the eyes of Yahweh" refer to his careful watching. "The righteous" is a reference to righteous people. Alternate translation: "Yahweh carefully watches over the righteous people"

his ears are directed toward their cry

Here Yahweh is represented by his "ears." To be directed toward something means to pay attention to it. Alternate translation: "he pays attention to their cry" or "he answers their cry"

Psalms 34:16

to cut off the memory of them from the earth

Yahweh will cause people to so completely forget them when they die that it is as if he used a knife to cut off any memory of them. Alternate translation: "so that when they are dead, people will forget them completely"

Psalms 34:17

Yahweh hears

Here "hears" means that Yahweh desires to respond to them. Alternate translation: "Yahweh pays attention to them"

Psalms 34:18

Yahweh is close

Here "is close" means "ready to help." Alternate translation: "Yahweh is always ready to help"

the brokenhearted

This is a nominal adjective that refers to people who are brokenhearted. Deep sadness is spoken of as if the person's heart is broken. Alternate translation: "people who are very sad"

those who are crushed in spirit

People who are deeply discouraged are spoken of as if their spirits are crushed. Alternate translation: "people who are deeply discouraged"

Psalms 34:19

the righteous

This refers to people who are righteous. Alternate translation: "the righteous people"

Psalms 34:20

He keeps all his bones, not one of them will be broken

Here "all his bones" is literal, but it also implies that Yahweh takes care of the entire person. Alternate translation: "He provides complete protection for him, he will not be harmed in any way"

Psalms 34:21

Evil will kill the wicked

Evil is described as if it were a man who can kill people. Alternate translation: "The evil deeds of wicked people will kill them"

the wicked

This refers to wicked people.

Those who hate the righteous will be condemned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will condemn those who hate the righteous"

the righteous

This refers to righteous people.

Psalms 34:22

None of those who take refuge in him will be condemned

This can be stated in active form. It can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive everyone who takes refuge in him"

take refuge in him

Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "go to him for protection"

Chapter 35

Psalm 35 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 35 is a prayer for deliverance. His enemies are coming against him. (See: deliverer)

Special concepts in this chapter

Enemies

When his enemies were sick, he tried to comfort them, but when he was in trouble his enemies use this as a time to attack him.

Psalms 35:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

Psalms 35:2

Grab your small shield and large shield

The writer describes God as a warrior who is preparing himself for battle.

small shield and large shield

these are defensive weapons

Psalms 35:3

Use your spear and battle ax

The writer describes God as a warrior who is preparing himself for battle.

spear and battle ax

these are offensive weapons

those who chase me

Possible meanings are 1) these enemies are literally chasing the writer or 2) this is a metaphor for people who are enemies of the writer.

say to my soul

This refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "say to me"

I am your salvation

This can be stated without the abstract noun. Alternate translation: "I am your savior" or "I will save you"

Psalms 35:4

May those who seek my life be shamed and dishonored

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May Yahweh shame and dishonor those who seek my life"

May those

"I desire that"

who seek my life

Here "seek my life" means they desire to kill the writer. The writer is represented by his "life." Alternate translation: "who are trying to kill me"

May those who plan to harm me be turned back and ashamed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May Yahweh turn back and confound those who plan to harm me"

be turned back

"be turned back" here is a metaphor for being unable to accomplish their goal. Alternate translation: "be unsuccessful"

Psalms 35:5

as chaff before the wind

The writer's enemies are spoken of as if they are chaff that is easily blown away. Alternate translation: "blown away by the wind like chaff"

Psalms 35:6

their way

Here "their way" refers to their lives. Alternate translation: "their lives"

dark and slippery

This refers to a way that is hidden and dangerous. Alternate translation: "hidden and full of dangers"

chases them

This refers to the angel of Yahweh being opposed to the writer's enemies. Alternate translation: "works against them" or "opposes them"

Psalms 35:7

they set their net for me

The schemes of the wicked are spoken of as if they were a net that they set to catch the writer. Alternate translation: "they want to catch me in a net like a small animal"

they dug a pit for my life

The schemes of the wicked are spoken of as if they were a pit that they dug to catch the writer. Alternate translation: "they wanted to capture me in a pit like a big animal"

my life

This refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "me"

Psalms 35:8

Let destruction overtake them by surprise

Destruction is spoken of as if it was a dangerous animal that would suddenly attack them. Alternate translation: "Let them be destroyed suddenly" or "Let them be surprised because you destroy them suddenly"

the net that they have set

The schemes of the wicked are spoken of as if they were a net that they place to catch the writer. Alternate translation: "the net that they placed in order to capture me like an animal and harm me"

Let them fall into it

This is the same metaphor as in verse 7. The net is intended to catch the writer. Alternate translation: "Let them fall into the pit that they dug for me"

fall into it

Possible meanings are 1) fall into the pit of verse 7 or 2) fall into destruction.

to their destruction

The abstract noun "destruction" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "so that they will be destroyed" or "that is how you should destroy them"

Psalms 35:9

in his salvation

The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "because you save me"

Psalms 35:10

All my bones

Here "bones" refers to the deepest inner being of a person. Alternate translation: "My whole inner being"

Yahweh, who is like you ... those who try to rob them?

The implicit answer to this question is that no one is like Yahweh. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, there is no one like you ... those who try to rob them."

the poor and needy

The words "poor" and "needy" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh saves many who need his help.

Psalms 35:11

rise up

This means they testify in a trial. Alternate translation: "volunteer to give a testimony"

Psalms 35:12

They repay me evil for good

This is a metaphor which means they give back evil in exchange for the good they have received. Alternate translation: "In return for my doing good things for them, they do evil things to me"

evil ... good

These abstract nouns can be stated in other forms. Alternate translation: "evil things ... good things"

I am sorrowful

"I am extremely sad"

Psalms 35:13

when they were sick

The word "they" refers to the "unrighteous witnesses" (Psalms 35:11).

my clothing was sackcloth

"I wore sackcloth" or "I showed that I was sad"

them, and my prayer returned to my bosom

This was a symbol of prayer. Alternate translation: "them with my head bent down in prayer"

Psalms 35:14

in grief as for my brother

The writer was as sad as if his own brother had died. Alternate translation: "grieving as if my own brother was ill"

I bent down in mourning as for my mother

The writer mourned as if his own mother had died. Alternate translation: "I mourned as if my own mother had died"

I bent down

This was a symbol of pain and suffering.

Psalms 35:15

gathered together

"assembled together" or "came together"

against me

This means they came together for the purpose of attacking the writer. Alternate translation: "to make plans against me" or "to plan my destruction"

They tore at me

Here the treated the writer as if he were a piece of cloth that they could tear to pieces. Alternate translation: "They attacked me"

Psalms 35:16

With no respect at all they mocked me

"With the worthless people they ridiculed me" or "Without respect they made fun of me"

they grind their teeth at me in rage

This is a sign of anger and hate. "they made grinding noises with their teeth at me"

Psalms 35:17

how long will you look on?

This rhetorical question indicates that the writer wants God to stop simply looking on and to start to help him. Alternate translation: "how long will you only watch them doing this?" or "when will you help me?"

Rescue my soul

Here "soul" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "Rescue me"

my only life from the lions

The word "save" is implied. Alternate translation: "save my only life from the lions"

my only life from

This refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "me—and I only have one life—from"

from the lions

Here the writer speaks of his enemies as if they were vicious lions. Alternate translation: "from my enemies who attack me like wild animals"

Psalms 35:18

General Information:

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Psalms 35:19

Do not let my deceitful enemies

"Do not let my enemies, who tell lies about me,"

their wicked schemes

"their evil plans"

Psalms 35:20

they do not speak peace

The abstract noun "peace" can be stated as "peacefully." Alternate translation: "they do not speak peacefully to people"

devise deceitful words

"look for ways to tell lies"

those in our land who live in peace

"those who live peacefully in our land"

live in peace

The abstract noun "peace" can be stated in other forms. Alternate translation: "live peacefully with others" or "do no harm to anyone"

Psalms 35:21

They open their mouths wide against me

The reason they open their mouths is to accuse the writer. Alternate translation: "They shout at me in order to accuse me"

Aha, Aha

This is something an excited person says when he has suddenly seen or understood something, especially something other people did not expect him to see. It emphasizes the statement that follows.

our eyes have seen it

Here "our eyes" refers to the enemies' eyes. It is implied that they are saying they saw the writer do something wrong. Alternate translation: "we have seen it" or "we saw the wrong things that you did"

Psalms 35:22

You have seen it

Here "it" refers to the false accusations of the writer's enemies. Alternate translation: "You have seen how they falsely accused me"

do not be silent

"do not ignore what they did" This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "judge them because of what they did"

do not be far from me

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "be very close to me"

Psalms 35:23

Arouse yourself and awake

This does not mean that God is actually asleep. The writer wants God to intervene. Both words mean basically the same thing and emphasize the urgency of this request. Alternate translation: "I feel like you are sleeping! Wake up"

to my defense

This abstract noun "defense" can be stated as "defend." Alternate translation: "to defend me"

my cause

This refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "me"

Psalms 35:24

do not let them rejoice over me

"do not let them be glad because I am suffering"

Psalms 35:25

say in their heart

This is an idiom that means to say to oneself. Alternate translation: "say to themselves"

Aha

This is an exclamation that is used when something is suddenly seen or understood. It emphasizes what follows. Alternate translation: "Yes"

we have what we wanted

It is implied that the writer's enemies wanted him to be declared guilty. Alternate translation: "he has been declared guilty just as we desired"

We have devoured him

The writer's enemies speak of his destruction as if they were wild animals who had eaten him. Alternate translation: "We have swallowed him up" or "We have destroyed him"

Psalms 35:26

May they be put to shame and may they be humiliated who rejoice at my distress

"May those who rejoice at my distress be put to shame and humiliated"

May they be put to shame

"May they feel shame"

May those who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and dishonor

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May you clothe with shame and dishonor those who exalt themselves over me"

exalt themselves over me

"consider themselves better than I am" or "think they have the right to treat me badly"

clothed with shame and dishonor

Here shame and dishonor are spoken of as if they were shameful clothes that the writer could wear. These abstract nouns can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "shamed and dishonored"

shame and dishonor

These terms mean about the same thing and are used to emphasize how degraded they will be.

Psalms 35:27

my vindication

Here "vindication" refers to Yahweh proclaiming or judging the psalmist innocent.

may they say continually

"may they always say"

Yahweh be praised

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let us praise Yahweh"

who delights in

"who is happy with" or "who is glad for"

welfare

well-being, happiness

Psalms 35:28

tell of your justice

The abstract noun "justice" can be stated as "right." Alternate translation: "proclaim that you act in the right way"

Chapter 36

Psalm 36 General Notes

Formatting in this chapter

Psalm 36 is a psalm of praise. It speaks of how good God is to those who love him. (See: good and love)

Special concepts in this chapter

God and man

Evil people do not think about God; but he is such a pleasure to all who honor him. (See: evil)

Psalms 36:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A psalm of David the servant of Yahweh

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship."

An evil man

This does not refer to a specific man, but to evil people in general. Alternate translation: "Evil people"

from deep in his heart

Here "heart" refers to the inner being of a person. Alternate translation: "from his inner being"

in his eyes

Here "eyes" refers to the wicked person. Alternate translation: "in him"

Psalms 36:2

he comforts himself, thinking

"he prefers to believe" or "he wants to think"

his iniquity will not be discovered and be hated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will not discover and hate his sin"

Psalms 36:3

The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit

Here the word "mouth" is a metonym for the writer. The abstract noun "wickedness" can be translated by an adjective. The abstract noun "deceit" can be translated by a verb. Alternate translation: "Everything he says is wicked, and he wants to deceive others"

do good

"do things that are good"

Psalms 36:4

he sets out on an evil way

The sinful actions of the man are spoken of as if he was walking along a path that was evil. Alternate translation: "he begins to do evil things"

he does not reject evil

Here "evil" can be stated in another form. Alternate translation: "he does not reject evil behavior"

Psalms 36:5

Your covenant faithfulness ... reaches to the heavens

The greatness of God's covenant faithfulness is spoken of as if it were an object that reached as high as the heavens. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "Your covenant faithfulness ... is very great" or "You ... are as faithful to your covenant as the heavens are high above the earth"

reaches to the clouds

The greatness of God's loyalty is spoken of as if it was very high. Alternate translation: "is as high as the clouds" or "is enormously great"

Psalms 36:6

like the mountains of God ... like the great deep

These phrases describe the greatness of God's righteousness and judgments as if they were very high and deep. Alternate translation: "as high as the highest mountains ... as deep as the deepest sea"

you preserve

"you help" or "you save"

Psalms 36:7

How precious is your covenant faithfulness

The word "precious" refers to how greatly the writer values Yahweh's covenant faithfulness. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "I greatly value how you are faithful to your covenant"

Psalms 36:8

They feast upon the abundance of your house

Eating much food as guests in a house is a metaphor for God providing all his people need. Alternate translation: "They will have all they need because you will provide it to them" or "You have plenty to give, and you will provide them with all they need"

you let them drink from the river of your delights

There are two metaphors here. God's abundant blessings are spoken of as if they are the water in a flowing river. Also, those who receive those blessings are spoken of as if they are drinking them like water. Alternate translation: "your precious blessings are like a river from which you will let them drink"

Psalms 36:9

fountain of life

"source of life"

in your light we will see light

Here "light" is a metaphor for true knowledge. Alternate translation: "when you enlighten us, we will know the truth" or "your light is what enables us to know the truth about you"

Psalms 36:10

Extend your covenant faithfulness fully to those who know you

The writer speaks of Yahweh continuing to act faithfully towards the people as if Yahweh were to extend his covenant faithfulness or make it longer. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated with an adverb. Alternate translation: "Continue to act faithfully to those who know you"

your defense to the upright of heart

The abstract noun "defense" can be stated as a verb. "Continue" is implied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "Continue to protect the upright of heart"

the upright of heart

Here "heart" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "the upright" or "people who act righteously"

Psalms 36:11

the foot of the arrogant man ... the hand of the wicked

Here "foot" and "hand" refer to the evil people. These are not specific men. This refers to evil people in general. Alternate translation: "arrogant people ... wicked people"

drive me away

"send me away" or "make me leave my place"

Psalms 36:12

those who behave wickedly have fallen; they have been pushed down and are not able to get up

All three phrases describe the evildoers as defeated.

they have been pushed down

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you have pushed them down" or "you have destroyed them" or "you have defeated them"

are not able to get up

"cannot get up" or "will never again harm anyone"

Chapter 37

Psalm 37 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 37 is a teaching psalm. It provides guidance about how to live a moral and God-fearing life. It teaches that evil people do not prosper in the future. (See: evil)

Special concepts in this chapter

Envy

Do not envy evil people. Although it appears as though they prosper, soon they will be destroyed and the good people will continue on living. (See: good and life)

Psalms 37:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

Do not be irritated because of evildoers

"Do not let wicked people upset you" or "Do not be bothered by what wicked people do"

Psalms 37:2

dry up as the grass ... wither as the green plants

Evildoers are spoken of as if they are grass and plants that dry up and die in the hot weather. These two similes both mean they will die. Alternate translation: "die" or "come to an end"

Psalms 37:3

graze in faithfulness

Faithfulness is spoken of as if it was an animal that would be strengthened by feeding in good pasture. Alternate translation: "nourish faithfulness" or "increase your faithfulness"

Psalms 37:4

the desires of your heart

Here "heart" represents the person's inner being and thoughts. Alternate translation: "your deepest, inner desires" or "the things that you desire the most"

Psalms 37:5

Give your ways to Yahweh

Here "give your ways" is an idiom that means to ask Yahweh to control your life. Alternate translation: "Ask Yahweh to guide your actions in life"

act on your behalf

This is to represent another in legal issues. Here, when one trusts in Yahweh, he will defend that person and grant justice to that person.

Psalms 37:6

like the daylight ... like the day at noon

Both of these phrases mean about the same thing.

like the daylight

This means "in full view of everyone." Alternate translation: "as clear to see as the light of day"

like the day at noon

This means "as visible as the noon sun." Alternate translation: "as visible as the light at the brightest time of day"

Psalms 37:7

Be still

"Be quiet"

Psalms 37:8

General Information:

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Psalms 37:9

will be cut off

The destruction of the wicked is spoken of as if they were a branch of a plant that was cut off and thrown away.

but those who wait for Yahweh

"but those who trust in Yahweh"

will inherit the land

The possession of the land is spoken of as if it will be received as an inheritance. Alternate translation: "will receive the land as their own possession" or "will live safely in the land"

Psalms 37:10

will disappear

This idiom refers to the death of the evil man. Alternate translation: "will die and you will no longer see him"

Psalms 37:11

the meek

This refers to the people who are meek. Alternate translation: "the meek people"

will inherit the land

The possession of the land is spoken of as if it will be received as an inheritance. See how you translated this in [Psalms 37:9]

Psalms 37:12

The wicked man

This does not refer to a specific man. It refers to wicked people in general. Alternate translation: "The wicked person"

the righteous

This does not refer to specific people. This refers to people who are righteous. Alternate translation: "the righteous person"

grinds his teeth

The wicked man hates the righteous person so much that he grinds his teeth together to show his anger.

Psalms 37:13

his day is coming

It is implied that "his day" will be a day of judgment. Alternate translation: "the day is coming when Yahweh will judge and punish him" or "the day is coming when Yahweh will judge and punish the wicked person"

Psalms 37:14

The wicked

This refers to the wicked people. Alternate translation: "The wicked people"

have drawn out their swords ... have bent their bows

Both "swords" and "bows" are weapons used to attack people. The fact that they are "drawn" and "bent" means they are ready to start attacking. Alternate translation: "have prepared their weapons in order to attack"

to cast down

This destruction of the needy people is spoken of as if they were clay pots that would break into pieces when thrown down on the ground. Alternate translation: "to destroy"

the oppressed and needy

These terms both refer to people who are powerless to defend themselves. Alternate translation: "people who are not able to resist them"

Psalms 37:15

Their swords will pierce their own hearts

Swords are examples of weapons and "hearts" represent the people. To "pierce the heart" is an idiom that means "to kill." Alternate translation: "Their weapons will be turned against them and they will kill themselves"

Psalms 37:16

Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked people

"It is better to be poor and righteous than to be wicked with great wealth"

Better is the little that the righteous has

The nominal adjective "the little" refers to few possessions. The nominal adjective "the righteous" refers to a righteous person. Alternate translation: "Better are the few possessions that a righteous person has"

the abundance

This refers to the wealth of the wicked people.

Psalms 37:17

For the arms of the wicked people will be broken

Here "arms" represent the strength of the wicked people. Breaking their arms represents taking away their power. This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For Yahweh will remove the strength of the wicked people"

Psalms 37:18

watches over the blameless

To "watch over" means to protect someone. Here "the blameless" refers to the blameless people. Alternate translation: "protects the blameless people"

day by day

This is an idiom that means "continually." Alternate translation: "every day"

Psalms 37:19

when times are bad

This phrase refers to disasters, such as famine. Alternate translation: "when calamities occur"

Psalms 37:20

Yahweh's enemies will be like the splendor of the pastures

The writer compares Yahweh's enemies to the flowers blooming in the fields.

be consumed and disappear in the smoke

The writer speaks of the destruction of the wicked as if they were weeds or wilted flowers in the field that are burned off after the harvest. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will destroy them as fire turns the weeds of the field into smoke"

Psalms 37:21

is generous and gives

These mean the same thing and emphasize the generosity of the righteous.

Psalms 37:22

Those who are blessed by God will inherit the land; those who are cursed by him will be cut off

This is a contrastive form of Parallelism. Those who are blessed by God in contrast to those who are cursed by God.

Those who are blessed by God

This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: "Those whom God blesses"

will inherit the land

The possession of the land is spoken of as if it had been received as an inheritance. See how you translated this in [Psalms 37:9]

those who are cursed by him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom Yahweh curses"

will be cut off

The destruction of the wicked is spoken of as if they were a branch of plant that was cut off and thrown away. See how you translated this in [Psalms 37:9]

Psalms 37:23

It is by Yahweh that a man's steps are established ... commendable in God's sight

These can be stated to show the logical connection and clarify the passive clause. Alternate translation: "If a man lives in a commendable way in Yahweh's sight, Yahweh will establish his steps"

It is by Yahweh that a man's steps are established

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is the one who enables a man to be successful"

a man ... the man

This does not refer to a specific man, but to people in general.

a man's steps

Steps represent the way a person lives. Alternate translation: "the way a man lives"

Psalms 37:24

Though he stumbles, he will not fall down

Here "stumble" and "fall" refer to the man's reaction to difficult times. Alternate translation: "Though he has difficult times, he will not utterly fail"

holding him with his hand

Here "his hand" refers to Yahweh's power, and "holding him" refers to protecting him. Alternate translation: "protecting him with his power"

Psalms 37:25

the righteous person abandoned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh forsake the righteous person"

the righteous person

This does not refer to a specific person. It is a general statement.

begging for bread

Here "bread" represents food in general. Alternate translation: begging for food"

Psalms 37:26

All the day long he is

This idiom means this action is a habit of his life. Alternate translation: "He is always

his children become a blessing

"his children grow up to bless others"

Psalms 37:27

Turn away from

To stop doing something is spoken of as if the person turned away from it. Alternate translation: "Stop doing"

Psalms 37:28

They are preserved forever

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will protect them forever"

will be cut off

The destruction of the wicked is spoken of as if they were a branch of plant that was cut off and thrown away. See how you translated this in [Psalms 37:9]

Psalms 37:29

will inherit the land

The possession of the land is spoken of as if it had been received as an inheritance. See how you translated this in [Psalms 37:9]

Psalms 37:30

the righteous

This refers to the people who are righteous. Alternate translation: "the righteous people"

The mouth of the righteous person

Here "mouth" represents the whole person who speaks. Alternate translation: "The righteous person"

speaks wisdom

The abstract noun "wisdom" can be stated as "wise." Alternate translation: "gives wise advice to others"

increases justice

The abstract noun "justice" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "encourages other people to live rightly"

Psalms 37:31

The law of his God is in his heart

Here "in his heart" refers to his deepest inner being. Alternate translation: "He treasures the commands of his God in his inner being"

his feet will not slip

Here failure to obey Yahweh is spoken of as slipping off a safe path and falling. Alternate translation: "he will walk safely in the way God wants him to walk" or "he will safely do the things God wants him to do"

Psalms 37:32

The wicked person ... the righteous person

These words refer to any wicked or righteous person or to wicked and righteous people in general, not to specific people. Alternate translation: "Wicked people ... righteous people" or "Any wicked person" or "any righteous person"

spies on the righteous person

The wicked person observes the righteous person in order to do him harm. Alternate translation: "waits in ambush for the righteous person"

Psalms 37:33

the evil person's hand

These words refer to the hand of any evil person, not of any specific person. Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "evil people's hands" or "the power of the evil person"

when he is judged

This refers to Yahweh judging the righteous man. Alternate translation: "When Yahweh judges him"

Psalms 37:34

he will raise you up to possess the land

Here "raise you up" refers to God giving honor to those who wait for him. Alternate translation: "he will honor you by giving you the land"

the wicked

This refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: "the wicked people"

are cut off

The destruction of the wicked is spoken of as if they were a branch of a plant that was cut off and thrown away. See how you translated a similar phrase in Psalms 37:9.

Psalms 37:35

the wicked and terrifying person

This does not refer to a specific person. It is a general statement.

spread out like a green tree in its native soil

Here the prosperity of the wicked man is spoken of as if he were a healthy tree growing in good soil.

Psalms 37:36

he could not be found

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I could not find him" or "Yahweh had taken him away"

Psalms 37:37

the man of integrity

This does not refer to a specific person. It is a general statement.

mark the upright

"note carefully the good people" or "notice the good people"

Psalms 37:38

the future for the wicked man is cut off

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will end his family line" or "he will not have any descendants"

the future

This refers to his descendants. Alternate translation: "his descendants"

the wicked man

This does not refer to a specific person. It is a general statement.

is cut off

The destruction of the wicked is spoken of as if they were a branch of a plant that was cut off and thrown away. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Psalms 37:9]

Psalms 37:39

Salvation of the righteous comes from Yahweh

The abstract noun "Salvation" can be expressed as an action. Alternate translation: "Yahweh rescues the righteous people"

the righteous

This refers to the righteous people. Alternate translation: "the righteous people"

Psalms 37:40

helps ... rescues ... saves

This same idea is repeated in several different ways to emphasize that Yahweh is dependable and able to give aid.

they have taken refuge in him

Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "they have gone to him for protection"

Chapter 38

Psalm 38 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 38 is a confession of sin and a prayer for deliverance. (See: confess and sin and deliverer)

Special concepts in this chapter

Author's sickness

The author was very sick and his enemies were seeking ways to destroy him.

Psalms 38:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A psalm of David, to bring to remembrance

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

A psalm of David

Possible meanings are 1) David wrote the psalm or 2) the psalm is about David or 3) the psalm is in the style of David's psalms.

do not rebuke me in your anger ... do not punish me in your wrath

These phrases mean basically the same thing and the idea is repeated for emphasis.

Psalms 38:2

your arrows pierce me

The severity of Yahweh's punishment of the writer is spoken of as if Yahweh had shot arrows into the writer. Alternate translation: "Your punishment is as painful as if you had shot arrows into me"

your hand presses me down

Yahweh's punishment of the writer is spoken of as if Yahweh was smashing the writer with his hand. Here, "hand" refers to Yahweh's power. Alternate translation: "your power knocks me down"

Psalms 38:3

General Information:

David continues describing what his guilt and shame does to his body. He uses hyperbole to emphasize the effects of this lesson.

there is no health in my bones because of my sin

Here "my bones" represents the body of the writer. Alternate translation: "my whole body is diseased because of my sin"

Psalms 38:4

my iniquities overwhelm me

The writer's iniquities are spoken of as if they are a flood of water that covers him. Alternate translation: "my iniquities cover me like a flood"

they are a burden too heavy for me

The writer's iniquities are spoken of as if they are a heavy load that he cannot lift. Alternate translation: "they are like a load that is too heavy for me to lift"

Psalms 38:5

General Information:

David continues describing what his guilt and shame does to his body. He uses hyperbole to emphasize the effects of this lesson.

My wounds are infected and smell

Here "smell" refer to his sores having a bad smell that is associated with rotting flesh. Alternate translation: "My wounds are infected and stink as they rot"

Psalms 38:6

I am stooped over

The pain of the writer's wounds have caused him to be bent over as if he were an old, feeble man. Alternate translation: "I am bent over in pain"

Psalms 38:7

I am filled with burning

The writer's is so sick with fever that it is as if he is burning inside. Alternate translation: "My body is burning with fever"

there is no health in my flesh

Here "my flesh" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "I am completely sick"

Psalms 38:8

utterly crushed

The writer's illness is so severe that it is as if a huge weight is pressing down on him.

anguish of my heart

Here "my heart" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "my anguish"

Psalms 38:9

my heart's deepest yearnings

Here "my heart" refers to the writer. It may be helpful to state that the writer desires good health. Alternate translation: "My strongest desires" or "that I desire you to heal me"

my groanings are not hidden from you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you are able to see all my moans of sorrow"

Psalms 38:10

My heart pounds

This idiom means his heart beats intensely. Alternate translation: "My heart beats loudly"

my strength fades

"I become very weak"

the light of my eyes, even that is not with me

"I can no longer see well"

Psalms 38:11

General Information:

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Psalms 38:12

lay snares for me

The plots of the writer's enemies are spoken of as if they were traps that they had set to catch him like an animal. Alternate translation: "set traps to catch me"

speak destructive words and say deceitful words

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the hurtful nature of what these people say.

Psalms 38:13

I am like a deaf man ... hear nothing

The writer does not listen to what his enemies are saying.

I am like a mute man ... says nothing

The writer does not speak evil words to or about his enemies.

a mute man

a person who cannot speak

Psalms 38:14

does not hear

The writer does not listen to what his enemies are saying.

has no reply

The writer does not speak evil words to or about his enemies.

Psalms 38:15

you will answer

Possible meanings are 1) "you will answer me" or 2) "you will answer my enemies."

Psalms 38:16

will not rejoice over me

"will not be glad because I am having trouble"

If my foot slips

Here "my foot" represents the writer. The slipping of his foot is a metaphor that refers to the writer's troubles and misfortunes. Alternate translation: "If I make mistakes that cause me trouble"

Psalms 38:17

I am about to stumble

Possible meanings for this metaphor are 1) "I am so sick that I am about to die" or 2) "I will soon be ruined." It may be best not to interpret the metaphor in the text.

I am in constant pain

"I am always in pain"

Psalms 38:18

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Psalms 38:19

But my enemies are numerous ... are many

These two phrases mean basically the same thing.

Psalms 38:20

They repay me evil for good

The actions of the writer's enemies are spoken of as a financial transaction where they gave him evil things in exchange for good things. The abstract nouns "evil" and "good" can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "They do evil thing to me after I was good to them"

hurl accusations at me

The way the writer's enemies accuse him is spoken of as if they were throwing accusations at him like rocks.

pursued what is good

The writers desire for what is good is spoken of as if he were running after good things.

Psalms 38:21

Do not abandon me ... do not stay far away from me

These two phrases have very similar meanings.

do not stay far away from me

Because Yahweh has not yet answered the writer's request, he speaks of Yahweh as if Yahweh were standing far away from the writer.

Psalms 38:22

Come quickly to help me

God is spoken of as if he is running to the writer to help him.

my salvation

The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "you are the one who saves me"

Chapter 39

Psalm 39 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 39 is a psalm of deliverance from sickness. (See: deliverer)

Special concepts in this chapter

Life

Life on earth is short. The psalmist wanted God's healing so he can enjoy the rest of his life. (See: life)

This psalm shares some characteristics of another wisdom book called Ecclesiastes or Koheleth but is more positive.

Psalms 39:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician, for Jeduthun. A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship,"

Jeduthun

One of David's chief musicians had this same name. This may refer to him.

I will watch what I say

Here "watch" is an idiom that mean "pay attention to." Alternate translation: "I will pay attention to the things that I say"

so that I do not sin with my tongue

Here "tongue" refers to the writer's speech. Alternate translation: "so that I do not speak an offense against Yahweh"

muzzle

To "muzzle" means to keep a mouth shut. Here David means that he will not speak while he is with an evil person.

Psalms 39:2

I kept silent; I kept back my words

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the writer did not speak at all. Alternate translation: "I was completely silent"

I kept back my words

"I did not speak"

Psalms 39:3

My heart became hot ... it burned like a fire

Here "heart" represents the whole person. The anxious thoughts of the writer are spoken of as if they were a fire burning inside him. Alternate translation: "I became very anxious when I thought about these things"

Psalms 39:4

the end of my life ... the extent of my days

These phrases mean basically the same thing.

Show me how transient I am

"Show me how brief my life is" or "Show me how soon I will die"

Psalms 39:5

only the width of my hand

The writer speaks of his lifespan is if it could be measured by the width of his hand. Alternate translation: "only a very short time"

my lifetime is like nothing before you

This simile states that the length of the writer's life is so short that it does not exist. This is an exaggeration to stress how short it is. Alternate translation: "the length of my life is barely any time at all"

Surely every man is a single breath

Life is short, and the psalmist speaks of it here as if it were only as long as the time it takes for a person to breathe one breath. Alternate translation: "The time that humans live is as short as a single breath of a person"

Psalms 39:6

Surely every man walks about like a shadow

The lives of people are spoken of as if they are as insignificant as shadows. Alternate translation: "Everyone disappears like shadows do"

although they do not know who will receive them

Here it is implied that they do not know what will happen to their wealth after they die. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

Psalms 39:7

Now, Lord, for what am I waiting?

The writer asks this question to emphasize that people cannot help him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "So now, Yahweh, I can expect to receive nothing from anyone else."

Psalms 39:8

General Information:

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Psalms 39:9

I am silent ... cannot open my mouth

These phrases mean basically the same thing.

because it is you who has done it

"because my punishment comes from you"

Psalms 39:10

Stop wounding me

God's punishment of the writer is spoken of as if God was wounding him with a weapon. Alternate translation: "Please stop punishing me"

I am overwhelmed

"I am defeated completely"

the blow of your hand

God's punishment of the writer is spoken of as if God was striking him with his fist. Here "hand" represents God's judgment. Alternate translation: "your judgment on me"

Psalms 39:11

consume the things they desire like a moth

God will take away the things they value in the same way as a moth eats a piece of cloth. Alternate translation: "consume the things they desire like a moth eats away at clothing"

all people are nothing but vapor

The writer speaks of the frailty of people as if they were mist that disappears quickly. Alternate translation: "everyone is completely fragile"

Psalms 39:12

do not be deaf to my tears

The phrase "deaf to" is a metaphor for "ignore." Possible meanings of the phrase "deaf to my tears" are 1) the word "tears" is a metonym for the writer's cries. Alternate translation: "do not ignore my cries" or "pay attention to my cries" Or 2) the word "tears" is a metonym for the writer himself. Alternate translation: "do not ignore me" or "pay attention to me"

tears

The reader should understand that the writer is extremely sad.

I am like a foreigner with you, a sojourner

The writer speaks of Yahweh's lack of response as if Yahweh considered him to be a total stranger to him. Alternate translation: "I am like a complete stranger to you"

Psalms 39:13

Turn your gaze from me

Here "your gaze" represents Yahweh's punishment. Alternate translation: "Please stop punishing me"

so that I may smile again

Here "smile" is associated with being happy. Alternate translation: "so that I can be happy again"

Chapter 40

Psalm 40 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 40 is a psalm of praise. Many also see it as a messianic psalm, a psalm about Christ. (See: christ)

Special concepts in this chapter

Sacrifices

God is not interested in sacrifices but wants people to obey him and fulfill his plans for them.

Psalms 40:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship."

I waited patiently for Yahweh

This means the writer was waiting for Yahweh to help him.

he listened to me ... heard my cry

These mean the same thing, and can be combined into one statement. Alternate translation: "he listened to me when I called out to him"

Psalms 40:2

out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay

These two metaphors mean the same thing. The writer's danger is spoken of as if it was a deadly pit full of mud. This emphasizes the danger. Alternate translation: "from being trapped in a horrible pit full of sticky mud"

he set my feet on a rock

Here "my feet" refers to the writer, and "a rock" refers a place of safety. Alternate translation: "he provided safety for me"

Psalms 40:3

He has put a new song in my mouth

Possible meanings are 1) "He has taught me the words to a new song" or 2) "He has given me a new reason to sing."

in my mouth

Here "my mouth" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "in me"

praise to our God

The noun "praise" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "a song to praise our God"

Many will see it

Here "see it" refers to hearing the writer sing his song about what God has done for him. Alternate translation: "Many people will hear me tell what Yahweh has done"

Psalms 40:4

Blessed is the man who makes Yahweh his trust

"Blessed is the man who trusts in Yahweh" or "Those who trust in Yahweh are blessed"

the proud

This refers to the people who are proud. Alternate translation: "proud people"

to lies

The Hebrew word is unclear. Possible meanings are 1) "lies" or 2) "false gods."

Psalms 40:5

your thoughts which are about us cannot be numbered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one can count all the things you think about us"

cannot be numbered ... more than could be counted

These phrases mean essentially the same thing. The first is stated in negative form, and the second is stated in positive form.

Psalms 40:6

You have no delight in sacrifice or offering

This is an exaggeration to express that other things are much more important to God. Alternate translation: "Sacrifices and other offerings are not the things that delight you most"

you have opened my ears

Here "ears" refers to the ability to hear. Alternate translation: "you have enabled me to hear your commands"

you have not required burnt offerings or sin offerings

This is an exaggeration to show that these things were not the most important to God. Alternate translation: "animals burned on the altar and other offerings for our sins are not what you require most"

Psalms 40:7

the scroll of the document

This refers to a scroll on which was written the word of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "the written scroll"

Psalms 40:8

your laws are in my heart

Here "my heart" refers to the inner being of the writer. Alternate translation: "I am always thinking about your laws within my inner being"

Psalms 40:9

I have proclaimed good news of your righteousness in the great assembly

"I have told a large assembly of people the good news of your righteousness."

good news of your righteousness

This refers to the good news that God rescues his people. Alternate translation: "good news that because you are righteous, you rescue your people"

my lips have not kept back from doing this

Here "my lips" represents the writer, emphasizing his speech. Alternate translation: "I have not stopped myself from proclaiming these things"

Psalms 40:10

I have not concealed your righteousness in my heart

"I have not kept your righteousness a secret." This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I have openly told every one about your righteousness"

in my heart

Here this refers to the writer's inner being.

I have not concealed your covenant faithfulness or your trustworthiness from the great assembly

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I have told everyone in the great assembly about your covenant faithfulness or your trustworthiness"

your covenant faithfulness

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithful." Alternate translation: "how faithful you are to your covenant"

your trustworthiness

This abstract noun "trustworthiness" can be stated as "trustworthy." Alternate translation: "how trustworthy you are"

Psalms 40:11

let your covenant faithfulness and your trustworthiness always preserve me

Here "covenant faithfulness" and "trustworthiness" are spoken of as if they were living people who could protect the writer. Alternate translation: "I want your covenant faithfulness and your trustworthiness to always preserve"

Psalms 40:12

Troubles that cannot be numbered surround me

Here troubles are spoken of as if they were objects that surround and trap the speaker. Alternate translation: "there are more troubles around me than I can count" or "more troubles come to me than I can count"

that cannot be numbered

This is stated in negative form to intensify the number.See how you translated this in [Psalms 40:5]

my iniquities

This refers to the consequences of his sin. Alternate translation: "the consequences of my iniquities"

have caught up with me

The writer's iniquities are spoken of as if they were his enemies who were harming him.

I am no longer able to see anything

Versions differ in how to understand this difficult passage. It may mean that the speaker is crying so much that he cannot see anything because of his tears.

my heart has failed me

Here "heart" refers to the writer's inner confidence. Alternate translation: "I am very discouraged"

Psalms 40:13

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Psalms 40:14

Let them be ashamed and completely disappointed who pursue my life to sweep it away

This can be reordered and stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let those who pursue my life to sweep it away be ashamed and completely disappointed"

Let them be ashamed and completely disappointed

"Please make them ashamed and completely disappointed"

who pursue my life to sweep it away

Here "pursue my life" means they desire to kill the writer. The writer is represented by his "life." Alternate translation: "who are trying to kill me"

Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor, those who delight in hurting me

This can be reordered and stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let those who delight in hurting me be turned back and brought to dishonor" or "Please have someone turn back those who delight in hurting me and bring them to dishonor"

turned back

"unable to continue"

Psalms 40:15

Let them be appalled because of their shame, those who say to me, "Aha, aha!"

"Let those who say to me, 'Aha, aha!' be appalled because of their shame"

Let them be appalled because of their shame

"I hope that they will be appalled when you cause them to be ashamed"

Aha, aha!

These words indicate that the speaker has seen the hearer doing evil that the hearer did not think anyone knew about. You can use here words in your language that mean the same thing but sound different. See how this is translated in [Psalms 35:21]

Psalms 40:16

rejoice and be glad

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize the intensity of joy. Alternate translation: "be very joyful"

loves your salvation

The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "love you because you saved them"

Psalms 40:17

poor and needy

These words mean the same thing and emphasize how helpless the writer is. Alternate translation: "very needy"

the Lord thinks about me

"the Lord cares for me"

You are my help ... you come to my rescue

These phrases mean the same thing.

You are my help

"You are the one who helps me"

you come to my rescue

"you come to save me"

do not delay

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "respond quickly"

Chapter 41

Psalm 41 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 41 is a psalm of deliverance. The author's friends had become his enemies who wanted to see him die but he trusted God to rescue him. (See: deliverer and trust)

Special concepts in this chapter

Enemies

The author's best friend had become an enemy. His enemies were happy because they were sure his sickness would result in death.

Psalms 41:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A psalm of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship."

he who is concerned for the weak ... rescue him

The words "he" and "him" refer to anyone who is concerned for the weak.

the weak

"weak people" or "poor people"

Psalms 41:2

he ... him ... his

These words refer to anyone who is concerned for the weak.

Psalms 41:3

Yahweh will support him on the bed of suffering

The phrase "the bed of suffering" refers to when a person lies in bed because he is sick. Alternate translation: "When he is sick and in bed, Yahweh will support him"

you will make his bed of sickness into a bed of healing

The phrase "a bed of healing" refers to when a person rests in bed and recovers from his sickness. Alternate translation: "you, Yahweh, will heal him of his sickness"

Psalms 41:4

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Psalms 41:5

his name perish

If a person's name dies, it means that people forget that he had ever lived. Alternate translation: "when will his name perish" or "when will people forget about him"

Psalms 41:6

If my enemy comes to see me

The words "my enemy" refers to any enemy in general, and not to one specific enemy.

he says worthless things

Possible meanings are 1) "he says meaningless things" or 2) his enemies say things to make him think that they are his friends when they are not. Alternate translation: "he says deceitful things" or "they pretend to be concerned about me"

his heart gathers up wickedness for itself

His enemies try to learn all of the bad things about him. Here the word "heart" refers the whole person. The writer's sin is spoken of as if it were an object that could be gathered. Alternate translation: "he tries to learn about all of my sins"

Psalms 41:7

against me they hope for my hurt

Possible meanings are 1) "they hope that very bad things will happen to me" or 2) "they are planning to hurt me."

Psalms 41:8

An evil disease ... to him

His enemies speak of "disease" as if it were a person who has captured him. Alternate translation: "He is sick with a fatal disease"

An evil disease

Possible meanings are 1) "A fatal disease" or 2) "Something evil"

now that he is lying down, he will rise up no more

Here the words "lying down" refer to lying in bed because of illness. That he will not "rise up" means that he will continue to lie down, which is a euphemism for death. Alternate translation: "now that he is sick in bed, he will die there"

Psalms 41:9

has lifted up his heel against me

This is an idiom that means his friend betrayed him. Alternate translation: "has betrayed me" or "has turned against me"

Psalms 41:10

But you, Yahweh, have mercy on me and raise me up

This is a request. Alternate translation: "Please, Yahweh, have mercy on me and raise me up"

raise me up

This means to raise him up from his bed, or to make him recover from his disease. Alternate translation: "make me well"

so that I may pay them back

The writer speaks of revenge on his enemies as if it were paying to them what he owes. Alternate translation: "so that I may take revenge on them"

Psalms 41:11

By this I know that you delight in me, for my enemy does not triumph over me

The word "this" refers to what the writer will say next. For clarity, the clauses may be reversed. Alternate translation: "Because my enemy does not triumph over me, I know that you delight in me"

By this I know that you delight in me, for my enemy does not triumph over me

This can also be translated in future tense, since Yahweh has not yet healed him. Alternate translation: "If you enable me to do that, with the result that my enemies do not defeat me, I will know that you are pleased with me"

Psalms 41:12

you support me in my integrity

"you support me because of my integrity"

will keep me before your face

The writer speaks of being in Yahweh's presence as being in a place where Yahweh can see him and he can see Yahweh's face. Alternate translation: "will keep me with you"

Psalms 41:13

General Information:

This verse is more than the end of this psalm. It is the closing statement for all of Book 1 of the Psalms, which starts at Psalm 1 and ends with Psalm 41.

from everlasting to everlasting

This refers to two extremes and means for all time. Alternate translation: "for all eternity"

Amen and Amen

The word "Amen" is repeated to emphasize approval of what has been said. Alternate translation: "May it certainly be so"

Chapter 42

Psalm 42 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 42 is a psalm of praise for all that God has done and a prayer for deliverance from the psalmist's enemies. (See: deliverer)

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's deliverance

The psalmist praises God as he remembers what God has done for him in the past, and he puts his trust in him. He needs rescuing from his enemies. Scholars believe that this psalm is about a man in exile longing for Jerusalem.

Psalm 42 and Psalm 43

Some scholars believe that these two psalms were originally written together as one psalm.

Superscription

This psalm is called "a Maschil of the sons of Korah." The word "Maschil" in the original language has caused scholars to have various opinions about its meaning. Some say it means to instruct, while others say that the word is referring to the skill used in creating the psalm. Still others think it means that meditation should be used in reading this psalm.

Psalms 42:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A maschil of the sons of Korah

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship."

A maschil

This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1.

As the deer pants after streams of water, so I thirst for you, God

The author compares his desire for God to the desire of a thirsty deer for water.

pants

heavy breathing from an animal or person that is very tired or thirsty

I thirst for you, God

The author speaks of his strong desire for God as if it were a strong thirst for water.

Psalms 42:2

I thirst for God

The author speaks of his strong desire for God as if it were a strong thirst for water.

when will I come and appear before God?

The author does not ask this question to get an answer but to show his strong desire to be before God.

Psalms 42:3

My tears have been my food

The author refers to his tears as if they are food that he eats. This means that he is so sad that he cannot eat. Alternate translation: "My tears are like my food and I eat nothing else"

day and night

This phrase refers to the entire day by referring to both its beginning and end. Alternate translation: "all day long"

my enemies are always saying to me

This is an exaggeration. His enemies are not saying this constantly; they are saying it often.

Where is your God?

The author's enemies use this question to mock him and to express that they do not see his God helping him. Alternate translation: "Your God is not here to help you"

Psalms 42:4

call to mind

This is an idiom that means to remember or think about something. Alternate translation: "remember"

I pour out my soul

Here the word "soul" refers to the emotions. The author speaks of his soul as if it is a liquid that he pours out. The phrase means that he is expressing his emotional grief. Alternate translation: "I express my sorrow"

the throng

"the crowd of people"

joy and praise

This phrase uses two different words to express one idea. Alternate translation: "joyful praise"

Psalms 42:5

Why are you bowed down, my soul? Why are you upset within me?

The author refers to his inner self as his "soul," which represents himself. He asks these questions to rebuke himself. Alternate translation: "I should not be bowed down. I should not be worried"

bowed down

The writer speaks of depression or discouragement as if it were his soul being bent over. Alternate translation: "discouraged"

Hope in God

The writer continues to speak to his own soul and commands it to trust God.

Psalms 42:6

My God, my soul

The writer begins to speak to God about his soul.

I call you to mind

This phrase means to remember or to think about something. Alternate translation: "I think of you"

the land of the Jordan

This is probably a reference to northern Israel, where the Jordan river originates. Alternate translation: "the land where the Jordan river begins"

peaks

mountain tops

hill of Mizar

This is the name of a hill at the base of Mount Hermon.

Psalms 42:7

Deep calls to deep at the noise of your waterfalls

The word "deep" refers to deep waters, which here are likely the streams rushing down Mount Hermon. The writer speaks of them as if they are people calling out to one another as they hear the sound of their own descent from the mountain.

all your waves ... have gone over me

The author speaks of his great misfortune and sadness as if they are deep waters that drown him with one wave after another.

your waves and your billows

The word "billows" is another word for "waves." Together the two words emphasize the greatness of the waves. Alternate translation: "all of your great waves"

Psalms 42:8

Yahweh will command his covenant faithfulness in the daytime

The writer speaks of Yahweh's covenant faithfulness as if it were a person whom he commands to be with him. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will show me his covenant faithfulness in the daytime" or "Yahweh will show me in the daytime how faithful he is to his covenant"

his song

Possible meanings are 1) "the song that he gives me" or "the song about him"

the God of my life

"the God who gives me life"

Psalms 42:9

I will say to God, my rock

The writer speaks of God as if he were a huge rock that would provide protection from enemy attack.

Why do I go mourning

To "go mourning" is to perform customs related to being very sad.

Psalms 42:10

As with a sword in my bones

The writer describes his adversaries' rebukes as his receiving a fatal wound.

they always say to me

This is an exaggeration; his enemies are not saying this constantly but are saying it often.

Where is your God?

The writer's enemies use this question to mock him and to express that they do not see God helping him. Alternate translation: "Your God is not here to help you"

Psalms 42:11

Why are you bowed down, my soul? Why are you upset within me?

The author refers to his inner self as his "soul," which represents himself. He asks these questions to rebuke himself. See how you translated this in [Psalms 42:5]

bowed down

The writer speaks of depression or discouragement as if it were his soul being bent over. See how you translated this in [Psalms 42:5]

Hope in God

The writer continues to speak to his own soul and commands it to trust God. See how you translated this in [Psalms 42:5]

Chapter 43

Psalm 43 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 43 is a psalm of deliverance. It is a plea for rescue from the psalmist's enemies. (See: deliverer)

Special concepts in this chapter

Encouragement

The author should not be discouraged because he trusts in God to deliver him. (See: trust)

Psalm 42 and Psalm 43

Some scholars believe that these two psalms were originally written together as one psalm.

Psalms 43:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

Psalms 43:2

the God of my strength

Possible meanings are 1) "the God who protects me" or 2) "the God who gives me strength."

Why have you rejected me? Why do I go about in mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

The writer asks these questions in order to complain to God and express his emotions, not to receive an answer.

Why do I go about in mourning

To "go about in mourning" is to perform customs related to being very sad.

because of the oppression of the enemy

The word "oppression" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "because my enemy oppresses me"

Psalms 43:3

send out your light and your truth

The writer speaks of God's deliverance as if it were a light that shows him the way and truth that teaches him how to live. Alternate translation: "guide me with your light and truth"

holy hill

This refers to the hill in Jerusalem where the temple is located and thus to the temple itself.

to your dwelling

"to the place where you live"

Psalms 43:4

God my exceeding joy

"God who is my very great joy" or "God who gives me very great joy"

Psalms 43:5

Why are you bowed down, my soul? Why are you upset within me?

The author refers to his inner self as his "soul," which represents himself. He asks these questions to rebuke himself. See how you translated this in [Psalms 42:5]

bowed down

The writer speaks of depression or discouragement as if it were his soul being bent over. See how you translated this in [Psalms 42:5]

Hope in God

The writer continues to speak to his own soul and commands it to trust God. See how you translated this in [Psalms 42:5]

my salvation and my God

The phrase "my salvation" refers to God. If necessary the two phrases can be combined. Alternate translation: "my God who saves me"

Chapter 44

Psalm 44 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 44 is a deliverance psalm. It is a prayer for God's help against enemies. (See: deliverer)

Special concepts in this chapter

Enemies

When Israel entered the Promised Land, God fought for them and drove out their enemies. Since their enemies have now defeated them, they are in need of God's help. (See: promisedland)

Superscription

This psalm is called "a Maschil." The word "Maschil" in the original language has caused scholars to have various opinions about its meaning. Some say it means to instruct, while others say that the word is referring to the skill used in creating the psalm. Still others think it means that meditation should be used in reading this psalm.

Psalms 44:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A psalm of the sons of Korah. A maschil

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship."

A psalm of the sons of Korah

"This is a psalm that the sons of Korah wrote."

We have heard with our ears, God

The word "ears" adds emphasis to the statement that they have heard and understood the things that the writer is about to describe. The writer addresses this statement to God. Alternate translation: "God, we have heard clearly"

in their days, in the days of old

Both of these phrases use the word "days" to refer to the time period when the ancestors of the people of Israel were alive.

Psalms 44:2

You drove out the nations

"You forced the people from other nations to leave"

with your hand

Here the word "hand" refers to God's power. Alternate translation: "by your power"

you planted our people

The writer speaks of God's causing the Israelites to live in the land as if he were planting them in the soil like he would a tree. Alternate translation: "you caused our people to live there"

Psalms 44:3

by their own sword

The word "sword" refers to military power. Alternate translation: "by fighting with their own swords" or "by their own army's strength"

their own arm

Here the word "arm" refers to power. Alternate translation: "their own power"

the light of your face

You may supply a verb for this phrase. Alternate translation: "the light of your face obtained the land for their possession"

your right hand, your arm

Here the words "hand" and "arm" both refer to God's power. Combined, they emphasize the greatness of God's power. Alternate translation: "your great power"

the light of your face

The writer speaks of Yahweh looking with favor upon them and being kind to them as if Yahweh's face shone a light on them. Alternate translation: "your kindness" or "your good favor"

Psalms 44:4

victory for Jacob

The people of Israel are referred to by the name of their ancestor "Jacob."

Psalms 44:5

Through you ... through your

"By you ... by your"

push down ... tread them under ... rise up

The writer speaks of his enemies' defeat as if they are "down" and of their preparing to fight as if they are "up."

through your name

Here the word "name" refers to God's power and authority. Alternate translation: "by your power"

tread them under

"tread them under our feet" or "walk on top of them"

Psalms 44:6

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Psalms 44:7

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Psalms 44:8

we have made our boast

The word "boast" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "we have boasted"

we will give thanks to your name

Here the word "name" refers to God, himself. Alternate translation: "we will give thanks to you"

Psalms 44:9

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Psalms 44:10

spoil

resources and treasures that an army collects after winning a battle

Psalms 44:11

You have made us like sheep to be slaughtered

The writer compares the Israelites to sheep that people kill and eat. As sheep are helpless before those who kill them, so the Israelites are helpless before their enemies. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You have allowed our enemies to kill us like they would kill a sheep and eat it"

scattered us among the nations

"caused us to live in many different nations"

Psalms 44:12

sell your people for nothing

The writer speaks of Yahweh allowing Israel's enemies to conquer them as if he were selling the people of Israel to their enemies but does not require any payment from their enemies.

Psalms 44:13

You make us a rebuke to our neighbors, scoffed and mocked by those around us

These two phrases are parallel emphasizing how the people among whom they live mock them.

You make us a rebuke to our neighbors

The word "rebuke" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "You make us something that our neighbors rebuke"

scoffed and mocked by those around us

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those around us scoff at us and mock us"

Psalms 44:14

an insult among ... a shaking of the head

These phrases are parallel emphasizing how intensely the nations around them mock them.

You make us an insult among the nations

The word "insult" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "You make the nations around us insult us"

a shaking of the head among the peoples

The phrase "a shaking of the head" can be translated in verbal form. Alternate translation: "something at which the peoples shake their heads"

a shaking of the head

This was a gesture that people used to show scorn to others.

Psalms 44:15

my dishonor is before me

The writer speaks of his dishonor as if it were an object that is always in front of him for him to see. The phrase means that he is always thinking about his dishonor. Alternate translation: "I think about my dishonor"

the shame of my face has covered me

The writer speaks of his shame as if it is an object that covers him like a blanket would cover him. Alternate translation: "the shame of my face has overwhelmed me"

the shame of my face

"the shame that shows on my face." This refers to his facial expressions that his shame causes.

Psalms 44:16

because of the voice of him who rebukes and insults

Here the words "the voice" represents the person insulting him. Alternate translation: "because of what the person says who rebukes and insults me"

rebukes and insults

These words have similar meanings and emphasize the harsh nature of what this person says.

Psalms 44:17

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Psalms 44:18

Our heart has not turned back ... have not gone from your way

These two phrases are parallel. The writer speaks of loyalty to God as if it were following him, and disloyalty as if it were turning away from him.

Our heart has not turned back

Here the word "heart" refers to the emotions, and specifically to loyalty and devotion. Alternate translation: "We have not stopped being loyal to you"

Psalms 44:19

you have severely broken us

The writer speaks of God's punishment as if it were breaking a fragile object. Alternate translation: "you have punished us severely"

in the place of jackals

The writer speaks of Israel after God's punishment as if it were a wild, uninhabitable place. Alternate translation: "and made our land like a place where jackals live"

jackals

a type of wild dog

covered us with the shadow of death

The writer speaks of death as if it is an object that casts a shadow over those who are about to die. Alternate translation: "made us so that we are about to die"

Psalms 44:20

If we have forgotten the name of our God

This describes a situation that could have happened but did not. The writer knew that they had not forgotten the name of God. Here the word "name" refers to God, himself. To forget the name of God is to stop worshiping him. Alternate translation: "If we have forgotten our God" or "If we have stopped worshiping our God"

spread out our hands to a strange god

Spreading out the hands is a gesture that people used to worship and pray to a god. Alternate translation: "worshiped a strange god" or "prayed to a strange god"

Psalms 44:21

would not God search this out?

The writer uses this question to express that God would know if they worshiped another god. Alternate translation: "God would certainly find out"

he knows the secrets of the heart

Here the word "heart" refers to the mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: "he knows what a person secretly thinks"

Psalms 44:22

we are being killed all day long

The phrase "all day long" is an exaggeration to emphasize that their people are being killed frequently. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we are always in danger of people killing us"

we are considered to be sheep for the slaughter

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people consider us to be sheep for the slaughter"

sheep for the slaughter

The writer compares the Israelites to sheep that people kill and eat. As sheep are helpless before those who kill them, so the Israelites are helpless before their enemies.

Psalms 44:23

Awake, why do you sleep, Lord?

This does not mean that God is actually asleep. The writer speaks of God's seeming inactivity as if God is sleeping. He asks the question to rebuke God for appearing not to be concerned about their troubles. Alternate translation: "Wake up! I feel like you are sleeping, Lord!"

Psalms 44:24

Why do you hide your face ... our oppression?

The writer uses this question to complain that God appears to be ignoring them. Alternate translation: "Do not hide your face ... our oppression."

hide your face

The writer speaks of God ignoring them as if God were hiding his face so that he could not see them. Alternate translation: "ignore us"

forget our affliction and our oppression

The words "affliction" and "oppression" mean basically the same thing and emphasize the severity of their affliction. These words may also be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: "forget that people afflict us and oppress us" or "forget that people greatly afflict us"

Psalms 44:25

For we have sunk down into the dust; our bodies cling to the earth

These parallel phrases share similar meanings. The writer describes his people as lying on the ground in a posture of defeat and humiliation.

For we have sunk down into the dust

The writer speaks of their humiliation as if their bodies were objects, such as ice, that melt and soak into the dirt.

our bodies cling to the earth

The writer speaks of their humiliation as if their bodies were stuck to the ground and they could not raise themselves up.

Psalms 44:26

Rise up

This is a command to stand. This phrase refers to beginning to act on something. Alternate translation: "Take action"

for the sake of your covenant faithfulness

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "to show that you are faithful to your covenant"

Chapter 45

Psalm 45 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 45 is a royal psalm written for the king's wedding day.

Special concepts in this chapter

Beauty

The king has a beautiful palace, and his bride is also beautiful.

Superscription

This psalm is called "a Maschil." The word "Maschil" in the original language has caused scholars to have various opinions about its meaning. Some say it means to instruct, while others say that the word is referring to the skill used in creating the psalm. Still others think it means that meditation should be used in reading this psalm.

Psalms 45:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician; set to Shoshannim. A psalm of the sons of Korah. A maschil. A song of loves

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship"

set to Shoshannim

This may refer to a style or the tune of the music. Sometimes it is translated as "set to the tune of 'Lilies.'"

A psalm of the sons of Korah

"This is a psalm that the sons of Korah wrote."

A maschil

This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1.

My heart overflows on a good subject

The writer speaks of his heart as if it were a container that overflows with liquid. The word "heart" represents his emotions, which are excited by the song that he sings. Alternate translation: "My emotions are excited about a good subject"

a good subject

"a noble theme" or "a beautiful word." This refers to the song that he has written.

composed

to have written or created a song

my tongue is the pen of a ready writer

The writer speaks of his tongue as if it were a pen. He speaks words as skillfully as an experienced writer writes words. Alternate translation: "my tongue is like the pen of person who writes well" or "I speak words as skillfully as an experienced writer can write words"

Psalms 45:2

You are fairer than the children of mankind

This phrase is an exaggeration that emphasizes that the king is better looking than anyone else. The phrase "children of mankind" is an idiom and refers to all humans. Alternate translation: "You are more handsome than any other man"

grace is poured onto your lips

The writer speaks of grace as if it were oil that someone has used to anoint the king's lips. The word "lips" refers to the king's speech. The phrase means that the king speaks eloquently. Alternate translation: "it is as if someone has anointed your lips with oil" or "you speak eloquently"

Psalms 45:3

Gird your sword to your side

Warriors carried their swords in sheaths that hung from belts around their waists. The swords would rest against their sides. This phrase describes an action of someone preparing for battle. Alternate translation: "Prepare yourself for battle"

Psalms 45:4

ride on triumphantly

The writer tells the king to ride his horse or chariot to victory.

because of trustworthiness, meekness, and righteousness

The abstract nouns "trustworthiness," "meekness," and "righteousness" can be stated as adjectives. Possible meanings are 1) these are qualities of the mighty one. Alternate translation: "because you are trustworthy, meek, and righteous" or 2) these are virtues that he fights to uphold for the people whom he rules. Alternate translation: "in order to fight for what is trustworthy, meek, and right"

your right hand will teach you fearful things

Most soldiers held their swords with their right hands when they fought. Here, the phrase "right hand" refers to his ability to fight, which the writer speaks of as if it were a person who can teach the king through the experience he gains in battle. Alternate translation: "You will learn to accomplish great military feats by fighting in many battles"

fearful things

"awesome deeds." This refers to military victories that cause his enemies to fear him and his allies to revere him.

Psalms 45:5

the peoples fall under you

This phrase refers to the king defeating his enemies. Possible meanings are 1) "the peoples fall at your feet in surrender" or 2) "the peoples fall dead at your feet."

your arrows are in the hearts of the king's enemies

"your arrows have pierced the hearts of your enemies." The writer speaks to the king while referring to the king in the third person.

Psalms 45:6

Your throne ... is forever and ever

The word "throne" represents the kingdom and rule of the king. Alternate translation: "Your kingdom ... is forever and ever" or "You will reign ... forever and ever"

Your throne, God

Possible meanings are that the word "God" 1) is a title for the king, who is God's representative or 2) modifies the word "throne" and means "Your kingdom that God has given you."

a scepter of justice is the scepter of your kingdom

The word "scepter" represents the king's authority to rule his kingdom. Alternate translation: "you rule your kingdom with justice"

Psalms 45:7

God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness

The writer speaks of gladness as if it were an oil that God used to anoint the king. That God has anointed him is a symbolic action that represents God's choosing him to be king. Alternate translation: "when God appointed you as king, he made you very glad"

Psalms 45:8

General Information:

Here the writer begins to describe what appears to be the wedding ceremony of the king and his bride.

myrrh, aloes, and cassia

These are aromatic plant substances that people used to make perfumes.

ivory palaces

Ivory is a hard white substance that forms animal's tusks. This phrase describes a palace with walls and furniture that people have decorated with ivory.

stringed instruments have made you glad

The words "stringed instruments" refers to the music that people make by playing the stringed instruments. Alternate translation: "the music of stringed instruments has made you glad"

Psalms 45:9

honorable women

These women are wives of the king who receive his approval.

the queen

This is a reference to the woman who will become queen. Alternate translation: "your bride, the queen" or "your bride, who will be the queen"

Ophir

This is the name of a place that had a reputation for its fine gold. The location is unknown.

Psalms 45:10

Listen, daughter

The writer begins to speak to the queen and refers to her as "daughter" because she is a young woman.

incline your ear

The writer speaks of listening carefully to something as if it were bending one's ear towards the person who is speaking. Alternate translation: "listen carefully"

forget your own people

The writer speaks of the queen no longer following the beliefs and customs of her native people as if it were forgetting them. Alternate translation: "no longer follow the customs of your people"

your father's house

Here the word "house" refers to family. Alternate translation: "your relatives"

Psalms 45:11

In this way

"and" or "so"

the king will desire your beauty

This is a polite way to say that the king will want to sleep with the queen as his wife.

Psalms 45:12

General Information:

The writer continues to speak to the queen.

The daughter of Tyre

The writer speaks of the people who live in Tyre as if they are Tyre's children. Alternate translation: "The people of Tyre"

Psalms 45:13

The royal daughter

This is a reference to the woman whom the king will marry. Alternate translation: "The king's bride"

all glorious

"very beautiful." This refers to the woman's appearance.

her clothing is worked with gold

Her clothing is decorated or embroidered with gold. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "she wears clothing that someone has embroidered with golden thread"

Psalms 45:14

General Information:

The author continues to speak about the queen but begins to address the king again.

She will be led to the king in embroidered dress

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People will lead her to the king as she wears an embroidered dress"

embroidered

a design made by sewing colored threads into cloth

the virgins, her companions who follow her, will be brought to you

Here the word "you" refers to the king. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will bring to you the virgins, her companions who follow her"

Psalms 45:15

They will be led by gladness and rejoicing

This phrase describes "gladness and rejoicing" as a person who leads others to celebrate. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Gladness and rejoicing will lead them" or "They will proceed with gladness and rejoicing"

gladness and rejoicing

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of gladness. Alternate translation: "great gladness"

Psalms 45:16

Connecting Statement:

The writer continues to address the king.

In the place of your fathers will be your children

This means that the king's sons will replace him as king, just as he replaced his ancestors as king.

you will make princes in all the earth

The phrase "in all the earth" is an exaggeration to emphasize that they will rule over many nations. Alternate translation: "you will make rulers over many nations"

Psalms 45:17

I will make your name to be remembered in all generations

Here the word "I" refers to the writer. The word "name" refers to the king's character and reputation. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will cause people in every generation to know about your greatness"

Chapter 46

Psalm 46 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 46 is a psalm of praise to God.

Special concepts in this chapter

God is all-powerful, controls nature, and protects his people. (See: peopleofgod)

Psalms 46:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A psalm of the sons of Korah; set to Alamoth. A song

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship."

A psalm of the sons of Korah

"This is a psalm that the sons of Korah wrote"

set to Alamoth

This may refer to a style of music.

God is our refuge and strength

The writer speaks of God as if he were a place where people can go for safety. Alternate translation: "God gives us safety and strength"

Psalms 46:2

the mountains should be shaken into the heart of the seas

The writer speaks of the deepest part of the sea as if it were the sea's heart. Here he describes an earthquake that causes the mountains to crumble and fall into the sea. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the mountains should shake so violently that they fall into the depths of the sea"

Psalms 46:3

though its waters roar and rage

"though the waters of the sea roar and rage." The words "roar" and "rage" describe the violent movements of the sea during a strong storm.

mountains tremble with their swelling

The phrase "their swelling" refers to the waters of the sea as they rise and crash against the mountains. Alternate translation: "the swelling waters cause the mountains to tremble"

Psalms 46:4

There is a river whose streams make the city of God happy

The imagery of a running river symbolizes peace and prosperity for the city of God.

make the city of God happy

The phrase "the city of God" refers to Jerusalem, and represents the people who live in that city. Alternate translation: "make the people who live in Jerusalem happy"

the holy place where the Most High dwells

This phrase describes "the city of God." Alternate translation: "the holy place where the Most High lives"

Psalms 46:5

in the middle of her; she will not be moved ... help her

The words "her" and "she" refer to "the city of God."

she will not be moved

Here, the word "moved" is the same word translated as "shaken" in [Psalms v. 2]

Psalms 46:6

The nations raged

Here, the word "raged" is the same word that the writer used in [Psalms v. 3]

the kingdoms were shaken

Here, the word "shaken" is the same word that the writer used in [Psalms v. 2]

he lifted up his voice

"God lifted up his voice." The writer speaks of the "voice" as an object that a person can pick up and raise into the air. This means that the voice becomes louder. Alternate translation: "God shouted"

the earth melted

The writer speaks of the earth as an object, such as ice, that can melt. Here "the earth" represents mankind, and to melt represents fear. Alternate translation: "the people of the earth tremble with fear"

Psalms 46:7

the God of Jacob is our refuge

The writer speaks of God as if he were a place where people can go for safety. Alternate translation: "the God of Jacob gives us safety"

the God of Jacob

Possible meanings are 1) "the God whom Jacob worshiped" or 2) "Jacob" is a metonym for the nation of Israel and means "the God of Israel."

Psalms 46:8

General Information:

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Psalms 46:9

He makes wars cease

"He makes nations stop fighting wars"

to the ends of the earth

This is an idiom that refers to everywhere in the word. Alternate translation: "everywhere in the world"

he breaks the bow ... burns up the shields

One way in which Yahweh will make all wars to cease is by destroying the weapons that the armies use to fight one another.

shields

Some versions understand this Hebrew word as "chariots."

Psalms 46:10

Be quiet and know that I am God

Here, God begins to speak.

Be quiet

In this context, these words are likely a command to the nations to stop their wars. Alternate translation: "Stop fighting"

know that I am God

Here the word "know" means to understand and to confess that Yahweh is the true God.

I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted on the earth

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the people of every nation in the world will exalt God. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People from every nation will exalt me; people all over the earth will exalt me"

Psalms 46:11

Yahweh of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge

The writer speaks of God as if he were a place where people can go for safety. See how you translated these lines in [Psalms 46:7]

Chapter 47

Psalm 47 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 47 is a psalm of praise to God.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh's power

God is powerful over all the nations in the world.

Psalms 47:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A psalm of the sons of Korah

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship"

Clap your hands

Clapping your hands is associated with celebration. Alternate translation: "Clap your hands in celebration"

shout to God with the sound of celebration

"shout to God with joyful voices." Here the word "celebration" refers to the joy associated with victory in battle.

Psalms 47:2

General Information:

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Psalms 47:3

He subdues peoples under us and nations under our feet

These two phrases are parallel and mean that God enabled Israel to conquer their enemies.

subdues

to conquer and place under the authority of another

under us ... under our feet

The writer speaks of conquering other nations as if it were putting those nations underneath their feet.

Psalms 47:4

He chooses our inheritance for us

The writer speaks of the land of Israel as if it were an inheritance that God has given the people as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "He chooses this land as an inheritance for us"

the pride of Jacob

Here the word "pride" is a metonym for the source of pride and represents the land that God has given to his people as an inheritance. Alternate translation: "the land in which Jacob takes pride"

Jacob whom he loved

The word "Jacob" refers to the nation of Israel.

Psalms 47:5

God has gone up with a shout

The writer speaks of God's conquering the nations as if God were a king ascending his throne, which was located in the temple. Alternate translation: "God has gone up into the temple as people shouted" or "God has ascended to his throne as people shouted"

Yahweh with the sound of a ram's horn

This phrase parallels the previous phrase. The verb may be supplied for clarity. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has gone up as people blew rams' horns"

Psalms 47:6

Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises

The phrase "sing praises" is repeated for emphasis. You may omit the repetition if it is awkward in your language. Alternate translation: "Sing, sing praises to God; sing, sing praises to our King"

Psalms 47:7

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Psalms 47:8

General Information:

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Psalms 47:9

The princes of the peoples

"The rulers of all the nations"

gathered together to the people

Possible meanings are that the rulers of the nations 1) "gather in front of the people" or 2) "gathered together with the people" so that all may worship God as king.

the shields of the earth belong to God

Possible meanings are that "shields" 1) refers to instruments of war. Alternate translation: "God has more power than the weapons of all the kings on the earth" or 2) refers to the rulers of the nations who are spoken of as shields who protect their nations. Alternate translation: "the kings of the earth are subject to God"

Chapter 48

Psalm 48 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 48 is a psalm of praise for Jerusalem.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jerusalem

Jerusalem has mighty defenses. Foreign nations will be amazed. It is something to remember and testify about. (See: testimony)

It is helpful to know that "Mount Zion" is often used to refer to the city of Jerusalem.

Psalms 48:1

General Information:

This psalm is a song about Jerusalem being God's dwelling place. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A song; a psalm of the sons of Korah

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

greatly to be praised

This can be stated in active from. Alternate translation: "people are to praise him greatly"

the city of our God on his holy mountain

This is a reference to Jerusalem, which was built on Mount Zion.

the city of our God

Possible meanings are 1) "the city where our God lives" or 2) "the city that belongs to our God"

Psalms 48:2

Beautiful in elevation

"Beautiful and high." The word "elevation" refers to how high mount Zion is.

the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion

Here the word "earth" refers to everyone living on the earth. The word "joy" may be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "Mount Zion gives joy to everyone on earth" or "everyone on earth rejoices because of Mount Zion"

on the sides of the north

Possible meanings are that this phrase 1) refers to the direction of the north or 2) is a proper name, Zaphon, referring to a mountain in the north.

Psalms 48:3

God has made himself known in her palaces as a refuge

The writer speaks of God as if he were a place where people can go for safety. Alternate translation: "God has made himself known as one who gives safety to the people in Mount Zion's palaces"

Psalms 48:4

see

The word "see" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

assembled themselves

Here the kings represent their armies. Alternate translation: "assembled their armies"

they passed by together

"together they passed by Jerusalem"

Psalms 48:5

They saw it

"They saw Jerusalem"

dismayed

greatly troubled

Psalms 48:6

Trembling took hold of them there

The writer speaks of the kings' fear as if it were a person who caused the kings and their armies to tremble. Alternate translation: "There they trembled with fear"

pain as when a woman is in labor

The writer speaks of the kings' fear as if it were the pain that a woman experiences in childbirth and speaks of that pain as if it were a person. The verb may be supplied from the previous clause. Alternate translation: "pain took hold of them, as when a woman is in labor" or "they became afraid, like a woman is afraid of experiencing labor pains"

Psalms 48:7

With the east wind you break the ships of Tarshish

Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor in which the author describes the kings being afraid as if they were ships that shake because God destroys them with a strong wind. Alternate translation: "They shook with fear, as the ships of Tarshish shake when you break them with the east wind" or 2) this is an apostrophe in which the author describes God's great power.

the east wind

Possible meanings are 1) "a wind blowing from the east" or 2) "a strong wind."

the ships of Tarshish

Possible meanings are that this refers to 1) ships that sail to or are built in the city of Tarshish or 2) any large ocean-going ship.

Psalms 48:8

As we have heard

It is implied that what they have heard is the great things that God has done in the past. Alternate translation: "As we have heard about the great things that God has done"

so have we seen

This means that they have seen the proof that the things that they have heard are true. Alternate translation: "so we have seen God do great things now"

in the city of Yahweh of hosts, in the city of our God

Both of these phrases refer to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "in the city of our God, Yahweh of hosts"

establish it

"make it secure." Here the word "establish means to preserve and make something secure.

Psalms 48:9

your covenant faithfulness

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "how faithful you are to your covenant" or "how faithful you are to us because of your covenant"

in the middle of your temple

"as we are in your temple"

Psalms 48:10

As your name is ... so is your praise to the ends of the earth

Here the word "name" represents God's character and reputation. The two phrases compare the greatness of God's reputation with how greatly people praise him. Alternate translation: "Your name is very great ... and so people throughout the world praise you greatly" or "People all throughout the world have heard of you ... so people throughout the world praise you"

to the ends of the earth

This is an idiomatic expression that means everywhere in the word. See how you translated this in [Psalms 46:9]

your right hand is full of righteousness

The writer speaks of righteousness as if it were an object that God could hold in his hand. Here the word "hand" refers to God's power and authority to rule. Alternate translation: "you rule with righteousness" or "you are righteous as you rule"

Psalms 48:11

Let Mount Zion be glad

The writer speaks of Mount Zion as if it were a person who could be glad. The phrase refers to the people who live in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "Let those who live on Mount Zion be glad"

let the daughters of Judah rejoice

The writer speaks of the towns in Judah as if they were Judah's children. The phrase refers to the people who live in those towns. Alternate translation: "let the people who live in the cities of Judah rejoice"

Psalms 48:12

Walk around Mount Zion, go round about her

These two phrases are parallel. Alternate translation: "Walk all the way around Mount Zion"

Psalms 48:13

notice well

"notice in detail"

Psalms 48:14

he will be our guide

The word "guide" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "he will guide us"

to death

Possible meanings are 1) "until we die" or 2) "forever."

Chapter 49

Psalm 49 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 49 is a wisdom psalm. (See: wise)

Special concepts in this chapter

Riches

Riches do not last forever. They cannot save a person from death, and they cannot be taken from a person at death. (See: eternity and save)

Psalms 49:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A psalm of the sons of Korah

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship"

Hear this, all you peoples; give ear, all you inhabitants

These two phrases are parallel. Together they strengthen the command for all people to listen.

give ear

This idiomatic expression means to use one's ears to listen. Alternate translation: "listen"

Psalms 49:2

both low and high

The writer speaks of people who are weak or insignificant in society as being low and of people who are important and powerful as being high. Together, the words "low" and "high" represent all people. Alternate translation: "both important people and unimportant people" or "people of every social class"

rich and poor together

Together the words "rich" and "poor" refer to all people, regardless of wealth. Alternate translation: "all people"

Psalms 49:3

My mouth will speak wisdom

Here the word "mouth" refers to the whole person who speaks. Alternate translation: "I will speak wise words"

the meditation of my heart will be of understanding

Here the word "heart" represents the mind and thoughts. The abstract nouns "meditation" and "understanding" can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: "the thoughts upon which I meditate will help you to understand"

Psalms 49:4

incline my ear

The writer speaks of listening carefully to something as if it were bending one's ear towards the person who is speaking. Alternate translation: "listen carefully"

with the harp

"as I play the harp"

Psalms 49:5

Why should I fear ... heels?

The writer asks this question to emphasize that he has no reason to fear when bad things happen. Alternate translation: "I have no reason to fear ... heels."

the days of evil

"when evil things happen." Here the word "days" refers to general periods of time.

when iniquity surrounds me at my heels

Possible meanings are 1) the writer speaks of the evil desires of his enemies as if it were a predator ready to overtake him. Alternate translation: "when the iniquity of sinful men is ready to overcome me" or 2) the writer's enemies surround him as they commit their iniquity. Alternate translation: "when my enemies surround me"

Psalms 49:6

those who trust in their wealth

These people trust their wealth will keep them from having to suffer.

about the amount of their riches

a large amount of something

Psalms 49:7

It is certain that no one

"There is no way that any of them can" or Alternate translation: "No one can"

no one can redeem his brother or give God a ransom for him

Both of these phrases express that a person cannot give God enough money to be able to avoid death. Alternate translation: "no one can pay money to God so that their brother will not die"

Psalms 49:8

the redemption of one's life is costly

The word "redemption" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "it costs too much to redeem a person's life"

Psalms 49:9

so that he would not see the pit

The word "pit" here refers to the place where a person's spirit goes after the person dies. The words "not see the pit" refer to the person's dead body not decaying.

Psalms 49:10

he will see decay

The writer speaks of experiencing something as if it were seeing that thing. Alternate translation: "he will die and his body will decay"

Wise men die; the fool and the brute alike perish

The author refers to all people by referring to those who have the most and least wisdom.

brute

This means a person who is stupid or unintelligent.

Psalms 49:11

Their inner thought

"Their belief"

the places where they live, to all generations

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "the places where they live will continue to all generations"

they call their lands after their own names

"they name their lands after themselves." This phrase expresses ownership. Alternate translation: "they own their own lands"

Psalms 49:12

But man, having wealth

"But man, even if he has wealth"

Psalms 49:13

This, their way, is their folly

The writer speaks of the fate of fools as if it is the destination at the end of the path on which they walk. Alternate translation: "This is the fate of those who practice folly"

yet after them

"yet after they die"

Psalms 49:14

General Information:

The author continues to describe people who believe their wealth will save them.

Like sheep

The writer compares people who will all die to a flock of sheep. Just as sheep cannot escape when the butcher decides to slaughter them, so men will not escape when it is their time to die.

they are appointed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has appointed them"

death will be their shepherd

The writer speaks of men dying by personifying death as a shepherd who leads them into the grave. Alternate translation: "death will take them away as a shepherd leads away sheep to be slaughtered"

in the morning

Here the word "morning" is a metaphor that refers to a time when God will vindicate righteous people and save them from evil people.

their bodies will be consumed in Sheol

The writer speaks of Sheol, the place of the dead, as if it were a person or animal. He speaks of the decay of dead bodies as if Sheol were eating them. Alternate translation: "their bodies will decompose in the grave"

Psalms 49:15

God will redeem my life from the power of Sheol

The writer speaks of Sheol as if it were a person who has power over those who die. From the context, it is implied that this power refers to consuming the bodies of the dead.

God will redeem my life

Here the word "life" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "God will redeem me"

Psalms 49:16

the glory of his house increases

The word "glory" here refers to wealth or riches. Possible meanings are 1) "when he gains more wealth in his house" or 2) "when his family becomes richer."

Psalms 49:17

he will take nothing away

"he will take nothing with him to the grave"

his glory will not go down after him

The phrase "go down" refers to when the man dies. Alternate translation: "his glory will not go along with him when he dies" or "he will not keep his reputation when he dies"

Psalms 49:18

He blessed his soul

Here the word "soul" refers to the whole person. This phrase means that he considered himself to be happy and successful because of his riches. Alternate translation: "He congratulated himself"

Psalms 49:19

he will go to the generation of his fathers

"he will go to where his fathers' generation is." This is a euphemism that means that the rich man will die and join his ancestors in the grave. Alternate translation: "he will join his ancestors in the grave"

they will never see the light again

The word "they" refers to the rich man and his ancestors. The word "light" may refer to the sun or be a metaphor for life. Alternate translation: "they will never see the sun again" or "they will never live again"

Psalms 49:20

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Chapter 50

Psalm 50 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 50 is a wisdom psalm. It tells what pleases God. (See: wise)

Special concepts in this chapter

Sacrifices

God does not need animal sacrifices; he does not eat meat or drink blood. The world and everything in it belong to God. He wants people to be thankful and to depend on him. God rejects evil people who reject his covenant. (See: blood and evil)

Psalms 50:1

General Information:

This psalm is a song that teaches people. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

A psalm of Asaph

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

The Mighty One, God, Yahweh

The author uses three different names to speak of God.

called the earth

Here the word "earth" refers to the people who live on the earth. Alternate translation: "called all people"

from the rising of the sun to its setting

This phrase refers to the directions east, where the sun rises, and west, where the sun sets. The writer uses these two extremes to represent everywhere on earth. Alternate translation: "everywhere on earth"

Psalms 50:2

Zion, the perfection of beauty

Possible meanings are 1) "Zion, whose beauty is perfect" or 2) "Zion, the most beautiful city."

God has shone

The writer speaks of God as if he were a light that shines. This refers to God causing people to know about his glory. Alternate translation: "God's glory shines like a light"

Psalms 50:3

does not stay silent

The writer uses this negative statement to emphasize the positive. Alternate translation: "speaks so that everyone can hear him"

a fire devours before him

The writer speaks of a fire burning things as if it were eating them. Alternate translation: "a fire burns in front of him"

it is very stormy around him

"there is a great storm around him"

Psalms 50:4

He calls to the heavens above and to the earth

Possible meanings are 1) God is calling on all who live in heaven and on earth to be witnesses as he judges his people or 2) God is speaking to heaven and earth as if they are people, and he is calling them to be witnesses as he judges his people.

Psalms 50:5

General Information:

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Psalms 50:6

The heavens will declare

Possible meanings are 1) the writer uses the word "heavens" to refer to the angels who live there or 2) the writer speaks of "the heavens" as if they are a person who testifies about God's righteousness.

Psalms 50:7

General Information:

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Psalms 50:8

I will not reprove you for your sacrifices

"I will reprove you, but not for your sacrifices." God explains that their sacrifices are not the reason that he is reproving them.

reprove

tell someone he is guilty of doing wrong

your burnt offerings are always before me

This explains why God is not rebuking them for their sacrifices. The phrase "are always before me" refers to being in God's presence and means that his people are always sacrificing their burnt offerings to him. Alternate translation: "you are always sacrificing burnt offerings to me"

Psalms 50:9

folds

areas surrounded by walls in which sheep and goats are kept

Psalms 50:10

the cattle on a thousand hills

The phrase "on a thousand hills" does not represent the total number of cattle that God owns. The number is an exaggeration that emphasizes that God owns all of the cattle in the world. The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "all the cattle in the world are mine"

thousand hills

"1,000 hills"

Psalms 50:11

I know all the birds

Here the word "know" implies ownership. Alternate translation: "I own all the birds"

Psalms 50:12

If I were hungry

This describes something that could not happen, since God does not get hungry.

Psalms 50:13

Will I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?

God asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that he does not do these things and so has no need for their sacrifices. Alternate translation: "I do not eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats."

Psalms 50:14

Offer to God

Here God refers to himself. Alternate translation: "Offer to me"

pay your vows to the Most High

The writer speaks of "vows" as if they are currency which a person pays to God. Alternate translation: "fulfill your vows to the Most High" or "do what you have promised the Most High to do"

Psalms 50:15

in the day of trouble

Here the word "day" refers to any period of time. Alternate translation: "whenever you have troubles"

Psalms 50:16

But to the wicked God says

Here God is still speaking and speaks of himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "But to the wicked I say"

to the wicked

The word "wicked" refers to wicked people in general. Alternate translation: "to wicked people"

have taken my covenant in your mouth

God speaks of wicked people reciting the words of his covenant as if they are putting the covenant in their mouth. Alternate translation: "talk about my covenant"

Psalms 50:17

since you hate instruction and throw my words away

This is the end of the rhetorical question begun with the words "What have you to do"

throw my words away

God speaks of the wicked people rejecting what he says as if they were throwing away trash. Alternate translation: "reject what I say"

Psalms 50:18

you agree with him

Possible meanings are 1) that they approve of the thief's actions. Alternate translation: "you approve or him" or 2) that they join the thief in their actions. Alternate translation: "you join him"

Psalms 50:19

You give your mouth to evil

God speaks of a person speaking evil things as if that person's mouth is a messenger whom the person sends to do evil things. Alternate translation: "You are always saying evil things"

your tongue expresses deceit

The word "tongue" represents the person who is speaking. Alternate translation: "you are always telling lies"

Psalms 50:20

You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son

These two phrases have the same meaning but use different words. God accuses them of speaking falsely against members of their own family.

You sit and speak

To "sit and speak" against someone implies that this person deliberately thinks of bad things to say about someone. Alternate translation: "You always think of ways to speak"

Psalms 50:21

you thought that I was someone just like yourself

Since God had kept silent and not yet rebuked the wicked people for their actions, they thought that God approved of what they did. Alternate translation: "you thought that I was someone who acts just like you do"

reprove

tell someone he is guilty of doing wrong

bring up ... all the things you have done

God speaks of listing all of the evil things that they have done. Alternate translation: "list ... all the things you have done"

right before your eyes

Here, to be "before your eyes" means that it is in a place where they can see. This means that they will not be able to deny the charges that God brings against them. Alternate translation: "right in front of you" or "so that you can not deny them"

Psalms 50:22

you who forget God

God speaks of the wicked rejecting him as if they have forgotten him. He speaks of himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "you who reject me"

I will tear you to pieces

God speaks of destroying the wicked as if he were a lion eating its prey. Alternate translation: "I will destroy you"

Psalms 50:23

plans his path in the right way

God speaks of a the way a person lives as if it were a path that the person travels. Alternate translation: "lives his life the right way"

I will show God's salvation

The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as "save." God refers to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "I will save him"

Chapter 51

Psalm 51 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 51 is a psalm of repentance from sin. (See: repent and sin)

Special concepts in this chapter

Repentance

The psalmist is truly sorry for having sinned. He repented and God forgave his sins. God wants true sorrow for having sinned, not sacrifices. (See: true and forgive)

Author of Psalm

Scholars are divided over whether this psalm was authored by King David as is mentioned by the superscription. If nothing else, we can assume the last two verses were added later since Jerusalem is intact with well-built walls during King David's reign.

Psalms 51:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. In this psalm David asks God for forgiveness.

For the chief musician. A psalm of David; when Nathan the prophet came to him after he had gone into Bathsheba

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship."

A psalm of David

Possible meanings are 1) David wrote the psalm or 2) the psalm is about David or 3) the psalm is in the style of David's psalms.

when Nathan the prophet came to him

It can be stated clearly what Nathan did when he came to David, because this psalm is in response to that. Alternate translation: "when Nathan the prophet came to David and rebuked him"

because of your covenant faithfulness

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "because you are faithful to your covenant"

for the sake of the multitude of your merciful actions

"because you do so many merciful things"

blot out my transgressions

Forgiving sins is spoken of as either 1) blotting them out or 2) erasing a written record of the sins. Alternate translation: "forgive my sins like someone wiping something away" or "forget my sins like someone who erases a record of sins"

Psalms 51:2

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity ... cleanse me from my sin

These two phrases mean the same thing.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity

Being acceptable to God is spoken of as being clean. God makes people acceptable by forgiving their sins. Alternate translation: "Wash away all my sin" or "Forgive all my sins so that I will be acceptable to you"

thoroughly

completely, totally

cleanse me from my sin

Being acceptable to God is spoken of as being clean. God makes people acceptable by forgiving their sins. Alternate translation: "Make me clean from my sin" or "forgive me for my sin so that I will be clean"

Psalms 51:3

my sin is always before me

Not being able to forget his sins is spoken of as if they were always in front of him where he can see them. Alternate translation: "I am always aware of my sins" or "I cannot forget my sins"

Psalms 51:4

what is evil in your sight

The word "sight" here represents judgment. Yahweh saw and did not approve of David's actions. Alternate translation: "what you judge to be evil" or "what you consider to be evil"

Psalms 51:5

I was born in iniquity

Being a sinner is spoken of as being in iniquity. Alternate translation: "I was already a sinner when I was born"

as soon as my mother conceived me, I was in sin

Being a sinner is spoken of as being in sin. Alternate translation: "even when my mother conceived me, I was a sinner"

Psalms 51:6

See, you desire trustworthiness

The use of "See" here draw our attention to the contrast between this sentence and "See, I was born in iniquity" (verse 5). "Truly I was born in iniquity ... But you desire trustworthiness"

you desire trustworthiness in my inner self

The "inner self" represents either 1) the person's desires or 2) the whole person. Alternate translation: "you want me to desire trustworthiness" or "you want me to be trustworthy"

Psalms 51:7

Purify me ... I will be clean ... wash me ... I will be whiter than snow

Being acceptable to God is spoken of as being clean or white. God makes people acceptable by forgiving their sins.

Purify me with hyssop

The writer speaks of God as if God were a priest who would sprinkle water on him to make him acceptable to God. Alternate translation: "Make me acceptable by sprinkling water on me with hyssop" or "Forgive me for my sins so that I will be acceptable to you"

hyssop

This is a plant that the priests used to sprinkle water or blood on people or things to make them ceremonially clean, that is, acceptable to God.

whiter than snow

Not having sin is spoken of as being white. Alternate translation: "very, very white"

Psalms 51:8

joy and gladness

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize his desire to hear joyful things.

so that the bones that you have broken may rejoice

Feeling terrible sadness is spoken of as if his bones were broken. Alternate translation: "for you have caused me terrible sadness in my inner being. Let me rejoice again"

Psalms 51:9

Hide your face from my sins

Thinking about someone's sins is spoken of as seeing them. Forgiving or refusing to think about the sins is spoken of as choosing not to see them. Alternate translation: "Do not look at my sins" or "Do not remember my sins"

blot out all my iniquities

Forgiving or refusing to think about someone's sins is spoken of as either 1) blotting them out or 2) erasing a written record of the sins. Alternate translation: 1) "forgive my sins like someone wiping something away" or "forget my sins like someone who erases a record of sins"

Psalms 51:10

Create in me a clean heart

Here the "heart" represents the feelings and desires. Being completely devoted and obedient to God is spoken of as having a clean heart. Alternate translation: "Make me completely devoted to you" or "Make me want to obey you always"

renew a right spirit within me

Here "spirit" represents the attitude and desires of a David. Alternate translation: "make my attitude right" or "make me always want to do what is right"

Psalms 51:11

Do not drive me away from your presence

"Do not force me to go away from you." Being rejected by God is spoken of as being forced to go away from him. Alternate translation: "Do not reject me as one of your people"

Psalms 51:12

sustain me

"hold me up" or "assist me"

Psalms 51:13

your ways

"the way you want people to live" or "what you want people to do"

transgressors ... sinners

These two words refer to the same people here.

Psalms 51:14

shedding blood

This phrase refers to killing another person.

Psalms 51:15

Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will express your praise

Here the person is represented by his "mouth." Being able to talk is spoken of as the lips being open. Here not being able to speak is a symbol of being guilty of sin and not being able to make a defense. Alternate translation: "Lord, make me able to speak, and I will praise you"

Psalms 51:16

you do not delight in sacrifice ... you have no pleasure in burnt offerings

This means that God wants something more important than these things. Alternate translation: "A sacrifice is not enough to please you ... you want something more than burn offerings"

Psalms 51:17

The sacrifices of God

"The sacrifices that please God"

a broken spirit

A broken spirit represents a humble attitude. Alternate translation: "humility" or "a person who becomes humble"

a broken and a contrite heart

Being humble and sorry for one's sin is spoken of as having a broken and contrite heart. The heart represents the emotions and will. Alternate translation: "sorrow and humility" or "a person who is sorry for his sin and humble"

Psalms 51:18

rebuild the walls of Jerusalem

The walls of a city protect the city and the people in it. Possible meanings are 1) "enable us to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem" or 2) "protect Jerusalem and make it strong"

Psalms 51:19

our people will offer bulls on your altar

A bull is an adult male cow. Bulls were often used as sacrificial animals, according to God's instruction.

Chapter 52

Psalm 52 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 52 is a wisdom psalm. It teaches that God will destroy evil people. (See: wise and evil)

Special concepts in this chapter

Evil people

Although the evil people feel secure with their wealth and evil deeds, God will destroy them. But people who do good are secure because God protects them. (See: works)

Superscription

This psalm is called "a Maschil of David." The word "Maschil" in the original language has caused scholars to have various opinions about its meaning. Some say it means to instruct, while others say that the word is referring to the skill used in creating the psalm. Still others think it means that meditation should be used in reading this psalm.

Psalms 52:1

General Information:

In this psalm the word "you" refers to Doeg. When Saul wanted to kill David, Doeg told Saul where David was so that Saul could find him. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician. A maschil of David; when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said to him, "David has come to the house of Ahimelek."

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship."

A maschil

This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1.

Doeg ... Ahimelek

These are the names of men.

Why are you proud of making trouble, you mighty man?

This question shows how angry David was at the one who made trouble. Alternate translation: "You should not be so proud of making trouble, you mighty man."

you mighty man

David may have been using irony when he called Doeg this. Alternate translation: "you, who think you are so mighty"

The covenant faithfulness of God comes every day

David speaks of God's covenant faithfulness as if it were something that could come. David was probably referring to God's promises to protect his people from wicked people. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective or an adverb. Alternate translation: "Every day, God is faithful to keep the promises of his covenant" or "Every day, God faithfully protects his people from wicked people like you"

Psalms 52:2

a sharp razor

a sharp blade

Your tongue plans destruction like a sharp razor, working deceitfully

Here the tongue is compared to a sharp razor which is capable of causing great harm. Alternate translation: "Your tongue harms people like a sharp razor does, when you plan destruction and deceive others"

Your tongue

Here "your tongue" refers to the person David is speaking to. Alternate translation: "You"

Psalms 52:3

Connecting Statement:

David continues speaking to the "mighty man" of Psalms 5:1

lying rather than speaking righteousness

"you love lying more than speaking what is right"

Psalms 52:4

words that devour others

Here words that harm others are spoken of as if they were animals that devour people. Alternate translation: "words that harm others"

you deceitful tongue

This refers to the person the author is speaking to. Alternate translation: "you speaker of deceit" or "you liar"

Psalms 52:5

God will surely destroy you

The word translated "surely" shows that the writer has finished describing how evil the "mighty man" Psalm 52:1 is and is now describing what God will do and that it will surely happen.

take you up ... pluck you ... root you

All three of these phrases are different ways of saying "remove you"

root you out of the land of the living

Being alive on earth is spoken of as if people are plants with roots in the ground. God killing someone is spoken of as digging up the plant's roots and taking it out of the ground. Alternate translation: "he will take you out the land of the living" or "He will kill you so that you will no longer be on earth with living people"

Selah

This may be a musical term that tells people how to sing or play their instruments here. Some translations write the Hebrew word, and some translations do not include it.

Psalms 52:6

The righteous will also see it and fear

"The righteous will also see God remove him and they will fear"

Psalms 52:7

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

did not make God his refuge

Here "refuge" represents a protector. Alternate translation: "did not make God his protector" or "did not ask God to protect him"

Psalms 52:8

a green olive tree

Green olive trees are strong and secure. They do not fall over.

I am like a green olive tree in the house of God

Being safe and secure is spoken of as being like a strong tree. Alternate translation: "I am strong in God's house, like a green olive tree" or "Because I worship in God's house, I am secure like a green olive tree"

in the house of God

This refers to God's temple.

I will trust in the covenant faithfulness of God forever and ever

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: "I will trust in God forever and ever because he is faithful to his covenant"

Psalms 52:9

I will wait for your name, because it is good

God's name represents God himself. Waiting for God represents waiting for God to help him. Alternate translation: "I will wait for you, because you are good" or "I will wait for you to help me, because you are good"

Chapter 53

Psalm 53 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 53 is a wisdom psalm. It warns people who do evil that God will judge them. (See: wise and evil and judge)

Special concepts in this chapter

God's watching mankind

God looks down from heaven and sees that all humans are evil and corrupt. (See: heaven)

Superscription

This psalm is called "a Maschil of David." The word "Maschil" in the original language has caused scholars to have various opinions about its meaning. Some say it means to instruct, while others say that the word is referring to the skill used in creating the psalm. Still others think it means that meditation should be used in reading this psalm.

Psalms 53:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician; set to Mahalath. A maschil of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship"

set to Mahalath

This may refer to a style of music.

A maschil

This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1.

Psalms 53:2

the children of mankind

This refers to all people.

who seek after him

Seeking God as a person would look for someone is spoken of as "seeking" God. Possible meanings are 1) wanting to know God. Alternate translation: "who want to know him" or 2) worshiping God. Alternate translation: "who worship him"

Psalms 53:3

They have all turned away

Rejecting God and what is right is spoken of as turning away. Alternate translation: "They have all turned away from doing what is right" or "They have all rejected God"

Psalms 53:4

Do those who behave wickedly have no understanding—those ... God?

This question is used to show the shock that the writer feels because the people are so sinful. It can be written as two statements. "Those who behave wickedly act as though they do not know anything. They devour my people as if they were eating bread, and they do not call on God!"

those who devour my people as if they were eating bread

Destroying people is spoken of as devouring them. Doing it as if they were eating bread implies that they did it very easily or without feeling guilty about it. Alternate translation: "those who destroy my people as freely as if they were eating bread"

Psalms 53:5

God will scatter the bones of those who encamp against you

Scattering people's bones represents killing them and allowing their bones to remain wherever they have died and not be buried properly. The phrase "encamp against" is a metaphor that describes someone preparing to attack the reader as if he were an army getting ready to attack a city. Alternate translation: "God will completely destroy everyone who attacks you, and their bones will lie scattered on the ground"

Psalms 53:6

Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come

The word "Oh" here introduces an exclamation that expresses a hope or prayer. Alternate translation: "I hope that the salvation of Israel will come" or "I pray that the salvation of will come"

the salvation of Israel would come from Zion

The salvation represents God, the savior, whose temple is in Zion. Alternate translation: "the savior of Israel would come from Zion" or "God would come from Zion and save Israel"

When God brings back his people from the captivity

"When God saves his captive people"

Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be glad!

These two phrases have the same meaning.

Jacob

Here "Jacob" refers to the descendants of Jacob, the Israelites.

Chapter 54

Psalm 54 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 54 is a deliverance psalm. (See: deliverer)

Special concepts in this chapter

Rescue

Evil people want to kill David; but God has rescued him in the past and he trusts God to rescue him again. (See: evil and trust)

Superscription

This psalm is called "a Maschil of David." The word "Maschil" in the original language has caused scholars to have various opinions about its meaning. Some say it means to instruct, while others say that the word is referring to the skill used in creating the psalm. Still others think it means that meditation should be used in reading this psalm.

Psalms 54:1

General Information:

This psalm is a prayer for help. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician; on stringed instruments. A maschil of David; when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, "Does David not hide himself with us?"

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship"

on stringed instruments

"people should play stringed instruments with this song"

A maschil

This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1

Ziphites

people from the city of Ziph in the Judean mountains, southeast of Hebron.

Save me, God, by your name

Here God's name represents his character. It may represent specifically his power or his justice. Alternate translation: "Save me, God, by your power"

judge me in your might

Judging David here represents showing people that David is not guilty. When God uses his might to save David, people will know that God has judged him as not guilty. Alternate translation: "In your might, show people that I am not guilty" or "Show people that I am not guilty by using your power to rescue me"

Psalms 54:2

give ear to the words

Giving one's ear represents listening. Alternate translation: "listen to the words"

the words of my mouth

Here the speaker is represented by his mouth. Alternate translation: "my words" or "what I am saying to you"

Psalms 54:3

have risen up against me

Rising up against someone represents preparing to attack him or actually attacking him. Alternate translation: "have prepared to attack me" or "are attacking me"

ruthless men

"men who have no mercy"

have sought after my life

Seeking after someone's life represents trying to kill him. Alternate translation: "have tried to kill me" or "want to kill me"

they have not set God before them

Setting God before them represents paying attention to God. Alternate translation: "they do not pay attention to God" or "they ignore God"

Psalms 54:4

who upholds me

Defending David and keeping him safe is spoken of as upholding or supporting him. Alternate translation: "who defends me" or "who keeps me safe"

Psalms 54:5

He will repay my enemies with evil

Punishment is spoken as if it were payment. Alternate translation: "He will do the evil to my enemies that they have done to me" or "He will cause the evil that my enemies have done to me to be done to them"

in your faithfulness, destroy them

Here David changes from talking about God to talking to God. Alternate translation: "God, destroy them because you are faithful to me"

Psalms 54:6

I will give thanks to your name, Yahweh, for it is good

Yahweh's name represents him. Alternate translation: "I will give thanks to you, Yahweh, for you are good"

Psalms 54:7

my eye has looked

The eye represents the person. Alternate translation: "I have looked"

my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies

Possible meanings are 1) seeing that his enemies have been defeated. Alternate translation: "I have seen that my enemies have been defeated" or 2) defeating his enemies. Alternate translation: "I have defeated my enemies"

Chapter 55

Psalm 55 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 55 is a deliverance psalm. The psalmist is praying that God will deliver him from his enemies. (See: deliverer)

Special concepts in this chapter

Betrayal

The author wishes he could get far away from his enemies after his best friend betrayed him. He asks God to completely destroy his enemies. He is trusting God to save him. (See: trust and save)

Superscription

This psalm is called "a Maschil of David." The word "Maschil" in the original language has caused scholars to have various opinions about its meaning. Some say it means to instruct, while others say that the word is referring to the skill used in creating the psalm. Still others think it means that meditation should be used in reading this psalm.

Psalms 55:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician; on stringed instruments. A maschil of David

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship"

on stringed instruments

"people should play stringed instruments with this song"

A maschil

This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1

Give ear to my prayer

Giving one's ear represents listening. Alternate translation: "Listen to my prayer"

do not hide yourself from my plea

Refusing to pay attention to his plea is spoken of as hiding himself from it. Alternate translation: "do not ignore my plea"

Psalms 55:2

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Psalms 55:3

because of the voice of my enemies

Here "voice" represents what they say. Alternate translation: "because of what my enemies say"

they bring trouble on me

Causing trouble is spoken of as bringing trouble. Alternate translation: "they cause me to have great troubles" or "they do wicked things to me and so I suffer"

Psalms 55:4

My heart trembles within me

Here, "heart trembles" refers to his emotional pain and suffering. This suffering is because of fear. Alternate translation: "I am suffering because I am so afraid"

the terrors of death have fallen on me

Becoming very afraid, or terrified, is spoken of as if terror is a thing that falls on a person. Alternate translation: "I am very much afraid that I will die" or "I am terrified that I will die"

Psalms 55:5

Fear and trembling have come on me

Becoming fearful and trembling is spoken of as if fear and trembling are people who can attack a person. Alternate translation: "I have become very fearful and I tremble"

horror has overwhelmed me

Feeling horror is spoken of as if horror were a thing that can cover people. Alternate translation: "I feel terrible horror" or "I am extremely afraid"

Psalms 55:6

Oh, if only I had wings like a dove!

This exclamation expresses something the writer wishes for very much. Alternate translation: "I wish very much that I had wings like a dove"

Then would I fly away

"If I did have wings, I would fly away"

Psalms 55:7

See, then I would wander

"I would do that and more: I would wander"

Psalms 55:8

General Information:

The writer finishes telling about what he had said.

tempest

a strong storm

Psalms 55:9

Destroy, Lord

Possible meanings are "Destroy my enemies, Lord" or "Destroy my enemies."

divide their tongue

The word "tongue" here represents what the people were saying to each other, and probably refers specifically to them talking about plans to do evil. To "divide" it is to make the people unable to understand each other. Alternate translation: "confuse them when they speak to each other" or "confuse their plans"

Psalms 55:10

they go about on its walls

"violence and strife go about on her walls"

on its walls

"along the tops of the city walls." Cities had thick walls around them to protect them from enemies. People could walk along the tops of the walls to see if any enemies were coming to the city.

wickedness and trouble are in the middle of it

Wickedness and trouble are spoken of as if they were people. This can be expressed by telling about the people who do wickedness and trouble. Alternate translation: "people do wickedness and cause trouble in the middle of the city" or "people do sinful things and cause trouble in it"

Psalms 55:11

Wickedness is in the middle of it

Wickedness is spoken of as if it were a person. This can be expressed by telling about the people who do wicked things. Alternate translation: "People do wicked things in the middle of the city" or "people destroy things in the city"

oppression and deceit do not leave its streets

Oppression and deceit are spoken of as if they were people. This can be expressed by telling about the people who oppress and deceive others. Alternate translation: "People oppress and deceive others in the city streets, and they do not leave" or "People are always oppressing and deceiving others in the city streets"

its streets

This may refer to the marketplaces in the city.

Psalms 55:12

I could have borne it

Tolerating or enduring a rebuke is spoken of as bearing or carrying it. Alternate translation: "I could have tolerated the rebuke" or "I would not be so sad about the rebuke"

raised himself up against me

Being proud of oneself and insulting another is spoken of as raising oneself up against another. Alternate translation: "insulted me" or "despised me"

Psalms 55:13

But it was you

The psalmist speaks as though the person who had rebuked and taunted him were there listening to him.

myself, my companion and my close friend

This can be divided and a new sentence begun. Alternate translation: "myself. You were my companion and my close friend"

Psalms 55:14

We

The word "we" refers to the psalmist and his friend.

with the throng

Possible meanings are 1) "together" or 2) "with the crowd."

Psalms 55:15

Let death come deceitfully on them

Death is spoken of as if it were a person who could deceive and kill others. Alternate translation: "Let my enemies die suddenly"

let them go down alive to Sheol

Dying suddenly is spoken of as if people were to go to Sheol so fast that they do not even die first. Alternate translation: "let them suddenly go to Sheol"

wickedness is where they live

Wickedness is spoken of as if it were a thing that could be in a certain place. The habitual wickedness of his enemies is spoken of as if wickedness were with them or near them. Alternate translation: "they always do wicked things where they live"

right among them

This phrase intensifies the idea of wickedness being very near them. Here wickedness is spoken of as being not only in their homes, but right where they are. Alternate translation: "They always do wicked things wherever they are" or "wherever they are"

Psalms 55:16

As for me

This phrase shows that the writer has stopped talking about one thing and is now about to talk about himself. Alternate translation: "But I"

Psalms 55:17

moan

the sound people and animals make when they are in pain

he will hear my voice

Here "voice" represents either 1) the psalmist or 2) the psalmist's complaints and moans. Alternate translation: "he will hear me" or "he will hear my moaning"

Psalms 55:18

my life

Here "my life" represents the psalmist. Alternate translation: "me"

for those who fought against me were many

"for many people fought against me"

Psalms 55:19

will hear them

"will hear my enemies" or "will hear what my enemies say." Some versions say "will hear me."

humiliate them

How God will humiliate them can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "will defeat and humiliate them"

Psalms 55:20

has raised his hands against those

Raising the hand against people represents attacking them. This may be a metaphor for saying things that put people in danger or cause them trouble. Alternate translation: "has attacked those" or "has betrayed those"

Psalms 55:21

His mouth

Someone's "mouth" represents what he says. Alternate translation: "What my friend said"

His mouth was smooth as butter

Speech that is pleasant or nice to hear is spoken of as if it were smooth and easy to swallow. Alternate translation: "What he said was pleasant like smooth butter" or "He said nice things"

was hostile

"was mean" or "was hateful"

his words

"what he said"

his words were softer than oil

People put oil on their skin to make it feel nice, and they put it on wounds to help them heal. Speech that is kind or helpful is spoken of as if it were soft or soothing. Alternate translation: "what he said was kind and soothing like oil" or "he said kind things"

they were actually drawn swords

Speech that causes people trouble is spoken of as if it were swords that wound people. Alternate translation: "what he said wounded people as drawn swords do" or "what he said caused people trouble"

drawn swords

The word "drawn" here means that the swords were pulled out of their covers and ready to be used.

Psalms 55:22

Place your burdens

Here the psalmist is speaking to other godly people.

Place your burdens on Yahweh

Here troubles are spoken of as if they were burdens that people have to carry. Trusting God to help us when we have troubles is spoken of as putting our burdens on him so that he can carry them for us. Alternate translation: "Give Yahweh your problems" or "Trust God to help you with all your troubles like someone who trusts a stronger person to carry his load"

he will sustain you

Taking care of someone or helping someone when he has troubles is spoken of as supporting him. Alternate translation: "he will take care of you" or "he will help you"

he will never allow a righteous person to totter

A person who is about to be severely harmed by some sort of disaster is spoken of as if he is tottering or swaying and is about to fall down. Alternate translation: "he will not let a righteous person sway and fall down" or "he will not let a righteous person to be destroyed"

Psalms 55:23

But you, God

The author speaks to God now.

the pit of destruction

This probably refers to the grave or hell.

will bring the wicked down into the pit of destruction

This represents causing people to die. Alternate translation: "will cause the wicked to die" or "will cause wicked people to die and go to the place where dead people are"

men of bloodshed and deceit

"people who lie and who want to kill others" or "deceitful murderers"

even half as long as others

"even half as long as other people live"

Chapter 56

Psalm 56 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 56 is a psalm of deliverance. (See: deliverer)

Special concepts in this chapter

Fear

Although the psalmist's enemies are trying to harm him, he is not afraid because God is protecting him.

Superscription

The word "Michtam" is used in the superscription for this psalm. There is much discussion about this word but, in the end, no one is certain what it means. It is easiest to transliterate this word into your language, or you can simply translate it as "psalm."

Psalms 56:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.

For the chief musician; set to Jonath elem rehokim. A psalm of David. A michtam; when the Philistines took him in Gath

This is a superscription that tells about the psalm. Some scholars say that this is part of the scripture and some say that it is not. (See "What are Superscriptions in Psalms" in Introduction to Psalms.)

For the chief musician

"This is for the director of music to use in worship;"

set to Jonath elem rehokim

This probably tells what musical style or tune to use when singing this psalm. Alternate translation: "Sing this psalm using the tune of 'Jonath elem rehokim'" or "Sing this using the Jonath elem rehokim style"

Jonath elem rehokim

This may mean "Dove on Distant Oak Trees." Translators may either write the meaning or copy the Hebrew words.

A psalm of David

Possible meanings are 1) David wrote the psalm or 2) the psalm is about David or 3) the psalm is in the style of David's psalms.

A michtam

The meaning of the word "michtam" is uncertain. You may use the word "psalm" instead. This can be written as: "This is a psalm that David wrote." See how you translated this in Psalms 16:1.

oppress me

"come closer and closer in order to attack me"

Psalms 56:2

My enemies trample me

The enemies' fierce attack is spoken of as if they were crushing his body by marching on it. Alternate translation: "My enemies attack me severely"

Psalms 56:3

you

The word "you" refers to God.

Psalms 56:4

what can mere man do to me?

Here a question is used to show that the psalmist is not afraid of people, because they cannot seriously harm him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "mere man can do nothing to me!" or "mere man cannot harm me badly!"

mere man

"just humans" or "people." This implies that people are not powerful, but God is powerful.

Psalms 56:5

All the day long

"All the time"

they twist my words

Repeating what someone says but changing it a little so that it means something different is spoken of as twisting their words. Alternate translation: "they say that I said things than I did not say" or "they claim that I said things, but they lie"

all their thoughts are against me for evil

"they always have evil thoughts against me" or "they always think of evil things to do to me"

Psalms 56:6

they mark my steps

Watching what a person does in order to see how to cause him trouble is spoken of as watching his steps, just as someone who wants to capture a person watches where that person walks. Alternate translation: "they watch everything I do"

just as they have waited for my life

Waiting to kill someone is spoken of as waiting for his life. Alternate translation: "as they wait to kill me"

Psalms 56:7

Do not let them escape doing iniquity

What they might escape can be sued clearly. Alternate translation: "Do not let them escape your punishment for their iniquity" or "Do not let them escape when you punish them for the wicked things they do"

Bring down the peoples

Defeating the enemies is spoken of as bringing them down. Alternate translation: "Defeat the peoples"

Psalms 56:8

You number my wanderings

God's concern for the psalmist is spoken of as if God counted each time that the psalmist has walked in sadness and with no place to go for comfort. Alternate translation: "You care about all the times that I have been wandering alone"

put my tears into your bottle

God's concern for the psalmist is spoken of as if God saved the psalmist's tears in a bottle. The tears represent crying. Alternate translation: "you know how much I have cried and you care about me"

are they not in your book?

God's concern for the psalmist is spoken of as if he wrote the number of the psalmist's tears in his book. This question is used to remind God about how greatly he cares for the psalmist. Alternate translation: "you have written about them in your book!" or "you remember my cries!"

Psalms 56:9

will turn back

"will retreat" or "will turn and run away"

God is for me

This means that God favors him. In this context it implies that God fights against the psalmist's enemies in order to protect him. Alternate translation: "God is fighting for me"

Psalms 56:10

General Information:

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Psalms 56:11

What can anyone do to me?

Here a question is used to show that the psalmist is not afraid of people, because they cannot seriously harm him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "People can do nothing to me!" or "People cannot harm me badly!"

Psalms 56:12

The duty to fulfill my vows to you is on me

Being obligated to do something is spoken of as if the duty to do something is on a person. Alternate translation: "I must fulfill my vows to you" or "I must do what I promised you I would do"

Psalms 56:13

you have kept my feet from stumbling

The feet here represent the person. Stumbling here probably represents being killed by his enemies. Alternate translation: "you have kept me from stumbling" or "you have kept me from being killed by my enemies"

so that I may walk before God

Living and being seen by God is spoken of as walking before God. Alternate translation: "so that I may live in God's presence"

in the light of the living

Here "the light of the living" probably represents God's enabling people to live. Alternate translation: "with the life that you give" or "because you enable me to live"

Chapter 57

Psalm 57 General Notes

Type of psalm

Psalm 57 is a psalm of deliverance. It praises God for